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    52 Things That’ll Seriously Upgrade All Your Summer Beach Days

    Yes a table at your umbrella is great, but one that attached *to* your umbrella is even better.

    1. Burt's Bees sunburn soother because sometimes the family can get burnt from some fun in the sun — even if you've been on VERY strict sunscreen patrol. Its aloe vera and coconut oil formula is super gentle on skin while helping relieve pain, redness, and swelling.

    A model holding a tube of the lotion
    Reviewer's before and after photos showing a sunburn on the back and a back without the sunburn after using the lotion

    Promising review: "Throw away your plain aloe and buy this immediately! I will never not have this on hand in the summer/on vacation. It works miraculously well, and by the next day you’re totally good. Approved by my kids too!" —KMR

    Get it from Amazon for $7.69.

    2. A mesh beach bag with a cooler zip-off portion at the bottom so you can feed two birds with one scone whether you're making your way to the park or trudging onto the beach with kids in tow and could use a free hand. 

    the tote on the beach filled with items
    the open cooler section showing ten cans of soda inside

    Promising review: "This is a great tote! The cooler on the bottom is unexpected each time someone sees it and is a great little bonus. We had more than enough room to pack four Gatorades and squeezable applesauce packs — you probably can’t pack a lunch and drinks for more than two or three people, but we only had two so it served us great!" —MasonDixon

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in five colors).

    3. A sand removal bag filled with talc-free, reef-friendly powder that'll help you brush off the scratchy stuff that you don't mind on the beach but would *like* to leave on the beach where you found it. 

    the small square sand bag in blue
    gif showing how the bag is used to remove sand from a model's leg
    Amazon

    See it in action on TikTok here

    Shakalo is a  San Diego-based small business started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.

    Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes).

    4. A set of towel clips you'll be grateful you packed once the wind kicks up as you're 20 feet away tossing a football with your pals. (And you can use it to hang up your wet swimsuit after.) 

    Check out a TikTok of the towel clips in action. 

    Promising review: "I purchased these for a family of eight going on a cruise and they loved them! So easy to use, just put your towel on the beach chair and clip down with these. They said they were especially awesome on windy days when others towels were blowing away if they were not sitting on the chair. The family was able to go to lunch or take a walk and not worry that their towels had been blown away and someone had then snagged their seats. Very inexpensive and functional clips." —TypeA

    Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $9.99

    5. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. 

    Reviewer with purple sticker on their arm
    The sticker turned clear

    Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

    Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

    Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $25.99+ (also available as a 48-count). 

    6. An inflatable pool and float patch repair kit so you can revive that cute FunBoy float you dropped money on last year only for your little cousin to pop a hole in it. Or maybe keep around JUST IN CASE you need it for your new inflatable backyard pool. 

    Promising review (for the above pic): "So far so good. Going on five days now." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

    7. packable floppy hat because remember the last time you drove to the beach wearing your hat? Let's avoid a repeat of that by using this that'll pack down easy into your bag. And with this wide brim, it'll provide some extra shade from those harsh beachy rays. 

    a reviewer wearing the hat and drinking a cocktail
    different reviewer wearing sun hat

    Promising review: "Honey, this hat was giving me everything I needed it to give! I felt Gone With The Wind fabulous in this hat for my cruise vacation. It provided the adequate shade for my face and shoulders while allowing me to shade myself from people I didn’t want to talk to! Bay-bay! It was EVERYTHING I needed it to be AND the size XL fit over my braids. So my girls with protective styles or just big hair, this is the hat for you! 🎉" —1922blue

    Get it from Amazon for $24.69+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors).

    8. A portable safe that'll attach to a beach chair to keep your valuables safe while you go off and do some body surfing. It's large enough for a phone (without a large case), your keys, and some credit cards.

    pink masterlock personal safe with belongings inside of it
    reviewer's pink personal safe that's attached to a beach chair at the beach

    Like most people (I hope?) I’m always a little iffy about taking a dip in the water at the beach and leaving my wallet and phone on the beach. So when I booked a 2.5-week Europe trip with LOTS of beaching involved, I bought one of these Master Lock safes that I’ve put in multiple stories. It was a bit bulky in my suitcase, but I left it unlocked and put some stuff in there so it wasn’t just dead space. It came in handy at multiple beach clubs, where my friend and I stashed our credit cards, cash, and case-less phones while we frolicked in the sea. Despite lots of people milling about our umbrella while we had our fun, we felt our stuff was completely safe and could concentrate on *just* having fun. 

