15 Beach Essentials for a Perfect Day in the Sun

Packing for the beach is like a game—part fun, part strategy. I am a mom who’s done this more times than I can count. The right beach essentials can turn a sandy mess into a smooth, sun-soaked success.

Today I’m sharing my top 15 beach essentials—the game-changing items that make packing a breeze and your beach day feel as relaxing as that first deep breath of ocean air.

From top-rated Amazon finds to family-approved favorites, I’ve gathered the most functional, stylish, and mom-worthy must-haves. They are perfect for a day in the sun.

Because a well-packed beach bag isn’t just convenient—it’s your ticket to more fun, less stress, and memories that last long after the tan fades.

So, let’s skip the guesswork and dive into the tried-and-true beach essentials you’ll want on repeat all summer.

The Perfect Beach Bag: Stylish and Functional

Let’s start with the MVP of any beach day: a reliable beach bag.

You want something roomy, breathable, easy to clean, and cute enough to carry with pride. Bonus points if it can stand up to the chaos of sunscreen spills, wet swimsuits, and the occasional rogue granola bar.

Enter the Bogg Bag—my top pick for beach bag essentials. It’s big, durable, and basically made for moms. With its lightweight, water-resistant design and signature hole pattern (hello breathability!), this bag is a total game-changer for beach days.

PS: I’m featuring the mint green and black editions throughout this post, but most of these finds come in tons of fun colors and prints too!

The Bogg Beach Bag

You can also purchase accessories for your keys, phone, etc., making the Bogg Bag even more convenient. These accessories attach to the holes in the bag, just like those cute little attachments on the top of Crocs. Now, you can personalize your bag just the way you like it.

Must-Have Bogg Accessories

1. Divider Tray for Bogg Bag
Customize your compartments and keep things from turning into one big jumble.

2. 6-Piece Hook Set for Bogg Bags
Hang essentials like sunglasses, keys, or sanitizers inside or out for quick access.

3. Silicone Phone Holder
This slides right into the holes for easy phone access—and fits nearly every model.

4. Personalized Name Tag
Because moms deserve to be cute and functional. Add charm with a tassel and your name!

5. Stanley Cup Holder Attachment
Let’s be honest—your Stanley is coming with you. This keeps it secure and close by.

6. Clear Zipper Insert for Bogg Bags
Protect your valuables from sand and splashes with these sealed zipper pouches.

Beach Towels & Blankets: Soft, Sand-Resistant Must-Haves

Not all towels are created equal—especially when it comes to the beach. I love a towel that’s soft, quick-drying, and most importantly, sand-resistant.

No more taking half the beach home with you!

And let’s talk about the blanket situation: ditch the old bedsheet and upgrade to a waterproof beach blanket.

These are made for sand, spills, and setting up a comfy, dry space for the whole crew.

Here are a few of my top picks:

Beach Towels

These towels were made for the beach. They’re ultra-lightweight, dry super fast, and come with their own little travel pouch—perfect for tossing into your beach bag without taking up too much space.

Waterproof Beach Blanket

Lay it out for lounging, picnicking, or creating a cozy seating area while the kids build sandcastles. These blankets are a major step up from dragging out an old sheet and hoping for the best.

Lounging in Style: Beach Chairs, Tents & Umbrellas

Let’s be real—lounging at the beach is an art form. Whether you’re soaking in the sun, reading a book, or keeping one eye on the kids while they splash in the waves, a good beach chair is a must.

You can go simple or upgrade to a deluxe lounger—either way, comfort is key. The chairs below are Amazon favorites, known for being lightweight, foldable, and even equipped with cup holders (yes, please!).

The Chairs

The Shade Game: Tent or Umbrella?

Let’s settle the debate—tent or umbrella? Personally, I’m team beach tent all the way. It’s perfect for families who need a break from the sun. It offers a sand-free spot to snack. It’s also a little private shade oasis.

But I totally get the appeal of a cute beach umbrella—they’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and look super charming with your setup.

The Tent

This tent is a total win. It sets up in minutes (yes, even solo), and the “no-sand zone” I create in front with my waterproof blanket? Game-changer.

The Umbrella

If you only need shade for two, this one is chef’s kiss. It folds easily into a carry bag and has serious coastal charm..

Stay Hydrated, Cool, and Refreshed

Let’s talk beach survival 101: stay cool, stay hydrated. Whether you’re spending the whole day by the water or just a few hours, bringing along the right cooler can make all the difference.

Staying hydrated on hot days is important, so a cooler is another beach essential.

The Coolers

Perfect for all-day beach trips. This hard cooler holds snacks and drinks for the whole fam, keeps ice solid longer, and has a tight seal to avoid spills in the car.

