It’s officially summer time, and who doesn’t love a day trip to the local beach in the hot summer sun? Before hitting the sand for a new tan or the waves for a swim, make sure your bag is packed with all the important beach day essentials.

Canvas Tote Bag

Before you can begin to fill your beach bag with all the necessary products, you need a spacious and durable bag.The canvas tote bag has not only become a trendy and stylish accessory but is the perfect beach bag. One I would highly recommend is the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, in sizes large or extra-large for ultimate space. They provide a variety of color options, and the cotton canvas makes it easy to clean.

Insulated Water Bottle

Being out under the hot sun all day can be exhausting for the body, and because of this hydration is crucial. I swear by always having an insulated water bottle with me, my personal pick being a FreeSip Owala. It has both a sip and swig option, and it keeps my water cold and my ice frozen for a while. I have a green and orange 32 ounce bottle, but they have a variety of color options in both 24 and 40 ounce bottles as well.

Sunscreen

Skin protection at the beach is just as important as staying hydrated. With high UV indexes from the heat and bright sun, applying sunscreen with SPF is very necessary. I would recommend investing in Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+. Using this product and reapplying it every so often when in the sun will protect your skin from damage while still allowing you to get a glowing tan.

Handheld Fan

Something I swear by keeping in my bag throughout the summer is a handheld fan. If you’re like me and you sweat easily in the heat, a portable fan can be a lifesaver. I have the JisuLife Handheld Fan Life8 in the mint green color, which is the perfect compact fan. It has a foldable design for easy portability, and even holds more functionality than a normal fan, as it also acts as a flashlight and a power bank.

Hats/Sunglasses

With the bright sun beaming on the beach, a hat and/or sunglasses when sitting in the sand is very important to protect your eyes and scalp from sun damage. Shops like Urban Outfitters, H&M, and PacSun provide great options and various styles of both hats and sunglasses that are both stylish and trendy while also useful when under the bright sun.

Beach Towel

To finish off your packed beach bag, you’ll need a beach towel. Whether you use it to lay on the sand and get a tan or dry off after a long swim in the ocean, a beach towel is probably the most necessary item when having a beach day. Vera Bradley not only sells cute bag wear, but they have a great selection of trendy and fun beach towels as well. They come in a good size so there’s plenty of room to either lay on it on the beach or dry off.

Bathing Suit

The best part about the beach is being able to spend the whole day in a bathing suit. It’s important to invest in a reliable one, especially if you’ll be bathing under aggressive sun beams and facing strong waves in the ocean. Billabong is a great company that carries various sizes, colors, and styles of swimsuits for both men and women. Options are fun and stylish with a durable material, ensuring to last you for a long time.

Sandals

In the intense heat and bright sun, the sand can get very hot. It’s important to give your feet a break from the hot sand grains with a pair of sandals. I personally always opt for flip flops or thong-style sandals, as they’re easy to put on and off and store in your beach bag. REEF has a variety of options of simple beach sandals, ranging in sizes, styles, and colors.

Before letting the excitement of a relaxing and warm day on the beach, it’s important to go prepared to spend the day under the sun. Investing in these items along with a few others will ensure a safe and fun beach day!