    Promising review: "Just buy it. It's smaller than I had originally thought it might be, but it's perfect none the less. Love this little lock box that you could easily use as a purse when traveling, or at a festival." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in three colors).

    9. A sturdy beach umbrella that reviewers say withstand the wind in case you're a frequent enough beach-goer that you don't wanna bother with paying a lifeguard to rent one. Or maybe your go-to spot on the beach is SO exclusive that there aren't rentable umbrellas there! 

    reviewer under the blue umbrella at the beach
    the blue umbrella set up on the beach

    It comes with sandbag anchors and steaks for reinforcement, an adjustable pole that can be tilted, and its own carrying bag. 

    Promising review: "We live in Maui, Hawaii, and wind gusts on the beach can exceed 50 mph some days. The wind also changes direction constantly and never comes from just one direction. We have spent over $500 trying to find various combinations of anchors, umbrellas, and tie downs, and NOTHING has worked until these bad boys. We bought one initially and tested it out on a VERY windy day and were super impressed. It never once became inverted or blew over. Meanwhile, the other umbrella we were using that day broke. Needless to say, I have since bought two more so we can have ample shade for my husband, my dog, and myself." —Beth

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in blue or orange). 

    10. Or a fancy umbrella that reviewers love for their patio but *also* take along to the beach. Yes, your beach setup could use a bit of fringe. 

    pink and white striped umbrella with fringe on an outdoor table
    white version of umbrella propped on a beach

    Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas. 

    Check out a TikTok of the umbrella in action. 

    Promising review: "This umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design. It is a higher end umbrella but still slightly less expensive than the other big name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stays standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it. The customer service from the company was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" —Taryn

    Get it from Amazon for $165 (available in seven colors). 

    11. beach umbrella table for lofting your phone, current beverage, and snack bag of chips from the pesky sand. This'll also take up less space in your luggage than a folding table. (I used a similar table at a Greek beach club last summer to a lot of success!)

    Check out a TikTok of the beach umbrella table in action. 

    Promising review: "This worked great for our beach trip! It was nice to be able to have everything out of the sand. We had placed it up at the top by the umbrella and down low so we could reach it while on our chairs. I’d definitely recommend this." —TJ

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four styles). 

    12. But if you could use some more table surface, a compact and collapsible mini table can give you more room for your beach day spread. Also, it weighs only 1.5 pounds, can hold up to 66 pounds, and is made of heat-resistant material. 

    Reviewer's table is resting on grass
    Reviewer's table legs

    Promising review: "We use it when we go to concerts in the park and to the beach. This one is absolutely perfect! We are able to set this small table up in minutes and able to also put heavy objects on there that won't sink into wet grass or sand and fall over. The fact that it is compact and lightweight was another big factor for us as both picnic and beach parking can often be far away and we don't want to have to carry any more than necessary. We're also able to use this little table for things like playing cards, writing, and even as an extra platform on our outdoor table at home. It was the perfect purchase for us!" —Heather

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in small or large and in four finishes).


    13. CarryAround foldable cup holder you'll think you're a dang genius for buying (and you'd be right) after you easily carry back four beers from the pool snack bar in one hand. It'd also be smart to pack this for your next all-inclusive vacation. 

    reviewer using handheld grip with room for four cups to carry beer
    reviewer using it to hold four coffees

    Check out a TikTok of the drink holder in action. 

    Promising review: "I am obsessed with these! I bought one for myself and immediately turned around and got a four-pack so I can keep extras in my desk at work and my car and give a few to friends. The cardboard carriers that you usually get from restaurants are wasteful and still need to be supported with two hands. With this, I can carry two to four beverages and a bag of take out food all in one hand with a hand free to open doors and such! There is no support underneath so you cannot leave them sitting in the carrier once you're in a car, but I wouldn't trust a cardboard carrier on the seat of my car full of drinks anyway. It is incredibly sturdy and everywhere I go I get constant compliments when I use it! I have run into very few cups that are too large, overall this is a total win! Can't recommend enough." —Allison

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks). 

    14. A pack of collapsible pails will take up a little way less space in your beach bag for the very important task of building sand castles. Have you ever bought a sand bucket at a tourist shop? Yikes. 

    A pack of three collapsible pails
    Reviewer's video showing how to collapse the pail

    Promising review: "BEST BUCKETS EVER! I’ll be buying more! I love that they collapse! I bought them for the beach and I loved that they didn’t take up room during travel. And now they don’t take up room in our outdoor toy bin!" —KB

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.79.

    15. Plus a set of sand castle molds so you can get by with more time relaxing in your beach chair than being bossed around by your kid on your poor construction techniques. 

    Promising review: "So glad we bought these for our beach trip this year. My 5- and 2-year-olds had so much fun making multiple sandcastles using these. With the right amount of water and sand mixed, they were easy to use. Also great to use them as baskets!" —HS

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $11.99.

    16. Waterproof Uno cards to withstand some tense games at the beach, pool, lake, boat, wherever! What a great option for when everyone gets tired out from beach games and come under the umbrella for some respite from the sun. 

    A pack of waterproof cards near a beach towel
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These are great to use at the pool, lakeside, or the beach. They can get wet!!!!! My kids love these! I actually want to buy a set for the house because the cards don't bend easily and they stay in mint condition. Would purchase again and again!" —LuluLoves

    Get them from Amazon for $10.99.

    17. A portable handheld fan for those moments when the ocean breeze takes a break. Oh, and it's also a power bank *and* flashlight. So you'll be sure to find all sorts of nonbeach uses for it. 

    Reviewer holding up small black handheld fan
    The fan propped on a table blowing air

    Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

    Promising review: "This fan works so well, keeps me cool when I’m on the beach or sitting outside in the sun. The battery life is amazing but it takes a while to charge up." —Amanda Clerk

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors). 

    18. Plus a hands-free portable neck fan for those sweltering days on the beach when you just seem to be pouring sweat — even in the shade of the umbrella. Just be sure to charge it with the USB before you pack your beach bag!

    It has three speeds to choose from and also lights up, making you more visible at night. Reviewers note that you should definitely put your hair in a ponytail (but that it's easy to unsnag if it gets caught).

    Promising review: "Took this to an all day, HOT day to a theme park. Charged it fully the night before and lasted through the whole day. Felt so cool. Plus at night you got the cool colors." —Paula

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors).

    19. Some ice pop molds so you can DIY your fam's sweet treats all summer. Talk about a fab way to use up all that fruit in your fridge *and* become the envy of the beach. (Folks use it for yogurt- and ice cream-based pops too!)

    Each set also includes a base tray, a funnel, and a cleaning brush. 

    Promising review: "Good price, good quality. I've bought a few different popsicle molds over the years trying to be the cool dad who does fun activities and most of them end up being junk that I throw away when the kids aren't looking. This one froze well, didn't freezer burn and was easy to get pop out without losing the stick and melting the ice pop." —Nathan Rasmussen

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99

    20. A watermelon cutter to truly elevate your summer snacking in a pinch. There's just something that feels so right about eating watermelon on the beach, no? 

    gif of reviewer using the cutter to easily cut up half a watermelon
    The stainless steel cutter in a yellow watermelon

    Check out a TikTok of the watermelon cutter in action.  

    Promising review: "This tool is so handy!! I hate cutting watermelon, and this is so fast and easy to use and easy to wash. I cut a watermelon in less than five minutes. It cuts yellow watermelon too!!! The included baller is great for the small left over, hard-to-reach places." —Andrea Draine

    Get it from Amazon for $12.37

    21. And a sandwich cutter and sealer will help you DIY your own Uncrustables at home as an enticing beach lunch for the kids instead of the very expensive (but delish) snack bar nearby. Plus, these little sandwiches travel so well. 

