Six Essential Items In My Beach Bag contains affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love summer and spending time at the beach. Whether it’s a tropical locale like St. Maarten or a beach here in South Carolina, I’m all about that beach. I’m showcasing my favorite beach bags down below!
Hey, summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd, so I say rock on, summertime! Maybe I can squeeze in more than one trip.
Let’s talk beach bags!
I’ve collected many beach bags over the years and I’ve also learned how to pack them. I use heavy-duty freezer bags to keep things separate and organized. Gallon-sized bags are perfect for sunscreen and smaller bags are great for those little things like your room key, etc.
I keep my phone in this waterproof case. I’ve had this case for a few years now and it’s the best!
Six Essential Items in my Beach Bag
1. Sunscreen
That’s a no-brainer! I actually keep sunscreen stored in my beach bag all year round. Don’t forget about sunscreen for your face. I use this sunscreen for my face.
Helpful Hint: Sunscreen is formulated to maintain its original strength for up to three years. Yes, you can use last year’s sunscreen. I hate wasting perfectly good sunscreen.
2. Lip Balm with Sunscreen
There’s nothing worse than having parched, red, sunburned lips! I always have an SPF45 lip balm with me at all times and especially when I’m at the beach. This is my very favorite lip balm and I love that it includes Aloe Vera and vitamin E. Gotta keeps those lips kissable. 🙂
3. Ice Cold Bottled Water
Ice cold bottled water is always one of the six essential items in my beach bag.
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re spending the day on the beach. Don’t wait until you’re actually thirsty. If so, you’re probably already well on your way to dehydration.
TMI Alert Below!!
Did you know that you can tell if you’re dehydrated by the color of your urine? It should (ideally) be the color of lemonade. You’re welcome.
If it’s amber or honey-colored, drink water immediately. I have no idea why I know random facts like this, but I do.
I usually put my bottled water in the freezer for an hour or so before heading to the beach.
4. Cell Phone
I keep up with the time and keep my phone sealed up tight in a waterproof case. I can keep up with the time and it comes in handy for taking photos of the family enjoying the beach.
5. Kindle Paperwhite
I’m never on the beach without my Kindle Paperwhite. This e-reader has a no-glare screen (very important when reading outside!) and is waterproof. It’s my favorite e-reader.
6. Snacks
Swimming makes me ravenous! Snacks are always in my beach bag, especially when the grandkids are with me.
Nature Valley Bars are perfect to pack in your beach bag when you’re spending the morning at the beach.
So, what’s always in your beach bag?
You May Also Like
- Perfect Ice Cream Sundae (and another what’s in my beach bag post!)
- DIY Duck Tape Beach Bag
- DIY Musical Note Pool Bag
- Snack Ideas For The Beach
- 21 Fun Summer Activities To Do With The Kids
A Few Of My Favorite Beach Bags!
Click the pics below to shop straight from this post.
Originally published in July 2015 and updated (outdated links removed, new links added, etc) on July 6, 2021
27 comments
We used to go to the beach almost every weekend in Hawaii. Since we moved to California I’ve only been a few times 🙁 Great packing tips and I would bring the salted caramel with me. Sounds delicious.
I bet my husband would love those Nature Valley Nut Bars. He loves nuts of all different types. I am not that huge of a fan of them, but he loves them. I should show him this post. He may not stop drooling if I do.
The only thing that I a;lways forget is a good book. My iPhone’s battery don’t last so I don’t get to finish reading my stuff.
These are all great items to have in your bag. Snacks are especially important. It’s hard to have a good time when your stomach is growling!
I’m with you … I like to eek every last minute out of summer, too. I’ve tried several different Nature Valley granola bar varieties, but I’ve never tried the nut bars. They look yummy – I’ll definitely give them a try.
I definitely have bottled water and chap stick in my beach bag. I totally forget to include a few snacks!
As long as I have my eraeder and snacks I’m good but your list has me thinking I need to add some other essentials to my beach bag. Thanks for the great list!
I’d love to bring my e-reader out to the beach. I’ll be bringing snacks for sure so we can stay as long as possible.
Awww I love packing my beach bag. I always like to take things that we may not have at home all the time. It makes the day that much more enjoyable.
I love your list of goodies. I haven’t gone to the beach in a long time. If you have a blanket, umbrella (beach kind), or some type if shade, then it would be perfect. 🙂
We haven’t been to the beach this year, but these are all items I take onto our deck when the kids go swimming. It’s nice not having to leave the house but I do miss the sand under my feet!
I love Nature Valley products. These are one of the few ones I haven’t tried yet from this brand. They do look very good and healthy, so I’ll have to pick some up the next time I’m shopping. Both of those flavors look yummy!
We are all about the snacks!!!! All trips go a lot smoother when everyone is full 😉 I just love Nature Valley 🙂
Nature Valley makes great products. I always pack a few for any trip. I love to go to the beach. It is so relaxing to feel the sand between my toes.
I would love to try the roasted peanuts and honey. In my beach bag essential I would add a hat to keep the sun off my face. 🙂
Sunscreen is so important to have. I always carry some in my purse. I did not know it could last three years.
I have never tried the Nature Valley® Simple Nut Bars, but I have heard that they’re really good! Maybe I’ll give them a try sometime soon.
The Almond Dark Chocolate variety sounds yummy!
That beachbag with the glasses is too cute! I love Nature Valley brand always a great snack!
Mine are almost the same with yours. I love bringing my ereader because I find it very relaxing to read at the beach. I love the Nature Valley snack bars as well.
These are great items for a beach bag indeed. It is so important not to forget the sunscreen or the snacks for the kids or your self. I would love to try the Almond, Cashews, and Sea Salt Natural Valley Nut Bars. Thanks for sharing.
These are very good. I pack these for all our long adventure days. Good share.
I love your beach bag! I love Nature Valley as well but haven’t seen this particular bar yet. They sound amazing.
Sunscreen and snacks are a must and always in my beach bag too. I’d love to try the almond cashew sea salt flavor!
Our kids love the nut bars and I don’t mind giving them to them, so it works out very well.
I need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and lots of snacks… we are a big eater, my kids always get hungry and snack bar is a must have item!
Firstly I love that Kate Spade beach bag, it is adorbs! Secondly I think all of those items would be my go to items as well.