Ultimate Beach Day: Things to Bring to the Beach

The trip to the beach is a timeless tradition for all families and friends. However, not packing the right tools can make the journey very enjoyable or stressful. This article will break down the ins and outs of what you should bring to have the best beach trip possible. To some, a few of these beach trip essentials may be deemed extra or unnecessary, but I believe in comfort and preparing for the worst-case scenario. You just leave a few things in the car but let's plan for success!

Whether you're a fan of sand and surf or just like to relax in the sun with a good book, there's no denying that a day at the beach is a special treat. But before you can enjoy the waves, you need to pack your beach bag. Deciding what to pack for the beach can be stressful, but I got you. Right below is what I bring to most of my beach trips. I love to stay all day at the beach, so I have an extended list of beach items. I have separated them into beach essentials and bougie beach essentials. Take a combination of both to your next beach vacation to enjoy your days on the sand.

Beach Necessities

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Beach Towel/ Beach Blanket

• Wipes (Antibacterial and Baby)

• Change of Clothes

• First Aid Kit

• Snacks

• Water

Bougie Beach Necessities

• Beach Tent

• Beach Chairs

• Speakers

• Bug Spray

Not all Beaches are Made Equal

The essential items vary from beach to beach. If you're headed to a resort or beach club, you don't need beach blankets or beach towels because they will be provided free of charge. Even though beach chairs are provided, there may not be any available. Look ahead to check for high volume times to ensure a beach chair and cocktail are waiting for you.

Sand Free Beaches?

The shock of the year: Not all beaches have sand. There are a ton of rocky beaches as you head to northern beaches in Europe or Northern America. Those day trips require a more extended beach checklist, such as thick or padded beach blankets and beach chairs. This is not the time for flip-flops. Water shoes will prevent scratches from the rocks, whether in or out of the water. Bring a first aid kit in case of falls.

Beach Necessities

Not sure what to bring to the beach? Here's a handy beach packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a fun-filled day in the sun. This beach trip packing list is for those beach goers who arrive to only sand and surf.

Sunscreen

There is a horribly untrue rumor going around the melanin community that people of color do not need to use sunscreen. I can promise you you will never meet a dermatologist who will tell you not to wear sunscreen, regardless of your hue, all skin burns. Let me repeat that all skin burns, especially in direct sunlight, for extended periods. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common type in the USA. I suggest bringing two kinds of sunscreen, one for your face and one for your body. As someone with sensitive skin, I can quickly tell the difference between putting body sunscreen on my face and using a moisturizer that includes sunscreen. Remember to reapply every couple of hours to ensure complete coverage. 

Note: Do not forget about your lips! Invest in a lip balm that has sunscreen.

Hats and sunglasses

Another form of sun protection is a hat and sunglasses. Not only will they protect your face and scalp from the harmful rays, but they'll also help keep you cool. There are specialty hats that are rated for various levels of SPF. These are your best form of sun protection.

Note: The sun reflecting off the water can be dangerous for your eyes. Avoid looking at the water for extended periods. Eye burn is a real thing and annoyingly painful.

Beach Towels

Whether you're planning on hitting the waves or just want to lay in the sand, a good beach towel is a necessity. So be sure to pack more than one. I suggest bringing three towels:

• One for drying off your body

• one to place on the sand or public beach chair

• a face towel in case anything gets in your eyes.

If you have a sand-proof beach blanket, this works even better than the beach towel. To help regulate your body temperature, keep a cold damp towel in a small cooler. If anyone suffers from heat exhaustion, placing a wet towel on their forehead or the back of their neck will bring down their core temperature until help arrives.

Wipes

COVID is still among us, so antibacterial wipes are great to use before indulging in snacks. The west coast is lined with beautiful beaches, but the salt content in the Atlantic Ocean will suck all of the moisture out of your body. Baby wipes are also a great way to get some salt off your body before heading home.

