It’s officially beach season! Whether you live on a coast and are getting ready for your summer weekend trips to the beach, or you are traveling to a coastal town, you may need a fresh recap on your beach bag essentials. Packing the perfect beach bag is important for a comfortable day of fun in the sun. Whether you’re heading to the ocean, lake, or pool, having all the essentials on hand can make your outing more enjoyable and stress-free. From sunscreen to snacks, towels to books, knowing what to pack can ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing day by the water.

Beach Bag Essentials

There are several items you will not want to forget to pack in your beach bag. These essentials will keep you safe from the sun’s rays, comfortable, and entertained. In addition to the items on this list, you may also want to think about beach essentials in general. Such as a beach umbrella, a stylish beach chair, and a soft cooler for your drinks and snacks.

What To Pack in a Beach Bag

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your number 1 top beach bag essential! You do not want to forget this one. In fact, I like to pack 2 sunscreens in my beach bag. One specifically designed for the face, and the other for the body. It is essential to protect your skin in summer, as well as all year around. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet!

Swimsuit

Featuring Hermoza two-piece swimsuit top and matching bottom, and reversible swim skirt

To best enjoy the beach and the ocean, wearing a swimsuit is a must. Even if you keep a swim cover-up on over top of it. If you are not wearing your swimsuit to the beach, you will want to pack it in our beach bag. I have a post about Summersalt swimsuits that you may enjoy reading. They have so many great modest but stylish styles to choose from. Plus I have a code for you- $10 off your order with TARATJS10.

In addition to Summersalt, I also really love Hermoza for modest swimsuits. These two brands are my favorite for coverage, chic styles, and color and print variety!

Swimsuit Cover-up

A swimsuit cover-up is essential to pack for when you want some extra coverage from the sun, or you plan on walking around (especially at the pool). A lightweight pareo or cover-up dress will be more comfortable than just a pair of shorts. Grab yourself a neutral style to go with all of your swimsuits, or a matching style to match one of your favorites.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not only functional but so stylish as well. I love a pair of white sunglasses for a bit of a vintage flare. But tortoise shell sunglasses are another great option and goes with everything! Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses in your beach bag. Here are a few great feminine style options if you are looking for a new pair:

Beach Towels

Beach towels are an obvious choice when packing for the beach. You need to decide how many to bring. Will you be using them to lay on, to dry off after a swim, or both? I love a nice large beach towel to help keep the sand away. Classic stripes give a sophisticated French Riviera vibe, while traditional red, white, and blue gives a nautical summer charm.

What to Pack in a Beach Bag: Hats

Choosing a hat for the beach can be fun. Keep in mind your personal style and comfort. For extra coverage, choose a wide-brim straw hat made from UV protected fabric like this straw hat, or this raffia hat. For a sporty vibe choose a baseball hat or bucket hat. Whichever hat style you choose, make sure to wear them yo protect the top of your had and face.

SPF Lip Balm

Burnt lips are not fun. In addition to wearing sunscreen on your face and body, you will also want your lips protected. There are so many great lip balms with SPF to choose form. Here are a few of my favorites:

Sandals

The sand gets hot! Leave your sneakers at home and bring a comfortable pair of slip-on sandals. You want a style that is easy on, and easy off.

Bluetooth Speaker

A little music at the beach helps sets the tone and makes your day more enjoyable. Bluetooth speakers have come a along way with so many styles and colors to choose from. We love ours and use it in the backyard when we are at home.

Beach Blanket

In addition to beach towels, you may want to consider packing a beach blanket. You may use this instead of beach chairs, or in addition to them. While some people like to lay out their beach towels on the sand, I prefer a beach blanket for extra coverage from the sand. Save your beach towels to use as a pillow for your head, and when drying off from a swim!

Good Book

The beach is the perfect chance to relax and read a good book (unless you have small children! I’m finally able to read at the beach again). Packing a book in your beach bag is a must even if it’s “just incase”. Any opportunity you can get to start reading is great. You won’t want to miss it. One of my favorite mystery authors has a new book that’s available on pre-order (release date is June 18). I’ve already ordered my mine! Here are a few of my other favorite reads:

What to Pack in a Beach Bag: Water and Snacks!

The summer heat can dehydrate you so will want to pack plenty of water. If you have kids, the juice boxes are a must! Packing a lunch or snacks will keep you busy and satisfied. If your beach has a boardwalk with food, that’s great. But you will still pack some healthy snacks like fruit and nuts for quick fixes. Plus a few water bottles to stay hydrated.

Beach Bag Tote

Now that you know what to pack in a beach bag, you may need some ideas for chic and stylish totes. Depending on how long you are going to the beach (a full day or a few hours), you need something to put all your beach bag essentials in. Straw bags are my favorite for quick trips to the beach, but sometimes you need something a little more sturdy. Here are some beach bag ideas in all sizes and price ranges that will keep you organized.

You also be interested in reading my previous posts on how to style a straw bag and stylish ways to help protect your skin this summer.