When you think of a day at the beach, the basics probably come to mind: sunscreen, sunglasses, chair, and maybe a cooler. But if you really want to upgrade your beach game, there are a few overlooked essentials that can make the difference between a “meh” day and an unforgettable one. Here are the top 5 beach essentials you didn’t know you needed.

5. Portable Waterproof Speaker

A great soundtrack turns an ordinary beach day into a real vibe. Whether you love chill acoustic waves or beach party beats, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker ensures the sound travels without risking damage from sunscreen smears, splashes, or sand.

Our top picks for awesome waterproof speakers:

• JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth Portable Waterproof Speaker – Excellent sound quality and rugged, splashproof design.
• Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 Bluetooth Speaker – Robust 360° audio and floats in water!
• iLive Waterproof Fabric Wireless Speaker – Budget‑friendly and splash‑ready.
• Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Great balance of price, portability, and sound.

Why this matters: Music is a universal language. It keeps energy up and sets the tone for your beach hangout, from sunrise yoga to sunset chill.

4. Insulated Backpack Cooler

A long beach day means you need cold drinks and snacks that stay chilled as the sun climbs. Insulated backpack coolers are perfect for this—they keep beverages icy and food fresh while freeing your hands for towels, games, or beach chairs. Many even have extra pockets for sunscreen, sunglasses, or your phone, making it easy to stay organized and enjoy your day without constantly juggling gear.

Want an insulated backpack cooler? Here's what we recommend:

• Titan by Arctic Zone 24‑Can Backpack Cooler – Affordable and spacious with strong insulation.
• RTIC 15‑Can Lightweight Backpack Insulated Cooler – Durable and comfy for carrying.
• REI Co‑op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler – Great balance of size and quality.
• Coleman XPAND 30‑Can Soft Cooler Backpack – A solid budget pick with useful storage pockets.
• Igloo Vantage 18‑Can Backpack Cooler – Simple, reliable, and very beach‑ready.

Why this matters: Staying hydrated and fed with chilled water, iced tea, sandwiches, and fruit keeps your energy up and avoids mid‑day meltdowns. Planning to spend a full day in the sun? Trust us, you'll need it. 

3. Fun Beach Games

A great beach day isn’t always just about sun and relaxation, it’s also about fun, play, and friendly competition. Bringing along a few easy‑to‑pack games keeps energy high and makes great memories with friends and family.  

Whether you want casual tossing or more organized play, these beach games bring the entertainment to the sand:

• Waboba Water‑Friendly Beach Paddles – Classic two‑paddle set with a floating ball that’s perfect for beach or pool paddle games.
• Kan Jam Ultimate Game Set – Outdoor disc game that’s easy to set up and great for group play at the beach.
• Beach Bowl Beach Games Set – Multi‑game kit with toss targets and more — fun for all ages.
• BucketBall – Beach Edition Combo Pack – A beach‑friendly twist on cornhole‑style tossing that’s great for groups.

Why this matters: Games add energy and excitement to your beach day while giving everyone something to do between swims and sunbathing. They’re ideal for warming up before a dip, breaking up long lounging sessions, or just having a blast with family and friends.

2. Leveled Up Beach Bags

Your beach bag should be more than just a place to put your stuff. It should be the command center for your day in the sun. From roomy mesh designs that let sand fall right through to insulated cool totes that keep drinks and snacks chilled, the right bag makes packing, organizing, and hauling your gear effortless.

Whether you’re headed out solo or packing for the whole crew, these beach bags are built to handle everything you need and then some:

• Alameda Mesh Tote Beach Bag – Breathable mesh lets sand fall away and dries fast, plus it’s spacious and stylish for everyday beach days.
• Hotiary Mesh Beach Tote Bag with Detachable Insulated Cooler – Two‑in‑one mesh tote with built‑in cooler compartment to keep drinks cold while carrying everything else.
• Kavu Alder Lake Tote – Durable mesh beach tote with stash pockets perfect for keeping sunglasses, sunscreen, and small essentials handy.
• iioscre Mesh Hobo Tote Bag – Affordable mesh tote with zip compartments — ideal if you want organization without the weight.
• Women's Waterproof Sandproof Mesh Beach Bag with 9 Pockets – Extra large, waterproof, and sand‑ready with plenty of pockets for all your gear.

Why this matters: A great beach bag organizes your essentials, keeps sand and water from ruining your gear, and makes your trip to the shore easier and more enjoyable. Mesh options let moisture and sand escape, insulator bags keep snacks cold, and oversized totes carry everything you need for long days by the water.

1. The Perfect Beach Towel - SnapLux Towel

A beach towel isn’t just for drying off anymore. It’s your personal space on the sand. The SnapLux Towel takes lounging to the next level with its innovative snap system that secures it to your beach chair so it never slides or blows away. Made from soft, absorbent cotton, quick to dry, and stylish enough to match any beach vibe. Whether you’re sunbathing, reading, or just enjoying the waves, SnapLux keeps your spot perfect all day long.

Top features for beach perfection:

• Snaps to your chair – No more wrestling with towels that keep sliding off.
• Soft, absorbent cotton – Comfortable for lounging and effective for drying off.
• Stylish and durable – Built to last and look great throughout countless beach days.

Why this matters: A towel sets the tone for your beach day and is literally the identifying marker for your spot on the beach. With SnapLux, you get a towel that stays in place, dries quickly, and gives you a comfortable, worry-free lounge experience, turning an ordinary day at the beach into a truly relaxing one.

Grab Your SnapLux Towel Here