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Umbrellas, towels, sunglasses, and handy beach gadgets that will make your time in the sand and surf extra swell.
Promising review: "My wife likes no sun, so this allows us to pull a beach chairs together and I can set it up and 'boom' no sun for her. The clamp holds up in wind and the adjustable angles that the umbrella has allow you to sort of aim the shade. Great product and it fits into a suitcase!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).
It also comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck.
Promising review: "This product is incredible. I purchased to use while in Key West for an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 plus, and Galaxy S6 Edge and it fits perfectly for each phone (but a little more snug with the iPhone 6 plus). It is completely waterproof and takes great photos and video through the case but you have to press record prior to submerging the case underwater. My family went snorkeling and kept the case with the phone inside submerged almost the entire time and had no issues with leakage. My family and I got stopped numerous times being asked where we purchased this product. Perfect even if just on the beach and you do not want to get sand or sunscreen on your phone and want to still take photos/text/browse the internet while on the beach. I will be purchasing this for everyone in my family as it has become a travel must-have! I highly recommend this product." —Jennifer Roman
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors).
This can hold up to 150 pounds (yes, really!) so feel free to pack it to the brim! There is also a waterproof inner sleeve for keeping your valuables protected.
Promising review: "I’ve lived in Florida for 22 years and have spent too much time and money on bags that didn’t offer half of what this one does. I love all the outside pockets and large inner zippered pocket (holds car keys, two cell phones, pool/beach pass, hair ties, and money). It’s lightweight, very roomy, and so far seems well made. It’s been to the beach four times now and carried four beach towels, sunblock, reading materials, hats, lunch, etc. with room to spare. No more digging for items on the bottom of a heavy, sandy bag." —Beach Bum
Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in four colors).
The wide brim provides much more UV protection than regular caps!
Promising review: "I have long hair and always avoided hats because I hate having my hair sweating against my neck in a low bun or ponytail. With this sun visor-summer hat combo, I can keep my hair in a top knot and still keep my face and neck protected from the sun while catching a nice breeze. This is perfect (although a little large in circumference and I have a big head 7 3/4 hat size) and it’s adjustable and can fit any head size. It rolls up well and has an elastic to keep it rolled. I’ll be recommending this item to all my friends!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 13 colors).
Promising review: "Love these chairs! Got two for a trip to the beach and they’re very comfortable. They fold up easily and are very compact and easy to carry/pack, just throw it on your shoulder with the strap on the bag and your hands are free to carry other things!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $51.10.
It's made of a polyester microsuede material that absorbs quickly and dries fast. It also has an anti-microbial finish to keep the towel clean longer.
Rumpl is a small business based inPortland, Oregon that makes stylish, cozy "sleeping bag blankets" meant for indoor and outdoor activities as well as packable beach towels.
Promising review: "This towel dries better than a conventional towel! Not only that but it was completely dry and ready to reuse in about 10 minutes. Normally we'd go through a stack of beach towels in one day. The towel itself is big but it packs up compact leaving more room in your bag for other things. It's soooo soft, made very well, and the pattern is gorgeous. I will be replacing all of my towels with these!!" —Danielle W.
Get it from Rumpl for $49+ (available in seven colors).
Promising review: "We live just 300 yards from the beach and we go through beach towels quickly. We use them, out visiting family and friends use them, we use them around the pool as well. So many of the 'tourist' towels really don't stand up to the wear, but these do...they are actual towels and not beach front souvenirs! Absorbent and soft the colors stay vibrant; they're great towels." —Dr.L.
Get a set of four towels from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in 10 color combinations).
Promising review: "These were perfect for my trip to Kauai. The beach we were near had hidden rocks in the sand — big volcanic rocks that hurt to step on, except for me in my fancy shoes. I wore them almost constantly for a week and they held up great under all kinds of stress. I'd totally buy them again. I only wish I had ordered them for everyone in my group." —The Vincents
Get them from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in sizes 4—13.5 and 44 designs).
I bought this to take on a summer trip to Disney World and let me tell you — it's the only way I survived!! Every day got well into the 90s, but I kept this pointed at my face whenever I wasn't soaking up air conditioning. I was seriously impressed with how powerful it was and how I instantly felt less sweaty. The charge lasts about a day if you use it sparingly (or a few hours of continuous use) so make sure to charge it nightly if you're on a trip. The fan has three speed settings, and it folds so you can prop it up.
Promising review: "I am so happy I purchased this. It definitely makes my life slot cooler. Great for traveling or those occasional hot flashes. I love that it doesn't need countless batteries that die quickly. I can just recharge it. The battery lasts quite a while as well. It has three settings low, medium, and high, and let me tell you the highest setting really puts out some air. I was really amazed at the strength of the fan on the highest setting. It's definitely worth every penny. I like taking mine to work when I get overheated because I'm always hot or when I go to the beach. It always comes in handy living in this hot, humid climate." —Rae
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in five colors).
It goes on lightly and absorbs fast so you don't have to worry about that gross greasy feeling most sunscreens leave behind.
Promising review: "I did not have high expectations for this sunscreen! I just bought it because the price was good and someone said they liked it. Oh my gosh! I love it! I thought it was going to be hard to rub on but it's creamy. It's perfect for my kids to keep in their sports bag so they can just rub it on their face and neck before games. It doesn't pull on your skin at all. Doesn't leave ugly white stuff everywhere. This sunscreen is great; I'm ordering more to put in everyone's bags!" –Erica's Deals, Steals, & Finds
Get it from Amazon for $8.97.
This sunscreen is paraben-free, fragrance-free, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, silicone-free and aluminum-free.
Promising review: "I used to dread wearing sunscreen because of that horrible ashy cast it gave my brown skin. Now? I actually look forward to putting this stuff on. I love how moisturizing it is and that it is completely sheer. What is advertised to do it actually does. I layer this on top of my moisturizer. You do need to work it in a little bit but it absorbs into the skin nicely. To all my brown/black ladies/fellas, what are you waiting for? Buy it!" —MD
Get it from Target for $15.99.
We've been through the reviews and can confidently say this suit fits like a dream on everyone!
Promising review: "THIS SWIMSUIT BLEW ME OUT OF THE WATER, HOLY HECK! It fits, in a word, perfectly. I may just buy this in every color." —Emma Maas
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in 17 colors and sizes S–3XL).
The bikini top is UPF 50, fade-resistant, chlorine-safe, and sunscreen & oil resistant. They recommend hand-washing the garment.
Wild Isles is a woman-owned small business based in Minneapolis that creates swimsuits constructed with sustainably, ethically made materials.
Promising review: "Honestly, I have never had a top that fit this well and allowed me to feel covered to move around, like playing volleyball or being crushed by waves without the girls falling out. SO happy I found this site." —Jeannine R.
Get the bikini top from Wild Isles for $95 (available in women's sizes 1-4, which accommodates cup sizes C-H, and in four colors).
Check out the Wild Isles' bikini bottoms here.
They have a contoured footbed so they give your foot total, flexible support when you're walking.
Promising review: "Perfect for the beach and pool. They provide comfort, no scratchy sand getting between your toes in flip flops, 100% waterproof! Easy to rinse off coming off the beach. Wore morning and night on my beach vacation. Perfect to bring littles to the pool in and play water games in outside." —Zappos Customer
Get it from Amazon for $44.95+ (available in women's sizes 5–15.5, narrow and regular widths, and 11 colors).
Promising review: "This cooler backpack is absolutely perfect. I plan on bringing it to the beach every time we go. It's actually very comfortable on my shoulders. No leaks and it keeps our beverages and snacks nice and cool! Would 100% recommend." —Anjel
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in seven colors).
Funboy is a family-owned small business based in Venice Beach, California that makes giant-sized pool floats and other fun summer accessories.
Get it from Funboy for $25.
Promising review: "This coverup is so great that I came back to buy an additional color. I bought the black first and recently bought the white. It is lightweight, cool, and the fabric is soft. Looks very chic but also functional as a coverup. I wanted it a bit loose so I bought a size up and it's perfect. Very comfortable. Dries comfortable. You won't roast while you're wearing it. You could easily throw this on over your suit to go out for a meal or do some shopping at the beach. Highly recommend. It's super cute with cute flip-flops and a big hat and sunglasses." –D. Moore
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in women's sizes S-3XL and 36 colors)
To make it even cooler, dip it in water, and then place it in your beach cooler for a few minutes before putting it on your dog!
