When most people think of summer, they automatically think of beaches and the sun. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with spending a day or two lounging on the sand and swimming in the ocean, there’s a lot more to do at the beach than just that. If you know where to look, there are all sorts of fun activities waiting for you at your local shoreline. From surfing and sailing to kiteboarding and kayaking, the possibilities are endless. But even if you’re not interested in getting wet, there are still plenty of things to do on land. You can go for a walk or run on the beach, play some games like frisbee or tag, build a sand castle or just relax in the sun.
However, to truly make the most of your time at the beach, there are essential beach accessories you should invest in. Here are some of the most important ones:
A Good Beach Chair
If you’re going to be spending any amount of time on the sand, then a good beach chair is an absolute must. It will allow you to sit comfortably while you enjoy the view or read your favorite book. You can go for a traditional folding chair or opt for something a little more unique like an inflatable beach lounger. And if you get one with a built-in umbrella, then you can stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Just be sure to choose a chair that’s comfortable and sturdy enough to support your weight. Some of the best beach chairs on the market are often made from lightweight aluminum or hardwood.
Beach Blanket
While a beach chair is great for sitting, you’re going to need a blanket if you want to lie down. Otherwise, you’ll just end up getting sand all over your clothes. A good beach blanket should be large enough to accommodate multiple people and made from a material that dries quickly like cotton or polyester. It should also have a water-resistant backing to protect you from the sand. And if you want your blanket to stay in place, look for one with built-in sand pockets or anchors. If you have trouble finding the best beach blanket, you can always look online or ask around for recommendations from friends. Keep in mind that you might have to spend a little more money to get a good quality blanket. But it’s always worth it in the long run.
Cooler
No beach trip is complete without a cooler packed full of drinks and snacks. After all, there’s nothing worse than being thirsty or hungry when you’re trying to enjoy the sun. But with so many different coolers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. If you’re only planning on bringing drinks, then a small personal cooler should suffice. However, if you want to bring food as well, then you’ll need something a little bigger like a medium-sized picnic cooler. And if you plan on spending multiple days at the beach, then you might even need a large rolling cooler. Just be sure to choose one that has enough space for all of your drinks and food. You should also make sure that it has good insulation to keep everything cool.
Sunscreen
No matter how long you plan on staying at the beach, it’s important to always wear sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy outside, you can still get sunburned if you’re not careful. And while there are plenty of sunscreens to choose from, not all of them are created equal. For the best protection, you should look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a product that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. You should also apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
A Tote Bag
A tote bag or beach bag is essential for carrying all of your beach gear. It should be large enough to fit everything you need, but not so big that it’s cumbersome to carry. However, the size of your tote bag will ultimately depend on how much stuff you plan on bringing. If you only need a few things, then a small bag should suffice. But if you’re planning on bringing a lot of gear, then you might need a larger bag like a duffel bag. It should also have a comfortable strap or handles so that you can easily carry it over your shoulder. You can find beach bags made from different materials like canvas, nylon, or even straw. Just be sure to choose one that’s durable and stylish. And if you want your bag to stand out, look for one with a fun print or design.
Even though the beach is a great place to relax, you’ll need more than just a bathing suit if you want to have the most fun. Be sure to pack all of the essential items on this list so that you can enjoy your time in the sun. And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen often and stay hydrated!