Beach Day Essentials

The weather is heating up, and it’s that time to head to the beach on the weekends or as often as time allows. Spending the day at the beach is a favorite way to spend hot summer days. For both kids and adults equally. But you don’t want to get down there only to realize you forgot something important at home. I’m unsure if it’s the excitement of the fun day ahead or perhaps not anticipating the need for an item. But important things are left at home all too often.

Whether your beach day will be spent relaxing solo, hanging out with friends, or playing with your kids, packing lists are an easy way to ensure you have everything you need. So, if it’s a full beach vacation or just a day at the beach, this list has you covered!

Beach Day Essentials

Bathing Suit

Obviously, this will be needed, but it’s on the list because we sometimes forget the most obvious things.

Beach Blanket

Bring one or more to ensure it’s big enough for everyone to sit on. Not only can the sand get really hot you’ll want to keep the rest of your belongings from getting covered in sand. If sitting in the sand or laying around all day isn’t for you, bring a beach chair to be more comfortable.

Beach Towel

Unless you want to stand and drip dry or get your blanket all wet, bring extra towels for drying off.

Sun Hat

The bigger the brim, the better. Look for a hat that will be ok getting wet, so you can even wear it in the water. That way, you don’t have to worry about the sun if you’ll be in the ocean for long periods of time. Since sun exposure causes most of the first signs of aging, a big sun hat is one of the most important beach day essentials.

Sunglasses

As well as allowing you to see in the bright sunlight, they’ll also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Sunscreen

Look for a Reef-Safe sunscreen that has a high SPF to protect your skin and do less harm to the ocean life. Don’t forget to reapply every few hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

SPF Lip Balm

Don’t forget to keep your lips protected. A day spent in the salt water and sun can easily leave your lips chapped, dry, and even sunburnt.

Leave-In Conditioner

After getting out of the water for the final time, spritz your hair with a leave-in conditioner to help prevent damage from the saltwater and make coming through it easier.

Brush/Comb

Gently detangle your hair and reduce breakage by carefully combing through it.

Hair Ties

These will come in handy when you want to tie up unruly hair.

Tote Bag

A large tote bag made of straw or canvas comes in handy when carrying your essentials from the car to the sand.

Water Bottle

A reusable bottle will help you stay hydrated and cut down on extra waste. Be sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke.

Wet/Dry Bag

Bring an extra plastic bag to put all the wet, sandy clothes in on the ride home.

Playing Cards

If all your attention isn’t directed toward watching little kids, a game of cards is a fun way to pass the time. If you’re feeling ambitious and have a few other people to play with, other games like Slam Ball and Corn Hole are a super fun way to pass the time.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh cut fruit is the perfect snack on a hot summer day. Watermelon and orange slices are both a good choice because they are so hydrating.

Snacks

Fresh-cut veggies, chips and guacamole or salsa, and popcorn are all good options. Whatever your favorite snacks are, just be sure to pack them properly. If they need to stay refrigerated, pack them in a small cooler with ice so nothing spoils in the heat.

Sandals

Cause walking through the sand in sneakers is the worst! A cheap flip flop will do the job fine unless there are a lot of rocks in the water. In that case, you may want to have a proper pair of water shoes to protect your feet.

Speaker

A small, water-resistant speaker is great for listening to some chill music throughout the day. Just don’t be the person who blasts music so loud it disturbs other people in the area.

Aloe Gel

Just in case someone forgot to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Aloe gel can help soothe and calm hot, sunburned skin.

Swimsuit Coverup

Comes in handy if you want to cover up while strolling along the beach or walking back and forth to the car. It can also be used to help shade you from the sun if you’re low on shade.

Beach Umbrella

You’ll be thankful for the shade on those long, hot days! Some umbrellas come with extra weights or anchors to stop the umbrella from flying away in a big gust of wind. I highly recommend looking for one of those.

Book/Kindle

Whether it be a book, Kindle, or magazine, don’t forget to pack your favorite beach reads.

Ziplock For Phone

Keep your phone dry and sand-free by placing it in a ziplock bag for protection.

Sand Toys

If your beach trips include kids, beach toys like buckets and shovels will keep them busy digging holes and making castles for hours.

Diapers

Obviously, for the babies. Bringing some extra plastic bags to wrap up the diapers in the event no trash bins is also helpful.

Wet Wipes

For diaper changes, but also for wiping sticking hands and mouths.

Trash Bags

Easily collect all your garbage throughout the day and make departure time cleanup super quick.

Life Jackets

Keep the kids safe with proper water safety equipment.

Change Of Clothes

An extra set of clothes will make the car ride home much more comfortable, especially if you have any extra stops to make before heading home.

Small First Aid Kit

Small, sharp objects can hide under the sand. You never know when you might need a bandaid. But you’re always happy when you have them!

As always I hope you found this helpful and that you enjoy the summer! Are there any beach day essentials that I left off the list? Let me know in the comments below!

Xx Monti