The Best Beach Essentials for Summer

I am so beyond lucky (and grateful) that my parents live on a lake in Michigan which has been in my family since the 1940’s. My great-grandparents built it and it has now had 5 generations that have jumped off the same dock. In our family, June 21st doesn’t mark the first day of summer – summer starts the first day one of us cannon-balls into the water. There’s nothing better than watching my son and his cousins scream with happiness in the same spot my brother and I shouted with happiness with our own cousins. With that said, while I only live about a mile from the lake house, I still have to lug a bunch of stuff there. I am lucky in the fact that I can keep so much at the lake – floats, life jackets, drinks in the mini fridge, First Aid kit in the boat box, etc… but I still end up keeping a “go bag” with summer essentials that I take every time I go there. And this is where my “expert” recommendations come in- everything you need for any beach or poolside outing to make your afternoon on the water a breeze. If you’re also shopping for that perfect beach bag, I am really loving some of the more budget-friendly alternatives to Bogg Bags, which I wrote about in my Bogg Bag Dupe guide and I also list a couple of my favorites below!

There are two types of people in the world: those who show up to the beach with nothing but a towel and vibes, and those of us who come prepared like we’re setting up a seaside residency. If you fall into the latter category (hi, welcome), this list is for you.

Whether you’re headed to the coast, the local lake, or just spending lazy afternoons by the pool, these beach essentials for summer 2026 will help you feel more organized, stylish, and sun-smart. From game-changing beach accessories to chic summer must-haves that make life easier, here’s everything worth packing before you sink into that lounge chair. Something I’m super excited about? Jelly shoes for summer! I’ve rounded up my favs in my Return of the Jelly Shoe post. Oh, I even have a recommendation for the most lovely bean bag lounge chair if you’re interested! We just returned from a 10-day Maine coastal vacation, and I discovered that one of our hotels had the most comfortable outdoor bean bag lounge chairs, which I immediately looked up and ordered. But… that’s not to say that all of these recommendations are my tried and true favorites! Without further ado….

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The Oversized, Quick-Dry Towel

Let’s be honest: flimsy beach towels are out. This summer, go for a fast-drying, sand-resistant towel that’s large enough to actually lie on. Look for Turkish cotton or microfiber—bonus points if it folds up small and dries in a flash.

A Bogg Bag (or a Very Good Dupe)

The cult-favorite Bogg Bag continues its reign in 2025—and if you know, you know. It’s roomy, waterproof, wipeable, and practically indestructible. And if you want the look without the price tag? There are some Amazon Bogg Bag dupes that deliver seriously. Check out my super popular post on all the best in Bogg Bag Totes

A Stylish Hat That Actually Protects You

Gone are the days of sacrificing style for sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat or classic bucket hat with UPF 50+ is an easy, packable way to protect your face (and scalp!) while still looking pulled together. Want additional adorable summer hat ideas? Check out my latest blog post on the best in summer hats!

Portable Shade Without the Struggle

Beach umbrellas are great in theory… until you’re wrestling one in the wind like you’re on a game show. Enter the pop-up beach tent or lightweight sun canopy—easy to carry, even easier to set up, and your ticket to a cooler beach day.

A Cooler That Doesn’t Weigh 100 Pounds

The key to a dreamy beach day? Snacks. Cold drinks. Maybe even a little rosé (if your beach rules allow). A lightweight, insulated cooler tote or backpack-style cooler means no one has to play sherpa. Look for one that keeps things chilled for hours and has space for everyone’s favorite sips and bites.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (Trust Me)

No more playing roulette with your phone in the sand. A universal waterproof phone case lets you snap photos in the water and keeps your tech dry when a rogue wave strikes.

The Game-Changing Sand Brush

Ever tried to get sand off a kid after a beach day? Or yourself? It’s like trying to brush glitter off a sticky bun. A soft sand brush—think baby powder plus a little scrubber—makes it easier to de-sand before you get in the car.

Comfy-Chic Coverups

Gone are the days of frumpy cover-ups. In 2025, it’s all about flowy tunics, gauze button-downs, and sarong skirts that go from beach to boardwalk with zero outfit changes required. Pair with oversized sunnies and you’re golden. Check out another one of my posts that has many different coverup options!

Flip-Flops That Feel Like Sneakers

Old Navy $5 flip-flops will always have a place in our hearts, but if you want support and style, opt for arch-support sandals or water-friendly recovery slides. Bonus if they’re cute enough to wear to dinner after. I’m loving all the platform styles this season!

Beach Bag Organizers

A big cavernous beach bag can feel like everything has fallen into a deep hole. Get some cute organizing bags to keep everything from hair care (mini brush, scalp sunscreen, and hair ties), to sunscreen (face spray, body lotion, aloe for after sun care), and more!

Beach Chairs, Towel Clips and Chair Umbrellas

If you’re still plopping down on a scratchy towel and calling it a day, it’s time to upgrade. Low-profile beach chairs with cup holders and backpack straps are where it’s at—bonus points for the ones with built-in coolers (yes, that exists). Add towel clips to keep your towel from becoming a kite, and a clip-on chair umbrella for a personal pocket of shade. It’s giving beach queen energy, without the sunburn.

First Aid, 101

Blisters, bug bites, mystery scrapes—beach days are magical, but they’re also real life. Toss a small first aid kit in your beach bag stocked with Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, aloe gel, and tweezers (for the rogue splinter or bee sting). It’s one of those things you hope you don’t need but are very glad you brought.

Cute Floaties, Tubes and Water Toys

Whether you’re keeping a 10-year-old entertained or want to lounge like a floating goddess, inflatable tubes and pool games are a must. Think chic over silly—no shame in picking a float that matches your swimsuit. This year’s trending themes? Clear inflatables, vintage stripe floats, and even inflatable drink holders (cheers to that).

Drinkware & Water Bottles

The only thing worse than a warm drink at the beach? A sweaty, leaky bottle that doesn’t pull its weight. Enter the insulated tumbler—the unofficial MVP of summer. Look for one that keeps drinks cold for 12+ hours, fits in your beach chair cup holder, and looks cute on Instagram. And don’t forget a leak-proof water bottle for staying hydrated between sips of iced rosé.

If you’re in the mood to shop for some of the best summer must-haves, I have some great guides for you below:

• 50 Fun Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids
• Women’s Hats for Summer That Won’t Disappoint
• Coastal Chic for Summer: Amazon’s Best Looks
• Swimsuit Cover-Ups and Caftans for 2026

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