As much as we want the breezy connotations of "I'm going to the beach" to ring true, in reality the whole excursion is
a production . Whether you're taking a summer day-trip from city to coast or partaking in a weekend
Airbnb situation , these seasonal excursions can go from chic straw hats and soft Turkish towels to forgotten sunscreen and third-degree burns real quick. Plus, with social distancing rules making the next few months unlike anything we're used to as far as responsible summer fun goes, you best be as prepared as possible. To save you from collapsing under the weight of your (once again) overloaded tote, we streamlined a beach accessories packing guide to better serve you.
Get yourself closer to that effortless beachcomber vision by arriving adequately equipped with the comprehensive list ahead. We cover all the lounge to splash-around bases from folding chairs you can actually carry to durable bags that still look stylish, SPF goods that hold dual beauty power, sand and surf-safe fashion finds, water-resistant entertainment, and even some snack-packs, too. And of course, we've included the germ-repelling products you don't want to forget with the coronavirus still very much out there. Scroll on to shop and put the breeze back in beach weekend.
We’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
SunnyLife Cooler Bucket Bag
Bucket bags can serve more than just fashion #lewks — and this functional insulated cooler that will keep beach refreshments cool for up to four hours proves it.Sunnylife Cooler Bucket Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Seventh Generation Multi Purpose Wipes
Pandemic or not, it's always smart to have some multipurpose wipes on hand to tackle whatever germs or still stand in the way of a good time at the beach. These convenient organic wipes are safe to use on almost all surfaces and are healthier for you AND for the planet.Seventh Generation Multi Purpose Wipes (37 ct), $, available at Grove Collaborative
Night-life Waterproof Silicone Ear Pods Case
Keep your music-making valuables safe from the sand and surf with this waterproof silicone sleeve in a summery lavender shade.Night-life Waterproof AirPods Silicone Protective Case, $, available at Walmart
La Roche-Posay Heavy-Duty Sunscreen
A full day at the beach calls for heavy-duty sun protection — opt for this dermatologist recommended, antioxidant-rich, and paraben-free tube that provides fast-absorbing and water-resistant coverage for sensitive skin.
Oh, and it's also Amazon reviewer-approved: "I applied this first thing in the morning, then proceeded to work outside, all day (about 6 hours), in the blazing heat and bright NC sun. Absolutely no shade, lots of sweat, and wiping at my face throughout the day. Never reapplied it once. And guess what? It kept my very fair, fragile skin protected. Not a trace of sun exposure was visible on my face that evening or the next day. Also, my skin is very sensitive and prone to breaking out, but I had no issues whatsoever. This stuff is the real deal, folks!"
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60, $, available at Amazon
SpaRoom Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
If there's one thing we've learned about preventing the spread of the coronavirus, it's that constant and thorough hand-washing is crucial. But, for situations where a sink isn't easily accessible, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is the next best thing.SpaRoom 8 oz. Spray Bottle Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Wild In Bloom Portable Beach Chair
Invest in a seating solution you won't regret toting with you on your beach journeys — this handmade wood and wicker fold-up chair features a reinforced seat, adjustable reclining capabilities, and a convenient carrying strap that won't weigh you down but will look chic.
Wild In Bloom Folding Rattan Beach Chair, $, available at Amazon
Rothy's Reversible Tote
Part beach tote, part cary-all — this lightweight, summertime staple has room for just about anything under the sun.Rothy's The Reversible Tote, $, available at Rothy's
Birkenstock Waterproof Slides
Slide into a pair of sandals that are comfortable, won't wither away when wet, and still stylish for your treks through the sand.Birkenstock Eva Arizona Sandal, $, available at Dick's Sporting Goods
Adidas Face Covers 3-Pack
For beachside situations where it's hard to keep your social distance, be sure to have a lightweight, breathable face mask on hand like this reusable style from Adidas.
Adidas FACE COVERS XS/S 3-PACK, $, available at Adidas
Wandf Water-Resistant Nylon Backpack
Get yourself a compact beach backpack that is functionally water-resistant and fashionably powder-pink.WANDF Water Resistant Nylon Drawstring Backpack, $, available at Amazon
LemLem Transitional Beach Coverup
While the days can be hot, beach nights can turn cool as soon as that sun drops. Keep yourself comfortable by bringing along a breezy transition wrap or coverup that can be conveniently stowed away when shed off your shoulders.
lemlem Rekik Belted Midi Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Blk + Grn Reusable Grocery Tote Bag
If you're a bring-your-own-snacks kind of a beachgoer (and with lots of places operating at limited capacity this summer, many of us don't have a choice but to become one), skip the single-use bag and use a tote with leak-proof lining and an insulated design instead. It'll keep accidental spills inside the bag and maintain the perfect temperature for your food.
BLK + GRN Reuseable Grocery Tote Bag, $, available at BLK + GRN
P-Mate Female Urination Device
The question of where will we all pee is a hot topic this summer, so come prepared with this nifty little device that, according to reviews, works best with a bit of practice.