    A customer review photo showing homemade uncrustables
    A customer review photo of their DIY Uncrustables

    Promising review: "I had to try this because I saw it on TikTok, and I spend way too much on Uncrustables for my picky kids! And my kids (ages 3 and 6) love the different shapes they can choose from." —Rachel

    Get it from Amazon for $15.96

    22. A family-friendly flying disc that'll dethrone your beach Frisbee as a serious upgrade because it flies straight and is designed to not hurt when you inevitably get bopped in the nose with it. And because it's so slim, you'll easily find room for it in your beach bag. 

    Reviewers throwing flying disc at the beach
    A red and blue pair of round discs propped on a dock

    Promising review: "I used to play Ultimate Frisbee in college and it took me a lot of practice to get my throws down. Wanting to teach my kiddos how to throw, I researched and ended up buying these. I REALLY like them! I bought one set of two. And want to buy more. They are super easy for beginners to learn on and almost always fly true. They also don’t hurt when they hit you and my kids can catch them. Win. Win. Great colors and design! And they can skip a little bit. 🥏💗" —asnowmomma

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in nine colors). 

    23. An insulated picnic basket to tote all of your snacks in because your kids are hungry basically as soon as you set up your chairs and umbrella. It's exhausting having fun!  

    the printed picnic basket
    reviewer image of the blue printed picnic basket on the beach

    It can hold up to 65 lbs. 

    Promising review: "This product is a must have! I absolutely love it. It holds so much food/drinks and keeps everything cold with a few ice packs. I love that it’s collapsible for easy storage. My husband loves it too. It’s perfect for the ball field, a lake day, park picnic, or a day on the farm chasing cattle. One of my favorite Amazon purchases!" —Baylee Akins

    Get it from Amazon for $44 (available in eight colors and patterns).

    24. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen can really stick to your skin on the beach or whatever has you out and about this season.

    model applying the stick of sunscreen
    Amazon

    I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation last year when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. 

    And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination. 

    Get it from Amazon for $10.17.

    25. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat. You just haven't found one that suits you yet. WELP, I just found it for you. Keeping the sun outta your face has never looked so cute. 

    reviewer in sunflower print hat
    reviewer in cow print hat

    Promising review: "I got a ton of compliments. 💖" —Tasha

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 45 prints).

    26. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense to stop chafing caused by sweat before it even starts. It's sooo good and better than any other competitor in the thigh-saving category. Throw this in your beach bag to apply before those long beach strolls.

    the stick
    Amazon

    My colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say: 

    "I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

    Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer life saver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe 4 hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again." —Ash

    Get it from Amazon for $6.

    27. A three-pack of Vacation Strawberry Jello Salad SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm that'll put a stop to your excuses of skipping SPF for your lips because all of the options out there *taste* like sunscreen. This one's made to taste like a fun dessert. 

    jello dessert with lip balm tube on top
    Amazon

    It's water-resistant for 80 minutes and is made from coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E. It complies with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104, is PEG- and paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan (made without beeswax).

    Promising review: "It’s hard to find a lip balm that’s moisturizing and also tastes nice — yeah you’re not supposed to eat it, but it gets in your mouth anyway. We all know it. This stuff leaves my lips very soft. Smells and tastes great!" —cxr

    Get them from Amazon for $12.

    28. pair of sunglasses that said "I'll raise the stakes" when they heard about those bottle-opener flip-flops you used to pull out as a party trick. 

    tortoise-shell sunglasses with a bottle opener
    end of the sunglasses being used to open a longneck bottle of beer
    Amazon

    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 $16.99 (available in two colors).

    29. CurlCap backless adjustable cap with plenty of room for your natural hair or updos while giving your face some extra shade when you walk to the water every hour or so to dip your toes in it and confirm that, yep, the ocean is still there. 

    Reviewer in black version of the hat with curly ponytail through the gap in the back of the hat
    Reviewer in light purple version

    CurlCap is a Black-owned apparel company founded by Britney Sade that specializes in caps designed for natural hair with an open back and flexible scrunchie design.

    Promising review: "This hat is comfortable, well made, and cute! It is now my go-to hat for casual days when I put my hair in a ponytail. I have also worn it playing tennis and found that it's more comfortable than wearing a visor. The back elastic really keeps the hat secure without feeling too tight. I have the black twill, and would love to see it in other colors in this fabric for walking, running, and tennis. Love." —Me

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 11 styles).

    30. A five-compartment snack spinner can make getting your picky kids to eat something a little more fun in between swims and sandcastle building sessions. Oh, and it has a lock. 

    Reviewer spinning the container to reveal the snacks in each compartment
    The circular six compartment spinner with food inside of it

    GoBe is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack storage products. 

    Check out a TikTok of the snack spinner in action.

    Promising review: "I bought these before they were on Amazon. I’m obsessed. My kids think it’s a game, and they’re so intent on eating all the food inside. Even my picky eater. As a mom who absolutely hates to hand wash things, I’m so grateful that a) the entire thing comes apart for washing and b) it’s completely dishwasher-safe. This thing is awesome. One of a kind. I own five right now. Will probably be getting more in the future for when the baby is old enough to snack independently." —Jordan Christman

    Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in three colors).

    31. A sand-free beach blanket made so sand will roll right off of it. Plus it's big enough to help you lay claim to a good amount of beach space for you and your pals (up to four adults!). It packs up pretty small so it's a great bet even if you have to ride public transportation to get to the beach (i.e. ME). You're gonna love it for park days too. 

    reviewer using the blanket at the beach
    reviewer using the blanket on grass

    Promising review: "I walk to the beach and the park with my baby all the time and was sick of my butt getting wet when we sat on the grass and the baby getting all sandy when sitting on towels. I decided to search Amazon for some kind of beach blanket. This blanket wasn’t really what I was looking for, but it did not disappoint! First of all it’s HUGE. I still haven’t used it open all the way yet. It’s compact and easy to carry, I love that there are pockets to weigh it down with sand, that sand rolls right off and that I can just stuff it right back in the little bag without having to fold it strategically when I’m done. I can take the baby to the beach and lay her on her tummy without worrying about sand getting on her hands and face. Great product!!" —Adriana

    Get it from Amazon for $27.90+ (available in three colors).

    32. A packable pop-up tent will give baby ALL the shade at the beach. 

    Promising review: "We loved having this tent on our beach trip with our baby. It was so easy and lightweight to carry with us and gave plenty of sun protection for our baby. We will be using this with each beach trip in the future!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

    33. Or an upgraded pop-up beach tent with a little splash pool in the middle so your baby can get in on the water fun without leaving the shade. 

    This item is noted for children under the age of 3.

    Promising review: "Found this after our first experience with our 9-month-old at the beach. He wanted to crawl straight in the beach so I wanted to find something that would keep him busy but yet be able to play with sand and water! This was perfect!!!! He loved it and it kept him occupied all day, on and off. We didn’t use the shade since we had a canopy up already for shade so not sure how strong the shade part of it is." —Brittany

    Get it from Amazon for $33.95.

    34. A cute portable charger will fit in your pocket or bag so can capture all the beach-day fun without draining your battery. And you can also easily use your phone while it charges! I've used this on the reg since buying in the fall. Just make sure to keep it in a waterproof bag when you're not using it because you don't want to get water or sand on it.

    gif of reviewer holding the pink charger and showing its built-in lightning cable
    a reviewer holding a phone with the charger plugged into it

    I bought this specifically for my weeklong trip to Europe in December when I knew I'd be taking a million videos of adorable Christmas markets. But! I keep it in my bag all the time, even when I'm not on vacation. I use Google Maps to get around NYC, and any New Yorker will tell you that when you leave your home on a quick errand at 10 a.m. on a Saturday, you may not get home until 3 a.m. because there's always something cool to do, and friends constantly reach out with impromptu plans. This little charger has saved me on several days while I'm out and about. No more need to bring your pal a phone charging cord when you're meeting for happy hour and searching the bar for stools near an outlet. 

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors). 

    35. A 100% organic cotton coverup you'll find all kinds of excuses to wear, even if you're not heading to the beach. I can picture Dr. Nicole from RHOM wearing this on a girl's trip and that is the HIGHEST of praise from me. 

    model in crochet mini dress coverup over bikini
    Quince

    Get it from Quince for $39.90 (available in sizes XS–XL and three colors). Psst, there's also a long dress and shirt version

    36. A pack of spill-proof Munchkin snack catchers will keep the Cheerios where they should be, either in the container or into your kid's mouth...not in the sand.

