Beach days are the best days. Here’s what you need for a great one.
Is there anything better than the sound of the ocean? Maybe the smell of the ocean. Or the feeling of sand between your toes. Or the sound of the ice cream truck as it approaches. Or the colors of the sunset during that perfect time of day, after most people have headed home. Honestly, we love it all.
Maximizing your time at the beach, whether you’re there for the day or for the week, depends on how prepared you are. Nothing cuts a seaside enjoyment short like a sunburn or running out of snacks (or worse, beverages). Here’s what you need for the best beach day ever.
Go Big with Your Bag
Don’t let your bag limit you. You want enough space for everything you need and then some. That means extra layers, sunglasses, snacks, books, headphones, and more. If you really want to go wild, get yourself a wagon. You’ll be able to transport everything with ease for you and your entire family.
Stock Up on Sun Care
A bad sunburn can ruin your whole summer, so make sure you bring along plenty of sunblock. Stashing it in a carrying case will help keep it from breaking down. A beach umbrella won’t fit in your bag (unless you have a really, really big bag), but it’s a good idea to have one for those endless hours in the sun without the burn.
Take Lots of Towels
Beach towels are a must for drying off after a swim and for lying on, and they can act as a blanket on cool or windy days. We like towels with lots of bright colors and patterns because they’re fun (duh!), and they’re easy to spot if you go for a walk.
Be Seated
If you don’t remember the last time you bought a beach chair, it may be time for a new one. They come in different heights, with lots of useful features (cup holder, anyone?).
We’re also huge fans of the beach mat. Somewhere between a beach towel and a beach chair, it’s easy to transport and allows you to spread out comfortably. Ten out of ten would recommend. We also love the Ostrich® 3N1 Beach Chair. It adjusts to five positions so you can find what’s comfortable for you—the headrest actually flips over to reveal a face opening that allows you to breathe when you’re lying on your stomach. For something more traditional, go with a beach chair that has a backpack strap. It’s easy to carry, especially when you’re transporting lots of stuff while in flip-flops.
Let’s Do Lunch
Sometimes, you just want to spend all day in your coveted spot on the sand. Those days call for packed lunches. Bring salads, sandwiches, fruits, veggies, snacks, and drinks in a cooler. For picnic vibes, a beach mat is great for gathering, reading, and dining together.
Accessorize Accordingly
Make your day easier, more comfortable, and more fun with the right accessories. Things you may not have realized you needed can make all the difference! Use Boca Clips® to secure your towel or shirts and shorts to your chair so they don’t blow away when you go for a swim. A side table attachment for your beach chair is great for holding your drink and for keeping your phone or book out of the sand. Pouches for wet bathing suits and dry electronics are must-haves. They don’t take up much space and when you need to transport a wet bathing suit or want to keep sand away from your phone, you’ll be glad you have them.
Bring along some games or a ball for playing catch or running bases. And to keep your beach vacation vibe going, set up a portable, waterproof speaker to play your music for hours on end.
May this summer bring you many glorious days on the beach!