Every summer I tell myself I’ll “pack light” for the beach, and every single time… my bag ends up full of random little things that I swear I can’t live without. Over the years, though, I’ve figured out which things actually make my day by the ocean better (and which ones are just dead weight). Here are the items that always come with me:
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1. Sunscreen, obviously.
I’ve had too many sunburn disasters to ever risk skipping this. I keep a big bottle of SPF 50 for my body and a tiny stick version for my face. The stick feels less messy, especially when my hands are sandy.
2. Oversized sunglasses.
I’m not picky with fashion when it comes to sunglasses—the bigger, the better. They cover half my face, and honestly, I kind of love that “celebrity hiding from paparazzi” vibe.
3. A floppy hat.
I didn’t used to bother with hats until one summer when I got the worst heat headache. Now, my wide-brim hat is as essential as my swimsuit. Bonus: it makes even my simplest beach outfit feel a little more stylish.
4. Snacks.
Beach hunger is real. I always toss in some fruit, trail mix, or just plain old chips. Nothing worse than sitting under the sun and realizing you’re starving with only overpriced ice cream stands nearby.
5. A good book.
Not an e-reader, an actual paperback. Something about flipping through real pages with salty, sunscreen-y hands just feels right. It’s my favorite way to spend those lazy hours under the umbrella.
6. A big, messy towel.
I know people love those cute compact beach towels, but mine is this giant, slightly faded one I’ve had forever. It’s soft, huge, and somehow feels like home when I stretch out on it.
7. Water, water, and more water.
I carry a giant reusable bottle because I get dehydrated so easily at the beach. Pro tip: freeze half the bottle the night before so it stays cold for hours.
At this point, I’ve accepted that my beach bag will never be minimalist—it’s always a little overstuffed. But honestly? That’s part of the fun. As long as I have these essentials, I know I’ll have the perfect beach day.