    Two snack containers in blue and green
    A child model's hand pulling a cracker out of the blue snack cup
    Reviewer's video demonstrating how the container prevent snacks from falling out

    Promising review: "I knew I needed this product when I saw a family member toss one full of Goldfish in their beach bag, and after a bumpy car ride, a walk, and finally settling in the sand, there was no spill. I ordered the set right away. My toddler has no trouble getting snacks out of it, and my floors stay clean. It's a win in my book!" —Antoinette

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $5.95 (available in two color combos).

    37. A inflatable lounge chair you inflate just by whipping it in the wind. It'll keep you lofted above the sand (if you really hate sand, I get it) and provide a perfect place for your beach nap. There's just something about those beach naps that hit different!

    Reviewer enjoys a picnic at beach
    Reviewer and another person sit on the inflatable seat outside

    It's made to stay inflated at least five to six hours, and comes with a stake for easy securing to the ground once inflated.

    Promising review: "This was the best beach purchase I've ever made. It was lightweight but so easy to put up. I used a mini leaf blower and it was so easy. I got so many compliments at the beach because of how comfortable I looked while laying in it." —Scott R.

    Get it from Amazon for $38.95+ (available in 16 colors and patterns).

    38. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect.

    Hands using the sunscreen
    a model applying the sunscreen and showing how it doesn't leave a whitecast
    Target, Target

    Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.

    Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-size amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish. I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." —Target Customer

    Get it from Target for $15.99 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).

    39. Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 comes in a two-pack so you can know you'll be covered without FEELING like you're covered in greasy sun protection. 

    two spray bottles of sunscreen
    Amazon

    Promising review: "My kids will only use spray-on sunscreen (for their bodies and the stick for face and neck). This spray is easy to use and protects their delicate skin from harmful UVB rays. It's waterproof and sweat-proof, which is a big plus. Would highly recommend!" —S. Pme

    Get it from Amazon for $14.41.

    40. A three-piece swim set with a groovy matching coverup just begging to be worn on a yacht or at a European beach club. Or, well, at your local swimming hole. (Stop saving your cool stuff for special occasions!) 

    model in swirl print coverup and matching bikini
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Loved the fit. The fabric of the cover up is soft and fits every curve. Love the color and shape of everything and the bikini fit like a glove." —Latesha Allen

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes XS–4X and 44 designs).

    41. A two-pack of beach wraps to help you style your beloved bikini you bought who-knows-when in between dips in the ocean. 

    reviewer wearing the black sarong
    another reviewer wearing the white wrap

    Promising review: "I am super happy with this cute wrap. I wore it over a bikini to a yoga party. Was comfortable, tied easily and stayed put. The black fit just the same." —MCK

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 28 color combinations).

    42. A set of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets, an electrolyte drink mix infused with potassium and vitamin C you can stir into a bottle of water to help speed up your hydration. After all, on beach days you aren't so good at drinking water. So this is a great preventative measure. (I also personally love these for travel and hangovers, and hangovers while you're traveling.)

    Psst — it's  also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free! 

    Promising review: "I love this stuff!!! In Florida, where the sun can take the moisture out of you between the heat and the humidity, you can tend to get a little dehydrated, no matter how much water you drink. I put one of these packets ion my large water bottle and drink. I start to feel better soon after I drink one. I don't do more than one a day, unless I am working extra hard outside in the summer heat. It reminds me of lemon/lime sports drinks without that awful sugary after taste." —N. Abdallah

    Get a pack of 16 for $23.45

    43. A pair of quick-dry water shoes to help you traverse nearly every kind of ground you may come upon — especially if the beaches near you are rocky or playing in the grass in the sprinkler is one of your family's favorite pasttimes!

    grippy sole of shoe
    two pairs of feet wearing the shoes in the ocean

    Promising review: "So glad I got these for my trip to Hawaii. These shoes saved my feet getting into the coral-covered beaches of Kaua'i. Great on the hot sand, too. Much more comfortable than the ones I got for my daughter at Target." —jaspy106

