Hey there, carefree spirits!

There’s nothing quite like those breezy summer beach days when your biggest decision is whether to swim first or sunbathe, and your daily to-do list practically disappears.

But let’s be honest — we’ve all been there. You finally settle down, maybe even dip your toes into the refreshing water, when suddenly you realize… your water bottle is still in the car. Small oversights like this can ruin what could have been a perfect beach day.

At Hat Attack, we’ve got your back! That’s why we’ve created this beach bag packing list that covers everything you might need — from sun protection and snacks to fun extras. So grab your favorite beach bag (or check out our trending beach bag) and let’s dive into what you need to pack for a carefree day by the sea.

1. The Swimming Essentials

First and most obvious are the swimming essentials and everything that comes with it!

• Swimsuits: The number one essential for diving into the waves. A good tip? Bring a spare swimsuit. It’s healthier for your body to change out of wet swimwear to stay dry and comfortable. Plus, having a second option means you can easily head out for drinks or a beach walk without sitting around in a damp swimsuit.

• Beach Towel: Your towel does double duty—perfect for both lounging and drying off. If you want to save space, pack a compact, quick-drying, sand-resistant towel. For those who love beautiful beach photos, choose a waffle beach throw towel that complements your swimsuit pattern — it really does make a difference in your pics!

• Water Shoes: Depending on the beach you’re going to, you might need these. They protect your feet from hot sand, sharp shells, or rocky water entrances. 

• Swim Cap: Great for those who prefer to keep their hair dry!

• Waterproof Bag: If you're visiting a beach without lockers and you’re worried about leaving your valuables unattended, pack a small waterproof pouch in your beach bag for keeping your phone, keys, and wallet safe and dry while you swim. We recommend investing in a quality pouch that you can wear around your neck or waist for peace of mind.
  
  

2. Sun Protection Superheroes: Your Best Friends

The sun is glorious, but its rays can be harsh. Proper sun protection is essential — not only to prevent sunburn, but to protect your skin from premature aging and more serious skin conditions. Remember, your hair needs love too! For more information, check out our blog post: How to Protect Hair from the Sun - 5 Easy Solutions.

• UPF Sun Hat: Stylish and functional! A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, neck, and ears while keeping you cool. Choose a packable style that holds its shape even after being stuffed in your bag.

• UV Protection Shirt: If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the water or direct sun without shade, we highly recommend wearing a UV protection shirt with a UPF 50 or above. Sunscreen is important, but clothing and shade should always be your first line of defense.

• Sunscreen (Waterproof, SPF 50+): This is arguably the most crucial item in your beach bag. While clothing and shade help, there will always be moments, like when you’re swimming, where sunscreen is your only protection. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields you from both UVA and UVB rays that is also water-resistant.

How much sunscreen to apply? Most people apply too little.

• • For your face, ears, and neck: Apply approximately two fingers’ length of sunscreen.

  • For your chest: About one teaspoon.

  • For each arm: One teaspoon.

  • For each leg: One teaspoon.

  • For your back and stomach: About 1–1.5 teaspoons per side.

• Lip Balm with SPF: Your lips are incredibly sensitive and prone to sunburn. An SPF lip balm will keep them soft, moisturized, and protected from aging.

• Sunglasses (UV Protection): The sun can damage your eyesight too. Make sure your sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. They’ll not only protect your eyes but also reduce glare and help you see comfortably.

• UV Protective Clothing: Especially useful for kids or anyone with sensitive skin. These garments offer an extra layer of sun protection and are perfect for long beach days.

• Beach Umbrella: If you’re planning to stay for hours, a portable beach umbrella or pop-up tent can provide essential shade. This is especially valuable for families with young children.

3. Make it a Comfort Zone

Now that you’re sun-safe and ready to swim, let’s make sure your day is as comfortable as possible.

• Cooler Bag with Snacks: Choose an insulated bag and pack light, water-rich snacks like watermelon, grapes, oranges, or veggie sticks. Granola bars and sandwiches also travel well. Avoid chocolate or anything that might melt in the heat.

• Insulated Water Bottle: A high-quality insulated bottle is a must! It keeps your drinks cold for hours and is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Plus, you can use it in the winter for hot tea.

• Wet Wipes: Ideal for quick clean-ups—whether it’s sticky fingers, sandy faces, or a quick freshen up.

• Hairbrush: Saltwater and wind can do a number on your hair. A brush or comb and a few hair ties will help manage tangled locks.

• Empty Plastic Bags: Bring a few empty plastic bags (reusable ones are even better!). They are perfect for wet swimsuits, sandy towels, trash, or collecting seashells.

• Power Bank & Charging Cable: Hopefully, you’ll get some phone free time enjoying the beach and the waves! But, don’t let an uncharged phone ruin your photo opportunities or cut off your access to communication.

• E-reader or Book: You’ll finally have time to read those books you’ve saved in your notes! Download them to your e-reader, or if you prefer having a physical copy, buy them at your local bookstore.
  
  

4. For Fun Things to Do

The beach isn’t only for swimming and sunbathing — there are endless ways to have fun!

• Inflatable Beach Ball: Perfect for fun beach games like water volleyball.

• Inflatable Floats: Simply because lounging on a float in the water is pure bliss.

• Snorkel Set: Bring a snorkel, goggles, and fins to explore underwater life.

• Cocktail Kit: For cheeky smiles and refreshment, mix up delicious beachside drinks to share with friends.

• Polaroid Camera: Soon, moments will be memories. Capture instant, sun-kissed souvenirs.

• Waterproof Playing Cards: Ideal for breaks from the sun or a little healthy competition. 

• Headphones: If you want to relax to your own soundtrack or podcasts without disturbing others, don’t forget to pack these too.

Kick Off Beach Days Today on Your Favorite Beach

There you have it— an all-in-one guide to packing your beach bag. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to prepare for a perfect fun-filled beach day. You don’t need to bring everything on this list (unless you have a super-sized bag!), but tailor your packing to your specific needs and plans. All that’s left now is to pick your favorite Hat Attack packable sun hat, load up your beach bag, and head for the waves.

P.S. You can also prepare a beach bag as a gift! For tips on how to do it, read our blog post: What to Put in a Beach Bag Gift?