50+ Of The Best Beach Gear & Accessories For 2024

Heading to the coast for a family beach vacation?  Spending a day at the river? 

Or are you just a regular beach-goer?  No matter how often you head to the waters, this post is for you.  We’ve compiled an amazing list of beach gear that you’ll go crazy for! 

From the basics to some really neat, unusual items, you have got to check these out.  

The Ultimate Beach Packing List 

Are you ready for summer fun yet?  We’ve scoured the internet, talked to major beach fans, and chosen some of our favorites but in the end, we’ve created the raddest, most ultimate beach packing list you’ve ever seen featuring must-haves for families, kids, adults, and couples-only items.

We’ve even got some snacking ideas! So as you head out chasing the endless summer dream of sun and sand, be sure to grab some (or ALL!) of the following to really make it special. 

Basic Beach Day List

Before you start packing, sit down and make an essential beach packing list of the beach gear you don’t want to forget. Consider some of the following items:

• Water Shoes
• Bathing Suit
• Beach Blanket
• Sand Toys
• Beach Chairs
• Beach Tent
• A Good Book
• Beach Umbrella
• Sun Hat
• Sun Protection
• Life Jackets
• Dry Clothes
• Wet Bag To Store Wet Clothes In
• Beach Tote
• Ziplock Bags (for treasures you find!)
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Breezy Cover Up
• Sand-Free Mats
• Sand Anchor
• Cell Phone
• Money / Credit Card
• Snacks
• Ice Cold Drinks
• Cooler
• Swim Diapers (if you’ve got young children)

Top Beach Day Must Haves For Families

No matter how old your kids are, a day at the beach is the perfect opportunity to make some lifelong memories.

Check out some of these items you won’t want to leave home without for your beach getaway. We have products that are for fun and others that are the tools you’ll want on hand in case of an emergency or incident.

Stingtings Jellyfish Sting Relief Kit

Getting stung by a jellyfish is no joke and this is one product you won’t want to be without! On one of our cruises years ago, one poor girl sat on a jellyfish as she climbed into her kayak.

(You could hardly see the jellyfish as they are quite transparent!) The people in charge of the excursion didn’t have anything to help her and she ended up sitting off to the side bearing through the pain for the entire 2-hour ‘adventure’.

I felt so bad for her. So if you’re planning on heading out to the water, be sure to keep this Stingtings Jelly Fish Sting Kit on hand.

Jason Houston is the founder of the Jellyfish Sting Kit and an avid beachgoer who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. He frequently takes his daughter, Evie, who is 7, to the beach for fun-filled days in the sun and sand.

After Evie got stung and nobody knew what to do, he created this portable kit so beach-goers would have all the necessary tools and instructions at hand.

Handzies Wipes

Playing at the beach is tons of fun but nobody wants to be eating dirt and germs. Need to get that greasy sunscreen off your hands?

Want to clean up before enjoying some snacks? Sand on your face? That’s where Handzies Wipes come in!

I LOVE these wipes as they are perfect for on the go use. They come individually wrapped and these cleansing towelettes feature Handzies proprietary formula of pure Castile (olive oil-based) soap and water.  

(Handzies does not contain alcohol, triclosan, BZK or any artificial perfumes or dyes.) These wipes are so handy that I make sure to keep some in my van at all times. 

Keep Going First Aid Kit

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected and a Keep Going First Aid Kits are something you’ll never want to be without again!

Keep Going First Aid Kit has 130 pieces of essential first aid supplies. From burn relief to bandages, your family will be ready for anything! TSA approved, the lightweight kit is packaged in an organized, stylish water & stain-resistant case for at home or on-the-go. 

These compact kits are so easy to pack along for any adventure and the cases are cute too.

4 Position Beach Chair

Enjoy the beach down low and near the sand without sitting right on it! This 4-position Beach Chair from AllJoy is super comfy and ultra-portable at just 5 pounds.

