A beach holiday in a tropical paradise is the stuff dreams are made of. As heavenly as it sounds, it does have its fair share of annoyances. The scorching heat, the wind blowing sand into your eyes, the lack of privacy when changing out of wet clothes – the list goes on. We’ve compiled a list of the best beach accessories for your next beach vacation.
Waterproof Beach Bag: Ricdecor Beach Tote Bag
Overview:
- Size: 28”L x 22”H x 12”W
- Material: Polyester
- Available variations: 7 color options
Why We Like It
A good quality beach tote must feature on your holiday packing list. If your vacation itinerary includes a beach day, you need a beach bag to carry all your essentials. We’re talking towels, swimsuits, flip-flops, sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, and anything else you might need.
This classic beach bag from Ricdecor is the perfect beach accessory for hauling all your beach gear. It is super cute, lightweight, and breathable, which is what you want in a beach tote. It is waterproof, and its quick-drying material dries off in minutes if wet. It is also easy to shake off the sand, making it one of the best sand-proof options on the market.
Oversized Beach Blanket: Wekapo Quick Drying Beach Mat
Overview:
- Size: 7’L x 7’W
- Material: Nylon
- Available variations: 3 size options
Why We Like It
As you’re packing for your beach trip, don’t forget to bring a beach blanket—an oversized one at that. Beach blankets give you the required comfort level essential to enjoying the ocean view and beach ambiance. Aside from keeping you cozy, beach blankets provide a nice place to relax and sunbathe without getting sand all over your body and beach gear.
This Wekapo beach mat is, by far, one of the best beach blankets on the market. For starters, it is massive. It comfortably fits three adults with enough room to spare for your beach gear. It has anchor loops and metal stakes to secure it firmly, so the wind doesn’t blow it over. The fact that it is sand and waterproof is the cherry on top.
Beach Chair: Sport-Brella Beach Chair
Overview:
- Size: 7.87″D x 7.87″W x 13.92″H
- Material: Steel frame, canvas
- Available variations: 2 color options
Why We Like It
While you can sit on a beach blanket or towel on the sand, a beach chair is infinitely more comfortable, especially if you need back support. It is one of those beach items that many people often overlook when packing for a beach day, but it makes a huge difference in your comfort level.
This Sport-Brella beach chair is an absolute must-have beach accessory. Unlike most other beach chairs, this model has three adjustable recline positions and a detachable footrest to put your feet up. If it gets too hot, you can use the overhead canopy to shield yourself from the sun. It offers UPF 50+ protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, making it one of the best beach chairs on the market.
Beach Tent: Easthills Outdoors Sun Shelter
Overview:
- Size: 53″D x 99″W x 57″H
- Material: Steel frame, heavy-duty polyester
- Available variations: 3 color options
Why We Like It
Sometimes you want to enjoy the beach but stay out of the sun. A beach tent helps you do both. If you’re headed to the beach with young children or babies, a beach tent is a must-have to protect them from sun, sand, and wind. We especially love the privacy they give you if you or your kids need a quick change of clothes.
The best beach tent has to be this beauty from Easthills Outdoors. Its super spacious interior can comfortably accommodate up to four adults with lots of room to spare. Unlike other beach tents on the market, this option comes with a dark shelter coating that blocks out more than 97% of harmful rays from the sun. It’s the perfect little shade oasis for you and your crew during your beach day out.
Holiday Beach Umbrella: Sport-Brella Shade Umbrella
Overview:
- Size: 8 feet
- Material: Alloy steel, polyester
- Available variations: 6 color options
Why We Like It
Don’t get us wrong—we love a good beach tent. However, the durable ones cost a pretty penny, although we consider them an investment. You’ll probably only need to purchase it once in your lifetime.
That said, a beach umbrella is your best bet if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. Beach umbrellas are made using special heavy-duty fabric, not the kind used in conventional rain umbrellas. This fabric is designed to withstand the elements and is highly resistant to UVA and UVB rays. While they don’t offer the same level of privacy or shade as beach tents, they are still a pretty solid option for sun UV protection.
This beach umbrella from Sport-Brella offers UPF 50+ sun protection, has a heavy-duty adjustable center pole, and zippered windows for increased airflow. It is one of the best beach umbrella models and a must-have for your next beach holiday.
Beach Towel: Amazon Basics Striped Beach Towel
Overview:
- Size: 30″ L x 60″ W (2-piece set)
- Material: 100% cotton
- Available variations: 8 color options
Why We Like It
Always carry a beach towel with you even if you don’t think you’ll use it. We can’t tell you the number of times we hit the beach with no intention of setting foot in the water. Never underestimate the sheer allure of the ocean. You’ll need a good-quality towel to dry off after a dip in the sea or to lay on the sand if you don’t have a beach blanket.
This Amazon Basics set of cabana-striped beach towels is exquisite. Each towel is made from 100% pure ring-spun cotton, making it super absorbent and large enough to give you optimal coverage. For context, it is big enough to cover a large portion of a chaise lounge.
Beach Cooler: Maelstrom Cooler Bag
Overview:
- Size: 18.11″L x 12.99″W x 12.6″H
- Material: Polystyrene
- Available variations: 11 colors, 3 size options
Why We Like It
A cooler is one of those beach accessories you don’t think you need until you do. The weather at the beach can get pretty hot. After an hour or so of sunbathing, swimming, surfing, volleyball, and other beach-related activities, you will get pretty parched. When you do, the last thing you want to reach for is a warm beverage. That’s where a beach cooler comes in.
