The Complete List of Things to Bring to the Beach
Spending a day at the beach offers a lot of joy -- you can relax, play, read, and soak up time with your loved ones, all in a beautiful environment. Beach trips can even happen on a whim if you know exactly what to bring to ensure a comfortable and carefree outing.
We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are products we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
10 things to bring to the beach
If you’re not sure what you should pack for an upcoming beach trip, we’ve got you covered with this list of ten things to bring to the beach. By following this guide and sticking to the necessities, you’re sure to have a memorable and easy-breezy escape.
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an everyday essential, but it’s even more important when you’re spending time at the beach. While most people pay attention to SPF, it’s smart to check out the list of active ingredients, as well. Mineral-based sunscreen creams are less likely to contain potentially harmful or irritating compounds but still form a barrier on your skin to reflect UV rays and keep you safe.
SiteSee Recommends:
Badger Sport Sunscreen Cream ($18)
2. Cooler
Taking a cooler to the beach is really the only way to guarantee your beverages keep cold and your snacks stay fresh. The ideal cooler is insulated, leakproof, and waterproof to protect from damage from the elements (think sand, rain, and so on). Look for a soft cooler that’s both portable and durable, so you can transport it to all your picnics and beach days with ease.
SiteSee Recommends:
Yeti Hopper Flip Soft Cooler ($300)
3. Towel
A quality towel is a beach day must-have, but unfortunately, not all options are created equal. The best travel towels are not only soft to the touch, but they have excellent strength, absorbency, and color fastness to ensure you get tons of use out of them, rather than just a single season. A great towel will keep you dry and feeling cozy no matter how many hours you spend in the sand.
SiteSee Recommends:
Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel ($34)
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel ($12)
Nomadix Original Towel ($39)
4. Books
Whether you’re using your Kindle or reading a physical copy, a good book will always be the perfect beach companion. There are truly few activities as relaxing as getting absorbed in a book while you’re lounging in the sun with the waves in the background. No matter where you travel or what genre you dig into, reading on the beach is a really lovely way to pass the time.
SiteSee Recommends:
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett ($12)
Untamed by Glennon Doyle ($14)
5. Swimsuit
Swimsuit shopping has its challenges, but one way to feel better about the whole experience is to invest in swimwear from an ethical, sustainable brand. There are plenty of eco-conscious swimsuits available these days, whether you’re looking to mix and match separates or find a cute one-piece. A swimsuit you feel good about (and feel good in) makes a great complement to any beach trip.
SiteSee Recommends:
L-Space Roxanne One Piece ($198)
SummerSalt Wrap One Piece ($95)
prAna Atalia One Piece ($95)
6. Sandals
Sandals are the best footwear to take to the beach, since you can easily kick them off to relax or slip them back on when the day comes to a close. The best sandals offer ample breathability and enough grip to keep them from shifting underfoot in the sand. Look for a pair that’s equal parts cute and comfortable, and can be easily cleaned after a bit of wear and tear.
SiteSee Recommends:
Birkenstock Franca Sandal ($71)
Teva Olowahu Sandal ($20)
7. Sunglasses
Minding the sun is so important on any beach outing, but it’s easy to forget just how reflective the water and the sand can be. To limit damage to your eyes from this strong glare, always pack a pair of sunglasses that’ll provide premium protection and comfort, and are durable enough to resist scratching or breaking after only a few wears.
SiteSee Recommends:
Ray-Ban State Street Sunglasses ($165)
8. Hat
When you’re packing for your next beach getaway, don’t forget to include a hat! Not only will a hat complete your whole beach look, but it’ll give your face extra protection from UV rays and keep painful sunburns at bay. There are plenty of shapes to choose from, so whether you’d prefer a simple cotton hat or a cute straw visor, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.
SiteSee Recommends:
J Crew Packable Hat ($69)
Furtalk Sun Straw Hat ($25)
9. Umbrella
While a little vitamin D definitely feels nice on our skin, it’s always good to grab some shade from time to time, too. Another great way to protect yourself from the sun is to bring along a cute umbrella for your beach set up. You’ll want to find one that will stay put on windy days, but is still easy to carry and assemble once you find the perfect sandy spot.
SiteSee Recommends:
SMLIXE Beach Umbrella ($35)
10. Water bottle
Staying hydrated is a must while you’re out enjoying a hot day, so be sure to pack a travel water bottle (ideally a self-cleaning water bottle) with you every time you leave for the beach. Stainless steel bottles can keep your beverages ice-cold for hours, helping you quench your thirst throughout a long day in the sun. Plus, there are plenty of fun patterns and designs out there to choose from to fit your personal style!
SiteSee Recommends:
LARQ Self-Cleaning PureVis ($99)
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw ($39)
S’well Geode Rose Bottle ($29)