I know that we are already halfway through summer, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy it. And for me, that means going to the beach! Since this is one of my favorite summer activities, I have spent years perfecting everything that goes in my beach bag. So in this post, I’m going to share with you what to take to the beach so you can enjoy a fun-filled summer day.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect new bathing suit and cover-up, or the best umbrellas and beach tents, I’ve got you covered. Chic coolers? Check! Fashionable beach hats? Check! Beach towels that double as sarongs? Another check! It’s all in this post. So, are you ready to get your beach bag packed? If so, keep reading for my top picks for a great day at the beach!
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What to Take to the Beach – Bathing Suits & Cover-Ups:
I used to spend a lot of money on fancy bathing suits. But then I wised up to the fact that usually after a season or two, swimsuits wear out. It doesn’t matter how good the quality is, there’s just something about the salt water, chlorinated pools, and sunscreen that does a number on them. So now, when I buy a bathing suit, I want something that’s fun, fashionable, and affordable. There are 4 places that are my go-to for suits: Target, Old Navy, Amazon, and Summersalt.
I have been wearing this cover-up from Amazon on repeat all summer! And underneath is my favorite one-piece bathing suit from Target. Oh, and let’s not forget about my go-to beach sandals! These rubber, Birkenstock knock-offs from Amazon are perfect for the beach and come in literally every color you can imagine.
I also love buying bikinis from Target because they will let you mix and match sizes. I recently got this bikini top and bikini bottom and love the fun, bright colors. If you want to stick with one-piece bathing suits, I love this ruffled suit from Target and this color block one-piece from Amazon.
One of my other favorite cover-ups is also from Amazon. What I love about this two-piece set is how versatile it is. You can dress it down for the beach, (sometimes I pair the orange pants with a white tank or tee), or you can dress it up with heels and jewelry for a night out on the town.
But you know what the best thing is about buying a bathing suit in August? Everything’s on sale! Case in point: Summersalt. I love the style and quality of this brand’s suits, and it’s even better when you can buy all of their stylish suits at a discount! My favorites are the Sidestroke, the Perfect Wrap One-Piece, the Ruffle Backflip, and the Marina.
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Beach Accessories:
You can’t head to the beach for the day without a great pair of sunglasses, a hat to protect you from the sun, and of course, the proper footwear. Besides my rubber sandals, I love a classic pair of Haviana flip-flops. Or maybe you prefer the go-to sandal of the summer, the fuschia-colored Cushion Rem Hi from Reef.
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If you ask me what to take to the beach, number one is a big sun hat. I always want to protect my skin from the sun and this oversized, straw hat from Amazon does the trick! Also in this photo is my favorite beach tote. (Can you tell I’m having a beige/white moment this summer?!)
There are so many fun beach totes for sale this season. If you prefer a classic look, I recommend this straw bag. If you want something a little more cheeky, this Be Back Never bag does the trick. I also love a good utility bag where you can throw everything in that you need to take to the beach. And if you’ve got a sense of humor, this bag from Nordstrom is for you!
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What to Take to the Beach to Maximize Your Comfort:
After years of going to the beach, I feel like my husband and I finally have this down to a science. We know what to take to the beach for ultimate comfort, shade, and relaxation.
Most important for us is our beach canopy. Unlike a tent, which is usually closed on one or more sides, our beach canopy blocks the sun but not the cool ocean breezes. We love the beach canopy we got from Amazon because you can fit at least 6 people under it without feeling crowded.
And for the beach days when it’s just my husband and me, we opt for an umbrella that has a corkscrew bottom which helps secure the umbrella in the sand. The other things we always bring with us are our favorite Turkish beach towels, a couple of beach chairs, our go-to Supergoop sunblock, a cooler filled with our favorite beverages, and our Corkcicle cups to keep our drinks cold.
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Are You Ready For a Fun Day at the Beach?
I hope this post was helpful in terms of what to take to the beach for a fun-filled summer day. Some of my fondest summer memories are long days spent at the beach. It’s one of the best places to enjoy the season and have a great day with family and friends, which is why I try to maximize my time there.
Now I’d love to hear from you. What are your favorite beach accessories? What are your must-haves that are always in your beach bag? And if any of my recommendations are a win for you, drop a comment below. I love sharing my picks with you and it’s always great to hear that you love something as much as I do.
Happy summer!
Ready to head to the beach but not sure which one to go to? Check out my 5 Days in Maine and Cape Cod posts for more info on the best beaches in the Northeast.
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