Of course, nothing ruins a beach day faster than forgetting the basics. That’s why we’ve pulled together the best beach gear to keep you comfortable, stylish, and ready for anything the waves bring. Moreover, from easy shade and lightweight seating to waterproof bags and a few fun extras, you’ll find everything you need for sun, sand, and smiles all day long. In addition, each section below links to a full guide where you can dive deeper, compare options, and pick the perfect gear for your next trip.
Waterproof Fun & Protection
Best Waterproof Cameras
Capture every splash and smile without worry. In fact, the best waterproof cameras let you dive into the action while keeping your memories safe in stunning detail. Moreover, if you’re curious about my setup, check out my travel camera guide for the gear I actually use on the beach.
Best Waterproof Cell Phone Cases
Protect your phone from waves, sand, and sudden splashes. That way, you can snap photos, text, and enjoy your day without stress. Read the post: Best Waterproof Cell Phone Cases for the Beach
Comfort & Style Essentials
Best Flip-Flops
Keep your feet cool and comfy on the sand with the best flip-flops for the beach. In addition, these pairs are lightweight, durable, and built for long walks by the shore. Get the best flip-flops for women here, and the best flip-flops for men here.
Best Women’s Beach Clothes
Stay breezy, stylish, and comfortable by the shore. These women’s beach clothes are perfect for sun-filled days and seamless transitions from sand to boardwalk. See the collection: Best Women’s Beach Clothes
Best Beach Towels
Dry off fast and shake off the sand with the best beach towels. Moreover, quick-drying designs make them essentials you’ll always want in your bag. Read more: Best Beach Towels
Best Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and upgrade your style with the best sunglasses for the beach. Whether classic or sporty, these picks keep you shaded in every way. Get the best sunglasses for women here, and the best sunglasses for men here.
Shade and Shelter
Best Beach Umbrellas
Beat the heat with a shady spot you can trust. That’s why these umbrellas combine portability with sun protection, making them a must-have for every seaside trip. See the best beach umbrellas here.
Best Beach Chairs
Relax in comfort with beach chairs designed for the sand. Even better, they range from lightweight and portable to reclining luxury styles. Find the best beach chairs here.
Best Beach Carts
Make hauling your gear effortless with the best beach carts. So, sturdy wheels and roomy designs help you roll everything you need across the sand. Discover the best beach carts here.
Carry-Alls & Storage
Best Beach Bags
Pack everything you need with the best beach bags. Not only are they spacious and durable, but many are waterproof and designed to keep essentials sand-free. See the best beach bags here.
Best Coolers
Keep drinks and snacks chilled all day long with the best coolers for the beach. From soft-sided totes to heavy-duty ice chests, these picks keep refreshments cold until sunset. Find the best beach coolers here.
Best Beach Drink Accessories
Stay cool at the beach with drink accessories that prevent spills and keep beverages icy. From koozies to cup holders, enjoy cold drinks by the shore.. Check out the best beach drink accessories here.
Play & Entertainment
Best Beach Toys
The best beach toys spark creativity and fun for kids and adults alike. So whether it’s buckets, shovels, or full sets, they guarantee hours of seaside play. See the best beach toys here.
Best Inflatable Toys
Add extra fun to your beach day with the best inflatable toys. For example, floats and loungers are colorful picks perfect for both kids and adults. See the best beach inflatables here.
Best Beach Games
Keep the whole group entertained with the best beach games. As a result, these activities bring energy and excitement to the sand all day long. Discover the best beach games here.
Protection & Care
Best Sunscreens
Staying safe under the sun starts with the right protection. That’s why we recommend learning about the importance of sunscreen and then exploring top picks that protect while you play. Read more on the importance of sunscreen here, and see the best sunscreens here.
Best Beach-Rated Essentials
Round out your packing list with the best beach-rated essentials. After all, waterproof pouches, portable fans, and other accessories make every beach day easier. See the best beach-rated essentials here.
Pack the Best Beach Gear for Every Adventure
In the end, packing the right beach gear can make all the difference between a stressful outing and a carefree day by the sea. That’s why this guide highlights the essentials you’ll actually use, along with links to more detailed posts where you can explore the very best options. So whether you’re searching for the perfect chair, the coolest beach toys, or the most protective sunscreen, you’ll find everything you need to plan a fun-filled, stress-free beach escape. Finally, don’t forget to bookmark this page so you’ll always have the ultimate beach gear checklist at your fingertips.
FAQs About the Best Beach Gear
Q: What should I bring to the beach?
A: First, pack sunscreen, water, and a towel. Next, add shade like an umbrella or a chair if you’ll stay longer. Finally, bring extras such as toys, games, or snacks for more fun.
Q: How do I keep my drinks cold at the beach?
