“What things do I need for the beach?”
Ready to soak up some sun? Here’s a quick rundown of the beach essentials you’ll need for a day trip to the beach. Don’t forget your sunscreen, beach towel, portable charger, water bottle, sunglasses, lip balm, book, earbuds, a cool bag, and beach tote to put them all in. As for what to wear, your swimsuit, a linen shirt, straw hat, and sliders and you’re ready for a good time.
Got plans to hit the sands? Then let’s talk about the best beach essentials. Also known as the top picks you need to throw in your bag before going to the best place in the entire world.
It’s hot. No, it’s boiling hot. It’s quite possible you are late. The other part of your squad has already had breakfast and is waiting for you. You want to drink coffee and enjoy the summer breeze on the balcony, but you also have to get dressed and sprint to the fun part of the day.
True, sometimes vacations come with a certain hustle, but I believe summer is all about celebrating the good part of life. Then the million-dollar question pops up. What you should bring to the beach? You don’t want to be overpacked with a huge heavy bad, but you still want to be prepared. Did you forget the sunscreen at home? Where is your phone? You’re pretty sure those fabulous sunglasses were on the nightstand. Now they are not.
Still dreaming about the better half of the year, yours truly curated a special beach essentials list, featuring every single piece of beach necessities you may need for a day well spent. I guess I will SEA-ya at the seashores – oh shut up, I’m hilarious.
15 Must-Have Beach Essentials For Summer 2023:
1. Beach Towel
If you use this post as a checklist, which Monica Geller would absolutely love, getting a beach towel that’s long enough and cute enough is the first step. The one you should take before reaching out to other beach bag essentials. My favorite is this lightweight and compact piece you won’t even feel when lying on top. So Instagrammable too!
2. Tote Bag
If you follow me on IG, you already know this is my favorite everyday bag. Surprise! It’s ideal for the beach as well, because it’s spacious, simple, and crafted from appropriate materials. If you are adding it to your cart with a summer vacay in mind, maybe get the black option. You know, white is cute, but no one wants the hassle of having to do washing during their time off.
P.S. A mesh bag is a great idea too.
3. Sunscreen
I don’t want to sound like your dermatologist or like your grandmother, but applying sunscreen is a must. M-U-S-T! Even when there’s no sun or any signs of it appearing later in the day. Slather on a safe sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and too much sun exposure. Consider using a sunscreen stick for easy application, or spray sunscreen for fast reapplication. They are a great thing to have all year round.
Sunscreens are beach essentials for family and friends alike. Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C SPF30’s moisturizing formula is suitable for daily use. Put on at least 30 minutes before heading outside, and remember to reapply during the day. The same goes for cocktails.
4. Beach Cooler Bag
While still on the topic of cold drinks, I have a question. Are you spending a lot of time at the beach with plenty of company? No? Move onto the next part. Yes? Order a good cooler bag ASAP. It’s one of the ultimate beach picnic essentials. Everyone places their personal favorites inside and can still enjoy them cold throughout the day. I think it’s best if you don’t leave them inside for too long. The last thing you want is to end up carrying all the leftovers home.
Related Post: 10 Must-Have Summer Basics To Pack For Your Sunny Holiday
5. Portable Charger
Not that I say you have to check your phone while on a vacation, but it’s safe to bet you’ll want to share a story or ten. Before Zuckerberg invents a part of the whole Meta experience that does not require a battery, you would need a charger. Get this cute beige portable one but save it for when you really need it. Your work calls can wait until next Monday. Or Thursday. But the good news is you can still post on the gram.
6. Book
Call me old-fashioned, but a good book is always part of the equation. The Lion’s Den’ by Katherine St. John will get you in the summer mood. When the main protagonist gets on board the yacht of her frenemy’s creepy older billionaire boyfriend, she realizes nothing is as it seems. Why did the staff ask to keep her phone? And why exactly do doors get locked from the outside? Very juicy and an absolute page-turner!
7. Wireless Earbuds
For the moments when kids next to you get TOO loud or the beats from the beach bar are far from what would usually find a place on your Spotify playlist. Being offered in five different colors, these wireless earbuds are water-resistant beach trip essentials, so you don’t have to worry at all. Now, listen to Rihanna, and please don’t stop the music. All night long, if you dare.
