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  4. 16 Beach Bag Essentials to Pack This Summer

16 Beach Bag Essentials to Pack This Summer

By Dobrina Zhekova and Madeline Diamond
Updated April 12, 2021
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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Woman with bag and sun hat going to the beach
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

If a weekend spent soaking up vitamin D, hanging out with friends at the shore, and sipping chilled drinks by the water is in your future this summer, let's talk beach must-haves. We’re sure you’ve already got your bathing suit and cute sundress covered, but what about the rest of your beach day essentials?

Related: These Are the Essentials You Need to Pack for Your Next Picnic

First off, you’ll need a roomy tote that will fit all of your belongings. Then, of course, plenty of sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring lip balm with SPF, too, and hair oil to protect your strands from the salty water and the sun.

Your style must-haves include a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of cool shades that offer 100 percent UVA protection. While you may want to reach for an oversized fluffy beach towel, it’s not always practical to carry one all day, because they take up so much space. Instead, opt for a towel made from soft, lightweight cotton — they’re compact and dry quickly. We’d also bring a waterproof pouch to keep all your valuables safe and dry.

Here are all the beauty, style, and tech essentials — and everything in between — you’ll need for a long, hot day at the beach.

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Madewell Reusable Weekender Tote

Red and white floral nylon tote
Credit: Courtesy of Madewell

This nylon tote is lightweight and easy to fold up for storage, but it's also spacious enough to fit all your beach day essentials.

To buy: madewell.com, $28

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen

Sunscreen
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This top-rated sunscreen has a non-greasy texture and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

To buy: amazon.com, $36

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Ouai Hair Oil

Oaui Hair Oil
Credit: Courtesy of Sephora

Beach waves look great on anyone, but the combination of salty water and sun can damage your mane. This rich oil will protect your hair (especially if it’s been color treated) and nourish it.

To buy: sephora.com, $28

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Jack Black Intense Therapy SPF 25 Lip Balm

jack black lip balm
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Your lips can actually get sunburned, too, so it’s important to apply lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $15 for set of two

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Kassatex Glendale Colorblock Fringed Beach Towel

Colorblock beach towel
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

This beautiful cotton towel is lightweight, quick-drying, and will fit in any beach bag. We love the striped print and the fringe details on both ends.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $50

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Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Spray

Sun Bum After Beach Spray
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This soothing and cooling aloe vera spray is rich in cocoa butter and jojoba oil to help moisturize and restore dry and sun-damaged skin.

To buy: amazon.com, $12 (originally $16)

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Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat

Woven straw hat with black band
Credit: Courtesy of Madewell

Protect your head and face from the sun with this chic straw hat that is designed to keep its shape when packed in your bag.

To buy: madewell.com, $40

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Comiso Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Teal portable speaker
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Listen to your favorite tunes at the beach or by the pool with this waterproof Bluetooth speaker that delivers impressive sound quality despite its compact size.

To buy: amazon.com, from $39

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Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Navy Hydroflask water bottle
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Dehydration looks good on no one, so make sure to fill this stainless steel canteen with water, and it will stay cold all day, even in the hot sun.

To buy: amazon.com, from $21

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Flowfold Zip Waterproof Pouch

Black waterproof pouch
Credit: Courtesy of L.L. Bean

To protect your valuables from water and sand, opt for a compact, waterproof pouch to store your money, phone, and keys.

To buy: llbean.com, $40

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Luxtude Waterproof Portable Charger

Orange and black waterproof powerbank
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Taking photos at the beach (and posting them to Instagram) will drain your phone battery in no time, so make sure you have a waterproof battery charger with you.

To buy: amazon.com, $21 (originally $26)

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Fire 8 HD Tablet

Amazon Fire 8 tablet
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

This tablet is lightweight and easy-to-use as an e-reader, but you can also browse the internet or play a game on it.

To buy: amazon.com, $90

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Becca Psychedelia Cover-up Sarong

Pink and orange patterned beach sarong
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Always pack a breezy cotton cover-up in case you need extra protection from the sun, or you simply want to grab a bite (or a cocktail) from a casual spot near the beach.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $68

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Havaianas Flash Urban Flip Flops

Flip Flip Sandals
Credit: Courtesy of Zappos.com

A pair of easy-to-slide-into flip flops is a must when you’re headed for a day at the beach. Let’s face it — you probably don’t want to ruin your pretty summer sandals with sand.

To buy: zappos.com, $28

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Ray-Ban Erika 54mm Sunglasses

Ray-Ban tortoise sunglasses
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

The modern take on the Wayfarer silhouette makes these sunglasses both timeless and cool.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $167

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Joto Universal Waterproof Phone Dry Bag

Waterproof phone case dry bag
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

You can use this pouch to protect your phone from water and sand, or to store valuables like money and small jewelry.

To buy: amazon.com, $7

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

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By Dobrina Zhekova and Madeline Diamond

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 16 Madewell Reusable Weekender Tote
    2 of 16 La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen
    3 of 16 Ouai Hair Oil
    4 of 16 Jack Black Intense Therapy SPF 25 Lip Balm
    5 of 16 Kassatex Glendale Colorblock Fringed Beach Towel
    6 of 16 Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Spray
    7 of 16 Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat
    8 of 16 Comiso Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
    9 of 16 Hydro Flask Water Bottle
    10 of 16 Flowfold Zip Waterproof Pouch
    11 of 16 Luxtude Waterproof Portable Charger
    12 of 16 Fire 8 HD Tablet
    13 of 16 Becca Psychedelia Cover-up Sarong
    14 of 16 Havaianas Flash Urban Flip Flops
    15 of 16 Ray-Ban Erika 54mm Sunglasses
    16 of 16 Joto Universal Waterproof Phone Dry Bag

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    16 Beach Bag Essentials to Pack This Summer
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