UV proof t-shirt for midday swimming
Like a swimsuit but covers shoulders and arms. If you get sunburned easily, this can save your skin. Sunscreen works, but it's not perfect in the water. Most people don't use one, but then most people have unhealthy bright red sunburns
I'm not going without a book/ereader.
And multiple cameras.
(Edit) particularly for the reader, I should mention "be careful of sand" and maybe have one of those little duster cans around to make sure the ports are clear. But it's too much of what I value in between soaking in the water to not bring.)
Sunburn relief cream, for when you screw up the sunblock application from not being used to being around the beach.
Trashbag, maybe not for what you bring but for the bits of crap you'll find scattered around the beach
Slippers.
Also put some ice on your water bottle; it'll keep your water cool.
Flip flops or beach shoes, some kind of shade, and a HAT!
A good book.
Coverup, rash guard, hat. I have to bring at least 2 of everything because wet clothes don't dry overnight here, ymmv. Goggles or snorkel if you like to look underwater. Clothes for going out to eat or bar. Hair ties, shampoo, conditioner, gel, because the beach wrecks my hair so bad, no cute beach waves here, just beach witch hair.
Hat, maybe a fan if it's gonna be particularly hot
Also bring something to listen to, with headphones usually, but if you know that it won't annoy others, a Bluetooth speaker can be a good addition.
If you're gonna generate any rubbish, something to put that in and take it away again
I like to bring some cold beers too, but that's obviously not for everyone
Not always necessary but can be nice: Bug repellent A cooler with water/ice Shoes/sandals/flip flops for walking in sand
I would defenetly bring multiple Towels, if you want to wash them between days.
And I love watershoes, you can use to swim, if you can afford them, it saves you from cutting your feet on sharp objects you perhaps oversee
Frisbee
A relaxed and open attitude. Then just enjoy.
Bring a diaper (nappy). When you go swimming, you can put valuables in the diaper (cellphone, jewelry, etc) and not worry that anyone will take it.
Something to scoop sand and something to put it into. Small shovel, small buckets.
A great big bottle of tap water or a gallon jug of water for when you're ready to leave. Why? So you can wash the sand/dirt off your feet before getting into your car.
Just leave it in the car and it'll be nice and warm when the time comes 👍
OP it could be helpful to add some context here as flying somewhere like Hawaii and driving an hour to a beach in NW Washington are going to have completely different recommendations.
Flying limits what you can bring and the climate of the beach you're traveling to can make a difference too. More northern areas aren't going to be as hot or dry so it might be advisable to bring a rain jacket or sweater and no swimming gear because the water is too cold.
What beach? If you're going to one in California, bring a warm set of clothes. Even in the summer, it can be downright freezing. Last time I went down to Santa Cruz it was in the hundreds where I live but only 60f at the beach.
Spare change for ice cream
Snacks for energy and drinks for hydration under the sun.
i find chilling on inflatables with the waves relaxing so i would recommend an inflatable.
[water] bucket if you know the beach is known for fire pit gatherings. some people just bury their firepit in sand which tends to keep the sand warm longer than expected. water buckets are also nice if you want to find crabs hiding in sand.
vinegar, if the area is known for jellyfishes.
eyeglasses, mouth protection/ face mask if windy.
You're gonna need something to that beer,wine and sandwiches cold. We got one of these Titan Wheeled Cooler. Sooo useful, and at the end of the day you can put all your shit in there to take back and dump responsibly. Costo had them on offer a while back or the usual online places.
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