P-Mate Female Urination Device 3-Pack, $, available at The Grommet
Aomais Sand Coasters
This game-changing invention can be used for holding everything from drinks to sunglasses and phones — made from renewable plastic, the sand coasters come in a stackable and easily packable set of five.
AOMAIS Sand Coasters Cup Holders (5 Pack), $, available at Amazon
Coola Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
If you don't want to go makeup free during your day at the beach, but also aren't looking to put on a full face of foundation, try an in-between solution with this lightly tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides SPF 30 coverage and a smooth matte-skin finish.
Coola Unscented Mineral Matte Tint Sunscreen, $, available at Nordstrom
Partake Vegan & Gluten Free Mini Cookies
Getting stuck on the beach without a snack is on our list of nightmare summer scenarios — save yourself from such a fate by keeping your totes stocked with easily packed sustenance, like these mini chocolate cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Partake Vegan & Gluten Free Mini Cookies, $, available at FreshDirect
Franklin Sport Outdoor Paddle Set
You may not want to lug that cornhole set down in the sand, but this set of outdoor paddles with and pickballs are built to last and will keep the competitive entertainment alive for many summers to come.
Franklin Sports Jet Aluminum Paddle X-40 Set, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Wet Brush Travel-Sized Detangler
Our locks look more osprey nest than mermaid hair after a day spent by the sea — and that's why we won't be caught on the beach without a travel-sized Wet Brush for smoothing over any wild mane situations.
Wet Brush Mini Travel Squirt Detangler Hair Brush - Pack of 3, $, available at Amazon
Letter Design Portable Sun Shade
While we aren't looking to pitch a bonafide camping tent on the beach at this point in our lives (will revisit this in next five years), we are still harmful UV-ray wary during our day trips. This lightweight and easy-to-tote shade from
Society6's outdoor collection strikes an ideal balance between adequate sun-protection that still looks trendy.
Society6 Red Chessboard Sun Shade, $, available at Society6
Kate Spade New York Twisted Silk Headband
Sometimes we just want to let our hair down while lounging in the sun — until the wild ocean wind tangles it into our eyes and mouth. Keep those loose strands in place while still feeling beach-chic with this twisted silk headband.
kate spade new york Pacific Petals Twisted Silk Headband, $, available at Nordstrom
Que Collapsible Water Bottle
The number one asset for a successful beach day? Water. Keep yourself hydrated while staying sustainable with a reusable water bottle that is collapsible for easy packing.que Collapsible Water Bottle, $, available at Amazon
Linum Towels Turkish Towel
Not only are Turkish towels lovely to look at and wrap ourselves up in, but they're also less cumbersome for packing in a bag than the bigger more plush beach towels from our childhood.
LINUM TOWELS Herringbone Striped Turkish Pestemal Towel, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
It's A 10 Travel-Sized Hair Conditioning Spray
Don't let the sun and salt get the worst of your hair by tucking a travel-sized spray bottle into your beach tote for a conditioning treatment whenever you need it.
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Innovative Technology Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Don't risk another phone down in the sand situation, tuck it away in a safe place and let this waterproof bluetooth speaker be the beach DJ.
Innovative Technology 5-Watt Bluetooth Pool Speaker, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Aerie Transitional One-Piece Suit
Keep yourself ready to transition from day-swim to (socially distant) night-bonfire by picking up a one-piece suit that can double as a stylish top when covered with a skirt or breezy wrap.
Aerie Wrap One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at American Eagle Outfitters
Sun Bum SPF Tinted Lip Balm
Sunburned lips are a curse we would not wish upon our worst enemies — keep your pouts protected but still looking pretty with an SPF balm in multiple summery tints.Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Lack Of Color Packable Bucket Hat
RIP wide-brimmed straw hat that was tragically crushed in our beach bag last season. This year, we're opting for a terry cloth sunhat that will stylishly survive and thrive through all of our summer travel.Bernstock Speirs Towel Bucket Hat, $, available at Shopbop
Noisy May Cat Eye Sunglasses
Pour one out for all the designer sunglasses that now belong to the sea. Pro beach tip: Leave the Celine shades at home and bring a knock-around pair that still look chic with you instead.Noisy May Cat Eye Sunglasses, $, available at ASOS
Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl
If your beach weekend partner is four-legged, then pack with that fur-friend top of mind! We love the trendy hot pink hue on this collapsible bowl with a travel-friendly carabiner for keeping pups hydrated in the hot summer sun.Prima Pets Collapsible Travel Bowl with Carabiner, $, available at Chewy
Supergoop! SPF Cream Eyeshadow
Sunburnt eyelids may out-hurt sunburnt lips — and that's why we are here for these game-changing SPF eyeshadow pots that provide a luminous creamy tint for all-day beach beauty and protection.Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30, $, available at Sephora
Plenty by Tracy Reese Transitional Wrap Skirt
You already have your water-proof slides, one-piece suit, beach wrap, wrap headband, and packable terry cloth sunhat, now all you need to complete the beach-transition look is an easy and elegant wrap-around skirt that is breezy incarnate.Plenty by Tracy Reese Women's Maxi Skirt, $, available at Amazon Fashion