How to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

• Sunscreen

The most important thing you can pack for a day in the sun is sunscreen. Grab one with a higher SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply often, especially after splashing around in the water.

• Hat and Sunglasses

Just as important as it is to protect your skin, it’s equally important to protect your head and eyes from the sun. Make sure to pack a pair (or two) of sunglasses to make it easier on your eyes to enjoy reading a book or watching the kids play. Polarized are the best option when it comes to fighting off the glare from the water. When it comes to hats, a foldable sunhat is the easiest to roll up and stick in your bag. Not only does it protect your head, but it covers up sensitive areas like your face, ears, and neck as well.

• Beach Blanket and Towel

A beach blanket makes a great spot for the kids to spread out and have a snack, sit on as they play in the sand, or dry off after surfing some waves. Tip: Keep a bucket of water by the blanket and have the kids wash off their feet and hands in an attempt to avoid getting sand everywhere. A towel is the easiest way to dry off, so make sure to pack a few.

• Refreshments

Playing around in the sand and sea is known to build up an appetite. We recommend bringing plenty of individually packed snacks, whether in small Ziploc bags or sold in individual containers. This avoids too many hands reaching in the same bag and the extra crunch of sand in your snack. Sandwiches, fruit, and chips make an easy lunch to bring to the beach. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and drinks to hydrate.

• Cooler

The best place to store and keep your snacks and refreshments cool during the warm days is in a cooler. The size of the storage container is up to you. Coolers range from a small bookbag to a larger container, depending on what you need to pack. Don’t forget the ice packs. Tip: Freeze water bottles with water and use them as ice packs. When they melt you have extra drinks at hand.            

• Entertainment 

While you may be content to curl up with a book, your kids are sure to need more things to keep busy than simply searching for shells. A simple beach bucket and shovel are ideal for building sandcastles. Plus, a few games like bocce ball, paddleball, or even a little golf ball are beach games that are easy to throw in your bag and provide hours of entertainment.

• Portable Waterproof Speaker

When it comes to playing music while you relax, your phone can only get so loud. Packing a portable waterproof speaker is perfect for turning up the tunes while soaking up the sun.

• Water Toys

You’ve packed the toys for the sand, but don’t forget the ones for the ocean. Whether it’s a ball that bounces across the top of the water, a float to drift around, or a boogie board to ride the waves, water toys are essential for a day of splashing in the surf. 

• Waterproof Phone Case

As much as you come to the beach to unwind and unplug, you’re more than likely going to have your phone on hand to snap candid photos. It’s smart to pack a waterproof phone case so you don’t have to worry about sand or water ruining your expensive phone.

• Baby Powder

A simple item that might not be on your list but is a great item to pack is baby powder. Even after washing and drying your feet, there always seems to be a few pieces of sand that stick around. Pour some baby powder on your feet and it makes it super easy to brush the sand right off.