This 13-gallon portable travel cooler from Maelstrom is just what you need to keep your beverages icy cold for the duration you’re at the beach. It can hold up to 75 cans and accommodate four ice packs. It is super chic, 100% leak-proof, and tear-resistant, and it can keep drink beverages or food chilled for up to 12 hours.
If you’re looking for the best beach cooler with easy transport capability, it doesn’t get better than Maelstrom. There’s an option with backpack straps as well.
Polarized Sunglasses: Sojos Retro Mirrored Sunglasses
Overview:
- Size: 5.67″L x 2.48″W x 2.01″H
- Material: Metal frame, silicone nose pads
- Available variations: 8 color options
Why We Like It
Sunglasses are another must-have accessory you can’t afford to leave behind when packing for the beach. You need to protect your eyes from the sun and the glare of the sand, particularly on white sandy beaches.
This stylish pair of retro mirrored sunglasses from Sojos is one of our faves. It features high-definition TAC UV400 polarized lenses that block out more than 99% of damaging UVA and UVB rays and filter out the sunlight glare reflected off the sand. The flash mirrored coating on the lenses is a nice touch.
Sunscreen Spray: Banana Boat Sport Ultra (Twin Pack)
Overview:
- Size: 6 oz. each
- Sun protection factor: SPF 50 broad-spectrum
- Water resistance: 80 minutes
Why We Like It
Skin cancer is real. Never hit the beach without sunscreen. For maximum protection, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50+. If you plan to go swimming or surfing, ensure the sunscreen you use is water-resistant. You’ll pay the ultimate price for using low-quality sunscreen. You definitely don’t want that. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
A great option for sunscreen is this Banana Boat Sport Ultra spray. It has an SPF rating of 50+ and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Sun Straw Hat: Furtalk Wide Brim Summer Beach Hat
Overview:
- Brim size: 4.7”-4.9”
- Material: Straw
- Available variations: 8 color options
Why We Like It
A hat is absolutely essential when packing for a summer beach vacation. It is the first line of defense against the sun’s damaging UV rays. A sun straw hat protects you from the sun while keeping your head cool and well-ventilated.
This wide-brim straw hat from Furtalk is among our all-time favorites. It is made of premium-quality paper straw and offers UPF 50+ protection against the sun. We particularly love its wide brim. Its circumference is large enough to cover your face, ears, and neck.
How to Have the Perfect Beach Day
What’s not to love about a beach vacation in a tropical paradise? Here are a few tips to keep you and your posse safe when heading to the beach.
When in Doubt, Ask a Lifeguard
Frequenting a beach with lifeguards is always better, especially if you have young children. Consider picking a picnicking spot near a lifeguard tower just so that they’re within eyeshot of your kids. Be sure to approach them and ask them about the weather and water conditions that day so that you can stay in the know and prepare for any eventuality.
Swim in a Group
It doesn’t matter how good of a swimmer you are. Swimming in a group is always in your best interest, especially in the ocean. If anything happens, someone is nearby to help or signal a lifeguard to intervene. Swimming in a group can often be the difference between life and death in dangerous situations.
Understand the Safety Flags/Signs
When you visit any beach, familiarize yourself with the flags and signage posted. Understand what the colors mean and ask for clarification if you’re unsure. Green zones are safe swimming areas with calm waters. Yellow zones indicate moderate ocean currents, so swimmers should be cautious. Red zones indicate highly hazardous areas with strong ocean currents. Purple or blue zones indicate areas with possibly dangerous marine life.
Stay Hydrated
Being out in the sun for extended periods can cause severe dehydration. It is easy to forget to stay hydrated when having fun in and out of the water. Drink plenty of fluids to replenish the water and electrolytes your body loses through sweat and energy. Avoid caffeinated energy drink beverages and stick to water, natural juices, and liquid- and electrolyte-rich fruits like watermelons.
Dress Appropriately
Wear appropriate attire to ensure you enjoy your beach day out. This includes wearing the right swimwear for the beach activities you intend to do. Bring a sun hat to shield your face, ears, and neck from the scorching sun. Carry a pair of flip-flops to walk along the beach and protect your feet from getting cut on rocks and debris.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the best beach accessories that are a must-have for your next tropical vacation. Have fun, and stay safe at the beach!
In the meantime, you’ll want to read our in-depth guide on the best luggage for travel before you jet off to paradise. Thank us later.
FAQ
What accessories do I need for the best beach holiday?
Some must-have beach essentials include a waterproof beach bag, an oversized beach blanket, a beach chair, a beach tent or umbrella, a towel, and a cooler or cooler bag. Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat to protect yourself from the sun.
What should I bring to have fun at the beach?
It depends on what your idea of fun is. For most people, it means beach games. Some fun beach toys for adults include flying discs, giant beach balls, ring-toss sets, volleyballs, water guns, bucket ball sets, beach badminton sets, and many more.
What are the most flattering colors for beach photos?
You can never go wrong with white. White linen dresses and shirts look fabulous against the ocean, sand, and sky backdrop. Other bold tropical colors you wear include mustard yellow, blue, and fuchsia.