A well-prepared beach day can be a game-changer. We've gathered top beach tips and hacks from internet pros to make your next sunny day safer and more enjoyable.
About this list
- 1
From Redditor /u/causeyeffect
Burn. Lather. Re-lather after getting in the water.
If alcohol isn't allowed, use a small cooler. Dig a sand hole big enough for it. Put a towel over it. Use discreet cups, like Yeti cups.
Use lawn chairs and towels.
Bring a Bluetooth speaker and a Jimmy Buffet Radio.
Check parking beforehand.
Bring a frisbee or football if you aren't just tanning. That gets dull.
4 - 2
From Redditor /u/BoxingRaptor
Apply sunscreen every two hours. Bring a beach chair (not a zero-gravity chair; don't haul it across the beach). Carry a jug of water and a small cooler with ice packs for sandwiches.
Some people use umbrellas. They work well for two people. More than that, and one person will lose use unless you have a very large umbrella.
Do not bring speakers for your phone. Avoid forcing people to listen to your music. Headphones work fine.
3 - 3
From Redditor /u/minnesota420
Get stash containers from a head shop. Put your wallet, phone, and keys inside. Some look like Pringles containers or drink containers.
2 - 4
From Redditor /u/Neltech
I frequent the beach. Beach-specific umbrellas are better. The bottom has a large "screw" that goes deep into the sand, past where a patio umbrella reaches. Setup takes less than a minute. Handles fold down on the shaft to help screw it into the sand. I recommend the Tommy Bahama one. I used to haul a big pop-up but bring just one umbrella for one or two.
1 - 5
From Redditor /u/rockthedox
Build your own beach chair. Dig a deep, angled hole so you can recline with feet dangling. Use extra sand to prop up your feet. This is much better and you skip lugging a chair.
1 - 6
From Redditor /u/sherlocked
When I go on beach trips, I spend much time scuba diving or surfing now. This list reflects that.
Wear a swimsuit. I prefer sporty bikinis; closer to a sports bra is better.
Use a Turkish towel. Toss it in a large mesh bag with sunscreen and snorkel gear. Take it on boats to dry hair between dives or wipe off before driving.
Wear a rashguard top if you surf, or a wetsuit if you dive a lot. Sometimes you rent this gear.
Get cheap sunglasses. Bring two pairs because you will lose one.
Use an old pair of sneakers without socks.
Wear cute sandals for dinner.
Wear a cute sundress for dinner.
Wear shorts with an elastic waistband over a swimsuit.
Wear a tank top or t-shirt over a swimsuit.
Bring a light sweatshirt for cold nights.
1 - 7
From Redditor /u/enrichmentonly
Use the Neutrogena Dry Touch spray sunscreen.
Carry a cute, giant straw tote for all your things.
I bought a few suits cheaply on Amazon recently. I liked the quality, selection, and value.
Wear a cover-up. I prefer longer dresses.
Take sunglasses.
Get cheap flip-flops. If you hit the sand often, get the cheap ones; don't stress about them looking cute.
Bring a Kindle. It is the best way to read electronically when the sun is out.
We must discuss the type of beach vacation. Full-service resort versus doing it yourself requires different items.
DIY:
Bring a beach blanket. I have one that rolls up with a strap I can carry on my shoulder.
Get a cooler for drinks and snacks. Roller coolers work best.
Bring a beach umbrella. You need shade if you plan to stay out all day.
Resort:
A resort usually provides drinks, chairs, and umbrellas. We should add things that are not essential.
Bring a giant brimmed hat.
Pack an evening outfit for the resort.
Bring beach games like paddle ball, floats, and Frisbee.
1 - 8
From Redditor /u/[deleted]
Depending on your personality, more seclusion is better. Bring plenty of water, music (to change the mood), and food. A chair is nice, but a blanket is comfortable enough.
1 - 9
From Redditor /u/TGSwithtraceyjordan
Plan for sun cover, like an umbrella or cabana, especially at noon. Shade seems safest. I find that time too hot to avoid shade.
1 - 10
From Redditor /u/veliza_raptor
Bring a beach cover-up, like a shawl or button-down shirt, for the brightest sun, 10 am to 3 pm. The Caribbean has strong UV rays. Limit time outdoors during those hours, but enjoy the beach. Reapply water-resistant sunscreen and seek shade when out of water. Stay hydrated!
1 - 11
From Redditor /u/HomerWells
Keep some items in a car box and some for the beach. Pack SPF 50 sunblock, aloe lotion for burns, water bottles, ice for the cooler, a beach umbrella, large thin towels, a white or light cap, and some aspirins for sunburn pain.
Bring some insect repellent. Pack a tube of potato chips. Skin wipes can cool you down. A soft, small hairbrush helps sweep sand off your toes.
Leave all your nice jewelry at home. Bring lip balm, a foldable sunscreen for the car windshield, extra sunglasses, extra underwear, and some cardboard to change clothes if you get sweaty. Put wet washcloths in a large zip-lock bag.
0 - 12
From Redditor /u/RemarkableSandwich
Throw extra shoes in your car just in case. People will not take your towel or flip-flops seriously.
If you have a standard car key, tie it to your suit, put it in a zipper pocket, or chain it around your neck (take off your keyless fob if you have one). If your key is electronic or your car has a push-to-start system, buy a waterproof bag you can wear while swimming.
0
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