Change of Clothes

I highly encourage everyone to pack a change of clothes. Whether you want to change into something more comfortable after a dip in the ocean or just need a dry set of clothes for the drive home, it's always good to have an extra set on hand. I consider this a beach essential since there are health risks for women from not wearing a wet bathing suit for hours out of the water, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. If you cannot dry your bathing suit, bring a Ziploc bag to hold it.

Snacks

A few snacks go a long way! The amount of calories burned by swimming is insane! High protein and non-perishable snacks such as graham crackers, chewy bars, and nuts are great. Mix in durable fruits like apples or hydrating fruits like watermelon to keep everyone's blood sugar level.

Water

Having cold drinks available is excellent for kids and adults. Whether refillable (BPA free) or plastic, water bottles are a beach essential. Dehydration is tough on top of sun and saltwater. Keep your drinks cold in either insulated water bottles or a small cooler. My favorite water bottle for the beach is the Hydroflask. Any vacuum water bottle will work, but this one has always served me well. Fill the vacuum water bottle with ice and just add water to it as it slowly melts.

Note: Freeze your disposable water bottles to keep extra snacks cool and to have cold drinks later in the day.

First Aid Kit

This must-have item seems like it's for the kids, but everyone needs band-aids whether it's a family day or you're traveling solo. Anyone can fall from the force of a wave or get stung by a jellyfish. The sand can be very coarse and scratch you depending on the body of water. Include eye wash in your first aid kit for sand and saltwater irritation

Note: When picking your beach spot, take note of the nearest lifeguard station. If there is no lifeguard on duty, check for the nearest emergency services to prepare you for anything.

Bougie Beach Essentials

Bougie may be a stretch but here are some items I always pack for the beach. Could you have a fun beach trip without them? Of course! But I strive for excellence, and I hope you do too on your next beach vacation!

Beach Tent

I consider this one of my beach essentials. I love being at the beach because I enjoy napping at the beach. Being in the presence of the waves lulls me to sleep. The last thing I want to wake up to is sunburn or sand in my eyes (or anywhere else for that matter). When I was living on the west coast, I was traveling solo to the beach most weekends. My beach tent gave me a safe place to put all my other beach items. It provided shade to keep my drinks cold and a place to change my clothes. Most beaches are also windy. Closing the "windows" on my tent kept me hydrated and warm on the cooler days. Some people prefer a beach umbrella, but I refuse to chase a giant beach umbrella because of the wind or have kids kick sand in my face as they run after their beach ball. As I said, I'm bougie, and I'm okay with it.

Beach Chairs

Sunbathing is cute, but after the wind picks up in the early afternoon, I need a little distance between me and the sand. If you're headed to the beach for a day trip and plan on staying more than three hours, being able to sit in a chair after laying down for an hour feels marvelous.

Speakers

For my music lovers, a JBL speaker is a must-have! If it's a group beach trip, having background music while playing card games or beach volleyball just takes the energy to the next level. Basically, music is adult equivalent to sandcastles.

Bug Spray

The beach may be filled with humans by day, but tons of wildlife call the beach home too. If you know me personally, you know I don't do bugs! The later you stay, the more mosquitos and flies start to emerge. By sunset, you'll notice the influx of sand flies.

Beach Toys

Having fun things to do, especially when traveling with kids is a must. Depending on your beach destination, there may be a board walk like Jersey Shore or Santa Monica. For everyone else, you have to entertain yourselves. Cards, soccer ball, football, and volleyball are what I usually bring for adults. If traveling with kids have some beach toys such as shovels, buckets, a boogie board, or floating beach balls.

Note: If the children in the group are not strong swimmers, use a life jacket over water wings. There are life jackets tested but the Coast Guard and no matter how rough the waves get, it won't come off.

Conclusion

No matter what your beach essentials are, make sure to pack them with you for a great day at the beach. Whether it's sunscreen, water bottles, or bug spray, don't forget to save space for your favorite book. And if you're like me and enjoy a good nap in the sun, don't forget your beach chair and tent!