Beach must-haves
There is nothing quite like making summer memories at the beach. Whether you spend a full day at the ocean or just a few hours catching some afternoon rays, there are several items you will want to have along with you to ensure the perfect time in the sand. Add the essentials, from tents and chairs to towels and coolers, to your packing list.
Beach essentials
Best beach tents
Pacific Breeze Easy Up Beach Tent Deluxe XL: available at Amazon
This roomy beach tent is easy to set up, large enough to accommodate up to four people and comes with stakes and sand pockets to secure. There are also three oversized windows on this lightweight tent that offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
Coleman Beach Shade Shelter: available at Amazon
While this tent may take a few extra minutes to set up, the budget-friendly price from a reliable camping brand makes this one a top pick. There is a window for ventilation, a front floor that zips up for privacy when changing and a line to hang wet clothes inside this spacious tent.
Best beach chairs
Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chairs: available at Amazon
This sturdy beach chair has five reclining positions, storage pockets, a pillow and a cup holder. The padded backpack straps make toting this lightweight chair easy and comfortable. Plus, this set comes with a tote bag.
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Cooler: available at Amazon
When you just feel like sitting with your toes in the sand, this reasonably priced chair will keep you comfortably elevated. It comes with a cushioned seat, convenient armrest cooler, cup holder and side pockets.
Best beach towels
WildHorn Outfitters Akumal Microfiber Beach Towel: available at Amazon
After an ocean swim, you’ll appreciate that this oversized beach towel is quick-drying and designed to absorb up to four times its weight. It is also ideal for sunbathing, as it is made from recycled materials and is available in a variety of bright summer colors.
Honeycomb Velour Beach Towel: available at Amazon
This soft, Turkish cotton towel is extra large and has a bright multicolored honeycomb pattern. The thick, comfortable velour is very absorbent and also machine washable.
Best beach coolers
YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler: available at YETI
YETI’s lightweight cooler can hold up to 20 cans, has a leak-proof liner and is well insulated, keeping food and drinks chilled all day. The wide, magnetic door on this four-pound cooler stays open, making it easy to access what’s inside.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler: available at Amazon
When you need a large cooler, Arctic Zone’s 48-can capacity soft cooler with plastic interior liner comes in handy. It weighs less than five pounds and has a comfortable shoulder strap to make transport to the beach easier.
Best waterproof phone cases
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case: available at Amazon
You can capture your favorite snorkeling or scuba diving moments with this case that is certified waterproof up to 100 feet. The extra-large case is compatible with smartphones that are under 7″.
YOSH Waterproof Phone Case: available at Amazon
This budget-friendly waterproof phone case protects phones when you are taking clear photos underwater. The neck strap also provides added protection against loss.
Best beach bags
Odyseaco Aruba Mesh Beach Bag: available at Amazon
This affordable mesh beach bag is easy to clean, roomy enough to hold four large beach towels and comfortable to transport due to its padded handles and shoulder strap. It also comes with a built-in insulated cooler bag, so you can keep a sandwich and drink cool all day.
GOTDYA XL Mesh Extra Large Beach Bag: available at Amazon
BeachMall’s extra-large tote comes with four exterior pockets for holding everything you need from suntan lotion to valuables and stands sturdy on its own, making it easy to pack. There is an interior zippered pocket to secure valuables and the bag folds down for easy storage.
Best waterproof speakers
INSMY Portable Wireless Outdoor Speaker With HD Sound: available at Amazon
This compact Bluetooth speaker can play up to 12 hours on a charge and withstand being submerged in water up to 3′. The handheld design makes it easy to take with you and its HD sound is clear and loud.
JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon
You get 12 hours of playtime and powerful bass with this compact waterproof speaker that can pair up to two smartphones. There is also a speakerphone you can use for phone calls.
Best beach lockboxes
Master Lock 5900D Set Your Own Combination Portable Safe: available at Amazon
You can stash your cell phone, ID, money and keys in this water-resistant lockbox that secures with a four-digit combination. It is made of shock-absorbing foam and is available in a variety of colors.
SAFEGO Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe: available at Amazon
Use a key or combination to unlock this lightweight safe that can store your possessions while at the beach. The lockbox features a steel cable that you can secure to your beach tent or chair. It is constructed of high-impact ABS plastic designed to deter theft and comes in several different colors.
Other beach necessities
Suntan lotion and aloe vera cooling gel
Beach coverup
Snacks
Sunglasses
Hairbrush or comb
Wet wipes
Paper plates, napkins, disposable cutlery
Floaties
SPF lip balm
A good book
Toys for the kids
Cornhole game
Water shoes
Portable cell phone charger
A change of clothes
What not to bring to the beach
Glass bottles or containers
Valuables
Pets
Grills
Fireworks
Kellie Speed is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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