I’ve spent every summer of my life at the Jersey Shore. Some of my best childhood memories begin with my mom packing our cooler full of ham sandwiches, covering me in SPF 50, and driving my sisters and I to the beach. All these years later, my favorite summer activity is still a day at the shore—any chance I get, I race down to Belmar or Sea Bright, New Jersey. And as a Traveler editor, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the best beaches in the world, from Italy to Mexico; there really is nothing better than a dose of salty air.
It’s safe to say I’ve got my beach packing list down. Spoiler alert: You need more than just sunscreen and a towel. From the waterproof pouch that protects my phone and the packable umbrella that shields me from getting too much sun to the roomy bag that holds it all, the right gear makes a big difference. On the morning of any beach day, I run through a mental checklist of my essentials—and I’ve finally compiled them all in once place. Below, a list of everything you need for a perfect day at the beach. (If you need me from now until Labor Day, you know where to find me.)
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Beach gear
Beach chairs
What’s a beach day without a beach chair? The options below are comfortable, lightweight enough to carry down the boardwalk, and feature a cupholder. Best of all, they are easy to fold back up and toss in the trunk of your car without any fuss.
Beach umbrellas
A beach umbrella provides extra sun protection on a hot day. If you’re spending the whole day at the beach, you’re definitely going to want some shade—especially if you’re traveling with kids. This compact option from Versa-Brella is super lightweight and easy to carry to and from your car. Plus, it can be clipped onto your chair or cooler. For enough shade for the whole family, go for something larger like the CoolCabana 5.