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

*Insert pineapple under the sea Spongebob reference here.* The answer is, yes, the beach is always better when you have a pineapple float with you. Sorry, I don't make the rules. 

The number one beach essential? A safe place to store snacks. Keep 'em cool in this cute bucket bag, then surprise your friends when you take out the subs and they're still cold. Who's the real MVP now?

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.

When the 3 p.m. sun hits and you know you're already burnt to a crisp (please see slide 20 to prevent this), throw on a lightweight poncho equipped with pockets to shield yourself from the rays. (It's a much better alternative to sadly attempting to cover your body with your too-short towel.) You can also use it as a cover-up on cooler days, or during the time between the beach and dinner. 

Hydration is key while spending a full day in the sun. Keep yourself and your water cool with an insulated S'well bottle. 

The only thing worse than looking down to a hair tie-less wrist is knowing you left your scrunchie on your dresser. This one's called the Hamptons scrunchie for a reason—take it with you when you head east this summer, then buy two more for only $12. 

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.

The problem with a dead phone is a) no Instagram pictures and b) no use for that bluetooth waterproof speaker you just brought with you. Avoid both situations with this cute "going places" portable charger. 

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.

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

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

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

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.

Invest in a pair of chic sunnies that will keep out harmful rays.

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

Take pictures on your iPhone like you normally would (that is, as long as you have the portable charger with you), connect the bluetooth-equipped mini printer, hit print, and voilà you now have physical evidence of your amazing vacation in real-time.

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.

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

Keep your lips protected with SPF and antioxidants by swiping up a tinted lip balm.

The most obvious 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.

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