10 Must-Have Beach Bag Items
THINGS TO PACK IN YOUR BEACH BAG
Spring is just around the corner! With only a few weeks until spring vacations start, now is the time to find the perfect beach bag and get it packed and ready to go. In no time at all, we’ll be packing the coolers, loading up our cars, and getting ready to soak up some sun. If you need some inspiration or don’t know where to start with your essentials, check out our list of things to pack in your beach bag. It features all of our favorite items from the best beach tote to accessories like waterproof speakers and sunscreen. We hope our handy tips will help you know what to pack in your beach bag and keep you from forgetting anything.
Beach Bag
Before you can compile your sunscreen, sunglasses, and towel, you need a good beach bag. Most savvy beach goers tend to select one with more than one pocket and best overall functionality. An inside zipper pocket or more than one compartment and being easy to carry but also fits in your suitcase are important things to consider. Found one that is machine washable and quick to dry? You will be winning at the beach!
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential for a day at the beach, especially when the clouds are sparse and the sun is bright! While you may be tempted to bring your name-brand sunglasses to the beach, opt for a pair under $20 for the inevitable wear and tear that comes with a day at the beach. You’d hate to lose your expensive shades in the water! Also, look for sunglasses that filter out UVA and UVB light to help protect your eyes.
Beach Hat
Whether it’s a wide-brim or a baseball cap, a hat at the beach is a great way to protect your scalp from the sun! You are likely to slather on the sunscreen before we head to the beach but leave your scalp unprotected. A hat will help protect your face and neck from UV rays; no one wants a sunburned scalp!
Flip-Flops
Every trip to the beach requires a good pair of flip-flops. Since you’ll likely only be wearing these on your way to and from the beach, they don’t need to be super expensive! Traveler tip: pack a couple of pairs in your beach bag just in case something happens to one pair.
Sunscreen
When heading to the beach, we certainly couldn’t forget our sunscreen! With so many options on the shelves these days, it can be hard to narrow one down. The American Cancer Society recommends finding a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, which fights against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer, and UVA rays cause premature aging. In addition, your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher. Anything with an SPF of below 15 only protects against sunburn, not skin cancer or aging. And lastly, “water resistant” does not mean “waterproof!” Apply sunscreen every two hours when under the sun, and every hour when swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen Lip Balm
Your lips need protection, too! Toss a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher into your beach bag to keep your lips safe from harmful sun rays.
Beach Towels
Whether you’re a towel or a blanket person, or even opting for a chair, you’ll need something to sit on when you’re at the beach! Leave the old bed sheet at home and opt for Turkish towels. They fit well in your suitcase and beach bag and dry faster than you can believe! These Turkish towels are top-rated and come in a variety of fun colors for your beach vacation. This may be one of the most important things to pack in your beach bag!
…And now, for the fun stuff!
Beach Spiker
Nothing is worse than setting your drink down in the sand, only for the outside to get sandy or to fall over and spill out everywhere. With a Beach Spiker, your drink can rest comfortably up in the sand without getting caked in sand. In addition, the Beach Spiker can hold your phone, sunglasses, and sunscreen – if it fits, it can hold it!
Water Resistant Phone Pouch
Keep your phone dry and free of water (and sand!) with a water-resistant phone pouch. While we don’t recommend taking your phone out into the water with you, it will at least stay dry in a water-resistant pouch! Not to mention, you can also fit your cards and some cash in there as well.
Bluetooth Speakers
If you’re heading to the beach with a group of friends, Bluetooth speakers are something you’ll want to consider with the list of things to pack in your beach bag! Nothing tops off a beach day like your favorite tunes. Just be sure to be courteous of your fellow beach-goers and keep the noise to a minimum.
What are your favorite things to pack in your beach bag? Let us know! We can’t wait to welcome you on your vacation to Destin, Pensacola Beach, or wherever you choose to vacation along the Gulf Coast!