Features you’ll love include:

1. 4-Level Adjustable Recline: The easy tilt angles of this chair adapt to your comfort needs with 4 adjustable backrest positions for optimum reclining satisfaction.
2. Comfortable leaning high back structure, supporting shoulder and back makes you feel totally relaxed.
3. Widen the plastic handrail to support the arm for increased comfort Durable iron pipe support, spray treatment, corrosion resistance Diamond – shaped Oxford fabric against tear, strong and durable
4. Features convenient adjustable, padded backpack straps and extra lightweight design (only 5.3 lbs) that makes it easy to carry.
5. Features a large pillow, cup holder and side pocket.
6. Perfect for on-the-go anywhere outdoors – use at the beach, at the pool, camping, a concert or by the lake.

KingCamp High Mesh Back Beach Chair

Bust out this high back beach chair and enjoy the fiery sunset from the steep headlands perched above the ocean below.

The breathable mesh back is both smooth to the touch and supportive, lending hours of sitting comfort. Foam arms provide a place to rest your arms while adding a touch of class to this folding chair.

When it’s time to leave the coast, simply fold up this chair, slip into its carry bag, and toss it in your vehicle’s trunk.

Easy to use, you’ll truly appreciate how this chair is designed with a high backrest for ultimate support.

Stanley Adventure Fast Flow Water Jug

This one goes in and out of stock quickly so if you see it available, BUY IT NOW! This Fast Flow 2 Gallon Jug is perfect for bringing fresh water everywhere you go. We actually own multiple!

The rugged handle and leakproof design means you can take it anywhere and the double-wall foam insulation will keep drinks cold for hours (iced for 2 days). The high-flow spigot also removes easily for cleaning.

PRO TIP: Bring an extra jug with warm water soapy water for easy hand washing anywhere!

Stanley Cups

Don’t leave home without your Stanley Cups! There’s the perfect size straw cup or water bottle for everyone in the family.

Some of our favorites include (left to right): 40 ounce IceFlow Flip Straw Jug, 24 ounce Quick Flip Go Bottle, 20 ounce Wild Imagination Flip Straw Tumbler, and 30 ounce IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler.

We own several Stanley cups and mugs and they are all amazing. Their double wall vacuum insulation and 18/8 stainless steel construction deliver nothing but the best.

They keep drinks cold for up to 7 hours and iced for 2 days or more! I also like how they come in lots of fun colors so everyone in the family chooses their favorite and it’s easy to tell whose cup is whose.

Staying hydrated and keeping a healthy body temperature is so important when spending a day out in the sun.

Top Beach Day Must Haves For Kids

I know that kids tend to have a lot of gear and things they ‘need’, especially when leaving the house. But we’ve rounded up some things you definitely won’t want to leave behind on beach day.

SwimZip Suits For Kids

I’ve been a huge fan of SwimZip swimwear for years now. If you’ve ever struggled getting your kids into or out of wet swimwear before, you will LOVE the ingenious design behind SwimZip.

Once you try their easy-on, easy-off zippered tops; you’ll never go back to another ‘regular’ suit again. And their one-piece baby sunsuits are also awesome for the littles!

All of their products are designed to be UPF 50+ for ultimate sun safety. SwimZip’s mission is to develop sun-protective products people will actually want to wear because they are stylish, functional, and affordable.

Petunia Pickle Bottom District Backpack

Having all my toddler’s gear and some toys in one place makes beach (or pool) days so much easier. She knows which bag is hers and grabs it when she needs something.

The Petunia Pickle Bottom District Backpack is a well-designed, gorgeous option; truly an organizer’s dream. The District Backpack comes with a drawstring bottle holder, a washable changing pad, a packing cube, and integrated stroller clips.

It’s lightweight and ergonomic with thoughtfully placed pockets. With the help of this bag, you’ll be able to pack with confidence and be ready for anything that comes during the day.

Beach Poncho

I’m a huge fan of these adorable beach ponchos from Stephen Joseph as they are definitely one of the best beach accessories we have.

While I also think regular beach towels are a necessity, I’m partial to the poncho style for the younger kids, toddlers and preschoolers especially.

The younger crowd sometimes struggles to keep a standard towel wrapped around them but a poncho does the work for you!

Just slip over the head and the hood helps keep the poncho towel exactly where it needs to be. Plus, the available styles are simple, sweet, and absolutely adorable.

Kids Beach Towels

A bright, fun beach towel is a must have for the kids! These adorable oversized towels are the perfect companion for a day at the beach, trip to the pool, or even to use at bath time.