Lightweight, hands-free, and easy to carry! This portable backpack cooler is ideal for shorter beach days or when you’re juggling kids and gear. Just keep in mind—ice melts a bit faster in soft coolers.

The Fans (Optional, but Amazing)

Okay, so this one’s not technically an essential… but once you’ve used a mini fan on a hot beach day, there’s no going back. If you’re not one to dip in the water much or just like that extra breeze, trust me—this is a low-effort way to stay chill.

Toss one in your bag for those moments when the sun is a little too spicy.

Music at the Beach: Waterproof Portable Speakers

It’s just not a beach day without a soundtrack.

Whether it’s today’s hits or nostalgic throwbacks, music makes the moment. There’s always that one song that brings you right back to a perfect beach day with your favorite people.

That’s why a waterproof portable speaker is a must in my beach bag. These JBL speakers are compact, easy to pack, and super durable—perfect for sandy, splashy adventures.

Toss one in your Bogg Bag and let the good vibes roll.

The Top 3 Bestselling Bluetooth Beach Speakers on Amazon

For the Kids: Adorable Beach Toys in Muted Tones

While Life and Style by Jilian is all about making mama’s day easier, we can’t forget about the little ones! After all, happy kids = a relaxing beach day (well, mostly 😉).

These beach toy sets are functional, fun, and just plain cute. I’m obsessed with the muted, modern color palettes—no more neon plastic eyesores! They’re aesthetically pleasing and easy to spot in the sand. Win-win.

If you’re looking for something that blends seamlessly with your beach vibe (and maybe even your Bogg Bag), these are the toy sets to grab:

The Toy Sets

This set includes a bucket, shovel, rake, and adorable molds—all made from durable, non-toxic silicone in soft, calming tones. It’s lightweight, easy to rinse off, and packs up neatly.

Designed for serious sandcastle builders! This set is a favorite for older kids (and creative parents), featuring unique tools for stacking, shaping, and building elaborate structures. Bonus: It also comes in a sleek, neutral color scheme.

More Fun: Extras That Stand Out

Sometimes it’s the little extras that make your beach day feel like a mini vacation. These items added so much convenience (and a little extra fun!) on our last trip. They’re the kind of things you don’t know you need—until you do.

Whether you’re trying to keep sand out of your drink or stop your towel from flying away, these picks are worth the effort to pack. If you just want to lounge like a beach queen, these picks are totally worth packing.

The Game-Changers

This little drink cabana is adorable and totally functional. It gives your beverage its own mini vacation from the sun. It’s lightweight, super cute, and definitely a conversation starter at the beach.

Drink Caddy

Sand Removal Bag

This genius little towel helps remove sand from your skin. Use it before you hop in the car. Goodbye, sandy seats and floors! It’s officially on my list of must-haves, especially with kids who always seem to bring the whole beach home with them.

Sand Coasters

No more sandy sips! These sand coasters keep your drinks upright and out of the grit. Just watch out for little feet running by—they’re not miracle workers!

Towel Bands

The wind doesn’t stand a chance with these. Slide one of these bands over your towel on your beach chair, and it stays put. It’s such a simple fix that saves you from constantly re-adjusting all day long.

Waterproof Phone Cases

Whether it’s your phone or your kid’s tablet, these waterproof pouches protect your tech from splashes, sand, and sunscreen-covered hands. Perfect for capturing beach memories without stress.

Inflatable Pillow

Total beach luxury! This inflatable pillow is comfy, compact, and super easy to carry. I love mine for lounging with a book while the kids play. Plus, it comes in fun colors to match your vibe.

Thank You!

Thank you for joining me today as we explored these 15 fantastic beach essentials! I hope this guide inspired you to feel more inspired and organized for your next beach getaway.

Whether planning a day trip with the kids or a full-on beach vacation, a little preparation is key. This will make the experience relaxing and fun.

If you loved this post, you won’t want to miss my Poolside Essentials blog. It’s filled with more must-haves for soaking up the sun, staying cool, and enjoying every moment outdoors.

The Ultimate Guide to Poolside Essentials: What You Need This Summer

For more information on Life and Style by Jilian, visit my blog.

To shop for your life and style, explore my favorite picks. Visit my Wayward storefront for Life and Style by Jilian.

Source Links

• 15 Beach Essentials You’ll Want in Your Bag This Summer
• Beach Essentials You Shouldn’t Hit the Sand Without
• The Best Summer Beach Day Packing List – Free Printables! | Beach vacation packing, Beach vacation packing list, Beach trip packing

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