What to Pack in Your Beach Bag 12 Beach Bag Essentials

There is still a month of summer left for us. But I must admit it is hard to believe it is the end of July already. Especially since this week we had temps in the  low 80’s I am not complaining but that is unseasonably cool. Are you headed to the Beach or Pool this summer? Here are some beach bag essentials for your next trip to the coast. Most of these beach bag essentials work for the lazy days by the pool too! This post contains Affiliate links that will allow me to earn a few cents if you buy from them. Here are some of our favorite beach trips.

beach-bag-must-haves

 

Beach Bag-  A nice big bag with lots of pockets and ideally waterproof will meet most of your needs for your family. Since my kids have gotten older, I have gotten them each their own personalized bag so they are now responsible for their own stuff!! I like mesh beach bags so the sand can fall out. 

Lip balm: Lip protection is important to keep lips from getting chapped by the breeze or burned by the sun. It is so important that your lip balm has SPF too SPF Lip Balm
    

Water shoes or flip-flops: Choose shoes that can get wet and rinse off easily. If you are heading to a public pool that has rough cement, fresh water swimming with a rocky bottom or ocean it would be safer to opt for water shoes with rubber soles with a mesh covering to protect feet and toes. Shoes also help protect delicate feet from hot sand and asphalt, which can cause severe burns.

   Water bottle: Even though your family is spending the day at the beach, it is very important that you rehydrate throughout the day and having water handy will encourage your kids to replenish their fluids. Avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine, soda, and other carbonated drinks, which are dehydrating.

Sand Toys or Ball–Depending if you have kids with you they will want to be entertained so throw some beach toys or a ball for them to play around with.

Hat: Whether you choose a floppy straw hat or a baseball cap, be sure to include hats for every member of your family in your beach bag. Remember that ears get sunburned too so choosing a wide-brimmed hat is extremely useful for keeping the sun off ears, face and head.

Hair ties for the girls—  Even if you have one one before you head out, someone inevitablely will lose it in the surf.

Cell Phone-  be sure and pack it in a plastic bag to keep it from getting sand and water damage. No need for a nice camera if your phone has one. Just one more thing to get ruined.

Eye protection: Sunglasses help shield the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun and also keep you from squinting, which can contribute to premature wrinkling. Be sure to choose sunglasses that have good UV protection.

Sunscreen to protect your family’s precious skin for the sun. We like to have lotion for our bodies and sticks for the face. 

Babypowder it seems to works great to take excess sand of your body before heading home.

 

SwimWays Spring Float Papasan - lifestyle shot

Beach time means relaxation be sure and pack the easy to fold Swimways Spring Float Papasan – They come in a compact carrying case and they fold right back in. Doesn’t this girl look like she is having a blast. Price ranging under $10, not only are they inexpensive and you don’t have to worry about inflating anything, it is instant relaxation. Right now you can get 15% off on  all Swimways floats on the Swimways  website thru July 31st.

 

These are the prefect size for my kids as well as for myself to enjoy some relaxation at the beach. Our pool does not allow for floaties so this will be a beach only toy. For more color options and to watch a video on how easy they are to fold back up into your beach bag check out all the Swimways Products available.

What are your must have beach bag essentials?

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27 Comments

  1. I am so jealous of your dog right now, I haven’t been to the beach all summer!

  2. I just need to have a trip to the beach now. My concern is that my OH never comes on holiday with us, and therefore what do I do with valuables and our bags if we want to go in the water. You can’t really travel light for going to the beach unless you’re parked really close.

  3. These floats look amazing! I’d love to buy some for my family!

  4. Great tips!!! We have that float at my moms pool. Its nice! Thank you for sharing!!

  5. What’s a brand of lip balm you recommend most? Most people bring ice as well because there’s no cold water available in the beach.

  6. I think baby powder is a new items I need to add to my beach bag. Otherwise I’ve been good with having most of the items you suggested.

  7. GREAT tips! I TOTALLY went to the beach last year with a 18 month old and no toys! he spent the afternoon taking toys from other people. Big mistake!

  8. Great list. We use cornstarch instead of baby powder for getting rid of sand because it is safer if the kids swallow it or get it in their eyes.

  9. These are all essentials, got to check you’ve brought these items with you. Love the picture of the dog underneath the umbrella.

  10. That papasan float is so unique loving. I’d love to have that for the pool or beach!

  11. I love Swimways floats! I definitely forget the lip balm in my stash!

  12. The floats would really be perfect for summer. It’s also so handy. It’s also important to have the regular stuff like flip flops, goggles, sunblock, etc.

  13. I bought myself a LifeProof case for my phone. I used to do the ziploc baggie trick too, but now I can take my phone right into the water with my and NO sand gets in ๐Ÿ™‚

  14. I wish I had the need for a beach bag ๐Ÿ™ I have been trying to go to a beach all summer with no luck. These are great tips on things to pack.

  15. I love the color of that float! Looks very relaxing. ๐Ÿ™‚ These are great summer essentials!

  16. All good things to have! The only thing I would add is definitely some magazines/books for entertainment- but I can’t ever sit still!

  17. These are great tips on what to bring to the beach. I always tend to forget something! Lol I’ll have to keep this list in mind ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. Great ideas for Summer Vacation! ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. These are great suggestions! I wish I had seen this before my trip to cancun. I’m also jealous that there was a dog latin ton the beach. Our beaches do not allow dogs.

  20. I used to have one of those spring floats! They are really comfortable! The baby powder is a great tip!

  21. The sling looks so comfortable to be one and I love how compact it packs up.

  22. We have a great floatie for our 7 month old that he can sit in. It might be easier to have my daughter bring her own bag than to carry a huge bag like we do now.

  23. This is a great list! I love the pic of your dog relaxing. Seems everyone enjoys a day at the beach.

  24. I want the spring float. and I agree on the kids all bringing their own bags, although it’s a good idea to CHECK them.

  25. This is great for our upcoming trip! I like the pic of the dog.. mine cannot breathe in the extreme heat, so we cannot take her.