Made from ultra absorbent 100% cotton and designed in vibrant color ways with adorable designs, these towels are machine washable for easy care.

Baby Bucket Hat

Hats are a great way to help protect baby’s face from the harmful sun’s rays and these baby bucket hats are to die for! Featuring vibrant colors and precious patterns, there are six options currently available.

I especially love the breakaway strap, designed to ensue your little one is extra safe while enjoying the outdoors. These cotton bucket hats are lightweight and work well for play on the sand or in the water.

Summer Infant Pop ‘N Dine SE Highchair (Sweet Life Edition – Mango Melon)

Feeding a squirmy baby on the beach doesn’t sound like much fun to me but if you have this awesome Pop ‘N Dine SE Highchair, things will get a whole lot easier!

If you want a seat that brings baby up to your regular height beach chair, you’ll love this one!

The Pop ‘N Dine SE is perfect for indoor or outdoor dining as it features an innovative pop-and-fold design that sets up in seconds.

The compact fold and included carry bag makes it easy to bring with you on all your adventures. Plus, the machine-washable fabric and dishwasher-safe tray make cleaning up a breeze.

Summer Infant – Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster DLX (Jungle Botanical)

If you’re looking for a baby seat that will be lower to the ground, the Summer Infant – Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster DLX is a great choice.

Whether you need a booster at a restaurant, a chair at the beach, or even a floor seat at home – this booster is your all-in-one solution. 

Clean up is also a breeze with this chair as the material is machine washable and tray dishwasher safe. Plus, the innovative fold, carry, and go design means set up and take down happens in just seconds.

Buggy Fan

Keep the baby cool with this handy BuggyGear Stroller Fan.

This powerful, multi-functional, USB, hand-held fan lasts up to 6 hours and can attach around strollers, backpacks, car seats, beach chairs, wheel chairs, bike handles, and more! 

It’s the perfect travel companion because of it’s handy built-in flashlight and USB charging port.

WonderFold Wagon

Getting all your gear and the kids to your ‘home base’ at the beach is no easy task and I love using my WonderFold Wagon everywhere we go!

They offer a variety of styles and options, including wagons that can hold up to four kids! I’ve been super impressed with ours so far and you can check out my full W2 Luxe review for all the details.

Buggy Hook

Any way to get your stuff to your beach spot easier and quicker is a must have in my book and snapping this Star Shaped Buggy Hook to your wagon stroller or other beach cart will definitely help!

Perfect for hanging bags and gear, this lightweight aluminum hook with foam grip holds your items in place. 

Inter-Mix Organizer & Storage Caddy

The perfect accessory to help you keep everything ready in place is the Inter-Mix Organizer & Storage Caddy.

This oversize caddy is designed to organize your life, no matter where adventures take you! It features:
• Four large sections and two side pockets to hold necessities of varying sizes
• Zippered mesh top keeps items contained, but visible for quick access
• 2 outer pockets, with 1 situated to hold mesh top when not in use
• Wide side handles for hand transport
• Easy-to-clean, water-resistant, wipeable interior and exterior

Top Beach Day Must Haves For Adults

Husssh Bladeless Neck Cooler

Typical beach days are HOT. If you’re wanting to take a break from the water but not turn into a hot puddle, check out this bladeless neck cooler as an innovative way to give yourself a break from the heat.

The Husssh USB Rechargeable Bladeless Neck Fan is a powerful and quiet hands-free fan.

This fan is designed with a unique system that vents air through 78 air outlets around the neck, perfect for those active warm weather days.

This new design is safer for children as well as those with longer hair, as there are no blades to be concerned about!

High Back Beach Chair – Regular Height

If you prefer a beach chair that’s typical height, look no further! This portable high-back beach chair from WEJOY can’t be beat.

The oxford fabric is both ripstop and breathable. Featuring a 300-pound weight limit, the steel frame is made to last. Finally, the back pocket is sure to come in handy for keeping track of essentials.

Wallaroo Hats & Visors

This awesome visor is made from a quick-drying Lycra and gorgeous colors for water-friendly sun protection.

You’ll be able to splash around in comfort as this women’s sun visor ties in the back for a perfect fit every time.

