What To Pack In Your Beach Bag: Must-Have Beach Essentials
Image: Ferran Feixas
We have a penchant for weekends spent at beach clubs. We think there’s nothing better than a day full of sun, sea, sand, and some chilled spritz.
With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start planning your beach adventures. Whether you’re shoreside for a day or a week, these packing tips can help make your vacation more comfortable, convenient, and stress-free.
For all your beach essentials, we've pulled together a go-to guide on what to pack in your beach bag. We’ve also included a few extra tips to help you make the most of sunny seaside days.
Finding The Perfect Beach Bag
First off, you'll want something to carry everything in. Finding the perfect beach bag can be a tough task - especially if you're looking for something that's both stylish and spacious. Not to worry though, we've done the hard work for you and hunted down our top picks for this summer's best beach bags.
Handwoven in Morocco from 100% natural palm leaves, the Maxi Santorini’s extra-large provides ample room for all your beach essentials, from a large beach towel to your spare change of clothes. The sage leather harness adds a welcome pop of color and extra durability to the tote.
What we love about it: Each basket is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that every piece is subtly unique.
2. Jacquemus - The Spiaggia Round Bag
A stand out this season is the Jacquemus - The Spiaggia Round Bag. This roomy, stylish beach bag is perfect for carrying all your essentials, with its large rounded over-the-shoulder shape. The gold detailing is durable and hard-wearing, while the thick strap means you can stack it to the brim without stressing about the straps.
What we love about it: Classic gold and black styling makes the Jacquemus - The Spiaggia Round Bag a versatile accessory for any daytime outing. The perfect companion to pack for a short tropical trip, where you want a versatile bag that can take you straight from your boat to the beach.
3. Khaite - Natural Raffia Lotus Tote
We couldn't skip every minimalist’s favorite brand off the list, Khaite. Renowned for their classic staples, their raffia Lotus tote will take you through multiple beach vacations. A timeless tote that's on every stylist’s hit list. Made in Italy, the carry-all is the perfect accessory for any summer outfit.
What we love about it: The Khaite Lotus bag is a slouchy, low-fuss tote you can wear everyday. This year's raffia version of the Lotus tote, is sure to be a cult classic.
4. Loewe - Paseo Basket Bag
Last year, Loewe's palm bag was spotted hanging over the shoulders of all our favorite fashionistas. This year, Loewe has delivered another “It” bag that’s a little less shouty and a little more refined. With a subtle logo, raffia basket, and detailed leather zip, the Loewe Paseo Basket Bag is a must-have. Pair it with a summer dress and some white sunglasses, and you’ll be transported straight to the Amalfi Coast.
What we love about it: The size is perfect for packing your towel, a good book, and bottle of wine. Saluti!
What to pack in your beach bag | Your must-have beach bag essentials
The right beach bag can make all the difference - but what's inside it is even more important. I like to pack a selection of basics that make my day at the beach more comfortable, so I can spend all-day by the ocean.
Sunscreen is an absolute must, of course. But I also like to have a chic cover-up for when the sun gets too strong or I want to take a break from lying in the sand. I always pack a large beach towel - not just for lying on, but for picnics, makeshift shade, and drying off after a dip in the sea. And I always make sure I have a good book to read - there’s nothing better than reading by the sea.
Below I’ve listed the top 10 essentials for the perfect day at the beach. You can pin the picture below for quick reference and it will save the list to Pinterest.
What to pack in your beach bag:
A water bottle
Beach towel
Flip flops or slides
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Hat
Hair clip
Cover-up
Waterproof phone pouch or water-resistant dry bag
A good book
Sun Protection & Skincare
Vacation Orange Gelée SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel – A reimagined French Riviera classic, this balm-to-oil sunscreen blends nostalgic luxury with modern skincare. Infused with natural oils and butters, it delivers broad-spectrum protection with an evocative Mediterranean scent.
Rabanne Woven Raffia Bucket Hat – A chic and sculptural raffia bucket hat that provides ample shade while exuding effortless style.
Baina Busby Beach Towel – A refined take on Baina’s signature print, this reversible checkerboard towel is crafted from organic cotton, offering both style and plush comfort.
Costa Brazil After Sun Body Oil – Luxurious hydration that soothes, firms, and gives you that post-beach glow without the sticky feel.
Ceremonia Oil Mist Aloe Vera – A nourishing oil that protects hair from drying out and knotting after a salty swim, leaving it silky and healthy-looking.
