18 Beach Essentials to Pack the Next Time You Head to the Shore

May your WiFi connection be spotty and your toes scrunched deep in the sand.

Beach Essentials
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)

So, you've taken the first step and planned out your summer vacation days. (I'm giving you a digital high-five—you deserve some time off after the year we've all had.) Up next: finding the must-haves to stash in your beach bag, and later asking yourself why you packed so much. Here, the best accessories to bring with you for your next trip to the beach.

Rachel Epstein

Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.