    Get it from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

    44. Or some Seastar neoprene slingback sandals that are *actually* water and boat shoes, though they look like regular espadrilles. These babies have TRACTION on them but are still comfy and won't rub. I own them and have worn them in the sea and on rocky beaches of France, Croatia, and Italy without slipping and hurting myself. (I'm the clumsiest person ever.) 

    model wearing waterproof espadrilles with slingback design on the beach
    model wearing the navy striped slingbacks while fishing
    Sea Star Beachwear

    Promising review: "I loved my first pair so much that I bought two more pairs! I have always loved classic espadrilles but can’t wear them in rainy weather. These you can wear no matter what. And they are soooo comfortable! That makes them perfect for traveling — especially as they are lightweight — but I want to wear them all the time so bought more. They look great with skirts, pants, jeans or beachwear. The stretchy fabric and stretchy sling back heel make for comfort no matter how much feet may swell in hot weather. I just love these and am thinking about a fourth pair!" —Merlyn Greenwood

    Get them from Amazon for $124.95 (available in sizes 6–12 and three colors) or from Sea Star Beachwear for $125 (available in sizes 6–12 and eight colors).

    45. Double-buckle slides (that totally resemble Birks) you can slip in and out of pool- or beachside. And yup, they're waterproof. 

    reviewer wearing the white double buckle slides
    side view of the white slides

    The seller recommends checking the size chart, which details the best size for your foot length. The back strap is also adjustable!

    Promising review: "Comfy and trendy enough. I like 'em! I prefer not to wear shoes that don't have a back. It's my paranoia that I'll have to break out in a run at some point. But these work very well. I walk miles in them without discomfort. Plus they're cute. Trends up any casual outfit. They are not Croc- or Birkenstock-level comfort because the sole is not cushioned, but it is carved out just right for the naked foot. Update: Just came back from a month in Costa Rica during rainy season and I'm so glad I brought these! They held up so well getting through muddy pebble streets. The soles were thick enough to not feel the rocks beneath me and keep my toes from getting in the dirt. When I got in, I just washed them off. The white color held up in all that and they never felt uncomfortable or as if they would come of my feet (a concern I have about sandals without ankle straps). They are excellent value. Get 'em!" —MelRay

    Get them from Amazon for $17.99 (available in sizes 6–10 and two colors).

    46. A low-profile chair at a height that'll let you really dig your toes into the sand. It also has a cup holder and towel sleeve on the back to keep your dry-off companion clean. 

    Reviewer's blue and green striped beach chairs lined up on the sand
    Reviewer uses same beach chairs and a blue tent to create a shady spot at a beach

    Promising review: "These are our new favorite folding chairs. We’ve used them at the beach, at the park, and in the backyard. My young children even used it to watch a movie in the living room (it allowed them to stretch their legs comfortably and recline). They are relatively light and easy to unfold. Folding it back is difficult the first time but once you got technique, its easy. The back pocket is where we usually store the bag and is still big enough to fit towels, phones, or tablets. The feet sink a little bit in the sand, but so does any chair. It is just more noticeable because the seat is close to the ground like a beach chair should be. I also love that it has cup holders that can rotate in and be hidden if you don’t need it. All in all, its an excellent and well-made beach chair." —K Fernandez

    Get it from Amazon for $36.88.

    47. Or a pair of lounger chairs if you're more of a layout person but could use some back support. AND they fold up flat, making them easy to slog back to the car. 

    models lounging in two blue chairs at the beach
    model showing how the chair folds up and is easy to carry
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These were perfect. They were exactly what I was looking for now that summer is here. They're compact, easy to carry, lightweight — perfect for movies under the stars, music in the park, and beach days." —Sherry Ramsundar

    Get them from Amazon for $84.99.

    48. A universal phone shade will help shade your face plus help you better see your phone screen so you can show your friend that Rat Girl Summer TikTok as encouragement to scurry around and eat lots of snacks. 

    model with the fan-shaped shade attached to their phone and blocking the sun from their face
    Shadey Attachments / Etsy

    Shadey Attachments is a UK-based small business that came up with this idea after seeing people struggle to view their phone while lounging in the sun. The shades attaches to most mobile devices by suction and fans out to protect your face from UV rays. 

