Stylish and Sturdy Beach Bags You Can Use As a Carry-on

Misha Gravenor

Gearing up for a tropical getaway? Think twice before tossing your beach essentials — swimsuit, SPF lotion, and a nice pair of sunglasses — into your go-to carry-on personal item. Our packing philosophy is to never bring more than you need, so we suggest you opt instead for a stylish beach tote that’s also sturdy enough to double as your carry-on bag.

What does this look like in reality? Depending on your personal style and destination of choice, you could go in a more classic direction and select a chic blue-and-white embroidered tote that you can take straight from the airport to the beach.

Or you can channel your inner hippie by opting for a boho bag in vibrant colors with accents such as tassels and pom-poms to match your fun personality. And if you are heading on a road trip and plan to explore a variety of small towns and beaches, then pick up a sturdy, medium-sized backpack in an exotic floral print — it looks cool and will keep your belongings safe.

Here, we rounded up 18 chic beach bags to take with you both on and off the sand.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Mar y Sol ‘Caracas’ tote

Courtsey of Mar y Sol

The vibrant colors of this eco-friendly tote made from agave leaves give the classic design a fun twist.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $139

2 of 18

Tommy Bahama ‘Palm Beach’ Tote in Cool Combo

Courtesy of Tommy Bahama

We love the vintage tropical print on this canvas tote, and it comes with a removable luggage tag.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $128

3 of 18

Vitamin A 'Tash' Beach Tote Bag

Courtesy of Vitamin A

This classic two-tone woven straw bag is big enough to fit a lot more than just your beach essentials.

To buy: shopspring.com, $195

4 of 18

Flora Bella ‘Fes’ Tote

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Any fashionista would appreciate the fringe and macramé detailing on this hand-crafted beach tote.

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $263

5 of 18

Roxy 'Single Water' Beach Bag

Courtesy of Roxy

Add a bit of a boho vibe to your beach ensemble with this graphic-print, blue and white canvas bag.

To buy: zappos.com, $48

6 of 18

La Blanca ‘Color Me Happy’ Canvas Bag

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Show off your true colors (literally) with this vibrant beach bag that features a roomy interior and a zip closure.

To buy: lablancaswim.com, $89

7 of 18

Melissa Odabash ‘Positano’ Beach Tote

Courtesy of Melissa Odabash

Amp up the chic factor on your holiday attire with this beautiful beach bag inspired by Italy's breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $296

8 of 18

Lucky Brand 'Indie' Bag

Courtesy of Amazon

The vibrant, orange and blue stitching and fun pom-poms on this bag prove the devil is indeed in the details.

To buy: amazon.com, $108

9 of 18

Stella McCartney Printed Tote

Courtesy of NET-A-PORTER

If you’re not a fan of color, opt for a stylish animal print pattern on your beach tote and a matching monochrome bathing suit.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $225

10 of 18

Mar y Sol ‘Ibiza’ Tote

Courtsey of Mar y Sol

The structured silhouette and flat base on this hand-woven tote will make sure your belongings stay in place while you are on the go.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $139

11 of 18

O’Neill 'Beach Blazer' Backpack

Courtesy of O'Neill

Looking for a durable backpack to take on this year’s spring break? You just found it.

To buy: a mazon.com, $46

12 of 18

LeSportsac Weekender

Courtesy of LeSportsac

The detachable double handles of this weekender transform it from a carry-on bag to a fun tropical-print beach tote.

To buy: ebags.com, $200

13 of 18

Roxy 'Savanna Cay' Backpack

Courtesy of Roxy

The beautiful black and white pattern of this cotton backpack looks timeless with a touch of boho.

To buy: amazon.com, $68

14 of 18

Sole Society ‘Oversize Millie’ Tote

Courtesy of Sole Society

The bold navy and white stripes and brown faux-leather handles are a classic combination that never disappoints.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $65

15 of 18

Truss Woven Tote

Courtesy of Truss

Inspired by the traditional market bags of Oaxaca, Mexico, this waterproof beach tote also delivers impeccable quality.

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $195

16 of 18

Herschel Faded Denim Backpack

Courtesy of Herschel Supply Co.

If you're headed for a beach vacation that will include camping, a sturdy backpack is a must.

To buy: shopbop.com, $40

17 of 18

Beach Hair, Don't Care Tote

Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

This Rebecca Minkoff bag adds more fun to the classic straw tote with a cheeky embroidered saying. There are plenty of pockets inside to keep you organized.

To buy: shopspring.com, $195

18 of 18

Hat Attack Canvas Tote

Courtesy of Hat Attack

This rope-handled tote is giving us all of the nautical vibes.

To buy: 6pm.com, $65

Replay gallery

Your Profile

18 Stylish and Sturdy Bags You Can Take From the Airport to the Beach

1 of 18

Mar y Sol ‘Caracas’ tote

1 of 18

2 of 18

Tommy Bahama ‘Palm Beach’ Tote in Cool Combo

2 of 18

3 of 18

Vitamin A 'Tash' Beach Tote Bag

3 of 18

4 of 18

Flora Bella ‘Fes’ Tote

4 of 18

5 of 18

Roxy 'Single Water' Beach Bag

5 of 18

6 of 18

La Blanca ‘Color Me Happy’ Canvas Bag

6 of 18

7 of 18

Melissa Odabash ‘Positano’ Beach Tote

7 of 18

8 of 18

Lucky Brand 'Indie' Bag

8 of 18

9 of 18

Stella McCartney Printed Tote

9 of 18

10 of 18

Mar y Sol ‘Ibiza’ Tote

10 of 18

11 of 18

O’Neill 'Beach Blazer' Backpack

11 of 18

12 of 18

LeSportsac Weekender

12 of 18

13 of 18

Roxy 'Savanna Cay' Backpack

13 of 18

14 of 18

Sole Society ‘Oversize Millie’ Tote

14 of 18

15 of 18

Truss Woven Tote

15 of 18

16 of 18

Herschel Faded Denim Backpack

16 of 18

17 of 18

Beach Hair, Don't Care Tote

17 of 18

18 of 18

Hat Attack Canvas Tote

18 of 18

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery