Beach season is officially here and we can’t wait to bury our feet in the sand and take a dip in the ocean. We intend to spend every weekend bathing suit-clad with a cold drink in hand watching the waves crash on the shore. If you are more of a pool person, you can head to one of these picture-perfect pools and enjoy soaking up some Vitamin D there.
In either case, you’ll need to bring quite a few items with you. A sun hat, a coverup, and a pair of sunglasses go without saying, of course. But you also have to think about not so obvious items such as a portable power bank for your phone and a speaker to keep the party going.
This summer, make a resolution not to use any sunscreen that pollutes the ocean and damages the coral reefs by opting for a more sustainable (and in most cases, healthier for you) option that’s zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based. And speaking of sunscreen, did you know that your hair also needs protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays?
Keep scrolling for a full list of all the items you need to pack in your beach tote for a fun day at the beach.
Marshall Kilburn II Speaker
Play your favorite tunes with this portable Bluetooth speaker. It delivers powerful 360-degree sound and the battery will last up to 16 hours in play mode.
To buy: $300, marshallheadphones.com
Treasure and Bond Tassel Beach Towel
Ultra plush and absorbent, this cotton beach towel is an absolute summer staple.
To buy: $59, nordstrom.com
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Catch up on your reading with the new Amazon Kindle that now has twice the storage and comes with a glare-free display. It’s also water-resistant and a single battery charge will last you for weeks.
To buy: $250, amazon.com
Manda Organic Sun Paste SPF 50 Sunscreen
Manda’s sun paste is thicker than normal sunscreen and it has been formulated with surfers and water sports enthusiasts in mind. It is reef-friendly and lasts much longer than sun lotion so if you are planning on catching waves all day long you don’t need to worry about re-applying every 40 minutes.
To buy: $18, amazon.com
Zimmermann Tote
This classic canvas tote is roomy enough to fit all of your beach essentials.
To buy: $195, shopbop.com
Sea Star Beachwear Seafarer Slingback
Instead of packing water shoes in addition to your sandals why don’t you just wear one pair of footwear that does double duty? These cute slingbacks are actually made from quick-drying fabric and sport non-slip soles. They are meant to be worn both in and outside of the ocean.
To buy: $96, seastarbeachwear.com
Beartwo Portable Solar Charger
Never run out of battery thanks to this water-proof solar-powered charger that has two USB ports and is compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and Android devices.
To buy: $26, amazon.com
UV Skinz Womens Long-Sleeved Swimsuit
Bring a rashguard or a long-sleeved swimsuit with you just in case your beach vacation is on the Atlantic or Pacific Coasts where the water tends to be cooler. It’s also the perfect swimsuit for surfing. This one is made from UPF 50+ fabric that protects your body from UV rays.
To buy: $75, uvskinz.com
Olympus Tough TG-6 Digital Camera
Don’t risk drowning your phone for the perfect selfie. Instead, invest in a good water-proof digital camera like this one that Olympus just launched. It’s an update of an old favorite, the TG-5, and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can shoot underwater with it (at a depth of up to 50 feet) as the body is water-, dust-, and shock-proof.
To buy: $449, adorama.com
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
This Aveda mist is basically sunscreen for your hair. Apply before sun exposure to protect your mane from sun damage or color fading.
To buy: $29, aveda.com
S’well Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with this water bottle by S’well, which will keep your favorite drink cold all day long.
To buy: $35, swellbottle.com
