Summer vacation is best spent at the beach — but come unprepared and you might end up sunburned, dehydrated and with sand in your shoes. Thankfully, there are a number of products that make planning a beach day easy breezy.
From waterproof sandals, to a portable canopy chair, to the ultimate beach blanket, Underscored editors have found a number of handy products that make beach-going even more enjoyable. Ahead, find 16 things that we’re bringing to the beach this summer — and if you’re looking for beach bags themselves, check out this roundup of beach bum-approved bags and totes.
Sunscreen is a no-brainer, but finding the right one is anything but a day at the beach. I recently discovered Bubble skin care’s mineral sunscreens and am now a huge fan. They’re both sheer and not sticky. I love that I don’t feel oily afterward and that they can easily blend under makeup. The best part about them is that the pumps won’t make a mess inside your beach bag. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
I didn't know it was possible to have a favorite beach towel until I tried Geometry’s products. Made from post-consumer recycled materials, the beach towels and blankets are absorbent yet fast-drying and fold up super compact. I also love that they come in tons of cute patterns and prints, but the underside of the towels are black so you don't have to worry about getting them dirty. The beach towel is a generous size for one, while the beach blanket (I have the yellow checker print) is perfect for two to sunbathe or a few friends to sit on for a picnic. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
There’s nothing like a little day drinking to add some fun to a day at the beach. And with this pretty, stainless steel carafe and wine glass set, I don’t need to leave the beach to grab a cocktail or a glass of wine. In fact, the insulated carafe can hold an entire bottle of wine as well as a few rounds of pourable drinks (nonalcoholic works too!) and keeps it cold for hours — even in the blazing sun. I like the Marble color, but you can nab it in gold or steel as well. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
This anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial spray is a must-have for long days at the beach. The spray is made with hypochlorous acid, which helps relieve conditions like dry eye and blepharitis — yes, you can spray it on your eyes with them open! I like to keep it next to an ice pack so it’s cool and refreshing when my face starts feeling a little icky. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
The conflict between practicing sun safety and wanting a summer tan is eased with Vacation’s new SPF-30 Baby Oil. Like with the brand’s other nostalgia-tinged products, Baby Oil puts a fresh (and safer) spin on a classic, complete with a pleasant sweet, powdery scent. I love that the oil adds a healthy sheen to the skin — which also complements the season’s sundresses when I’m not at the beach — but really absorbs so you don’t feel greasy. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
I always love bringing a pair of sunglasses that can go from the beach to the boardwalk. My trusty Aliana Rose sunnies complement any bathing suit and look equally as great with a sundress. Unlike most gas station sunglasses, these are UVA/UVB protected, which is important for sunny beach days. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
As someone who loves to read at the beach and gets sunburn even while wearing SPF 100, I don’t know what I’d do without this chair on hot, sunny beach days! The retractable canopy has 50+ UPF protection, easily folds up into its own carrying case (complete with shoulder strap) and has a built-in drink holder. It’s surprisingly comfortable and doesn’t dig into your hips or cut into your legs like many of the foldable chairs out there. A definite must-have! — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor
Though I do love a relaxing day by the ocean, there are times when my family and I get a little more active. Whether it’s scampering over rocks to search for mussels on the North Fork or taking a hike near a stream in the Catskills, a solid pair of water shoes is a staple in my closet. However, finding a pair that is both comfortable and attractive has not been easy — until now. These Rogue Open Toe Sandals have excellent support, a comfy arch and even float if you lose one in the water. Plus, I like that the strap is easily adjustable and I can wear them anywhere — even walking around Brooklyn. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
If you’re hitting the beach for a few hours and don’t want to lug around a huge cooler or pay for overpriced fried boardwalk food, the Yeti Daytrip Lunch Bag is perfect to keep your snacks and drinks cool. It’s water-resistant and secure enough to keep sand out and is easy to clean if any messes do happen. I also love to bring along Yeti’s Wine Tumbler to keep my drinks chilly, and it fits perfectly in most cup holders. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
Staying hydrated while in the sun is crucial, so an insulated bottle to keep drinks cold is a necessity for hot beach days. I love my Hydro Flask and outfitted it with the Sport Cap, which makes sipping on the go super easy. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Another beach hack: canned wine. The last thing I want to do is fill my belly with bloating beer when I’ve donned my bathing suit, so filling a cooler with a six-pack of this tasty, lower-sugar wine from Washington state producer 14 Hands has been a coup. You can choose from pinot grigio, rosé, Hot to Trot red wine blend, bubbles and even their bubbly Unicorn Rosé. Plus, the cans are so pretty, you may not want to share. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
After losing this exact pair at the end of last summer, I popped into a Warby Parker on a particularly sunny day last weekend and replaced these casual, stylish sunglasses. I always get compliments whenever I wear them, and, since I wear a lot of green, they often complement whatever I’m wearing. Plus, the case they come with is easily packable so they won’t get stepped on or sandy while I’m in the water. Here’s to hoping I manage to hang on to this pair — and that the Metro North passenger who scooped up last year’s pair likes them as much as I do. — Daniel Rathburn, programming editor
If you enjoy a beach vacation as much as I do, you’re usually great about packing sunscreen. But do you ever remember to pack after-sun lotion? My go-to sunscreen brand, Vacation, recently released an innovative, soothing after-sun lotion that is unlike the ones we’ve all used as kids. This one isn’t sticky (!), smells incredible and is made with clean ingredients that immediately cool your skin. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
There’s nothing wrong with ending the day at the beach sandy and sticky from sweat, sunscreen and salt water, but for the times when you need to freshen up on the go, Luna Daily’s Spray-to-Wipe is helpful to have on hand. With skin-balancing ingredients, the convenient spray gently cleanses and refreshes (even intimate areas). I like to spray it directly on my skin and wipe away with a towel, but you can also spray it on toilet paper to create an instant wipe. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
These gender-neutral Reef sandals are called a classic for a reason. They’re the perfect sandal for your upcoming beach days. Unlike most sandals, these Drift Classics have great arch support that won’t make your feet ache and the soft straps don’t leave red marks on your feet. Pro tip: when you’re not wearing them, store them strap-side down in the sand so they’re not hot when you put them back on. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
This lotion definitely gave me some sticker shock, but after it helped me get through the worst sunburn of my life, I was grateful to have it on hand. The cream is soothing and nourishing, providing relief right after a sunburn and in the days following. After the shower, I applied it on damp skin and found that it kept my skin hydrated and soft, in addition to helping me avoid any uncomfortable peeling altogether. The tan-extending benefits are just the cherry on top — and my six-month-old tan lines (albeit faint ones) can attest to it. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
