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And just like that, it’s summer. The UV rays are high and the vibes are even higher. To keep the good times rolling (and the sunburns at bay), we’ve put together a comprehensive list of hydrating, space-saving, life-hacking, sand- and waterproof products to help you make the most out of your trip to the beach (or pool or park). Go ahead, kick your feet up.
Accessories
A cute bucket hat to protect you from the sun…
Who said sun protection can’t be chic? This floppy bucket hat puts a modern twist on the classic woven sunhat your mom has held onto for years. It’s one size fits all and comes in four neutral colors.
A pair of sunnies you won’t have to replace at the end of the season…
Not only do these retro-inspired polarized lenses offer UV400 protection and block 99% of reflected light, they’re also durable, scratch-resistant, and very on-trend. Plus, they're made of acetate, a plant-based alternative for regular plastic. For an added pop of color we recommend the Clear Spice and Moss styles, but they have a classic black option as well.
An oversized swimsuit coverup…
There’s something so chic about an oversized linen button-down at the beach. This one’s long enough to wear as a dress, but you can tie it at the waist and wear it with shorts. Add a pair of oversized sunglasses and your favorite sandals and you’ll have a look worthy of a stay at the White Lotus.
Tools
A beach read that transports you…
A day at the beach calls for quick, easy reads that whisk you away with descriptive writing and steamy storylines. We’ve long been fans of 831 Stories (even before our Senior Commerce Editor entered the lineup) for their juicy, read-in-one-sitting romance novellas. They all make a good last-minute grab before heading off on vacation.
A double-insulated tumbler for glass-free zones…
TAL is known for their durable, high-quality materials and affordable prices. They just dropped their new summer-themed designs, and we’re big fans. This 16 ounce stainless steel tumbler is ideal for bringing chilled wine or mixed drinks to a park, beach, or pool area. It keeps hot drinks hot, too.
A set of six quick-drying towels…
These Turkish towels are highly absorbent and super soft. They’re also lightweight and packable, so they won’t take up too much room in your bag or car.
A sleek, personal cooling system with long battery life…
If you’re going to invest in a mini portable fan, we recommend this 3-in-1 version from Shark Ninja. The Shark ChillPill™ works as a 10-speed fan, mister, and personal cooling system. It has a unique, twistable design that lets you wear it, carry it, or set it down anywhere. Oh, and it lasts up to 11 hours on a single charge. This is what’s getting our Commerce Editor through the steamy Atlanta summer.
A portable speaker that gets the party going…
There are plenty of waterproof speakers out there, but we love this one for its dust- and sand-resistent mesh materials and powerful sound quality. The colored lights sync up to the music while it plays, but can also be turned off to preserve battery life. That said, it lasts an impressive 20 hours on a single charge.
Folding lounge chairs to help you relax…
Sometimes, a towel on the bumpy sand isn’t it. These lightweight folding chairs have a body-conforming shape and an extended back to help you get that long-awaited “aaahh” moment when you sit. Throw a can of your favorite beverage in the side pocket and stash your valuables in the zippered pocket under the seat for more stress-free vibes.
A reusable bento box for lots and lots of snacks…
Each box in this three-piece set has four deep compartments for fruits, pretzels, cheese cubes, nuts — you get the idea. The transparent lids make it easy to see what’s inside without having to unpack. You can throw them in the dishwasher when you get home.
Skin & Hair Care
A face sunscreen that dries down clear…
Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen is pretty much perfect: it has an airy, nongreasy feel, leaves zero residue, and has SPF 50 for long-lasting protection. It’s suitable for sensitive skin, too. And since it dries completely clear and doesn’t pill, you can even use it as makeup primer.
Full-body sunscreen that’s easy to apply…
For us, the key to regularly reapplying sunscreen comes down to an easy spray nozzle. This sweat-resistant face and body sunscreen spray has all the skin-loving ingredients of other La Roche-Posay products, and protects against 97% of UVB rays with Cell-Ox Shield® Technology. It’s breathable and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.
A face sunscreen meant to be worn every day…
We know, we know, we could always wear more sunscreen. This fragrance-free SPF 50 lotion from Sun Bum is a solid choice for daily wear. It’s derm-approved and packed with vitamin E. Pro tip: Apply every two hours (yes, two) for maximum protection.
A hypochlorous spray for an on-the-go refresh…
Sweat, sand, and seawater isn’t exactly a great combination for your skin. Enter: this daily hypochlorous acid spray from Tower 28. Its clinically proven, derm-approved formula helps reduce redness and soothe distressed skin (like after a heavy workout or spending the day at the beach).
Hand sanitizer that doesn’t feel like hand sanitizer…
One editor called these sanitizer-serum sprays “pure genius,” so we’ll just leave that there. They’re lightly fragranced, kill 99.9% of common germs, and leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Plus, they're slim enough to fit in your pocket.
A hair mist that protects against UV rays…
Turns out, UV rays can damage your hair, too. This Moroccanoil spray uses the brand’s patented ArganID™ to help repair and seal your hair, while preventing color fade and split ends. It works with all hair types and, in true Moroccanoil fashion, smells divine. They also have a $15 travel version.
Tote Bags
A tote that’s so waterproof, you could dunk it in the ocean…
This carryall is made entirely of EVA, a rubber-like material that’s UV-resistant and 100% waterproof. Aka, the perfect tote to bring to the beach. It has a boxy design that’s spacious but doesn’t feel bulky, making it great for groceries, snacks, and towels.
A tote you can wear out and about…
Not only is this Case-Mate jelly tote great for the beach, but it’s also cute enough to wear to dinner. Our social media manager took it for a spin last fall and still raves about it. It comes in 18 colors, including summery options like blue crochet and cabana stripes.
A waterproof bag for wet swimsuits…
Let 2026 be the year that we stop throwing our wet suits into the plastic bags our beach sandwiches came in. We love this zippered swimsuit bag because it comes in tons of patterns and costs under $15. Stock up on a few for the summer.
A cooler bag with plenty of pockets…
When you’re packing for the beach, you’ll want to consolidate as much as possible. Fewer bags = fewer trips and freer hands. This bag operates as a 24-can insulated cooler and a small tote. It has zippered pockets on the front for any valuables, and a large elastic side pocket for larger bottles, flip-flops, or other essentials.