My Beach Day Must-Haves

I am a firm believer that what you bring to the beach matters just as much as where you’re going. The right SPF, the right bag, the right shoes. It all adds up to actually enjoying yourself, instead of spending the afternoon sunburned and dehydrated, wondering where the day went. Here is a list of my beach days must-haves:

Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable for me, especially after everything I do to my skin and before a trip. I have a post here about everything I do to prepare for vacation.

On my face, I have tried a lot of face SPFs, and this one is in a category of its own. The Supergoop Glow Screen in the Golden Hour shade gives your skin this warm, lit-from-within glow that honestly looks like a bronzer. I don’t wear it every single day, but on beach days I am really lathering it on. SPF 40, no white cast, and it makes your skin look like you already have a tan before you even sit down in the sun.

For reapplying throughout the day, the Kopari Sun Shield On-the-Glow Stick lives in my bag. It glides on without getting your hands greasy, which is the only reason I actually remember to reapply.

Kopari Sun Glaze Body Gel Cream SPF 50+ for my body. It’s a gel cream that protects your skin and somehow gives it a dewy, healthy glow at the same time, which is my favorite.

Electrolytes

Staying hydrated in the sun for hours at a time is something I take seriously. I throw a few LMNT electrolyte packets in my beach bag every trip. Mix one into your water bottle, and you can genuinely feel the difference: less tired, less headachy, more you. Watermelon salt is my flavor of choice.

Sun Hat

A good hat is one of my beach day must-haves. I’ve worked hard on my skin, and I’m not about to let the sun undo it in one afternoon, plus a great hat just finishes off an outfit.

I brought a scalloped straw bucket hat on this trip, along with this hat that ties in the front. It’s so cute with a linen pants set.

A good book

Okay, this one is personal. I have a hard time reading at home. I am going to blame my ADHD and leave it at that. But something happens when I get to the beach. The noise in my head quiets down, I have nowhere to be, and I can actually sit and read for hours. It is honestly one of my favorite things about vacation.

On my last trip, I read My Own Magic, and I loved it. The kind of book you fly through without even realizing it. This trip I am bringing Wives Like Us and I cannot wait to crack it open.

Shoes that are water-friendly

Jelly shoes are having such a moment right now, and it makes total sense. I wore these to the beach and by the pool. They are waterproof, rinse off in two seconds, so much cuter than flip-flops, and they dried instantly even after walking straight into the water in them. Plus, they are tortoiseshell. I also have these, which are great for the pool and/or just casual outfits.

Beach Bag or Tote

I go back and forth on this every single trip. A crochet beach bag or a classic straw bag is always a yes for the beach. It has that effortless vacation energy and fits everything you need. But I am also a huge fan of a good tote, which is roomy, stylish, and works just as well going from the pool to the beach to a quick lunch stop. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. I say have both and rotate depending on the day. The tote bag is 20% off with code TOTES20

Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from the sun matters just as much as protecting your skin. I have had my Ray-Ban sunglasses for over five years, and I love them. I found a dupe from Amazon that I think works, especially for the beach.

I hope this helps as you plan your beach day. Shop all of my looks and favorites here.

Other posts you may like: 5 Things I do before Vacation