Beach days are right around the corner and with them comes the need for a well-packed beach bag. Here is a list of must-have items that will help you have the best day down at the shore.
1) Sunscreen
It’s super important to protect your skin from the blistering sun. Your skin is sensitive to UV rays, and sunscreen helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and signs of aging. Whether you burn like a tomato or can achieve a glowy tan, you should always protect your skin from the sun, making sure to reapply every couple of hours.
2) Water
It’s so easy to forget to stay hydrated at the beach, but it’s important to make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day. If you feel hot, get under an umbrella for some shade and take a second to drink some water to cool down.
Junior animation student, Liam Lubitz, added, “I bring at least two water bottles to the beach. One for me and one in case someone else forgot to bring one. Everyone needs to stay hydrated.”
3) Food
Bring some snacks to munch on throughout the day! Being in the sun all day will decrease your energy and you’ll need to refuel, especially if you’re more active. Carry snacks like potato chips, pretzels, granola bars, fruit, and sandwiches. If you’re going to bring items that need to stay refrigerated, be sure to bring a cooler full of ice to keep them at the appropriate temperatures.
4) A Change of Clothes
It can be uncomfortable wearing a wet, sandy bathing suit on the car ride back home, so consider packing a fresh top, shorts, and undergarments. Most beaches have changing areas or bathrooms close by.
Pro-tip: pack your change of clothes in a separate bag tied up and tucked away into your main bag so you don’t get sand on them.
5) Beach Chair or Towel
You’re going to want to sit down or layout on the sand during your time at the beach. To avoid getting sand everywhere, bring a beach chair or towel.
The beach chairs I love best are the ones that fold up and have straps on the back, so you are able to carry them on your back. It will be much easier with all the other items you need to carry.
If you’re more of a beach towel person, get one that’s big enough for you and your friends.
6) Entertainment
If you’re planning on being at the beach all day, make sure to bring something to keep you relaxed and entertained.
Gabrielle Sangataldo, a junior communication student, commented, “I bring my AirPods or a book. Though I’m someone who gets bored relatively easily at the beach, I’ve found that there really isn’t anything better than sitting there and listening to music or reading a book.”
The beach is the best time to get some reading done. Between the soothing sounds of the waves crashing and the seagulls singing, it’s easy to relax and concentrate on reading a delightful story.
You could also try listening to music or a podcast while at the beach. Consider bringing some AirPods or headphones so other beachgoers can enjoy their time at the beach. If you want to bring a speaker to enjoy some music with your friends, make sure to keep it at a volume that’s respectable to those around you.
Make sure to get a big bag that can hold all of these essentials, and you’re all set to have the perfect day at the beach!