It’s the ideal choice for vacation, beach days, pool time, and pretty much ANYWHERE you plan to go. It even packs totally flat for hassle-free travel!

Check out this handcrafted, all-natural fedora that is designed to provide excellent sun protection for all your outdoor activities. The chin strap even provides extra wind resistance.

Expandable Essentials Running Belt

Whether you’re planning to take a walk or run on the beach or just want to keep those valuables close and safe, the original SPIbelt can help do that.

Designed to expand, this belt can hold larger smartphones; including the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S20+.

It’s perfect to wear for walking, working out, travel, medical needs, and so much more. You’ll love how it keeps all your exercise accessories, headphones, keys, ID, and credit cards safe, secure, and close at hand.

Canus Lotion

Being out in the elements all day can really dry out your skin. Be sure to end the day with Caprina Moisturizing Body Milk. 

Made using fresh goat’s milk that’s collected from local goat farmers, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Helps restore the skin’s natural moisture level.
• Deeply moisturizing for 48h
• Deeply nourishing
• Hypoallergenic
• Reduce irritation and dryness

Body Glide – Original Anti-Chafe Balm

Don’t leave behind your Body Glide Body balm! It’s the original anti-chafe, anti-blister balm that works to help protect your skin against rubbing and also helps deter discomfort and irritation.

This balm is sweat and water-resistant – it keeps pores clog-free by allowing sweat to escape and lets skin breathe.

The effective and long-lasting formula gives you all-day protection. Use daily in humid and dry conditions for a pain-free active lifestyle.

Snacks And Food For A Day At The Beach

A day at the beach won’t be any fun without some yummy snacks to enjoy! It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and have at least some options on hand in case you are unable to purchase on location.

We’ve actually rounded up a list of 50+ healthy summer snacks for you to check out! It’s a great list of simple, easy to no prep, and many are ultra portable too.

Sweet Chaos Popcorn

There’s never a bad time or place for popcorn and Sweet Chaos makes it easy to enjoy no matter where life’s adventures take you.

This delicious flavored popcorn comes in a variety of flavors including the classics like kettle corn, movie theater butter, and white cheddar as well as scrumptious drizzles such as black and white and peanut butter.

No matter what flavor you choose, these bags travel well and are a yummy treat.

Little Spoon

Check out these fresh, organic, nutrient-dense smoothies from Little Spoon! Featuring flavors that kids (and even adults!) love, these smoothie pouches come in fun flavors like Strawberry Banana Shake and Golden Apple Pie.

They stay cold for hours and are perfect travel snacks for the car or beach.

• On-the-go healthy snack time favorites with hidden veggies + superfoods.
• Fruit and veggie blends + yogurt recipes offer delicious variety.
• Certified organic. Nothing artificial. No added sugar.

Nuts.com

Starting under $10, Nuts.com offers a variety of snacks in single-serve packs, these make life so easy because you can bring healthy delicious snacks kids and adults love without the mess of an entire bag!

• All-Star Snack Pack: This assortment of Nuts.com’s top-rated sweet, salty and savory bites come individually wrapped in 1.5-ounce bags making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Half-Dried Apricots
  • Southern Heat Mix
  • Roasted Pistachios (Salted, In Shell)
  • Roasted Cashews (50% Less Salt)
  • NY Espresso Mix
  • Honey Sesame Sticks
  • Roasted Mixed Nuts (50% Less Salt)
  • Dark Chocolate Turbinado Sea Salt Almonds
  • Apple Pie Crunch
  • CB&J Mix
  • Bourbon Pecans
  • Malted Milk Balls
  • Dried Pineapple Chunks
  • Dark Chocolate Pretzels
  • Spicy Lime Plantain Chips

• Bitty Bar Variety Mix: Wee-sized Bitty Bars for every lil’ craving means no more waste! Small as they are, these itsy bitsy bars pack a ton of flavor in each bite. Plus, they’re made with clean, simple ingredients like peanuts, almonds, dried apricots, quinoa and more. Bound together with sweet, pure honey, they’re travel-sized and do just the trick when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Moon Fruit

Naturally sweet and perfectly crunchy, the whole family can enjoy Moon Fruit Snacks! With 1/3 cup of whole fruit per serving, these snacks are bursting with flavor while offering an easy, healthy snacking choice for families on-the-go.

