I just spent a week at the Jersey Shore — here are the 11 beach essentials I couldn’t live without
Everything I recommend for your next beach trip
I just spent the most glorious week at the Jersey Shore! The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, and even better, I stocked up on all my beach essentials beforehand — so I had everything I needed to relax and enjoy my vacation the right way.
It's no secret that lugging all your stuff to the beach or pool can be stressful. That's why having the right equipment and essentials is a necessity. If you've got a beach trip coming up, I highly recommend checking out all of the must-haves I used on my past trip to the shore.
From the sunscreen brand I'm currently addicted to and the beach reads I couldn't put down to roomy tote bags and comfy folding backpack chairs, these are the items that made my beach days so much easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Quick Links
- Amazon Bookstore: summer reads from $8
- COOLA SPF best-sellers: from $14
- Aecooly Portable Handheld Fan: was $29 now $24
- YETI Flip Chug Water Bottle (18 oz): now $32
- Brooklinen Beach Towel: was $69 now $59
- JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker: was $99 now $79
- Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair: now $79
- Bogg Bag: now $90
- YETI Camino Zip Tote: now $150
Beach Essentials
Amazon Bookstore: summer reads from $8
I'll admit I'm not much of a reader, but whenever I'm on a beach vacation, it seems to be my favorite hobby. On this trip, I read Annabel Monaghan's "Same Time Next Summer." But Amazon Books has tons of great summer reading options to choose from.
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COOLA SPF best-sellers: from $14 @ Amazon
I'm not usually one to splurge on fancy sunscreen, but after trying out a range of COOLA SPF products, I completely understand the hype. From sunscreen that smells like piña coladas to hair mist that protects your scalp from the harsh rays, I totally recommend COOLA's best-sellers. And several items start at just $14, so they're totally worth adding to your beach bag.
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This portable fan is a must for the beach or pool. It may look small but it's very powerful, trust me. I was able to stay cool while lounging in the sun with this portable handheld fan that delivers high-speed airflow for a quick cooldown. It had 7 different speeds and you can just easily recharge it overnight. Use promo code GUIDE2026 to get this price.
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Staying hydrated on a hot beach day is super important. That's why throwing this YETI water bottle in my bag was the perfect way to reach my water goals. Even better? It kept my water ice cold all day even though the temperatures were sweltering.
$32 @ Amazon
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Hoping to be stylish while still protecting yourself from the sun? This bucket hat is the perfect solution. Made from 100% Cotton, it’s soft, absorbent and durable enough to survive the gnarliest of beach days.
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This is by far the softest, most luxurious beach towel I've ever owned! Plus, it's oversized, extremely absorbent and dries quickly. And the best part? It's reversible!
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I used this tote all week long to carry all my belongings back and forth from the beach and pool. It's bigger than you think and fits everything you need. It has a front pocket and two shoulder straps for easy carrying. I also love that it's made of 100% cotton so you don't have to worry about it getting wet. It will dry quickly!
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Although this Bluetooth speaker is an older model, I've had it for a while and it's always reliable. It combines a waterproof and durable design with excellent sound quality and a lengthy 12 hours battery life. It's also the perfect size for toting along to the beach.
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No one likes lugging beach chair over the sand dunes, including myself. That's why I love the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair that's iconic for a reason. It folds up and has a set of straps for easy carrying, plus storage pockets hold your valuables, clothes, and other beach gear. Adjustable reclining, a head cushion, cup holder and towel bar are other conveniences that make this beach chair the one to buy.
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The Original Bogg Bag is the best beach bag thanks to its sturdy design and customization. It won’t tip, is easy to wash, and the holes are compatible with accessories like zipper pouches, cup holders and even cute charms. You can tailor it to your beach needs, but it’s also just an excellent do-all tote for any day.
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If you don’t want to haul around a large cooler to the beach or pool, this all-purpose utility bag is ideal. It isn't designed to keep your food and drinks cold but it is waterproof. I threw in a sandwich and cold drink with an ice pack and it did the job. Equipped with useful dividers and two interior zippered pockets, you can keep everything organized. Plus, it’s puncture-resistant thanks to its durable material.
$150 @ Amazon
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Olivia is a Deals Writer at Tom’s Guide. She loves all things lifestyle, shopping, and sourcing the best deals from some of the top brands, retailers, and websites around. From fashion and beauty to smart home and tech, she has an eye for finding practical, stylish, and reasonably-priced items that help make life simpler (and a little more aesthetically-pleasing). Olivia has over five years of experience writing lifestyle, commerce, and branded content for Patch.com. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new exercise classes, binge-watching the latest viral TV shows, cooking, spending time with family, and taking long walks with her dog, Gus.
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