Beach Day Essentials
This site contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate, I earn when you click on a link and make a purchase. This commission comes at no extra cost to you.
Living in Florida, where we are blessed with beautiful beaches, I understand the importance of having the right beach essentials to ensure a fun and enjoyable family outing. As a mother of five, I have gained valuable experience in selecting the must-have items for a day at the beach.
Sun Protection
The scorching Florida sun can be harsh, especially during summer months. It is vital to prioritize sun protection for the entire family. Here are some essential items to consider:
– Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF factor to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including the often-forgotten areas like ears, neck, and feet. Be sure to choose eco-friendly sunscreen like Coral Safe.
– Hats: Wide-brimmed hats provide extra shade and protect the face, neck, and shoulders from direct sunlight.
– Sunglasses: Protect your children’s eyes from harmful UV rays by investing in sunglasses with UV protection.
-UV protective clothing: Make sure your beachwear comes with SPF protection.
Beach Umbrella or Cabana
Beach umbrellas and cabanas provide shade and sun protection, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Additionally, these items provide shaded areas that help lower the temperature in their vicinity. This provides a comfortable spot to cool down and take a break from the heat, which is especially helpful for little ones who are in need of an afternoon nap.
Cabanas, in particular, provide a sense of privacy in a public beach setting. They create a defined space for your group, allowing you to enjoy your time without feeling overly exposed.
Umbrellas and cabanas also offer protection from light rain and wind, allowing you to stay on the beach even if the weather is not perfect. This is especially beneficial for unpredictable weather conditions.
What we like about our Sport-Brella is that it offers different positions for set up. We can position it upright like a standard umbrella, or we can position the umbrella on the side and use the side flaps to create a sheltered canopy.
Other features include UPF 50+ sun protection, water-resistant and fade-resistant fabric, internal pockets for storage, integrated wind vents and side windows to enhance airflow and stability, easy set up and transport, lightweight design and convenient carrying bag.
Our Coolcabana is another favorite. It is so easy to put up and take down that only one person is needed. My four year old daughter helped me set up and take down this cabana in just minutes. It is spacious, sturdy, and it also has UPF 50+ sun protection. No weights or stakes needed; just fill the pockets with sand to hold it in place.
Beach Wagon or Cart
Beach wagons and coolers are invaluable companions for beachgoers, streamlining the often challenging task of transporting gear across sandy terrains. We use the Quest Beach Wagon with Sand Wheels. Although pricey, this wagon has been a lifesaver given all of the items we haul along with our family. Navigation is effortless over sand and uneven surfaces with the beach wagon’s oversized balloon wheels. This wagon conveniently folds for compact storage and hassle-free transportation. Its elongated handle ensures comfortable and straightforward steering, complemented by 360-degree rotating front wheels for enhanced maneuverability. Equipped with XL cup holders, it accommodates most water bottles and tumblers for your hydration needs. For added convenience, the wagon features a removable hardcore floor and comes complete with a mesh cover to safeguard your belongings.
Beach Chairs
Beach chairs provide a comfortable and elevated seating option, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time on the beach without sitting directly on the sand. The elevated position also makes it easier to get up and down.
Many beach chairs are designed with ergonomic features, including back support. This is particularly beneficial for those who may experience discomfort when sitting for extended periods.
Beach chairs often come with adjustable features, allowing you to recline to different positions. This flexibility enables you to find the most comfortable angle for reading, napping, or simply enjoying the view.
Most beach chairs are designed to be lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry and transport.
Many modern beach chairs come equipped with cup holders and pockets, providing convenient storage for beverages, snacks, books, sunscreen, and other small items.
If you are looking for quality, look no further. The Sunflow beach chair is the last beach chair you will need! It is very easy to fold and carry. It also comes equipped with optional accessories such as a cup holder, overhead canopy, neck pillow, sunglasses case, and a water resistant side bag.
Cooler
Pack a cooler with plenty of water, snacks, and fruits to keep your family hydrated and energized throughout the day. This is especially important in warm weather to prevent dehydration With a cooler, you can extend your time on the beach without the need to leave in search of food or beverages.
We use the YETI Hard Cooler. It has plenty of room, keeps items cold all day, and its sturdy build allows us to use it as a side table or a seat.
If you are looking for quality and portability, the YETI Hopper Soft Cooler Backpack is the complete package. Features include high quality insulation, durable design with puncture and leak-resistant material, and a cushioned shoulder strap.
Families with children benefit from the convenience of having snacks and drinks readily available. It eliminates the need to leave the beach for snacks or deal with hungry and thirsty little ones.
Beach Bag
A spacious and sturdy beach bag will help you carry all your essentials in one place.
We have several beach bags. Our go to for family days is the Bogg Bag X Large Tote. The interior is simple yet spacious, making it a practical choice for families. It has plenty of room for our towels and other belongings. Also, if we inadvertently bring some sand home, which we all do, I simply rinse it out in the sink tub. It’s that easy. No more shaking bags and still having remnants of sand everywhere.
Beach Towels
Pack large, absorbent towels for each family member. Look for quick-drying options to avoid carrying wet towels back home.
Diveblues beach towel are super absorbent, quick drying, sand resistant, and easy to transport, as they come with a portable carrying bag.
Beach Blanket
This waterproof and sandproof beach blanket by Diveblues is very lightweight and compact. It folds up into a small storage bag.
Beach Toys
Keep your children entertained with sandcastle-building kits, buckets, shovels, and beach balls.
The Sand Pal castle building kit allows your little ones to customize their build with stackable sand bricks. I have to admit, it is fun for adults too!
Use Code 10offwaves for 10% off your purchase
Bluetooth Speaker
Bluetooth speakers have become an essential accessory for those who want to amplify their audio experience on the go.
We bring our JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker when we hit the beach. Not only does it produce great quality sound, but it’s waterproof and dustproof features help protect it from the outdoor elements. It fits right inside our beach bag, which is very convenient. Additionally, it boasts a battery life of up to 20 hours!
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in the heat is crucial. As temperatures rise, our bodies perspire more to regulate internal temperatures, leading to increased fluid loss. Adequate hydration helps replenish lost fluids, preventing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening conditions like heatstroke. Additionally, proper hydration supports essential bodily functions, including circulation, temperature regulation, and organ function, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Apparel and Footwear
Swimwear: Choose swimwear that fits well and provides adequate coverage. Rash guards are also great options to protect sensitive skin from the sun.
Cover-ups: Lightweight and breathable cover-ups offer protection from the sun and can be easily slipped on and off.
Water Shoes: Protect your children’s feet from hot sand, shells, or sharp rocks by providing them with comfortable water shoes.
As a mother of five, I understand the importance of having the right beach essentials for a successful family outing. By prioritizing sun protection, choosing appropriate clothing, and packing essential accessories, you can create lasting memories while enjoying the beach.
Related Posts
Eco Friendly Measures to Take at the Beach
The beauty of the beach is a treasure worth preserving, and adopting eco-friendly practices ensures that we can continue to enjoy the sandy shores and pristine waters for generations to come. A day at the beach can be both enjoyable and sustainable with a few mindful choices. Here’s a guide to eco-friendly measures that will help you minimize your environmental impact while soaking in the sun and sea.
What to do on a Cold Day at the Beach
Many of us have been there. We’ve spent countless hours planning and saving up for the perfect beach vacation. Then, we arrive at our destination with a less than ideal forecast that calls for cold, cloudy, and windy conditions. Don’t let this damper your spirit. There are still plenty of things to do at the beach on a cool day!