Regardless of your choice, when it comes to beach essentials, you’ll want to be prepared. Whether you’re taking a day trip to the lake or planning a seaside weekend, here are the top 10 items to bring to the beach this year.
Each year, thousands of people flock to the nearest beach to soak of the sun, the sand, and the waves. The beach is the ultimate choose your own adventure. Folks can opt for a quiet, relaxing morning or a fun, energetic afternoon.
High-SPF Sunscreen
Cosmetic and lifestyle companies have put in the work to produce comfortable, long-lasting, and great-smelling sunscreens. High-SPF protection and broad-spectrum coverage are important for protecting against sunburn and skin damage, which can lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and – in the most extreme cases – skin cancer. Supergoop! makes an excellent chemical sunscreen, and if you’re looking for a mineral option, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Lightweight Sunscreen has a great sheer finish.
Tinted Sunnies
2022 is the year of taking care of ourselves – and that includes our eyes. Sunglasses are important for protecting eyes against UV rays. If you’re not in the habit of wearing glasses, this is the season to start. Goodr makes great and affordable knock-around sunglasses that are lightweight, fog-proof, and polarized.
An Excellent Bluetooth Speaker
Some beachgoers prefer quiet, contemplative days, but others are there to party. If you fall into the latter category, a portable Bluetooth speaker is essential. Look for water- and sand-proof options with a lot of volume. Some brands to try: JBL, Sonos, and Anker.
The Latest Thriller
Nothing screams “beach day” like the latest beach read. The publishing world has pulled out all the stops to make this summer a season of can’t-put-down book releases. Favorite new releases include The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch, and Breathless by Jennifer Niven.
A Chic Towel with Room to Spare
Beach towels are for more than drying off after a dip in the water. Finding a large, comfortable, and stylish towel is key to a great beach experience. Color blocking is all the rage for 2022, and a trendy beach towel is a great, low-cost way to get in on the fun.
Personal Hydration Station
Hydration is of the utmost importance at the beach – for your comfort, but also for your skin and hair. Plan ahead with a stainless-steel insulated water bottle, like those available from Hydro Flask and Yeti. These bottles seamlessly transition with the seasons, too. When the temperatures drop, insulated water bottles can usually safely store warm beverages, like hot chocolate, coffee, and hot toddies.
Mediation Material
The past several years have been stressful, which means more of us are turning to meditation apps for a reminder to breathe. Finding an app with pre-downloadable meditation sessions helps ensure you can access calming audio on even the most remote beaches. Tune into Headspace, Calm, or Sowlmate and tune out the stress of that fixer-upper home you purchased, global politics, and that over-eager co-worker who never stops talking.
Extra Sun Protection
We all know to wear sunscreen, but remembering to reapply can be tough. That’s where extra sun protection tools become useful. Even if you have a face full of SPF, consider an additional sun-protecting accessory – whether it’s a visor, an umbrella, or an Olivia Rodrigo-inspired bucket hat.
A Killer Swimsuit
Your swimsuit should be functional, fashionable, and comfortable. Choose an outfit with the coverage and fabric that makes you feel your best. Low-back one-piece suits, leopard prints, and classic triangle tops are all the rage for 2022.
An Upgraded Beach Cooler
Gone are the days of stashing your beach snacks in an uninsulated bag. There’s nothing less relaxing than getting to the beach and noticing the chocolate pretzels you packed have melted all over your canvas tote. This year, upgrade your beach refreshment game with an insulated cooler. Scout and Yeti offer stylish options with reinforced bottoms, ensuring neither your snacks nor your drinks are crushed or melted.
Summer in Style
No matter your budget, your interests, or your preferred beach vibe, gathering these items is a must-do for your upcoming beach day. Take some time to plan, gather your essentials, and head to the water!
