15 Essentials to Pack on Your Next Beach Vacation

Bando, $40

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Avoid the nightmare of trying to find your towel ("Did someone steal it?? Did my friends move without telling me??") with this soft, standout "Wish You Were Here" terrycloth pick.

The Beach People, $40

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The definition of bougie: beach edition—a towel carrier to keep your beach blanket perfectly rolled from the parking lot until you reach the sand.

Las Bayadas, $68

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Pro tip: Use your towel as a pillow and place a blanket underneath you so you can splay like a starfish during your afternoon nap.

Ultimate Ears, $100

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When you're floating and decide you've had enough alone time with your thoughts, whip out this portable waterproof speaker that lasts up to 10 hours.

J.Crew, $40

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Books? ✓ Snacks? ✓ Towel? ✓ A tote that fits all of the essentials? ✓

Melissa Odabash, $167

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Beach cover-up or happy hour outfit? Condense your packing list with this two-for-one crocheted maxi dress.

Caslon, $39

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Attention pale people with burn-prone skin (a.k.a. me): Here's one of many sun hat options—from baseball caps to straw boaters—that keeps your head covered and easily fits in your beach bag.

Ouai, $28

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A hydrating oil that protects color-treated hair from sun exposure and nourishes salt-stiffened strands.

Canon, $130

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Take pictures on your iPhone like you normally would, connect the bluetooth-equipped mini printer, hit print, and voilà you now have physical evidence of your amazing vacation in real-time.

Marc Fisher, $160

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Slip on these blister-free espadrille platform sandals for lunch on the water (piña colada in hand) or dinner and drinks in the evening.

Aveeno, $14

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Too much sun exposure can strip your skin of moisture and its essential oils (not to mention...wrinkles!). A powerful moisturizer should be at the top of your packing list, like this one that also doubles as a sun protectant. See our full list of options here.

Thom Browne, $465

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Invest in a pair of Iris Apfel-esque sunnies that will keep out harmful rays.

Amazon, $16

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Summer: The time of the year to catch up on all those must-reads piled in the corner. Bring along an uplifting tome like Cleo Wade's collection of poems, Heart Talk.

Fresh, $24

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Look chic and keep your lips protected with SPF and antioxidants by swiping on a tinted lip balm.

Neutrogena, $16

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The most obvious and most important item on the list: sunscreen. Choose a formula like Neutrogena's ultrasheer dry-touch. It's lightweight and lasts long enough for you to take a dip in the water then re-apply. Thank us later.