    Promising review: "I ordered this last-minute for Christmas holiday, and I can honestly say, I now can’t use my phone in the sun without it! It took a second to get going and to realize you have to point it at the sun to put your face in the shade (also better for the wrinkles). It's literally the best thing ever for the sun." —Hayley Place

    Get it from Shadey Attachments on Etsy for $17.73 (available in six colors). 

    49. BruMate insulated can cooler to technically cover up what you're drinking on the beach if alcohol isn't allowed (MUHAHAHAHA). Even better it'll keep your drink 20 times colder than a Koozie. So feel free to go and hunt some seashells without worrying about chugging that Claw before leaving your beach chair. 

    Reviewer image of a sparkly blue version of the insulator
    Reviewer holding up a blue insulated can cooler at the beach

    Promising review: "Like to keep your beer cold? Get this. Slow drinker but don't want to let your friends on to how slow you're drinking? Get this. Want your White Claw/Truly to stay as cold as it was when you took it out of your fridge? Get this. I kid you not, this thing keeps drinks cold like that's its job (because it is). Once I got mine and saw how effective it was, I decided all of my cold beverage loving friends and family will be getting one also. With most of my friends being Michelob Ultra and White Claw drinkers, this seems to be the perfect fit. So hard to find a can koozie that holds those slim cans! Love this product and definitely recommend!" —Brooke Stull

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 31 colors).

    50. A set of mesh "sea shell collecting" bags with adjustable straps so everyone can go on a very efficient seashell-collecting mission with minimal sand carted back home. And because it's mesh, you can hose down the bag and what's inside before taking home. 

    A child with a green mesh bag strapped across their torso
    Three mesh bags in pale green, blue, and pink

    Promising review: "I bought these for my kids to use on vacation where we'd be camping and doing lots of outdoor activities. They used them to collect rocks and other interesting finds. They held up well and several months later with use at home there are no rips or tears. The mesh was convenient when collecting rocks on the beach, and we wanted to hose everything down before bringing them inside. They have an adjustable strap and very easily fit all of my kids ranging from ages 2–10 (could fit older kids, too). I highly recommend!" —a_bennet

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and four color combinations). 

    51. A JBL portable speaker that's both waterproof *and* dust-proof to clip onto your beach chair inc ase you need a lil' something more than the soothing sounds of crashing waves. 

    reviewer holding the small speaker in pink
    reviewer holding the cameo speaker

    Promising review: "This is an amazing speaker for traveling or going to the beach. It's portable, and you can hang it so it doesn't get dirty with sand or dust around you. It is very useful in hiking because it is light, which makes it easy to carry as you can see in the picture. The battery life is really good. I've used it 3 times and still doesn't need to charge, so it's about 10 hours of music. I really liked the sound quality and my friends say that they liked it, too." —Tifanny Angulo

    Get it from Amazon for $79.95 (available in nine colors). 

    52. And finally a utility wagon that'll contain all that stuff you're taking to the beach. I see families on the subway in NYC with this all the time on the way home from a beach day. Now *that's* how you do the beach without a car. But! It'll also come in handy for folks that can drive to the beach. 

    reviewer showing the blue wagon filled with assorted chairs and things needed to bring to the beach
    reviewer showing how the wagon folds up small to fit in the trunk of a car

    And there are LOTS more uses for this than just a beach day!

    Promising review: "This wagon is a must have!!!! I love how compact it is when folded up (it also comes with a nice carrying back making it easy to move around!), this feature is important to me as trunk space is limited when packing the family up for a day trip to the beach or park. We found this wagon to be very easy to set up. Simply pull out of the bag and unclip and fold out! Simple as that, its now ready to use!!! I found the cargo area to be large enough to carry all of our items easily, it holds a lot and a good amount of weight, too. The wheels are great quality, easy to pull on pavement, grass even a dirt path. The front wheels swivel making it easy to maneuver. Overall, we are very impressed with the make, quality, and durability of this wagon. We highly recommend it and would purchase it again!" —Jess & Craig

    Get it from Amazon for $129.08.

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.