Travel Tips

Beach Bag Essentials: 16 Must-Haves For a Stress Free Day

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This post shares 16 top beach bag essentials you didn’t know you needed and will want to pack for your next beach day. 

Beach lovers rejoice!

Summer is here, which means it’s time for epic beach days.

Packing for a fun-filled day in the sun just got easier with these amazing beach bag essentials. They’ll have you asking, “Why didn’t I think of that?!

beach bags with lady carry bag at beach - beach bag essentials

In this blog post, I have out together a list of beach bag essentials you absolutely must pack for your next beach day!

1. The Perfect Beach Bag

beach bag and sandals on the sand at the beach

Let’s begin with finding the perfect beach bag that fits your lifestyle!

You want something that keeps your must-haves handy and easy to grab

With so many styles and materials out there, it can be hard to figure out which one you need, so let’s find your perfect beach bag.

Here are some of my top picks for the best beach bags:

2. Lip Chap with SPF 

woman putting on lip balm - beach bag essentials

Sunscreen is a must, but don’t skip on bringing the SPF lip balm!

It’s a lifesaver for your lips but for your eyelids, too! If you’ve ever burnt your eyelids, you know it’s not fun.

Plus, lip balm stays put without the mess or sting of regular sunscreen on the lid!

3. Mesh Bag for Beach Toys

mesh bag for kids toys at the beach
Credit: @pitnerest

This idea is brilliant, I swear! If you’re heading to the beach with your kids, bring their toys in a mesh bag.

When it’s time to leave, throw the toys in the bag and shake the sand off!

Tada! No sandy mess in your car and ready for your next beach day.

4. Beach Games That Will Fit in Your Beach Bag

friends playing frisbee at the beach

Toss some games into your bag, like Waterproof UNO and Connect 4 Grab and Go, add some dice, and a frisbee. 

These are great, lightweight games that won’t take up a lot of space in your beach bag.

Perfect for relaxed beachside fun!

5. Fitted Sheet for Lounging

fitted sheet and coolers on a sandy beach
Credit: @Pinterest

I had heard of this trick before, tried it myself, and was sold!

The sheet folds up small, and when you’re at the beach, and you lay it upside down. Put your beach bag and cooler in the corners.

You’ve got a cozy, sand-free lounge area and won’t blow away in a breeze.

A fun alternative to a regular beach blanket.

6. Insulated Water Tumbler to Keep Drinks Cold

and insulated tumbler

Of course, you’re going to pack water! Next time, try a Stanley or Hydro Flask Tumbler instead of a regular water bottle.

You can then use ice tray moulds in the same shape! An insulated tumbler keeps water cold for ages, and the ice won’t melt as fast.

When the ice does melt, you’ll have more water to enjoy, meaning less water to carry! How great is that?

7. Mini First Aid Kit

first-aid kit

Don’t forget to toss a little tin of essential supplies in your bag!

Stock up on hand sanitizer, bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and a remedy for insect bites. 

It’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re having a great beach day! 

8. Baby Powder to Get Rid of Sand

baby powder on a beach blanket

It may sound strange, but baby powder helps get sand off your feet

No more bringing the beach home in your car. 

It soaks up moisture, making it so the pesky sand can no longer stick and just brushes right off!

9. Umbrella with UV Protection

man carrying umbrella in the ocean

This compact beach umbrella can be tucked away at the bottom of your bag!

When you set it up, just pop it open and stick it in the sand over your head. 

It will keep the sun out of your eyes and shield you from those harmful UV rays!

10. Wet Bags for Your Swimsuits

keep wet clothing separate from dry - beach bag essentials
Credit: @Pinterest

A wet bag is great for your wet swimsuit and towels.

It makes packing up your soggy swimsuit and towels super easy, keeping the wet stuff separate from the dry.

Once you’re home, dump the wet clothes into the washing machine or hang them up to dry. 

Totally hassle-free!

11. Portable Solar Charging Power Bank 

solar powered charging bank, charging a cell phone

Bring a solar-powered portable charger to keep all your devices powered up while you soak up the sun.

With the sun charging it, you’ll easily keep your portable speakers, phone, and anything else fully powered throughout the whole day! 

12. Waterproof Phone Pouch 

phone in waterproof pouch

I love these so much, they’re a total beach day game changer

If you’re into paddle boarding or soaking up the sun in the water, a waterproof phone pouch will be your best friend. 

Take photos or scroll through social media worry-free, knowing your phone is safe from water damage!

13. Reef-Safe Sunscreen 

lady putting on sunscreen to protect from UVB and UVA

Reef-safe sunscreens are great alternatives to regular sunscreens because they protect our beautiful reefs and ocean life!

Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on any benefits. They’re all broad-spectrum sunscreens and come in different SPF levels.

Look on the bottle to see if it says “reef friendly” or “reef safe,” and you’ve found your new go-to sunscreen

14. Absorbent Beach Towel to Dry Off With

a beach towel

If you’re already bringing a beach blanket or sheet, don’t stress about bringing big beach towels too.

If you need something to dry off after being in the water, an absorbent microfibre towel is the perfect choice!

It’ll dry you off in seconds, dries quickly itself, and is super compact for easy packing!

15. Snack Tackle Box 

box with compartments and variety of fruit, vegetables, and snacks
Credit: @Pinterest

Tackle “snackle” boxes are an awesome snack solution!

With little compartments for everything, add crackers, fresh fruits, and yummy treats all in one container. 

No more juggling a bunch of containers, hoping you remember them all when you’re ready to go home!

16.Electric Fan to Keep You Cool

lady sitting holding handheld fan to cool off

Tuck a handheld or electric fan into your beach bag, you’ll thank me for reminding you!

Even in the shade, it can get hot without a breeze to cool you off, so beat the heat and create your own.

To cool you down even more, splashing some water on you will be instantly refreshing.

Beach days are for enjoying the sun, relaxing, and having fun!

So create your beach playlist, stuff your beach bag with essential supplies, and make the most of your sunny day.

Everything on this list will fit right into your bag perfectly so doon’t forget to grab these awesome essentials!

They’ll make your day even more amazing and stress-free, so go and enjoy the sun!

beach umbrella and cooler - beach bag essentials

This post shares 16 must-have beach bag essentials you won’t want to forget to pack the next time you go on a beach day!

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