A few extra items to pack for the beach to make the most of your day
Sun Protection
Shade is essential, but not all beaches have a shady palapa or tree, available. We prefer to be prepared by taking out our own beach tent. Check out these Instagram-worthy tents and umbrellas from Business & Pleasure co.
What we like about it: Easy to pack and carry on the go, the bag comes with a shoulder strap that makes transport fuss-free and it’s really simple to put together.
Action Camera
Beach days for us usually involve some sort of watersports. From diving to surfing, we want to capture the action, but hate fussing around with expensive camera's and camera equipment at the beach. Action cameras have come a long way in the last couple of years with some even capable of filming in 8k. Our favorite is the go pro hero 13.
What we like about it: Durable enough that you don’t have to worry about it in the waves, yet good enough quality to capture the stunning underwater life in high definition.
Snorkel Mask
We love traveling with our own snorkel mask. It gives you an opportunity to free dive and see the coral reefs on your vacation without having to find a dive store. You also have the added bonus of knowing that your kit is fitted to your face and is high quality. There are some great masks out there that are compact and light for traveling so packing them for your vacation is a no-brainer. We recommend the Aqua Lung range.
What we like about them: Aqua Lung makes some of the most comfortable snorkel gear on the market. Pack it in your bag and if the waters clear, you’re ready to go.
What to Wear
Embrace laid-back, sun-soaked days with our beach outfit inspiration. Whether you prefer a carefree crochet look or something minimal and refined, these outfits transition effortlessly from beach to boardwalk, ensuring you’re ready for a day under the sun or a sunset cocktail at your favorite coastal cafe.
Monochromatic Mood
For the quiet luxury ladies, unbothered, unhurried, and always impeccably dressed. Muted tones, sculptural silhouettes, and a curated mix of textures create an It-Girl beach look that’s effortlessly polished.
Faithfull The Brand Adelia Draped Ramie and Silk-Blend Top – A fluid, draped silhouette that moves beautifully in the breeze.
Faithfull The Brand Lila Linen Shorts – Lightweight and breathable, these tailored linen shorts pair perfectly with the St Agni Swimsuit for a monochromatic look.
St. Agni Scoop Recycled Swimsuit – A sleek, second-skin fit that doubles as a bodysuit for post-beach plans.
Proenza Schouler Black Tee Cage Flat Sandals – Chic and functional, these cage-style sandals are worth the precious suitcase space, working with almost any outfit.
Jacques Marie Mage Commander Aviator-Style Titanium Sunglasses – A subtle nod to the ‘70s, these sleek titanium aviators are comfortable and bright.
Miu Miu, Missoni and Margaritas
For the woman who takes her beach days with a side of limoncello. Think Saint Tropez in the ‘70s—crochet textures, statement accessories, and a touch of retro nostalgia.
Missoni Open-Back Metallic Crochet-Knit Maxi Dress – A full-length, swim-meets-eveningwear moment. The perfect transition piece from sunbathing to seaside dining.
Maygel Coronel One-Piece Swimsuit – A sleek black one-piece with intricate crochet bird appliqués, for an unexpected twist.
Miu Miu Glimpse Oval-Frame Tortoiseshell Sunglasses – Vintage-inspired frames that create an effortlessly cool look.
Loewe Petal Leather Anagram Slide Sandals – Delicate cut-out details that elevate the entire ensemble without trying too hard.
Grainne Morton 18K Gold-Plated Pearl & Cameo Eye Earrings - Eclectic, vintage-inspired statement earrings, that add to the beachy look.
Read, Listen, Dance
Book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin – A deep, inspiring read that encourages creative thinking and mindfulness, making it the perfect book to flip through while soaking up the sun.
Podcast: Shell Game – Evan Ratliff experiments with AI by cloning his voice and setting it loose on the world. From scammers to therapists, the results are both eerie and hilarious, offering a sharp look at AI’s unexpected limits.
Playlist: Sofia Kourtesis – Track IDs –A dynamic and eclectic mix of tracks curated by the Peruvian-born, Berlin-based DJ, bringing laid-back electronic beats to your beach day.
Thanks for readingLet us know what your favorite beach essentials are in the comments below. If there’s any classics we’ve missed we’ll give them a try and if we like them, we’ll add them to our list.
For more tips and tricks on packing read more from our What To Pack column: