32 Beach Vacation Essentials You Shouldn't Forget

Buzz Feed

26-07-2025

A sand-removal bag filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder to help remove the pesky particles that seemingly yell "ATTACK!" when they see you and your soft skin coming. I can't possibly be the only one who despises sand, right?
A Brumate Era 40-ounce water bottle featuring a *genius* design with a metal straw inside but a silicone straw on top for drinking comfort that seamlessly locks in place so you'll never find yourself drenched after it tumbles out of your flimsy beach chair cup holder. It'll also keep your drinks cold for 24 hours, so even if it takes you ALL day to hit your water quota, it'll still be as refreshing as when you first poured it.
Plus, a Java Sok to keep your drink chilled and prevent it from dripping all over the paperback you've brought along to the beach — also a must-have for anyone who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because it melted before they could set up their chair and umbrella.
Burt's Bees After Sun Soother lotion for when you get attacked by the sun's harsh rays despite your best efforts. This lotion is packed with aloe and coconut oil to help your skin feel cooler after you accidentally got a bit too crispy sitting by the ocean.
A portable lock box designed to be secured around two beach chairs, so you can stow your wallet/phone/keys away safely and enjoy a long swim without constantly having to poke your head up to check that your items are still there.
A cooling towel you can soak in cold water and place around your neck to keep you feeling refreshed even if you've been running after your toddler in the hot summer heat for hours. Reviewers also say you can use it to cool down your dog, as well!
A swiveling UPF 50 plus protection umbrella with an adjustable clamp you can attach to a chair (or a stroller, parents!) to create some much-needed shade on hot summer days.
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen, a must-have for parents and their littles — it's unscented, moisturizing, 100% mineral based, vegan, cruelty free, and dye free. It'll certainly get the job done!
And a sunscreen applicator that'll make covering your mini-me from head to toe a whole lot easier — especially if they're squirmy! Pour the lotion inside this travel size container, flip it upside down, shake it, and apply. No mess and no stress.
Plus Supergoop Glowscreen for *your* exposed skin — it actually protects skin (hellooooo SPF 40👋) while making it shimmer just like Edward freakin' Cullen in the sunlight.
And Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush to finally solve your dilemma over whether to spray/rub sunscreen onto your exposed scalp. Simply brush this translucent powder along your exposed part/hairline (after applying it all over your face, of course) to add some much-needed protection from the sun.
A set of sand castle molds that'll solidify your "cool parent" status when you break 'em out at the beach and help your kiddos craft a structure worthy of a fairytale kingdom.
Crab-shaped mesh bags and sifters tykes can use to gather all the exciting treasures they find while strolling along the beach or, honestly, even in their own backyard!
A too-cute set of silicone beach toys in, dare I say, rather aesthetically pleasing colors you'll be proud to hand off to your kids for a day of fun in the sun.
A rolling beach cart capable of holding everything a parent may need when heading out for the day with their kiddos in tow (which is A LOT of stuff, TBH). The wheels can handle most terrains, including sand and dirt, and it'll fold up flat to easily fit in the trunk of your car.
A sporty colorblock bikini reviewers are obsessed with thanks to how comfortable and stylish it is — it has cheeky bottoms (hehe, fun!) and a subtle scoop neck that'll make you want to order it in other shades.
A high-waisted swim skirt with built-in briefs to pair with your fave bikini top so you can happily grab endless drinks and snacks at your all-inclusive resort without worrying about too much of your bare butt touching the bar stool. (Yikes!)
Or a loose-fitting cover-up in a fabulous print that'll flow behind you as you strut across the beach to grab a cocktail — you just might be mistaken for a glamorous Hollywood star during your next vacation.
A scoop-neck monokini you'll adore so much you'll want to pose in it for your dating profile pic — yes, you're going to look that good in it! Bring on the influx of messages!
A packable floppy hat that'll magically fold up so you can easily toss it into your beach bag or suitcase — what's the point of going to the beach if you're not going to bring the *draaamaaa* with a fabulous oversized hat?
A sand-free blanket designed so that sand (or dirt) will roll right off it — because is there anything worse than finding debris in every crevice of your car after lounging at the beach all day? It can fit four adults on it and and folds up nice 'n' small, so you can carry it around with ease.
Round sunglasses for anyone who constantly loses their favorite pair and is sick and tired of spending far too much money on replacements — these are stylish and *so* cost-effective you can stock up for the summer!
SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're running around so much, you're constantly dripping in sweat. These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play!
A sweat-controlling whole body deodorant designed to be applied to ANYWHERE you typically get sweaty — and it's designed to keep you sweat-free for up to 72 hours in addition to being odor-free. Witchcraft? Perhaps, but, BRB, I need to dip my entire body in this substance for the next few months.
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick to help you fight the good fight against your thighs and summer chafing — is there anything more irritating (literally) then wearing your favorite dress only to be left with red, painful welts by the end of the day? I think not.
A waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean.
Waterproof playing cards so you can get a fierce game of Go Fish going without fear of the moment your kids inevitably spill their drink all over the place.
A JBL portable speaker that's both waterproof *and* dust-proof (incredible) and will help you *pump up the jams* during your next pool or beach day with your fam — it easily clips onto a chair, so no worries about having to physically carry it around.
A bladeless personal neck fan that'll be your new answer to the question, "If you could bring one thing to a desert island, what would it be?" Toss this baby around your neck, stretch out on your bed, turn on The Real Housewives of Miami and enjoy the cool breeze you've been craving since you set foot on the beach.
Or a battery-operated stroller fan with a flexible handle you can wrap around your beach chair or prop up on a towel to keep you at the perfect temperature while sipping margaritas.
Playful clips that are as practical as they are pretty — they'll hold your towel in place on your chair so you won't have to chase it across the beach and can focus on more important things like sipping on a Diet Coke and listening to a podcast.
And an inflatable couch you'll pat yourself on the back for bringing along on your tropical vacay — plop this bad boy in the middle of the beach for a cozy, relaxing, good time. You won't even need a pump to blow it up (just trap some air inside it) and it can hold up to 440 pounds, in case your entire squad wants to pile in and snug under the stars.