Available in three flavor choices, choose from Straw-Bana, Blended Berry Blast, and Apple Cinnamon.  Parents will appreciate how Moon Fruit contains no added sugar, no artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, and no artificial flavors. 

Easy Click To Shop Links

Additional Beach Day Must Haves That You’ll Go Crazy For

1) Mineral Sunscreen

We all know we need to protect our family from the sun’s harmful rays and skin cancer but did you know if you’re going to use sunblock, you should be using a natural mineral sunscreen? 

There are many benefits of a natural mineral sunscreen and I highly recommend you choose Goddess Garden Organics.

The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is astounding.

• Minerals Are Safe For The Environment
• Chemicals Absorb But Minerals Reflect
• Minerals Are Effective IMMEDIATELY
• No Harsh Chemicals In Goddess Garden Mineral Sunscreen!

I love that Goddess Garden offers a variety of lines for all your needs.  Each and every line features reef safe minerals paired with organic ingredients which makes their formulas safe for all skin types. 

2) Kids Beach Toys

You can’t visit a beach without playing in the sand.  So make it simple by grabbing this really awesome Beach Tote Set from Stephen Joseph Gifts. 

Available in a variety of really fun and brightly colored options, kids love them as they are perfectly sized for carry!  Plus, each beach tote comes packed with five exciting tools for building the perfect sandcastles. 

Personalize with an initial, nickname, or name of your choice for a customized look.

3) Waterproof Speaker

When sitting by the seashore or hitting the waves, adding music to the mix is sure to make the day more fun.  Tune in to your favorite jams easily with the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Waterproof Speaker.

This super-portable wireless Bluetooth^® speaker features everything you’ll need: balanced 360° sound, deep bass, one-touch music control, water, dust & drop proof, and stunning high-performance fabric. 

4) Luxury Beach Bocce Ball

What’s a day at the beach without some sand game fun?  This awesome Beach Bocce Ball set from SeaTurtle Sports is sure to deliver hours of fun.  

5) Portable Safe

You hit the beach running but what are you going to do with your valuables when everyone wants to get in the water?  Thanks to SAFEGO, your problem is now solved.

SAFEGO is a portable and lightweight travel safe, functioning as both an outdoor key safe and a custom combination lock-box. 

Use SAFEGO in any setting and protect your smartphone, keys, cash, wallet, camera, sunglasses, jewelry, etc. With its high-quality features, SAFEGO can virtually attach to anything, allowing for either key or keyless entry.

6) Comfortable Fashion Sandals

I’m a fashionista at heart so a cute pair of sandals is a must-have.  Being able to slip my shoes on and off easily so I can enjoy the warm sand between my toes makes the entire day better.  

Walking the beach, enjoying the sand, living the life.  So much fun!  But do it in comfort with a pair of Women’s Orthotic Flip Flops with Arch Support.

They are ultra comfortable as they feature a memory foam lining that allows your feet the upmost care.  Because of their comfort design, your feet will soak up every beach visit!

7) Inflatable Golf Cart Float

Make floating extra fun with the awesome inflatable Golf Cart Pool Float by FUNBOY!  

For any golf-loving people, this is one float you’ll need to have. Bring it to the beach or pool and two people can lounge under the fringe-lined removable mesh sunshade while dreaming of brighter days. 

Everyone knows summer is the season of beach vacations, boat rides on the lake, and floating the warm days away in the pool and now you can do all of those things on the coolest float around!

8) Goggles For The Kids

One thing that bothers a lot of kids is water getting splashed into their eyes, even more so when it’s saltwater. 

So the easiest way to prevent that is with an adorable pair of goggles that your child will want to wear.    

Perfect for any little swimmer, these fun and funky designs add even more excitement on your trip to the pool or beach.

So whether they’re just starting out or jump in feet first, you can protect their eyes with the perfect style to suit them. Plus, the awesome neoprene strap doesn’t pull hair!

9) Hooded Beach Towels For The Kids

After splashing around, nobody wants to be cold as they sit around drying off.  Even more so with kids.  So we’ve found the best solution to be adorable hooded beach towels!   