8. Sunglasses
Going to the beach without sunglasses is like going to eat soup without a spoon. Possible to do, but why would you? This stylish pair catches the eye and promises to deliver the ultimate drama queen look. Follow Ariana Grande’s instructions from ‘7 Rings’. You see it, you like it, you want it, you get it. In this exact order. FYI, dark sunglasses also find a place in the list of beach essentials for guys. You could go for some ‘his and hers’ styles to match, making them beach essentials for couples too.
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9. Water Bottle
Being hydrated is something you should do for your body all year long. It’s even more important to have a travel water bottle when temperatures are close to making us burst into flames, and the cute bartender is doing a really good job with those sangrias. Bonus points if it’s one of those insulated water bottles, or if you have a cool bag. Plus, you’ll be using the water bottle for long after the trip. Maybe even when you work on the summer body for next year.
10. Lip Protection Balm With SPF
We tend to forget that lips are not threatened by just winter weather only. Sorry to break it down to you, but hot, dry, and humid temperatures can also make them everything but nice and kissable – I bet you just licked your lips reading that – Fix the issue with this skin protective (vegan!) lip oil from Coola.
11. (Extra) Swimsuit
You may think I’m out of my mind for placing a swimsuit on this list, but there are tons of reasons to do so. I’ll give you the two main ones. You can be out for fancy lunch and then suddenly want to hit the waves. Or you might only have one day on the seafront, and you want to take as many pics as possible. No judgment here. #summervibes all the way long. So pack an additional bathing suit, and consider some water shoes if you plan to explore.
12. Linen shirt (or a dress)
White linen shirts still capture perfectly the effortless summer look all influencers strive for. That’s why they find a place among this list of beach day essentials. Go for a size or two up, so the fit is oversized, and you can wear it like a dress. Jennifer Lopez does it a lot when she’s in Miami. I know I mention her too often, but who are we to disagree with Her Royal Majesty?
Check This Out: The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe Checklist 2022
13. Slides
Even though I agree that if you are not barefoot, you are overdressed, I can’t resist a pair of stylish and comfortable slides, especially if the beach is more than half a mile away. My personal pick offers platforms because, to me, they deliver the support and the look at the same time. Pick your favorite and enjoy a fiesta with your nearest and dearest.
14. Straw Hat
While those straw hats with big names all over them are an absolute no-no, a plain beach hat like this is a total YES-YES. They are stylish, casual, and the epitome of beach essentials for adults. Add a beach umbrella or beach tent to provide protection for the whole family.
15. Hair Accessories
Not that I have this problem anymore with my shorter bob haircut nowadays, but long hair requires vast maintenance. Going to the beach could be a lot (read: salty water, trash, and Sun) for your voluminous mane, even if you have prepared in advance with shampoos and conditioners. Get this set of beach accessories and enjoy the summertime while it lasts. These are all your beach essentials 2023 needs.
The easiest way – and maybe even one of the best ways – to make sure you’ve got everything is to create a beach packing list before your next trip. Your must-have beach essentials may change based on your personal preference or the beach destination. Whether you’re heading to Southern California or your local beach these favorite beach essentials should cover you for any friendly hangout or family beach vacation.
However, if you’re looking for some extras to make your seaside trip even better, you could include a beach cart or beach wagon for easy transport of all your items from the beach house or car to your spot in the sand. These are great investments for a family beach day, and will not take up too much space in your road trip vehicle.
Not essential but very good to have is a first aid kit, and any necessary prescription medications you need, but that kind of goes without saying, as these are essential items.
Hand sanitizer is also an essential in these days of increased disease control.
You won’t find your cell phone on this list because let’s face it, that’s an everyday essential, not just for the beach. It’s a good idea to keep it and your other personal items – like your kindle paper white – safe in a wet bag or dry bag. A mesh bag is also a great way to store sand toys and can easily be shaken out before heading home.
If you’re spending a long day at the beach with a group or entire family, maybe bring some family travel games and a portable Bluetooth speaker. Use your portable speakers to blast your favorite beach vibes while your relax on your beach chair or beach blanket, portable fan in one hand and drink up in the other, enjoying the sound of waves hitting the coral reefs. A unicorn inflatable float seems like a great idea right now.
What do you think are the best things to take to the beach? Perhaps not all of them are the most important beach essentials, but hey, it’s your choice. Show what a good beach vacation looks like on socials and tag me @SavinaOfficial.
This post was all about beach essentials.
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