If you were around yesterday, you may have seen that I mentioned we spent the last week in a little ramshackle glam beach house in South Alabama. We’re unable to get away often, which I think is a pretty common hazard of running your own small business. But we’re really grateful and lowkey when we actually do. While we were away, I realized that we, once upon a time, took getaways to the beach a few times a year. It was easier back in the olden days since we lived so close. But we’ve learned a few things over the last few years with kids {and dogs} in tow. So I thought I’d share 18 Beach Essentials You’ll Love.
Here are a few of our very favorites to make that trek to the beach a little easier so you can focus on the fun. No worries, we included the just-fun stuff, too. {Affiliate links below} – I’m now sharing many of my fave finds on Amazon, so be sure to check out our storefront there! {Yes, it took me forever, but we hope it helps.}
• Towels: As pool owners, we’re always on the hunt for cute sets. These don’t disappoint with their bright colors + durability.
• Bag: These have been around for a while, but I’m just now spotting them everywhere. Kind of like when someone mentions a purple car, and there it is everywhere you turn? These are a game changer. You can see another shot of this above, but it’s easy to clean, durable, and sits upright without having to be braced on anything. Hose it out when you’re done with your beach day. We spilled soda in the bottom and it was no biggie. It also comes with two side bags to hold all the things. Worth every penny.
• Swim Trunks: Comfy, and in the cutest print options, too. The boys have a couple of versions of these prints.
• Beach Radio: Worth the splurge, if you’re going to have some music! It’s waterproof, too.
• Body Butter: Use this to prolong your tan after a long day in the sun. I found courtesy of my 16-year-old. It smells like a day at the beach. Trust.
• Sun Bum: Don’t worry, we do use higher SPFs. In fact, we came armed and ready with a tent to boot. But this one is a nice fun one to use, that smells great, too.
• Face Sun Screen: Light and refreshing to re-apply at the beach, without feeling too heavy. Almost like a mist. Use it on your lips, too. Another find per my teenage daughter that I adore.
• Sunglasses: I don’t indulge in pricey ones, because they break and I like to have multiple pairs. These are like a vintage find from the 70s that look oh-so-cute dressed up or down. Available in multiple colors.
• Drink Holders: We have various versions of these because they’re a great go-to pool and beachside. We love this one for bottles + this one for cans. Also available in lots of colors! It’s tried and true.
• Goggles: These are the perfect set for snorkeling – for the beach + pool, too. The kids love to pair these with nets to collect their shells! We even found a pair of sunglasses with these puppies the other day, in the water. Proud to do our part in cleaning up the beach. ;} They might look a little goofy but are shamelessly fun. My youngest was happy to model them.
• Water Bottles: My daughter introduced me to these, and now I can’t get enough. I’m still waiting for her to start her own insta account where she shares things. They have a flip top and come in various colors. She has the small water bottle + I have the larger one – {they come in more sizes}. Apparently, they’re called Owala because when you drink from it, you look like a Koala. I use mine every day and they’re perfect for working out, too. {See: Mine already has paint on it – It just needs a good scrub.}
• Mesh Bag: I think I’ve owned this one for over a decade now, and it’s held up. We use it to carry footballs, the giant goggles we’re sharing, and more. It’s held all the sand toys, shells, etc. It’s just a great catch-all for the things that get a little messy, when you don’t want to carry all that sand back with you. When you’re finished, just shake it out and fold it up to return it to the pouch.
• Cooler Backpack: This is our family go-to for snacks, drinks, and more. It even comes with a bottle opener on the side strap, and lots of pockets for all the things. Jamin likes to fill ours to the hilt with all our beach survival goodness. His brother had one at a lake last year, and once we discovered how handy it was, there was no turning back.
Yes, you do spy Easy Cheese on the side. Yes, that is for the fish.
• Beach Blanket: Easy to Store in a pouch when not in use, and anchors nicely in the sand. Because it’s kind of gross to get your towel beyond covered in gritty sand. If only it protected us from the seagulls.
• Chairs: We own five of these. They fold up nicely into a bag when not in use, and come with a drink holder, along with a lined pouch on the back to hold all the things, but can also function as a mini cooler. The netting on the back keeps you cool too, when there’s a breeze. Fitz was happy to model it in the photo above.
• Bikini: I love this two-piece. No, I wasn’t going to model it. Just know it’s comfy and easy, and I love the colors. Available in lots of options, but I own the colors featured in the board.
• Pooper Scooper: Random but useful, because our dogs love the beach too. These make it easy to store bags and clean up after the pups. We keep it with us when out with them at all times… at home for walks, and at the beach.
• Phone Case: I use this case in the pool, tub {yes, I have butterfingers} and the beach. Perfect for filming underwater at the beach, and our kids have had a blast with them over the years, especially in our pool.
We hope this little round-up gave you some fun ideas for your next getaway. Let us know what some of your favorite finds are in the comments. We’d love to hear!
{And be sure to check out our entire Amazon Storefront here, where I’ll add many of my favorite things. Yes, it took me forever, but decided it’s easier to share this way.}
Have an inspired day!
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