A Few Favorite Things-Beach Bag Edition
Updated June 7, 2023
Summer’s in full swing, there are more warm days and nights and I’m all about soaking in all the salty air. Ice cream is calling my name daily and summer fruits are at their peak.Â
My favorite beach reads are usually anything by Elin Hilderbrand, The Hotel Nantucket is a good one if you haven’t read it I also really enjoyed The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallary. While I’m cooking I’m listening to the Party Cove or Happy Beats or The Eras Tour playlist on Spotify.
What's In my Beach Bag
I’ve gone through a series of beach bags, my beach bag with infants and toddlers was very different from the beach bag with teenagers; and now as an empty nester it’s dwindled down, a lot. There’s nothing fancy in my beach bag. However, these are my favorites that have carried me through many beach days. You stick with what works you know.
#1 This LL Bean Tote has been my favorite for about 10 years. It has an interior pocket and clip to attach your keys so you’re not digging for it. The color holds up really well and it’s a sturdy nylon so the sand comes off easily. It’s lightweight and you can probably pack it for vacation if you wanted to.
#2 I have never been a big fan of Birkenstock but these have been a game changer for my beach shoe. Gone are the days of the cheap Old Navy flip flops. I find these Birkenstock  Arizona sandals to be comfortable, lightweight, and more importantly the sand washes right out of them.
#3 Trying to do a bit to save the earth, our family converted to reusable bottles many years ago. This Kleen Canteen has been my favorite for many years. It’s stainless steel on the inside and it keeps your beverages hot or cold for hours. Does mine have a dent in it yes, but it doesn’t effect it at all and I’ve had it for at least 10 years. I have a hard time with plastic containers because I can taste it in my water so this is the best alternative.
However, if your looking for something a bit less delicate than my family loves these Nalgene Water Bottle.  They come in wide or narrow mouth. We use these for the beach and also take them on hiking and vacation adventures. They hold up really well.
#4 Do I love a physical book, sometimes. This is definitely personal preference but I love my Kindle even more. It’s small, compact and easy to travel with. No book light needed and there are different models to choose from. If I finish a book no matter where I am I can download a new one from my local library or buy one. I also love having a fun cover for it.
 #5 Everyone has their favorite sunscreen but I try to use something for my face that’s a bit more gentle than the regular sunscreen. My everyday sunscreen is this Tula sunscreen and I love it. When I want something a bit stronger for my face when I’m out walking or on the beach this is a great alternative La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen it’s really lightweight and not oily at all.
#6 A nice lightweight towel is great for the beach or pool. I got mine in Greece several years ago but this is a nice alternative Turkish Beach Towel.
#7 After traveling to Mexico this winter I discovered a new favorite sunscreen, while it’s pricey it is also reef safe and a bit cleaner than some of the other ones on the market. It also smells really good and goes on really well leaving so milky white sheen. You can find it here Bare Republic Sunscreen .
#8 Whether I’m out for a morning beach walk or sitting on the beach I love a good lip sunscreen and this is one of my favorites  Sun Bum Lip Balm. A cleaner version that I’m planning on trying is this Just Ingredients Lip Balm. They have several different flavors and even some tinted ones.
#9 A good hat is essential and I’m loving this one from Lululemon Reversable Bucket Hat.
#10 My favorite way to keep my phone and kindle protected and also not lost in the beach bag is to use a bathing suit bag. I found one many years ago and it’s never let me down. I store my phone, kindle and any other important items in it. Because they are waterproof, they stay dry and relatively sand free. I like to have a fun print so the search is easy. I’m loving this Bathing Suit Pouch. They come in multiple sizes and fun patterns.
#11 I’m very sun sensitive and these Lightweight Wraps are great for draping over your arms, legs or shoulders whether you’re at the beach or traveling. They are also great to help cover up babies from sun exposure.
#12 These are the bathing suits I’m loving right now Mini Ruffle Bathing Suit and Sidestroke Bathing Suit. The sidestroke is very classic and timeless with good coverage.
Some Other Essentials
The mom in me still likes to have some other items in my bag. A ziplock bag full of paper towels, some portable wet wipes for when your lunch gets messy, and regular sunscreen for reapplying.
Also, a good pair of sunglasses, mine are prescription but make sure you protect your eyes. Finally, a fun cover-up, this one from Summersalt looks like a good one Bathing Suit Cover Up.
As you can see, there’s nothing here that’s super fancy, but just my tried and true beach essentials. Let me know if you think I should add something or any great recommendations.
Some Other Favorite Things
