Ah, summer: the time of year for sweating through your shirt, slathering yourself in sunscreen, and struggling to eat melting ice cream, all in the grandeur of the great outdoors. For coastal folks, trips to the beach are the season’s punctuation marks; respite from the race of everyday life.
But days on the beach require at least a little bit of planning. Some places require beach tags — essentially tickets — even for one-day visits. Others have slim windows you’re allowed to swim within. However, there’s another task you shan’t forget: packing a beach bag. What goes within is up to you, but remember: it’ll be your lifeline, where you turn to when the sun’s becoming too hot, whenever you need to change out of wet shorts.
Below, you’ll find guides for all of your beach bag essentials. Whether you’re dressed in your swim trunks, t-shirt and hat as you head down or you change upon arrival, there’s apparel, accessories, skincare products and more to shop — plus the bags to put them all in. Pack wisely.
What to Carry
The Best Tote Bags to Take to the Beach
CourtesyAll the best beach-ready totes from simple canvas classics to feature-packed carryalls.