Promising review: "My dog Rella hates to wear anything but on a recent hike when she got really hot, I wet this and put it around her neck. She took to it gracefully and proudly wore it for the rest of the hike. This is a great asset when out with your dog in the summer." —kitti reynolds
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three sizes).
Promising review: "Meet your new beach/lounge chair’s best friend. I love that you can use these clips to hold your towels on the railing to dry in the breeze or at the beach and pool to keep your towels in place on the lounge chairs. No more fly away towels!" —BeckiCaesar
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two thicknesses).
This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.
Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3
Get it from Amazon or $7.69.
Hanalei is a small business based in Hawaii that specializes in beauty products and skincare blended with native Hawaiian botanicals. They donate a portion of their proceeds to the AKAMAI Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to providing students in Hawaii with skills and tools to prepare them for today’s highly competitive job market.
Promising review: "This product is great for many reasons: you get your money's worth and it makes your skin feel silky all year round when you apply it. When I get sunburns and I apply other aloe gels, it always peels and rubs and ends up being flakey on my skin and just irritates me in general. This is the ONLY aloe vera gel that I can find that does not do this and trust me I have tried EVERYTHING! I definitely recommend this product to all skin types and ages!" —Lola
Get it from Hanalei for $15.
To inflate, just move it through the air and trap the air by closing the sleeve opening before you're done moving. Make sure to keep the opening closed until you start your next inflating movement. Whenever I go to the beach, I always see people doing a little running motion to fill this up with air quicker, and it seems to work really well for them!
Promising review: "I wanted to hang out in the beach and just lay down for a couple of hours. I tried foldable chairs but they were too heavy. I tried the Wekapo and it was the best solution. It packs to a small size, it's lightweight enough, and it elevates me enough from the sand." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $38.98+ (available in 16 colors).
Promising review: "It's officially beach time and we now have the best sand toys! This set is perfect in so many ways, it's a nice assortment of shapes of alligator, turtle, crocodile, dinosaurs, castle, etc., in bright colors, along with the must-have shovel, rake, sand sifter, and watering can. The see-through carrying bag shows off the set, but the surprise is when you open it up and even more pieces that were nesting in larger ones fall out, 16 in total!" —J.Lynn
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
According to reviewers, it's even better than the more expensive brands of insulated tumblers! It comes with a flip lid, a straw lid, and two reusable straws.
Promising review: "Not to be dramatic, but I would die for this cup. I bought the all black version and it's beautiful. Not only that, but the interchangeable tops and two plastic straws!!! I'm so excited to be saving the whales and looking amazing in the process. I should ask for commission on the sales of this because all of my coworkers want one now. Another great part that I don't think the description mentions, there's NO condensation AT ALL. I also accidentally left half an iced coffee WITH CUBES in here for nine hours and when I came home the cubes were still there and the coffee was still cold. ALSO, I have tiny hands which sometimes makes holding things difficult. But the 16-oz size is tall and slim and easy to carry/fit in small bags." –jacklynn ramos
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in four sizes and 29 colors)
This set includes the net, a carrying case, and three balls. Slammo is similar to volleyball: you and your partner have three hits to bounce or spike the ball into the net on the ground. Once the ball bounces up, it's the next team's turn. Whoever lets the ball hit the ground loses that round. Get ready for some fierce rivalry once this game gets going!
Promising review: "This is a well-built game that uses high quality plastic to hold it in shape. There is a groove along the bottom that prevents the feet from twisting and falling over. The three balls included are also of high quality. Overall, I am extremely impressed with the entire set. Everything feels of the highest quality." —TheProfessor101
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
Promising review: "Got this for a little beach fun. It went over well. It's lightweight and easily transported. It takes up little space in the trunk. Sets up quickly and tears down just as quickly. Good buy for the price. Seems sturdy and looks like it will last with a little effort and care." —Dennis
Get it from Amazon for $37.65+ (available in four colors).
Promising review: "This is a fantastic snorkel! I've tried other full face snorkels and they worked just fine. This gives a much bigger field of view and is a lot more comfortable than the others. I think other snorkels compromise on the viewing field and comfort in order to keep water from flooding the mask. You'll spend less money on different masks but it is most definitely worth the little extra money to get this mask and be able to be comfortable and experience life beneath the water with a huge field of view!! The GoPro mount is a very nice addition. Highly recommend!!!" —A Dougherty
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in six colors and sizes S–L).
