13 Beach Accessories That Will Save Your Summer Vacation

By Melanie Lieberman and Madeline Diamond
March 11, 2020
Getty Images/LOOK
For many travelers, a day at the beach requires little gear. A chic swimsuit, an oversized beach towel, and reliable, reef-safe sunscreen are essentials, of course. But even the most modest, hassle-free beachgoer might discover that the right gadget can seriously upgrade — and even simplify — a weekend by the shore.

Related: More beach must-haves 

Take the Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler, which (despite a $300 price tag) is becoming something of a cult favorite. Instead of fishing drinks out of a lukewarm puddle in your cheap lunch bag, the Yeti Cooler will keep them cool for hours of sunbathing and tide-chasing.

And instead of your standard shades — which you were going to bring anyway and probably lose or ruin— travelers can opt for a pair of anti-scratch sunglasses made with 100 percent UV protection and a lightweight, material that enables them to float.

This is the high- and low-tech gear that will change the way you spend your summer. And we’re willing to bet these accessories will quickly feel like must-packs.
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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Courtesy of Amazon

Skip the paperback this summer and bring all of your favorite beach reads with you in one seamless device. The latest edition of the Kindle Paperwhite is both glare-free and waterproof, making it ideal for reading outdoors.

To buy: amazon.com, $150

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Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 Waterproof Speaker

Of all the wireless speakers on the market, this is the only one we really can’t leave home without. Despite its small, lightweight design (less than a pound), it plays your favorite tunes at an impressive volume. This waterproof and dustproof speaker can play the Beach Boys for 13 hours without charging. Plus, it floats.

To buy: amazon.com, from $80

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YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler

Courtesy of Amazon

Have we mentioned how obsessed people are with this cooler? The YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler has a durable waterproof shell and a powerful zipper and magnetized closure that's ultra leak-resistant, making it a reliable vessel for food and drinks on-the-go.

To buy: amazon.com, $300

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LifeProof Frē Waterproof Cases

Courtesy of Amazon

LifeProof’s scratchproof, waterproof, and almost-all-other-accident-proof cases are must-haves if you prefer to have your smartphone with you at all times, including at the beach. Even if your phone is already waterproof, this case will keep out sand and dust.

To buy: amazon.com, from $70

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CGear Sand-Free Mat

Courtesy of Amazon

Made from a one-way sift material originally designed for military use, this mat is perfect for beach picnics. It dries almost instantly and has D-Rings so you can fix it to the ground. The days of sandy, windswept lunches at the beach are over.

To buy: amazon.com, from $48

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Rheos Floating Polarized Sunglasses

Courtesy of Amazon

Admit it: the waves have washed away at least one pair of sunglasses in the past. Instead of sinking to the bottom, these sport shades by Rheos will float back to the surface, thanks to an ultra-light frame. Other beach-worthy benefits? The lenses have anti-scratch and anti-glare coatings, and they offer 100 percent UV protection.

To buy: amazon.com, $55

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Odyseaco Mesh Beach Bag

Courtesy of Amazon

Swap out your old beach bag for this versatile mesh tote, which is spacious enough to hold four large beach towels. It also has a bottom cooler pocket, so you'll be able to store all your drinks and snacks in one place.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

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Pacific Breeze Pop-up Beach Tent

Courtesy of Amazon

Shade-seekers will love this easy pop-up tent, which is lightweight and designed to offer UPF 50+ sun protection. You and two to three guests will also love this beach tent during unexpected summer storms.

To buy: amazon.com, from $100

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Mophie Powerstation Plus XL

Courtesy of Mophie

Keep all of your devices, including your waterproof phone and e-reader, fully charged with the Mophie Powerstation Plus XL. Designed to work with both Apple and micro-USB devices, this portable back-up battery offers up to two days worth of charge, depending on the device. Twin USB ports let you charge two devices at the same time.

To buy: amazon.com, $82

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Clare V. for Anthropologie Beach Towels

Courtesy of Anthropologie

A trip to the beach isn't complete without a soft, fluffy beach towel that you can lounge on for hours. These French-inspired towels from Clare V.'s new collaboration with Anthropologie are a stylish addition to any beach bag.

To buy: La Plage Beach Towel, anthropologie.com, $54; Piscine Beach Towel, anthropologie.com, $54

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Thinksport Safe Sunscreen

Courtesy of Amazon

These days, reef-safe sunscreen is an absolute must. This SPF 50+ sunscreen is safe for your skin and the environment, since it's biodegradable and free of harmful chemicals.

To buy: amazon.com, $10

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Madewell Packable Mesa Straw Hat

Courtesy of Madewell

Straw hats are another must-have for the beach, but they're always tricky to pack. This hat from Madewell is unstructured enough to easily bounce back from bends and folds if you'll be storing it in your beach bag.

To buy: madewell.com, $40

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