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If you were to ask me where I would travel if I could go anywhere, I would tell you somewhere tropical. I love the vibrant colors, to breath the salty air, + feel the sunshine! I went on a trip recently to West Palm Beach for my bachelorette party + I restocked on items I knew I would need when going out for our beach day – hello sunscreen!
Growing up in Florida, I absolutely took for granted the fact that I lived so close to the beach. I left Florida in 2017 when I moved away for graduate school in Ohio. + now I currently live in Virginia. So, there is no beach within a few minutes for me anymore. Now it’s a full day planned event which requires preparation ahead of time. + I thought I’d share my beach essentials with you!
Straw Beach Tote
A good beach bag is a must for any beach day! If you’re looking for a trendy bag, this straw tote at Target is the one. The bag is very roomy, so it can hold everything you could picture needing for the day. Make sure you don’t overload it though, it’s not meant for heavy items.
Sunscreen
I am a fan of sitting out for a little in the sunshine without any sunscreen for a few benefits. But if you are planning on being outside for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, sunscreen is a must to avoid burning – at least with my pale skin it is. I have always been sensitive to chemical sunscreens so mineral sunscreens are my go to. I found a mineral sunscreen that does not leave a white cast + is affordable – which is SO hard to find. It’s 100% mineral + gentle enough for babies to use too!
I use a mineral sunscreen from First Aid Beauty for my face but it is no longer in production. This Supergoop! sheer sunscreen is another mineral sunscreen that most people speak very highly of!
Turkish Towel
Turkish towels are all the rage right now for beach days! These towels are unique because they repel water + sand. So you don’t have to worry about taking home a sandy water soaked towel at the end of the day. It’s also thinner than a traditional towel, which means more space in your bag for other items.
Brumate//Coozie
I am officially a member of the brumate club + now I wonder why I waited so long?! My maid of honor got me a tropical brumate for my bachelorette party (discontinued style but similar tropical//floral ones linked here + here). + it keeps my drink cold without collecting sand on the bottom like a traditional water bottle or hard seltzer. Such a genius product! (peep the truly ready to go!)
Hat + Sunglasses
Let me be the first to say, you will absolutely regret going to the beach without sunglasses or a hat. This may seem like an obvious pair not to forget, but if you are making a day trip like I now have to, it’s important this finds it’s way on your packing list. I often get lucky with sunglasses by keeping them in my car, but I always make sure I’ve packed a hat. My favorite hat currently is this straw hat from Nordstrom. They have a great variety of sizes to make sure it fits as snug as possible. I like how stylish but practical this piece is + I’ve been wearing it for all ocassions in the summer.
I also like to take a good book to read to keep me occupied for some time. Right now I’m reading Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen + following along with the Proverbs 31 Ministry study.
These are my top beach essentials – I can’t go without these items in my bag! What are some things you take that I didn’t mention in my post? Leave it in the comments below!
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21 COMMENTS
Darby Nicole
3 years ago AUTHORI can see why!
Sabrina DeWalt
3 years agoI would love some Turkish towels!
Alice
3 years agoI also love the Turkish towel idea. Thanks for this list.
Cindy Moore
3 years agoPerfect beach list! I wish I could get to the beach more often. I’m so landlocked in Missouri.
Danielle Ardizzone
3 years agoGreat list! I love a good beach bag.
Stephanie
3 years agoGreat list of beach essentials! Love the coozie.
Kristin
3 years agoHow fun! I love the beach too! I’ve been gifting turkish towels lately for gifts and they are a big hit!
Cecile Leger
3 years agoI love the beach. But I don’t get to go as much as I would want. I just might have to try the Brummate too 🙂
Darby Nicole
3 years ago AUTHORthanks so much! gosh I can’t seem to stay away from the beach!
Darby Nicole
3 years ago AUTHORawh well thank you for the kind words! definitely worth looking into!
Darby Nicole
3 years ago AUTHORthank you! Such a fun bag!
Darby Nicole
3 years ago AUTHORaren’t they?! ahh so glad you love it too!
Darby Nicole
3 years ago AUTHORYou won’t regret it! Just keep in mind, you have to dry off before leaving!
Pat Mills
3 years agoI’m not getting to the beach this year but most years I go a couple of times. I am saving your posts for the next time I get to go. Great post!
Alexis Farmer
3 years agoI’m gonna have to check out the Turkish towel!
Barbara
3 years agoCute and fun!
Alicia
3 years agoThis is a great list! Normally reading lists like this I would find a product that really is not needed, but I feel like everything on this is actually essential for having a great time on the beach. Thanks for the tips on the Turkish towels too, I’ll have to try those out.
Tiffany Smith
3 years agoThe Turkish towel is now on my list!
Cindy
3 years agoThese are great suggestions! I love the bag!
Marianne
3 years agoLove your beach bag! I have one of those sand free towels and they are amazing!
Terra Booth
3 years agoLove the idea of the Turkish towel! Anything that repels sand and water is amazing, I will be looking into getting one of these!