Promising review: "They're well made and I haven't had any issues. That being said I have gotten more compliments on them than anything else I've owned pretty much ever. People I know like them a lot, but even random strangers remark on them. They just seem to brighten up everyone's day when they see me wearing them. Not only do they allow me to see outside or driving with my light-sensitive eyes, but they bring a little joy to everyone I come into contact with while wearing them. If you're bold enough to wear heart-shaped sunglasses absolutely buy them!" —J. Stanley
Get them from Amazon for $10.91 (available in 16 colors).
Promising review: "Maaaannnnnn I bought these for Cancun and they’ve been used and abused here in the saltwater pool and beaches but they are worth the money in my opinion! Yes they feel a tad bit cheap but hey they’ve opened so many bottled beer and sodas and I like how they look. I’m happy with my purchase! Will be buying more to keep in my car and in my work truck." —Erik Perez
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four colors).
Promising review: "Every busy family needs this. We use it to carry our sports equipment, beach gear, and even our two young kids (1 and 3 years old). The wheels are very sturdy. We've used it over grass and gravel, and it rolls without issue. The handle also extends out and it locks securely in place when not used. The whole cart also folds and unfolds easily and isn't too heavy when loading in and out of the car. I've seen this in stores, but it was a much better price here. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya
Get it from Amazon for $90.27+ (available in five colors).
My coworker and Kindle-lover Abby Kass says: "I've been an avid Kindle user for the past four years, but when I saw the new version, I knew it was time to upgrade. The main selling point is the fact that this one is waterproof. So waterproof, in fact, that it can be in up to 2 meters of fresh water for more than 60 minutes. Plus, it's lighter, has more storage, and the battery last for WEEKS. I took this on vacation with me and was so impressed. I was able to sit on the ledge in the pool and read without worrying about getting the device wet. And I even put it in the water to test, and it still works perfectly. Plus, I used it every day and didn't have to charge it the whole time I was on the trip. That gets a big gold star in my book."
Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in two storage sizes and four colors)
Check out our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite here.
Promising review: "This speaker is awesome! The battery charge lasts hours! The sound quality is amazing, hooks up easily to any phone with Bluetooth capability. I have used it by my pool, at the beach in a hotel room, driveway party, tailgate, and just about anywhere you need to listen to music. The strap is sturdy enough to hang from a tent or chair. It stands up, it lays down. It’s even waterproof. It fell in the sand at the beach and I washed it off, shook it out and it was good to go. Everyone needs one of these speakers!! I always travel with it. The charger cord can hook up to any USB port. So convenient." —JAS
Get it from Amazon for $79.95 (available in seven colors).
Homoco is a queer-owned small business that makes swim trunks out of recycled plastic. They donate a portion of sales to organizations that support the rights and overall well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Get them from Homoco for $69 (available in sizes XS–2XL).
Promising review: "This is probably one of the best investments I have made regarding beach-going. I do not know how I was going about my beach days without having one of these brushes. Great product, strong bristles but soft enough for your skin/feet. I would recommend that anyone that goes to the beach, this should be a must-have just like an umbrella and chair." —VCTrojanDodger
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
Promising review: "I've now purchased two of these tables (both in large), and they are simply wonderful! They are light, compact, and easy to transport. Most importantly, they are sturdy: we've had one of ours for over four years, and it is still going strong — well worth the higher price in comparison to other tables. We used them at the beach to keep phones, food, speakers, etc. up out of the sand and they are the envy of the beach! We also use them when we are camping or just sitting around a campfire. The table itself has an accordion-style top with two strong elastic straps at each end to hold it in place when it is folded. It easily unfolds by sliding the straps off the ends and letting gravity do the rest. The base spreads apart like a scissor-jack, with two top pieces that snap into a groove to keep the entire base rigid. Finally, the top snaps into two grooves on each side of the top and you are done — 60 seconds or less after you get used to doing it." —Eclectic Mom
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (avaliable in three sizes and two colors).
Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST have on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day. They are invaluable!" —KeepIT Reel
Get it from Amazon for $16.67+ (available in two colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.