What Do I Need on the Beach?

My favorite vacation spot is the beach. Growing up we would go to the Jersey Shore, and since my kids have been babies we’ve continued going there for our family vacations. Here are my 15 Beach Must Haves to answer the question, “what do I need on the beach?”. Over the years I have gone from bringing just a towel and a cooler to a beach wagon full of essentials.

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1. Canopy

We used to just bring an umbrella or two, and honestly when I was younger I didn’t even do that and probably got more sun than I should have. Now I appreciate having a comfortable shady spot at the beach. We eventually found this amazing canopy that fits our family of four under it comfortabaly all at once with still room to have coolers and other items out of the sun as well. It also allows you to have a nice big area saved for yourselves if it gets crowded, plus it’s easy to spot! This one is a bit heavy, but it does have wheels on its carrying bag and sets up and tears down quite easily and quickly (says my helpful husband). It’s up there on the list of beach must haves.

2. Umbrella and a Good Umbrella Anchor

If you go without a canopy or if you’d like to have both, an umbrella is great, but only with a good anchor. I learned the hard way one windy day at the beach when my umbrella blew away and tumbled through the crowd of beach goers. YIKES! This one is tried and true. We recommend this metal one over plastic versions.

3. Safe and Effective Sunscreen

It’s frustrating to hear about chemicals added to sunscreens that turn out to be harmful. We also have some allergies to worry about in our family. Through some research, Blue Lizard seems to be one of the safest ones out there. We tried it this year, and I was happy with it. It goes on a tad thicker than others (but I have experienced much worse!) and does leave you with a slight white tinge at first, but overall I think it was great! Also, don’t forget your lips!

4. Cute Hat, Sunglasses and Cover Ups for Her

I’ve linked below some of my favorites from this year!

5. Rashguard Tops

Rashguard tops are a beach must have for the boogie boarders! They really do protect the skin from irritation from continually using a boogie board and are also added sun protection.

6. Large Tote Bag

This particular personalized tote bag from Land’s End has been the best towel bag. I’ve had the same one for years and years. It’s so classic and sturdy, and I love how the xlarge fits so many beach towels.

7. Mesh Bags

Large mesh bags are great for sand toys, and little mesh bags are great for walking along the water and collecting pebbles and shells. You can even run the bags and contents through the water for a rinse. So handy and fun!

8. Coolers

I prefer several medium sized coolers at the beach over one really large one. They’re easier to transport, and it’s also easier to organize. One bag for water bottles, one for lunches, one for snacks, etc. That way you can quickly find what you’re looking for.

9. Perfect Beach Chairs

Things I look for in a perfect beach chair are: cup holders, head rest, adjustable to laying down or sitting up at multiple settings, and colorful and fun patterns. We found ours at the Walmart in the beach town we were visiting one summer. Below is a link to a similar one.

10. Beach Games

This year we had a lot of fun playing bocce ball on the beach! Frisbee and paddle ball are also games we enjoy there. My kids have always loved bringing some American flags to stick in their sand castles, too.

11. Boogie Boards

Boogie boards are on the list of beach must haves for sure. Fun for all ages!

12. Beach Wagon

We had a beach cart at first, but for the last several years we have used this beach wagon and personally prefer it. It’s easier to get to everything in it, and it’s easier to pull in the sand.

13. Shower Tote for Outdoor Showers

This small detail makes a much smoother transition from the outdoor showers that you’ll find at most rentals. This is one of the beach must haves that you’ll be glad you remembered.

14. Outfits for Beach Photos

We have a tradition in our family to pick an evening over the week of our vacation to get showered and changed and go back to the beach (around 7pm after everyone has cleared out) to do our own little photo shoot. The beach is just the perfect back drop to any picture, and we always end up with lots of fun captured memories as well as that year’s Christmas card.

15. Decorative Jar for Home to Hold Shells and Pebbles

I love collecting pebbles and shells on the beach, and I have enjoyed keeping them in a large decorative jar in our home. It looks so pretty, and it also is a fun way to remember the beach memories over the years!

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