Kids can become any of the fun characters they wish.  And moms can rest assured that their little one is snug and dry.

Each towel even has enclosed corners for little hands to hold on to and stay wrapped up.  And I love the fact that you can customize the towels by adding a name, nickname, or initials.  

10) Sun Protective Clothing

Protecting all of your skin from the sun is super important.  And one easy way to do that is with fun, fashionable sun protective clothing from Coolibar. 

They are passionate about their mission because it truly hits home. Many of their customers are survivors and patients who share their personal stories on a daily basis. 

They believe everyone deserves the right to an active, outdoor lifestyle in the sun.  So the Coolibar promise is that their clothing and accessories are UPF 50+ for the life of the fabric.  

CoverUp-

One of my favorite pieces from Coolibar is this adorable SeaCoast Swim CoverUp for girls.  It’s lightweight, breathable, stretchy, and UPF 50+.  You’ll love it!   

(Spoiler alert:  They also make amazing choices in adult sizes!)

Cute Tops-

Long sleeve and short sleeve sun protective tops are a great way to help keep the sun’s harmful rays off your skin.

Fashionable Women’s Outfit – 

Just one option is their Long Sleeve Match Point UPF50 Tee and Grand Slam Tennis Skort.  Super cute, it’s comfortable too. 

I love how it’s lightweight so it keeps me protected without overheating.  Yet, when the sun goes down, the long sleeve top adds an extra layer too. 

Of course, Coolibar has a huge array of other options and styles for everyone in the family too. 

11) Fun Floats For The Kids

Keeping the kids occupied in the water is pretty easy when you utilize some fun beach floats and toys.  

The styles and options are always changing but no matter which one you choose, you just can’t go wrong when it comes to Big Mouth beach floats!

12) Slip On Beach Friendly Shoes

For footwear technology that checks off all the boxes, these Women’s Retro Arch Support Loafers are it! – Breathable, Lightweight and Flexible.

This Slip-on Sneaker is beautifully designed and moves with you at every step.

A no-fuss pair of shoes, they feature an anatomical orthotic insole, ergonomic sole, and deep cup cushion combined to relieve pain and fatigue for flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc.

NOTE: These shoes do run about a size large.

HONORABLE MENTIONS – Beach Day Must Haves That You’ll Go Crazy For

Baby Beach Playard 

A beach friendly play yard is must have if heading out with infants and toddlers.  Having a safe place to confine them so they can explore and play safely while still being on the beach makes the entire day less stressful.  

Blue Coolers

If you want your goodies to stay fresh, Blue Coolers can do that for up to 10 days! It’s the cooler you’ll want for all your adventures

• Up to 10 days ice retention
• “Easy-Close” lock down latches
• Air tight gaskets and seals
• No fail hinges
• Tie down slots
• Pressure release utility port
• Dry ice compatible
• Chrome plated lockable lid system with built-in bottle opener
• Non-skid feet
• Rapid drain system
• Dry Basket & Divider ready design (sold separately by Blue Coolers)
• Removable tether handles
• Nesting compatibility with the 100Q/110Q Ark Series Coolers

Beach Tent

Comfort and relaxation is key when hitting the beach for a day.  And this Pacific Breeze XL Beach Tent is number one for great reason! 

Weighing just over 6 pounds, it folds down ultra compact for travel.  But when set up, it measures in at 95″ L x 52″ H x 51″ D, providing a spacious interior shelter that comfortably fits 3-4 people!  Set up and take down in just minutes!

BEST Life Jackets For The Kids

For years now, I’ve been a huge fan of Body Glove Life Jackets for kids.  The design allows kids to swim with confidence. 

It’s the safest Patented U.S. Coast Guard-approved “Learn to Swim” life jacket with attached arm bands for teaching kids to safely learn to swim.

This style is my favorite because it features the ‘vest’ over the shoulders as well as the bands.  It allows kids to stay upright and actually swim as opposed to the styles that flip kids on their backs.  

Teen & Adult Goggles

If you’re looking for a great performing pair of goggles for teens and adults, FINIS has it.  We’ve been a fan of years.

They look great and perform amazing!

So what do you think?  What are your top beach day must haves?