The Ultimate Beach Packing List, According To A Frequent Beachgoer

This 7-foot umbrella not only provides ample shade, but is also reinforced with a fiberglass frame to withstand even the most unpredictable of breezes. It’s built with an adjustable tilt, meaning you can shift it throughout the day to combat the changing angle of the sun.

Beachfront loungers don’t get any more luxurious than Sunny Life’s classic model, which not only looks good, but is incredibly comfortable. For ease of transport, the chair converts into a backpack so that you can carry it with you far across white sands. It also includes a drink holder, six recline settings and an insulated cooler pocket for stashing a few drinks away.

This super soft beach towel is made in Portgual and comes in five vibrant colors perfect for the summer. They’re slightly oversized and ultra absorbent, and reviewers rave about their plush feel that instantly elevates any long day by the water. Brooklinen sells these in bundles, so you can grab a bunch at once for the whole family.

L.L.Bean’s classic tote was first introduced in 1944 and has since become a cult favorite among travelers. Constructed with heavyweight canvas and double-stitched seams, it can carry up to 500 pounds. It comes in 12 different colorways and four sizes. Families can also have their names monogrammed on the front for a bit of extra style.

O’neill’s Basic rash guards are formulated with UPF 50+ fabric for all-day sun protection. You won’t necessarily need one—a great sunscreen can do the same job—but if you’re looking for more coverage, or just need extra support against your boogie or surfboard, investing in a high quality sun shirt is a must. The men’s and women’s options offer four colorways each. Take note that reviewers recommend sizing up.

As far as cover-ups go, Madewell’s Crinkle Cotton Shirtdress surpasses many in terms of both style and functionality. Its oversized fit is casual yet timeless, and its open collar and buttons make it easy to throw on and off throughout a hot day.

If you’re looking for a more unisex cover-up, this kimono robe from Sabbia can add a touch of elegance to your beach attire. The Turkish brand crafted this robe with a chic geometric design that’s sure to turn heads, and its wide sleeves offer plenty of breathability.

Leakproof mask? Check. Customizable fins? Check. A snorkel top that’s splash resistant? Absolutely. This snorkel set from Speedo has it all, and at its affordable price, it’s a fantastic option for beginner and seasoned pro snorkelers alike. The polycarbonate mask lenses will keep your vision crystal clear during your adventures.

A top-of-the-line surfboard is always a bit of a splurge. But if you’re a beginner or intermediate rider who’s willing to take the plunge, this soft board from The Critical Slide Society is worth the investment. Its slight concave bend and low rocker make transitions over waves seamless. We love its epoxy soft top and medium-length construction, which are perfect for newer surfers.

With almost 900 5-star ratings on Amazon, this boogie board from Goplus is a popular pick for riding out waves. It was made with people of all ages in mind and features an EPS core for buoyancy, balanced rails for enhanced wave transitions and a HDPE bottom for stability. It’s also incredibly lightweight.

What’s not to love with this sand toy set from SupMLC? Parents will appreciate the no-mess mesh bag it comes with, while kids will go crazy over the castle molds, bucket, sand shovel and—of course—the animal and dinosaur shapes. With 27 pieces total, this kit promises hours of beach fun for kiddos everywhere.

You can never go wrong with a classic beach ball. Intex’s inflatable jumbo ball comes with a repair patch for inevitable tears, although its made of a vinyl PVC material that gives it a longer-lasting durability than most. Some reviewers even claim it retains its shape for months on end.

This trendy sun hat from Solbari was designed and tested in the Australian heat, and it definitely shows. Its quick-drying, soft fabric can withstand all sorts of splashes. In addition to its UPF 50+ material that blocks UVA and UVB, it also offers a 2.8-inch brim for extra shade.

Polarized sunglasses have been all the rage for their eye strain–reducing properties, and Raen’s selections remain no exception. The unisex Remmy sunglasses feature fashionable, green polarized lenses that doubly offer UVA/UVB protection. With an embedded wire core, this pair will sit comfortably on your temples all day long—regardless of how much you sweat.

No beach outfit is complete without a pair of trusty flip flops. Hari Mari’s are built of premium nylon, with soft insoles and a firm arch for added stability. The footbed is also engineered to disperse water so you can dip your toes into the tide as much as you want without worrying about slippage. In the women’s shoe, the brand recommends that half-size wearers should order a size up.

If the beach you’re venturing to has a craggy coast, try out these water shoes. Water shoes are typically designed to protect your feet against rougher surfaces. This pair features specially engineered outsoles for extra traction. Its insole is hydrophobic, while its surf knit upper provides breathable, plush support against your foot.

Packing sunblock is the first rule of all beach days. Supergoop’s products are incredibly popular, but I recommend the brand’s Play Everyday Lotion due to its high SPF, versatility (it can be used all over the body and is non-comedogenic) and lack of a white cast. Its smooth formula feels super lightweight, so you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. The sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so don’t forget to reapply.

Looking to bump some tunes? This portable speaker from Marshall will have your playlist resonating in the hot summer air. With one charge unlocking 30-plus hours of playtime, this speaker is tiny but mighty, offering a 360-degree stereophonic sound experience despite its compact size. Its premier durability and water-resistant engineering have also earned it an IP67 rating; this thing is practically built for the beach.

Gone are the days of wheeling around an overstuffed cooler on the sand. The Yeti Hopper cooler is one you can actually lift and carry, thanks to its sturdy straps that rest comfortably on your back. Its lid is reinforced with magnets to keep your goods cold for longer. You can fit up to 22 pounds of ice and 36 cans in it—or, if you’re feeling inclined, even a wine bottle as well.