A: To start, use an insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs. In addition, keep the cooler closed when not in use. That way, your drinks stay cold until the end of the day.
Q: What is the best way to protect my phone from sand and water?
A: One option is a waterproof phone case that seals tightly. Alternatively, you can use a waterproof pouch, which also keeps sand away.
Q: How can I make carrying gear easier?
A: First, pack items in a lightweight beach bag. Then, use a beach cart with wide wheels, which makes rolling across the sand simple.
Q: How do I choose the best sunscreen?
A: Start by looking for broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Also, make sure it’s reef-safe and water-resistant for better protection.
Q: Why do I need reef-safe sunscreen?
A: Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs and marine life. That’s why reef-safe sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In addition, they’re just as effective at protecting your skin while keeping ocean ecosystems healthy.
Q: What are the most important beach essentials?
A: Of course, sunscreen, water, and towels are must-haves. After that, add shade, seating, and a few fun extras like toys or games.
This post is exactly what I needed before my next beach trip! I always end up forgetting something important — usually sunscreen or a decent towel. I love how you broke everything down by category and even included links to detailed guides. It makes it so easy to plan ahead. I’m curious though — if you had to pick just three absolute must-haves for a day at the beach, what would they be?
I’m so glad you found it helpful — that’s exactly why I put the list together! My top three must-haves would be reef-safe sunscreen, a good waterproof bag, and a lightweight beach chair you’ll actually want to carry. Those three make a huge difference in comfort and peace of mind. After that, I’d say a quick-dry towel and a cooler are close runners-up! Are you planning a beach day somewhere local or heading off on vacation soon?
The list is just what I need. I’ll use it as a checklist when going to the beach. You have no idea how many times a waterproof cell phone case would have been helpful or a waterproof watch. Especially when you go with kids, you get easily distracted and forget to put your cell phone away.
I am telling you Dira, the case is wonderful. Living on the beach, I know first hand that it comes in handy. Not only does it keep the water and the sand off my phone, but I keep my driver’s license and debit card in there. That way if I get hot, need something refreshing, I have my card or cash handy. I don’t have to worry about somebody swiping them.
Very soon the beach will warm up around Connecticut! I would love a beach cart wagon! Instead of an umbrella, we use a beach tent! Its like a tent for camping, but only half of it. It is easy to set up too.
I love the beach cart! Makes it much easier to get things on and off the beach. I also have a beach tent. On windy days, we use the tent as it keeps the sand out of our faces. On other days, we use the umbrella. They are both great to have 🙂 Thanks for reading about the best beach gear!
Wow, very good list. Almost all necessary equipment included. I think the mobile phone waterproof protector is so necessary, it is a smart way to protect our phone at beaches. we always take pictures, videos at beaches and we all love to share these to social media.
Yes Peter, we both (my son and I ) have Seawags. We can go in the water with not worries, AND don’t have to worry about someone running off with our phones or credit cards and IDs. They are definitely necessary and they work great! Thanks for reading about the best beach gear.
Wow, what a brilliant checklist! And all of them are needed and important for a great beach day. I’d never thought about a mobile phone protector cover for the beach before but I know that I need one as I’ve ruined a phone whilst on holiday once by getting tiny sand particles into it, so that’s another reason other that the worry of getting it wet to use one.
And the most important thing for me is a nice cool box for all my goodies and drinks as I’m not a fan of all the sugar laden junk foods you get from beach cafes. Plus, I love a beach picnic!
Who doesn’t love a beach picnic Stefanie 🙂 I have the waterproof phone protector, the Seawag, and so does my son. We love it because we can put our id’s and money in there as well. When we head to the water, we don’t have to worry about someone swiping our stuff off our towel. They work perfect and are 100% waterproof. Thanks for reading about the best beach gear!
Super! The waterproof cell phone case looks like a fantastic idea – along with having a waterproof camera too. Looks like you’ve really though of everything! Here in the hot Aussie sun the beer cosie helps to insulate the cold from your warm hands – there’s nothing worse than a warm beer!
I agree! There is nothing worse than a warm beer 🙂 Thanks for visiting the best beach gear Kegan!
Hi Leahrae,
You thought of everything! Thank you. Next time, I’ll use your list when getting ready for a beach. 🙂 Only one other thing I would need to remember is to take my Kindle with me as I like reading on the beach. Oh, and maybe thermos-cup to keep my drink cool while drinking and not needing put it into the cooler after each sip. LOL. I liked the idea of the beach Cart Wagon. I didn’t know they exist, and first was suspicious about it riding the sand. But, looking closer at the picture, it seems like its wheels are thick enough, and tires are made to roll on sand. Is it true?
Great advice! Thank you, Leahrae.
