15 Products to Bring on Your Next Beach Trip

Make your next beach trip a truly relaxing vacation.
Make your next beach trip a truly relaxing vacation. / Ballast/Amazon
facebooktwitterreddit
This article contains affiliate links to products selected by our editors. Mental Floss may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

There are lots of things to love about the summertime, including longer days, warmer weather, and eating copious amounts of ice cream to stay cool, to name a few. And now that summer 2022 is officially here, it’s time to take advantage of the sunshine with a trip to the beach. Make your day at the shore more enjoyable with one of these 15 beach accessories, each of which is designed with durability, convenience, and comfort in mind.

1. Ballast Inflatable Beach Pillow; From $28

Person using a Ballast Inflatable Beach Pillow outside
Ballast Inflatable Beach Pillow / Ballast Outdoor Gear/Amazon

Stay comfy as you sunbathe using this inflatable pillow, which attaches easily to your beach chair. Its water-resistant fabric and soft padding offer optimal comfort, and it's available in four color options that each come with their own carrying case for easy transport.

Buy it: Amazon

2. Coleman Portable Soft Cooler Bag; From $28

Coleman Portable Soft Cooler Bag on a white background
Coleman Portable Soft Cooler Bag / Coleman/Amazon

This portable cooler is roomy enough to hold 30 cans and comes equipped with an adjustable strap for easy carrying. According to the manufacturer, the cooler’s durable foam insulation maintains ice for over 24 hours even in heat up to 90°F. There's even a built-in liner that resists unsavory smells you don't want to keep with you.

Buy it: Amazon

3. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30; $18

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 against a white background.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 / CeraVe / Amazon

Sunscreen is a must-have if you're headed to the beach, and this CeraVe hydrating mineral sunscreen SPF 30 is considered by experts to be one of the best. It's formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and keep it feeling smooth and hydrated while you play in the sun.

Buy it: Amazon

4. Your Choice Microfiber Quick-Dry Towel Set; From $15

Your Choice Microfiber Quick-Dry Towels on a white background
Your Choice Microfiber Quick-Dry Towel Set / Your Choice/Amazon

After a dip in the ocean, dry off with this beach towel. Its microfiber fabric absorbs water quickly so you can dry off faster, while its striped design adds a stylish touch. User reviews average out to a 4.4-star rating, and you can pick between large (60 inches by 30 inches), extra-large (67 inches by 35 inches), and oversized (84 inches by 42 inches) varieties.

Buy it: Amazon

5. JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker; $40

JBL Clip 3 on a white background.
JBL Clip 3 / JBL/Amazon

Blast your favorite music from the beach with this compact Bluetooth speaker from JBL. This portable piece of tech boasts a 4.8-star rating after more than 53,000 user reviews, and it takes just a minute to sync with your smartphone. It's also waterproof, has a rechargeable battery, and offers up to 10 hours of playtime. You can choose from 12 colors, and easily clip it on with the built-in carabiner, making it easier to carry around on the sand that a heavier option would be.

Buy it: Amazon

6. Turtleback Sand Coaster Drink Cup Holder, Pack of 4; From $4

Four lime green Turtleback Sand Coaster Drink Cup Holders on a white background.
Turtleback Sand Coaster Drink Cup Holder / Turtleback/Amazon

Plop these plastic coasters next to your beach chair or blanket so you can have hands-free access to your favorite beverage without caking your cans and bottles in sand. Plus, the stackable design makes storing and packing even easier.

Buy it: Amazon

7. AMMSUN Heavy-Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella; From $33

Two people sitting on a beach under a AMMSUN Heavy Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella
AMMSUN Heavy Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella / AMMSUN/Amazon

There are many ways to protect yourself from the sun while you're at the beach, but one of the most reliable ways is to use an umbrella. The AMMSUN heavy-duty waterproof umbrella has a UV silver coating inside, providing an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) barrier of up to 50, so you can stay safer in the sunshine. Additionally, it's 6.5-feet wide and has an adjustable pole that can tilt by 30 degrees, as well as vents at the top for better air flow. It even comes with a carrying bag.

