One of my favorite things about summer is spending time at the beach. I love catching some sun but also just being around the ocean or lake (I’m not picky) makes me happy. I’ve learned through experience that there are a few things that I need to have when I plan on spending a day, or even a few hours, at the beach.
Sunscreen
This should be a no-brainer, but it’s very important to protect your skin. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of getting a nice summer tan, but I found that I can still get some color with SPF 50. I make sure to apply it every couple of hours and tend to stay away from the spray kind. Even though it’s more convenient, I find that I’m more likely to miss sections of my body and tend to burn badly.
Chapstick with SPF
It took me way too many times getting my lips sunburned until I finally decided to pick up some chapstick with SPF. It’s important to protect your lips from the sun’s rays just like any other part of your body. And trust me, you don’t want to burn your lips!
Water bottle
Laying in the sun always wears me out so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water has so many benefits for your body, which is why I choose that over any other drink to bring with me to the beach!
Beach Towel
Once again, this is self-explanatory. I like to bring an extra huge towel with me so that I know I have enough room to comfortably lay out.
Headphones or Portable Speaker
I tend to listen to music when I’m at the beach, most of the time with headphones, but if I’m with a group of people, a portable speaker is perfect. However, if I’m laying near the ocean, I sometimes prefer to actually not listening to music and instead relax and listen to the waves crashing!
Snack
Along with getting thirsty, I’m probably going to get hungry. Of course there’s probably going to be a snack bar nearby, but greasy foods never makes me feel all that good, especially when I’m in my bikini. Some fruit that easily portable like an apple or, something light, like some crackers and humus is a perfect snack to keep me feeling energized. If I’m staying for a while would normally pack a sandwich or something that’s more filling.
Sunglasses and Wallet
once again …self-explanatory.
Deodorant or Body Mist
Being in the sun all day can cause me to sweat, which is why I like to have a travel size deodorant or a body mist especially if I’m not going straight home after the beach. This allows me to freshen up extremely quick. I love getting the travel size body mists from Bath & Body Works!
A Spare Outfit
I typically like to bring a dress, along with a pair of underwear so I’ll be able to change out of my bathing suit after I’m done at the beach. If something happens to the clothes I was wearing to the beach like they got wet or sandy, having a spare outfit will ensure that I have something fresh and dry to change into, especially if I’m going to catch a bite to eat or just have a long drive home!
My beach essentials differ from each trip, but typically the items listed above are in my standard beach bag. What do you pack when you go to the beach? Let me know in the comments down below!