Thank you for reading Julia. Yes, I have one of the beach cart wagons and they go on the sand great. Actually you will see a lot of them on the beach….at least here they are popular. Probably because it is a good walk from the parking lot to the beach. Thanks for reading about the best beach gear.
I live within 5 miles of the beach and think this is a very comprehensive list. 2 things for kids that could be helpful are a swimming shirt and a net for picking up fish and shells. The swim shirts give you peace of mind without having to constantly reapply sunscreen on their backs. The fishing net is one of those items many people don’t think of, but actually keeps the kids more occupied than regular sand toys.
You know, I live less than 5 miles from the beach as well, and yes I do spend a LOT of time there. Now that you mention it, yes there are kids…and adults…with nets for the shells. There are little ones with the shirts too. I am going to add. Thank you for the suggestion Jen!
WOW! Great list!
I often go to the beach as I live nearby. I really like the list you have suggested in the article. What I need the most for the moment is an excellent bag to bring several things with me. As I leave the bag on the wet sand, it gets wet and all my stuff that is inside, too. I’ve read that bag is water resistant, so my question is will it protect my belongings from water and keep them dry?
Thank you!
Hi Daniella, I am glad you enjoyed the best beach gear list 🙂 The beach bag I have listed is the one I have. Of course it is not waterproof, but I keep it with the beach gear, and it does keep the sand and water out. I believe you will love it! Thanks for visiting beachtraveldestinations.com.
This list is great. I feel like I can just scroll through it before going to the beach and end up with everything I need. Have you thought about beach coolers too? I always bring one if I can. It saves money on food and drinks and keeps them cold. Plus you don’t have to leave your spot when you’re hungry or thirsty. Any way, great information, and I love all the beach gear you have listed!
Thanks for reading Amy. I keep forgetting to add a cooler to my list. We take one with us too. That way we can stay longer, and not have to leave because we are hot and thirsty 🙂 Thanks for reminding me!
Nice list of everything a person (or family needs) for the beach. I have always loved going to the beach, and every time I seem to forget something that kinda spoils the trip. Not no more! my wife and I booked marked your page and will use it for future reference. Awesome article thanks!
-Mike
You are so welcome Michel. Make sure you stop in and get what you need 🙂 I don’t think I left anything off except the beach and the sand! Thanks for reading about the best beach gear and come back and visit again.
I think this is a great list! I especially love the wagon because carrying a cooler is too much for me. I didn’t know there were waterproof cell phone cases that are safe up to 25 meters, that is so cool knowing you can have protection underwater as well as from the sand. I like the waterproof camera, I have never used one but would love to get some images of fish. Thanks for another great post!
You are very welcome Melissa. Yes, both my son and I have the Seawag and would not go to the beach without them. I can get in the water, go back on the towel, and not worry about water or sand getting all over my phone. They are really great to have. The Nikon water-proof camera is the best one I have seen. It is rugged, durable and waterproof. It also is not affected by the sand. Both of these are really great options for the beach 🙂 Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.
This article is speaking to me, anything and everything to do with the beach i’m in! I am creating a beach line of clothing, hopefully when complete I can send you a few pieces for you to review 🙂
Great tips for the waterproof camera, I think everyone should have this at the beach!
Oh Shannon, I would love to review them and add them to my site. Please keep me informed and lets do this! Sounds wonderful to me….I am all in too with anything to do with the beach!
Whenever i go to the beach, I always find that ive forgotten half the things that i need and end up having to look around the nearby shops or just go without.
This article will definitely help me ensure that i dont forget anything for my future beach visits so thank a lot for that.
It also gave me some useful ideas for products to buy such as a water proof phone case. That I must have! Thanks!
Yes, I do that too sometimes. Now I just keep everything in my beach bag and in the wagon. So when we go, it is just a matter of throwing it all in the back of the jeep 🙂 The SeaWag waterproof cell phone case is awesome, also keeps the sand off our phones. Thanks for reading about the beast beach gear!
I always love to read your articles. I always learn new things. This is an awesome list for the things you need for beach. I have heard of a waterproof camera, but never really looked into it. Next summer I will be needing one for a vacation I am taking. I like your recommendation. The Nikon is always a good camera choice. I am going to do some further reading on this camera. I also didn’t know they make a waterproof cell phone case. I drop my phone quite often, which won’t be good when I am at the beach. The Seawag looks like a great cell phone case to keep my phone dry and sand free! Thanks for all your great recommendations!
Hi Hong,
Thanks for reading about the best beach gear to have for the beach. I personally have a SeaWag…..well my whole family does. We go to the beach quite often and just keep it with us even when we are in the water. It works great! That I can vouch for. The Nikon camera is also a great water-proof camera. It is rugged and the sand will also not damage it. A great choice for an under-water camera that you want to have that will last. Thanks for visiting BeachTravleDestinations.com.