Beach Essentials To Bring Along To Splash Around

A day at the beach can be one of the most rewarding things in life. Sun, sand, and sea all in perfect proportions—you've definitely chosen the right state for your oceanside vacation. Tanning just long enough to get that perfect glow, splashing around when it gets too hot; it's not just cooling, it's perfection. 

But underneath all that romance and Instagram likes that flood in like tides, hides a perfect packing regimen. If you don’t pack right, all the above activities go from lovely to nightmarish in a matter of seconds. For instance, buying snacks from a beach vendor can be a great treat, but if you find yourself hostage to them, consider your budget blown. Or if you tan a little longer than “just enough”, you may face overheating without the right supplies. We’re not even going to mention sand chafing… 

To have the beach getaway of your dreams or simply the ideal day by the waves, make sure you have all your bases covered with these beach essentials. Less worries and more sunshine is what we want this summer.

The Beach Day Essentials You Need For A Fun Time 

Swimsuit

When it comes to beach necessities, first thing’s first—you’re going to need a swimsuit. And luckily, the Golden State boasts plenty of swimwear brands that are as affordable as they are gorgeous. A brand we love particularly is prAna, partly due to the sleek designs but more importantly, the company’s lifelong commitment to sustainability. Get your hands on the Atalia one-piece and splash around in style.

Sandals 

Beach footwear is often subject to personal preference. Many prefer simple flip-flops while others opt for a sturdier, Teva-style sandal. Personally, we love rocking the Heartbeats Ankle Strap Sandal from Matisse Footwear because they’re sustainable, easy to frolic in, and don’t get damaged by the sand. And if there are day hikes you’re planning to embark on, these should definitely make the beach essentials list.

Quick-Dry Shorts 

If you’re looking for quick-dry beach shorts, then opt for the Patagonia Baggies—a tried and true summer favorite. These shorts are made with an all-purpose function of DWR-coated nylon (durable water repellent), mesh hand pockets, and an elastic drawstring waist to adjust for the fit you want. Armed with durability, endless comfort, and a lightweight feel, these shorts are great for all sorts of coastal adventures.

Fanny Pack

Have you heard that fanny packs are making a comeback? That’s right, next time you’re packing up those beach trip essentials, don’t forget about this item—it’s faux pas no more! Fanny packs are functional, easy, and convenient for practically anything. Use the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack and safely stash everything from your keys and cash to chapstick and sunglasses.

Sunglasses 

Speaking of sunglasses, no list of beach day essentials is complete without a pair. Grab yourself a pair of Sunski shades and soak up the coastal sun. Our personal favorite are the Yuba glasses. Named after the Yuba River in the Northern Sierra, these sunglasses are unisex, come in great options, and have UV protection.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the one thing you need for a beach vacation that you just can’t forget. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to a foggy shore or the hottest beach in the state; sunscreen is the one step you should never skip before heading outdoors for the day. Get all the protection you’d expect from a regular lotion minus the grease with the All Good SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. Also known as physical sunscreens, these mineral lotions provide a reef-safe, zinc-oxide alternative to the chemical-laden ones we’re so used to seeing. And while it goes on white when applying, massage it in a bit and watch as it absorbs into your skin. Another pro tip—use moisturizer before applying for a smoother feel.

Tote Bag

Every avid beachgoer knows the importance of a good tote bag—it’s the essence that carries your treasure. A good tote is durable, water and sand resistant, and comes with several pockets to keep things organized; all of this without sacrificing style. This is why we love ALOHA’s Day Palms Day Tripper Tote. Its outer material protects your valuables from water, and the gorgeous print is inspired by lazy afternoons under the hot summer sun.

Sun Hat

It doesn’t really matter if you’re going to a winter beach or a secluded gem where crowds rarely step foot— you’re going to need a sun hat. The Sheel Beeds Ladies Sun Hat from California Hat Company is our favorite one-size-fits-most item with plenty of sun protection and an adorable, stylish look. You can even don it on those breezy beach days thanks to its inner lining.

Cooler 

Are you planning to spend the entire day at the beach? In order to keep your snacks and drinks nice and chilled, you should come prepared with a cooler; our best suggestion is AO Cooler’s Rotomolded 50 Qt. The tough-as-nails, lightweight, and leak-proof cooler is the ultimate addition to your beach camping essentials. And if you need more room, you can easily find a cooler bigger than this one—make that camping trip a big party.

Reusable Water Bottle 

Ditch the single-use plastic and make the sustainable swap before heading to the beach. The thermal vacuum insulated Rooted Water Bottle from Everyday California is 100 percent BPA-free stainless steel—that’s fancy talk for eco-friendly products. Drinking out of this health-conscious reusable water bottle is also convenient due to its wide-mouth design. And did we mention how cool it looks?

Sand-Free Towel 

Perhaps the only downside to kicking it back at the beach is going home with wet towels full of sand. Thankfully, we don’t have to deal with that issue anymore. Nomadix features an amazing sand-resistant All-Purpose Towel, made from post-consumer recycled plastic that’s equally soft and versatile. It doesn’t even leave any trace of sand in your car either. These lifesavers dry up super quickly, so whenever you’re ready to pack up, simply shake out the sand and stash it in your tote.