There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the feel of the sand between your toes, and the smell of salt in the air. But to fully enjoy your day in the sun and surf, you have to make sure to pack all of the essentials.
We’ve all been there before: you arrive at the beach and realize you’ve forgotten something important. Make your life easier and your day a little more enjoyable by bringing along this packing list of essential items for a perfect beach day.
Beach bag
A good beach bag should be large enough to hold everything you need for the day. Consider one with small, perforated holes, too, which are perfect for getting all the sand out. Before you head to the beach, make sure you have these key items in your bag:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Towels
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Portable charger
- Hat
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof camera
- Water shoes
- A book or magazine
- Snacks
- Water
Pro Beach-Goer Tip: Bring a small bottle of baby powder. When you want to get sand off your feet or hands, gently sprinkle on some baby powder and the sand will easily come off. This trick is perfect when you are leaving the beach and want to get as much sand off as possible before getting into your car.
Cooler
Whether you’re packing drinks or a full lunch, a cooler is a must-have. No one wants to eat a warm, sandy sandwich! There are many quality coolers that do more than just d keep your drinks and food cold. Some enable you to charge phones or have additional pockets for storing beach necessities. Others have such good insulation that they can keep drinks cold for days.
Chairs/umbrellas
Enjoying a full day at the beach will require equipment like umbrellas, chairs, and towels. An umbrella offers a welcome escape from the hot sun, and sitting on a comfy chair is more relaxing than sitting on a towel on the ground all day.
Sometimes public beaches offer convenient chair and umbrella rentals so you don’t have to worry about packing these bulky items. Check your options before hitting the beach, especially because some companies will require you to reserve in advance.
Wagon
A wagon can make your life much easier by allowing you to lug your cargo from the parking lot to the beach without breaking your back. As a bonus, they can also pull little kids who don’t like the sand or just need a ride.
Things to do
While sunbathing and swimming can keep you occupied for hours, you might want something else to do during your beach day. Don’t forget to bring along a frisbee, football, or sand toys to make a sand castle. These are all small items that don’t take up too much room and can keep you entertained all day long.
Other beach day tips
The sun is out, the weather is warm, and the beaches are calling your name. If you plan to spend time at the beach this summer, here are a few tips to help make your trip more enjoyable:
1. Pack a lunch. Being in the sun will make you hungry faster than usual when you’re at the beach. Before you head out, put together a lunch and drop it in the cooler so it’s ready to go when you are.
2. Drink plenty of water. The combination of sun and salt can dehydrate you quickly, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Pro tip: freeze some water bottles the night before. This can help keep other items cold longer and will also be drinkable when the ice melts.
3. Wear shoes. The sand can be really hot when you first arrive at the beach, and if you walk on it, can burn your feet. Wear shoes to protect them as you walk to find your perfect lounge spot.
Enjoy a stress-free beach day
Now that you have the essentials packed and a list of fun things to do, will your car fit everything you need to bring? Whether you need more space or a rental because you’ll be heading to a beach out of town, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your trip with Avail. Each trip is protected by Allstate insurance with 24/7 roadside assistance so you can spend a stress-free and relaxing day at the beach this summer.
