As much as we want the breezy connotations of "I’m going to the beach" to ring true, in reality the whole trip is a Production. Whether you day-trip from city to coast or partake in a weekend share-house situation, these summertime excursions can go from chic straw hats and soft Turkish towels to forgotten sunscreen and third-degree burns real quick. 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. Scroll on to shop and put the breeze back in beach weekend.
At Refinery29, 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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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, $25, available at Shopbop
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.
elago AirPods Waterproof Silicone Case, $15, available at Urban Outfitters
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, $31.31, available at Amazon
Chic 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, $143.94, available at Amazon
Canned Rosé
Lugging glass bottles of wine to the beach is a nightmare, so skip the whole too-heavy scene and opt for a lighter and shatter-proof can option instead. Ruza’s 4-pack is compact and filled with a light, refreshing blend of rosé.
Winc 2018 Ruza® Rosé 187ml Cans (4-Pack), $15.99, available at Winc
Waterproof Birkenstock 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, $40, available at Free People
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, $18.98, available at Amazon
Transitional Beach Wrap
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 that can be conveniently stowed away inside its matching tote when shed off your shoulders.
Mer-Sea & Co. The Beach Wrap, $89, available at Mer-Sea & Co.
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), $14.99, available at Amazon
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, $36, available at Nordstrom
Packable Snack
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 pouches of whole-grain chocolate and banana granola bites.
Made Good Chocolate Banana Granola Minis, 6 Boxes (24 count), $23.94, available at Amazon
Lightweight Beach Paddle Set
You may not want to lug that cornhole set down in the sand, but this neon-pink set of lightweight paddles with a portable travel case will keep the competitive entertainment alive.
ban.do Foam Beach Paddles – Neon Pink, $20, available at ban.do
Travel-Sized Wet Brush
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, $12, available at Amazon
Portable & Stylish 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 new outdoor collection strikes an ideal balance between adequate sun-protection that still looks trendy.
Society6 Red Chessboard Sun Shade, $199, available at Society6
Knotted Terry-Cloth Headband
Sometimes we just want to let our hair down while lounging in the sun — until the violent ocean wind tangles it into our eyes and mouth. Keep those loose strands in place while still feeling beach-chic with this knotted terry headband.
Vilebrequin Headband in terry, $50, available at Vilebrequin
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 20oz Collapsible Water Bottle, $25, available at Free People
Stylish 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 Home Textiles Royal Blue Turkish Cotton Pestemal Beach Towel, $24.97, available at Nordstrom Rack
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, 2 Fl Oz, $9, available at Walmart
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.
Beach Bomb Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, $48, available at Anthropologie
Transitional One-Piece Suit
Keep yourself ready to transition from day-swim to 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 Strappy Back One Piece Swimsuit, $49.95, available at Aerie
Silicone Wine Glasses
This stemless glass set is made from flexible silicone that won’t break or take up too much space inside your packed-to-the-brim bag — so, you can safely "yes way rosé" à la beach.
Brovino Silicone Wine Glasses – Set of 4, $16.97, available at Amazon
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, $5.99, available at Ulta Beauty
Packable Sunhat
RIP wide-brimmed straw hat that was tragically crushed in our beach bag last season. This year, we’re opting for a 100% cotton sunhat that will stylishly survive and thrive through all of our summer travel.
Bernstock Speirs Towel Bucket Hat, $99, available at Shopbop
Durable Canvas Travel Tote
Part beach tote, part beach weekender — this roomy blue bag is crafted from a lightweight yet durable canvas and is compartmentalized to hold a beach-ton of summer day to weekend essentials.
Lo & Sons Catalina, $120, available at Lo & Sons
Knock-Around Trendy Shades
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.
ASOS cat eye sunglasses in milky tort, $16, available at ASOS
Fold-Up Lounger
Not the toes, bum, or body in the sand kind? Let this two-pack of lightweight and portable fold-up loungers fully support your sand-free beach body.
Pacific Breeze Products Beach Lounger – 2 Pack, $82.99, available at Amazon
Collapsible Silicone Dog Bowl
If your beach weekend partner is four-legged, then pack with that fur-friend top of mind! We love the trendy tie-dye pattern on this collapsible, silicone bowl with a travel-friendly carabiner for keeping pups hydrated in the how summer sun.
Sun Squad Silicone Dog Bowl, $4, available at Target
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, $24, available at Sephora
Transitional Beach Skirt
You already have your water-proof slides, one-piece suit, beach wrap, terry-cloth headband, and packable cotton sunhat, now all you need to complete the beach-transition look is an easy and elegant wrap-around skirt that is breezy incarnate.
Hamabla Willa Wrap Skirt, $90, available at Hamabla
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