There’s seriously nothing better than a day at the beach! You can relax, recharge, and take in the gorgeous views. But on these hot days, it all comes down to staying cool and comfy—which relies heavily on what you pack. From must-have skincare to cute and practical extras, I’m rounding up all the beach bag essentials I never leave without. And if you need of some cute beach outfits inspo, I have a full outfit guide on what to wear to the beach.
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Beach Bag Essentials
The purpose of a beach bag is to keep you organized, prepared, and stress-free for a day in the sun. No one wants to bring a suitcase to the dunes, and you certainly don’t want to show up empty handed. This guide will make it way easier for you to decide what you really need to put inside your beach bag.
What is a Beach Bag
A beach bag is a functional tote designed to carry everything you need for the trip. Unlike your everyday purse, most beach bags are made with extra room all while staying cute to match your summer style. Here’s a few of my beach bags that I love and use on repeat:
Straw Boho Tote
This lightweight but sturdy straw beach bag is perfect when all you need is a water bottle, SPF, sunscreen, and a good book.
Designer Inspired Bag
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This foldable designer inspired woven beach bag is made for hot days and spontaneous plans, and just big enough to hold all your beach bag essentials.
BOGG Bag
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
The BOGG beach bag went viral on social media for a reason and perfectly fits larger towels. You can even use these divider trays to keep your bag essentials organized.
Mesh Beach Tote
beach bag // flip flops // sunscreen // coverup
A recent purchase of mine that I promise you won’t regret buying! This mesh beach bag is super chic with plenty of space.
What to Pack in a Beach Bag
SPF Mineral Powder
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I bring this powder sunscreen to every beach trip to protect my scalp from burning— and it doesn’t get greasy like other sunscreen!
Tanning Lotion
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This tanning lotion is the best size for traveling and gives you that golden glow for hot and sunny days.
Mini Portable Fan
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
With 3 speeds and a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours, the this mini fan is the ultimate bag essential when you want to stay cool on hot days.
A Book…or Three
book // kindle // sunglasses // claw clip // towel
A good book is a must-have for any beach bag. I’m currently reading The Summer I Turned Pretty series, and it’s so hard to put down!
Digital E-Reader
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I love my Kindle’s long battery life and how its slim design can fit easily in even the smallest beach bags.
Touchland Hand Sanitizer
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
Because on a hot day, no one wants sticky fingers from their melting ice cream cone. Hand sanitizer is a serious no-brainer!
Snack Box Container
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
Ditch the boardwalk fries and pack a mini charcuterie spread in your beach bag with these cute waterproof containers.
Glowy Eye Balm
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I love to pack this gorgeous glowy eye balm for an instant under-eye refresh on hot days.
Noise Canceling Headphones
One of my top beach bag essentials for busy beach days, my favorite wireless headphones keep me in Zen mode.
Summer Fridays Lip Gloss
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This lip gloss is sheer, lightweight, and actually stays on even after taking sips from my water bottle throughout the day.
Portable Charger
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
We’ve all had those beach days with a fair amount of doom scrolling while laying out, and a portable charger is total must-have.
Mini-Bluetooth Speaker & Digital Camera
bluetooth speaker // digital camera // sunscreen // towel
Waterproof and dustproof, this wireless JBL speaker was practically made for hot days at the beach. A cute digital camera is a smart beach bag essential so you can capture those summer vacation memories without draining your phone battery.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
Case-Mate came in clutch making this waterproof phone pouch touchscreen-friendly and it will instantly float if it hits the water.
Facial Sunscreen
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This is the best sunscreen for your face! No white cast, not greasy, and it doesn’t break you out.
Stainless Steel Watter Bottle
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This cute insulated water bottle keeps your drinks cold for hours, even during hot days under the sun.
Oversized Beach Towel
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This soft beach towel is roomy enough to lounge on, and large enough to dry off and wrap around with.
Waterproof Makeup Bag
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I use this chic aesthetic bag to protect my electronics and organize my other smaller items from rolling around in the bottom of my beach bag.
How to Pack a Beach Bag
Start with the big stuff first. Lay your towel down and pack large items like your water bottle and pouches/containers to form a base. No more crunched sunglasses!
Use pouches to stay organized. Keep your sunscreen and lip gloss in a waterproof pouch so you’re not digging through the sand for them later.
Keep wet and dry items separate. Stash your swimsuit or anything damp in a separate Ziplock bag to keep your electronics safe and dry.
Always bring a layer. Bring a coverup, linen button down, or lightweight dress to give you sun protection without overpacking.
Don’t forget power. Between your phone and speakers, keep a power bank or portable charger amped and ready.
Snacks = Sanity. A divided container for snacks keeps you fueled and organized. You’ll thank me later.
Bonus: Cute Beachy Style Picks
Cutest Accessories for Hot Days
Polarized Sunglasses
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
My fave sunnies, they’re designer-inspired and add instant cool to any beach bag.
Oval Sunglasses
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I pack these chic sunglasses in my beach bag when I want something equal parts trend-savvy and functional.
Retro Sunglasses
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I’m obsessed with these designer look-alike shades that are chic but still protect your eyes from the sun on hot days.
Cute Strapback Hat
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
A sleek Adidas cap in white matches everything and gives a sporty twist to your beach look.
Faux Engagement Ring
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I’ve received tons of compliments on this gorgeous budget-friendly ring, and I bring it with me on every beach vacation.
My Go-To Swim Sets
Textured 3-Piece Bikini Set
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I recently wore this in Vegas, and the neutral tone of the bikini set with wrap matches effortlessly with flip flops, beach bag, and gold hoops.
Color Block Bikini
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
This chic black and white bikini top and matching cheeky bottoms pair well with silver-toned jewelry for a classy beach look.
Light Layers for the Beach
Linen Button Down
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
Keep it breezy with a linen button down to stay covered for hot days at the beach that get random bursts of wind.
Oversized Button Down
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
A crisp, white button down elevates any beach look with a touch of elegance.
Long Sleeve Crochet Swimsuit Cover Up
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
I’m obsessed with this orange, designer-inspired crochet cover-up! It’s lightweight while still giving just the right amount of coverage.
Short Sleeve Crochet Dress
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE (this bikini has since sold out, shop here for a similar look)
This flowy boho V-neck cover up flatters any figure, and the neutral tone pairs well with a bold blue two piece swimsuit.
Sleeveless Cover Up Dress
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
The side slits on this lightweight knit dress keeps you breezy, chic, and covered and looks great layered over a high-waisted bikini.
Comfy Shoes for the Beach
Neutral Flip Flops
These comfy neutral sandals literally match everything and can be easily thrown into a beach bag for when you hit the sand.
Cushy Sandals
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
These comfy designer-inspired flip flops are a cute and easy option when you’re on the hunt for beach shoes that are cute and budget-friendly.
Double Buckle Slip-On Sandals
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
If you’re looking for Birkenstock vibes on a budget to wear on hot days down the beach boardwalk—look no further.
Black Flip Flops
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
Another neutral option for the beach, I wear these cute black sandals on repeat.
Non-Slip Slides
Shop this Beach Bag Essential HERE
The comfiest slides ever, you will feel like you’re walking on a cloud as you trudge through the sand.
Pack Your Beach Bag Like a Pro
With the right amount of beach bag essentials, you’ll stay cool, organized and totally unbothered on hot days. Still trying to figure out how to complete the look? Don’t miss my full list of swimsuits and shoes to pair with your (now) perfectly packed beach bag!
