Smart Finds

15 Essentials for Your Next Beach Trip

by  Lauren Dana Ellman | Mar 18, 2019
Family at the beach
Family at the beach / petrenkod/iStock

If you’re dreaming of long, sunny beach days spent lounging on the sand, we have a list for you. Take the hassle out of beach packing and planning with these 15 essentials, all of which will make your excursion run a little more smoothly.  

1. A Smarter Beach Blanket

This quick-drying, sand-resistant, and water-resistant blanket will help keep you cool on scorching days. Simply use the ground stakes and the sand pockets to keep the blanket in place. Also, use the carrying bag to protect your cell phone and other essentials while you’re sprawled on the sand. Buy it now

2. An Umbrella-Free Shade Solution

This spacious four-person beach tent pops up easily and requires little effort to set up or pack away. Use it for shade during the day, and for camping under the stars in the evening. Buy it now.

3. A Beach Bag with a Built-in Cooler

What’s not to love about this affordable, multi-purpose beach bag? Its cooler compartment will keep your food and drinks chilled on a hot day, and it’s large enough to hold four beach towels. Two external pockets are great for storing your phone, sunscreen, and other small necessities. Buy it now.

4. A Beach Chair You Can Wear as a Backpack

Convenient, comfortable, and adjustable: This beach chairs is a must-haves for your next trip to the shore. The chair adjusts to five different positions and includes a pillow (also adjustable). Once it’s time to head home, simply slip the padded straps over your shoulders. Buy it now.

5. A Sand Toy Set That Covers All the Bases

This 18-piece set includes buckets, shovels, rakes, water cans, molds, and more. Whether your junior beachgoers want to build sandcastles or dig for sand crabs, this kit has got them covered. Buy it now.

6. Beach Towels That’ll Dry Faster Than Ever

These extra-large towels are ideal for a fun-filled day at the beach. And, thanks to an innovative fabric blend, they dry up to three times faster than normal towels. Choose a different color for each family member and you won’t have to fight over them. Buy it now

7. A Handy Set of Drink Holder Stakes

Keep your cool beverage close at hand (and out of the sand) with these stands. They require no special setup and come with a bag for easy carrying. Buy it now

8. A Place to Hang All Your Stuff

This umbrella hook has four prongs and provides support for both large (cameras, towels, blankets) and small necessities (cellphones, sunglasses, key rings). It’s adjustable, so you can choose the perfect height. Buy it now.

9. Seashell-Collecting Bags That Won’t Make a Mess

Go hands-free while you’re shell hunting with these convenient mesh bags. Then, drop the whole bag into your beach tote so they won’t get lost on the way home. Buy it now.

10. A Tiny Yet Powerful Wireless Speaker

This compact waterproof speaker is great for days at the beach. Pair the speaker to your phone using Bluetooth technology and enjoy up to six hours of playing time. Its sturdy straps allow for easy carrying from the car to the beach. Buy it now.

11. Wet-Dry Bags to Store Clothes and Swimsuits

These handy pouches are great for storing swimsuits and other beach essentials, and you won’t have to worry about leaks. Plus, each has two large compartments, so you can keep your swimsuits organized. Buy it now.

12. A Kid-Approved Kite

This devil fish kite has lots of personality and takes less than two minutes to set up. It’s perfect for newbies and pros alike and folds into a neat-looking bag, which makes it easy to carry and store. It comes with 300 feet of string. Buy it now.

13. A Portable Safe That Doesn’t Weigh a Ton

Don’t spend your precious beach time guarding your beloved essentials. Instead, stow them in this portable, cut-proof safe and enjoy the water, soak up the sun, and build sandcastles. Set your own combination, place your items inside, and enjoy your day. Buy it now.

14. An Umbrella That Won’t Blow Away

Who wants to get on all fours to twist an umbrella into the sand, only to then worry about it flying away? Instead, consider this all-in-one beach umbrella system. All you have to do is fill the pouch with sand to keep it sturdy and adjust to your liking. Once anchored, the umbrella can withstand winds up to 35 mph. The kit also includes a carrying bag, case, and accessory kit. Buy it now.

15. A Protective Pouch for Your Phone

Keep your phone safe and dry as you enjoy the beach. Thanks to this waterproof pouch, you’ll still be able to use your phone as normal  the case is touch-sensitive  without having to worry about it getting soaked or grimy with sand. Buy it now.

ShermansTravel uses affiliate links in this article to generate revenue. When you purchase an item after following one of these links, ShermansTravel may receive a commission. The items in this article were chosen independently by ShermansTravel’s editorial team.

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