Is it just me or does everything feel right in the world when you are on a beach vacation? There is nothing I love more than a beach day, or beach holiday, and we have one coming up in just a few days so I thought I would share with you my beach day essentials I never leave home (or the hotel) without!
Woven Beach Bag // Oversized Linen Shirt // SPF Lipgloss // Tevas // Jean Shorts // Sun Hat // Bathing Suit // Sunscreen // Sunglasses
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We’re heading to Portugal at the end of this week, and I’m so excited to kick off the trip with five days at the beach in the Algarve! Our plan is simple: beach days followed by dinners out at night—truly my favorite kind of vacation.
I’ve already started packing and thought I’d share exactly what I’m bringing for this beachy part of the trip. So here’s what’s going in my beach bag for our first seaside getaway of the season (and honestly, what I’ll be reaching for all summer long). These are the things I love, actually use, and always recommend for any beach trip!
Must-Have Beach Day Essentials
#1. Swimwear That Makes You Feel Confident
Okay now nothing makes you feel better than a swimsuit that makes you actually feel good right? I know being a tall girlie (I am 5’10”), I really struggle to find bathing suits that cover me, fit right, and don’t make me self conscious. I’ve been obsessed with the HUNZA G swimsuits ever since I found them on Shopbop! They are one-size-fits-most and somehow magically molds to your body (no digging in or weird lines). They have every color and style you can think of. They can fade, so just be careful when washing and I don’t wear this one in chlorine pools. Shop the swimsuit here!
#2. A Cute Beach Tote
When I travel I always bring two bags: a cute purse, typically a leather type one, and then a woven beach style bag. I want one bag that holds it all—and still looks cute with my outfit incase we head somewhere after the beach. I personally love this tote from Amazon (it’s under $30!) and has lasted me for 3 summers of beach trips. It fits my towel, sunscreen, snacks (very important), water bottle, and even a book without feeling stuffed. I also love this larger tote, or this one for a bag you can carry all day long.
#3. A White Linen Shirt
I love a beach cover-up that I can wear in public and not feel weird. I am one who puts my bathing suit on first thing on vacation and then wears it all day until we head to the beach. I personally opt for an oversized linen shirt. You can unbutton it and tie it in the front, wear it open and flowy, or throw it on over jean shorts and head straight to lunch. It’s just so versatile. Shop my favorite here!
#4. Sunglasses
Any beach day essential, but I want a pair that’s cute and polarized. These Polarized Acetate Sunglasses from Quince are so good—classic shape, super flattering, and actually protect your eyes from UV rays, and only $50! If you are ready for a splurge I always love a pair of Ray-Bans and this style is currently viral on TT so grab your hands on them now! Snag the sunnies here!
#5. Straw Bucket Hat
You won’t catch be bearing my face to the sun after I spent all winter getting rid of my pesky melsasma! A straw hat is an essential for me and there are so many cute styles out there! I love this bucket hat style since it’s breathable, light, and adds an instant pull togetherness touch to any look. Plus, it squishes down to fit in your bag without losing its shape. Shop here.
Shop my favorite beach accessories!
#6. Beach Sandals
I am not, nor will I ever be one of those girls that sacrifices practically or comfort for fashion and the beach is no exception. I only wear Birkenstocks or Tevas to the beach. Why? Because they don’t get ruined by the sand or water, and are so easy to clean off and not track sand with you for the inevitable future. I don’t love ‘thong’ sandals, but if you can do straps between your toes Haviannas are a great option too and these are adorable! I also have seen people rave about these slide Crocs.
A special shout to Tevas though because as a big traveller, especially in tropical climates, these take the cake. If you’re walking in sand, grass, or even a rocky shoreline, these are a must. They’re super comfy, add a little height, and are basically indestructible. I’ve worn mine everywhere from the beach to city walks and they hold up amazing. Shop here!
#7. SPF Lipgloss
This is a little more particular than I usually do, but this one is essential and I know, we’ve all forgotten this a time or two. The Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 Lip Balm is my new secret weapon and I am telling everyone they need it in their summer bag. I even wrote about it here! It’s hydrating, gives a soft sheen pink gloss, and protects your lips from getting burnt and cracked. Shop here!
#8. Quick-Dry Towel
I always suggest bringing a microfiber towel with you if you aren’t sure your accomidaitong will have beach towels (or your hotel has a strict policy). We’ve stayed at hotels that expiciity said do not use towels for the beach, as well as aibnbs with no towels so we always bring these with us. We’ve used them in Hawaii, Nepal, Spain, Cambodia and Mexico! They dry super fast and roll up super small. Shop here!
#9. Sunscreen That Doesn’t Attract Sand
There is nothing worse than lathering on your sunscreen and suddenly it’s attracted all the sand around you. I love a smooth sunscreen for both the face and body that doesn’t dry with a tacky or stick surface. I also, hate when you reapply sunscreen and it gets all pilled! Isn’t that the worst? This is my go-to body sunscreen and face sunscreen that are smooth, don’t pill, aren’t sticky, but still provide you with enough coverage.
Other Random (But Essential) Beach Bag Extras!
- A reusable water bottle | I love a cute stainless steel bottle that keeps water cold for hours, even in the sun. This one is leakproof and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Shop it here!
- Snacks | I’m a fan of those single-serve hummus cups with crackers or fruit and nut mixes. They are easy and mess-free.
- A Beach Read | I am currently going through Emily Henry’s books and loving her newest ‘Great Big Beautiful Life’. Get it here!
- Face Wipes | After swimming I sometimes like to wipe my face off before reapplying sunscreen and these work perfect! They also feel super refreshing after laying in the sun. Shop hydrating facial wipes!
- Travel Deodorant | If I can’t head home immediately after a beach day, this is an essential to staying fresh. I love this one from Secret, plus its travel size.
Shop the Full List of Beach Day Essentials
You can shop everything I mentioned right here on my LTK page, where I keep all my seasonal faves linked and updated!
If you want to have a beach day where you feel cute, prepared, and ready for anything that comes your way, these are the pieces you want in your bag. I’ve tried them, I love them, and never leave without them!
Let me know which ones you grab—and tag me if you take them on your next beach trip!
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