Buy it: Amazon

9. Wekapo Sand-Free Beach Blanket; From $30

Person on a Wekapo Sand-Free Beach Blanket on a white background.
Wekapo Sand-Free Beach Blanket / Wekapo/Amazon

One thing that gets frustrating at the beach, no matter how much you love being there, is all the sand. Specifically, it can be annoying when all your stuff gets covered with it, especially your blanket. This oversized one, which comes in five vibrant colors, is a great solution: It can fit up to eight adults and its breathable nylon fabric is sand- and water-resistant, so you won’t have to forcibly shake off excess sand every time you use it. Use the built-in pockets as additional storage space or stuff them with sand to secure the blanket down. Six metal stakes are also included.

Buy it: Amazon

9. Talc-Free Sand Removing Powder; $16

Talc-Free Sand Removing Powder on a white background.
Talc-Free Sand Removing Powder / Stephanie Kelsey/Uncommon Goods

Blankets aren't the only thing that can get sandy after a day by the water. Keep yourself, your car, and your home sand-free with this powerful powder. It's made with a blend of plants and minerals, and all you have to do is sprinkle it onto any sandy object (or body part) and brush it all off. Plus, it offers a pleasant vanilla scent. Just keep in mind, this item is backordered through the middle of July, so you might not get it in time for your 4th of July weekend.

Buy it: Uncommon Goods

10. Trekology Personal Beach Table; $22

Person using a Trekology Personal Beach Table in nature with a mug
Trekology Personal Beach Table / Trekology/Amazon

This sturdy beach table is made with a lightweight aluminum alloy that is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. (Just use a wipe.) Its compact, foldable design is a bonus. The manufacturer claims it can hold up to 30 pounds, making it more than perfect for your lunch and a few beverages.

Buy it: Amazon

11. SubSafe Sub Sandwich Container; $25

SubSafe in pink.
SubSafe / SubSafe/Amazon

Gone are the days of soggy subs. The SubSafe—a product that first appeared on Shark Tank back in 2019—is designed to keep your sandwich crisp, fresh, dry, and completely sand-free. The SubSafe can fit both 6- and 12-inch subs and is also dishwasher-safe.

Buy it: Amazon

12. Coleman Camping Chair; $37

Coleman Camping Chair on a white background.
Coleman Camping Chair / Coleman/Amazon

If you enjoy lounging at the beach, getting a lightweight chair is crucial. This one from Coleman weighs just over 5 pounds but has an alloy steel frame that can support up to 250 pounds. In addition, it has a side cup holder, a seat back pocket, and a storage bag included.

Buy it: Amazon

13. WhiteFang Deluxe XL Pop Up Beach Tent; From $46

WhiteFang Deluxe XL Pop Up Beach Tent on a white background
WhiteFang Deluxe XL Pop Up Beach Tent / WhiteFang/Amazon

An umbrella can be great, but if you want even more shade, this 4.6-star-rated pop-up beach tent could be worthwhile. It'll shield you from the sun and is roomy enough to comfortably accommodate up to four people (two adults and two kids). The stakes and attached sandbags offer extra stability. When not in use, simply fold it up and stick it in the included storage bag. There are six colors to choose from, including baby blue, melon, and mint.

Buy it: Amazon

14. MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag; From $12

MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag in a creek
MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag / MARCHWAY/Amazon

If you're concerned about your phone, wallet, and clothes getting wet, try using a dry bag to protect your things. This one from MARCHWAY is an Amazon bestseller, with more than 25,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating. You can get the bags in 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-liter sizes in 18 color options, and it comes with two straps so you can turn it into a backpack.

Buy it: Amazon

15. MacSports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon; From $100

MacSports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon on a white background
MacSports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon / MacSports/Amazon

Make hauling your chairs, umbrellas, and drinks down to the beach a swift task by using a wagon to carry all your stuff. This one from MacSports is collapsible, can hold up to 150 pounds, and features an adjustable handle and a folding table with two built-in cup holders.

Buy it: Amazon

This story was originally published in 2021; it has been updated for 2022.