Best beach accessories for adults | Expert Tips | The Itsa
If packing for a beach vacation feels like prepping for an expedition, you’re not alone. The difference between a good beach trip and a great one often comes down to beach accessories for adults — those extra items that feel like just comfort, but work like essentials. Whether you want the best beach essentials packing to elevate your time in the sun, or clever gadgets that feel downright cool, here’s everything you need — backed by recent tests and real-world use.
What beach accessories are essential?
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a high-SPF sunscreen. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Shield your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. Opt for hats with UV protection and adjustable straps to prevent them from flying away in the wind.
Sunglasses
Choose sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard your eyes from glare and sun damage.
Quick-Dry Beach Towel or Mat
A microfiber towel or sand-free beach mat is lightweight, absorbent, and easy to shake off sand. It’s compact and perfect for beach gear outings.
Waterproof Phone Case
Safeguard your phone from water, sand, and salt with a waterproof case. Ensure it’s touchscreen-friendly and test it before use.
Flip-Flops or Water Shoes
Protect your feet from hot sand and sharp objects with comfortable footwear. Water shoes are ideal for rocky shores and water activities.
Beach Bag
A spacious, durable tote can hold all your essentials. Look for waterproof options with compartments to keep items organised and dry.
Insulated Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with a bottle that keeps drinks cold for hours. Brands like S’well offer sleek designs and excellent insulation.
Portable Beach Chair
A lightweight, reclining chair with armrests provides comfort for lounging. Models with backpack straps make transportation easy.
Beach Umbrella or Tent
Create your own shaded retreat with a portable umbrella or pop-up tent. Look for options with UPF 50+ protection and easy setup.
After-Sun Lotion
Soothe and hydrate your skin after sun exposure with aloe vera or other moisturising lotions.
Lip Balm with SPF
Protect your lips from chapping and sunburn with a lip balm that contains SPF 15 or higher.
Wet Brush
A travel-size brush designed for wet hair helps detangle without causing damage. Ideal for post-swim hair care.
Beach Games
Bring along a frisbee, beach ball, or paddleball set for active fun. These games are great for group activities.
Books or E-Reader
Relax with a good book or e-reader. Choose light reading material to enjoy while lounging.
Waterproof Speaker
Enhance your beach experience with music from a portable, waterproof speaker. Ensure it's compact and has a long battery life.
Best beach accessories for adults
Portable Beach Chair
Opt for lightweight, comfortable chairs with features like adjustable reclining positions and backpack straps for easy transport. Models such as the Sunflow "The Shore Thing Chair" offer these features and are currently available at a 20% discount. This chair sits 13 inches off the ground and includes armrests for added comfort.
Quick-Dry Beach Towel or Mat
Choose microfiber towels Trapper or sand-resistant mats that are lightweight, absorbent, and easy to shake off sand. These are compact and perfect for beach outings.
Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone from water, sand, and salt with a waterproof case. Ensure it's touchscreen-friendly and test it before use.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Shield your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. Opt for hats with UV protection and adjustable straps to prevent them from flying away in the wind.
Sunglasses
Choose sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard your eyes from glare and sun damage.
Insulated Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with a bottle that keeps drinks cold for hours. Brands like S’well offer sleek designs and excellent insulation.
Portable Beach Umbrella or Tent
Create your own shaded retreat with a portable umbrella or pop-up tent. Look for options with UPF 50+ protection and easy setup.
Beach Bag
A spacious, durable tote can hold all your essentials. Look for waterproof options with compartments to keep items organised and dry.
After-Sun Lotion
Soothe and hydrate your skin after sun exposure with aloe vera or other moisturising lotions.
Lip Balm with SPF
Protect your lips from chapping and sunburn with a lip balm that contains SPF 15 or higher.
Wet Brush
A travel-size brush designed for wet hair helps detangle without causing damage. Ideal for post-swim hair care.
Beach Games
Bring along a frisbee, beach ball, or paddleball set for active fun. These games are great for group activities.
Books or E-Reader
Relax with a good book or e-reader. Choose light reading material to enjoy while lounging.
Waterproof Speaker
Enhance your beach experience and celebrate a special day with music from a portable, waterproof speaker. Ensure it's compact and has a long battery life.
A Smart Way to Build Your Beach Kit
|
Decision Factor |
What to Ask Yourself |
Why It Matters |
|
How often do you go? |
Something expensive but durable makes sense if you’re a frequent beachgoer. |
You’ll get more bang for the buck over time. |
|
What kind of beach? |
Rocky, sandy, windy, tropical? |
A beach tent might be useless on rocky shores; sand-resistant blankets matter more on windy, grainy beaches. |
|
How much are you willing to carry? |
Big blanket vs. compact mat, full chair vs fold-flat style. |
Heavy gear quickly becomes annoyance. |
|
How much sun exposure do you expect? |
Noon sun, little shade, long stays? |
Unprotected skin + glare = discomfort and risk. Shade gadgets become must haves. |
|
Storage / transport constraints. |
Car boot size, aeroplane carry-on, folding space at home. |
If it won’t fit, you wn’t bring it. |
What Are the Best Beach Accessories to Pack
Here’s a full-day beach checklist with the best accessories for day at the beach tote that cover comfort, utility, style and easy to carry. Edit it to your destination, weather, and group size.
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Beach blanket or mat (sand-resistant)
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Two towels: one big bath towel + one microfibre or quick-dry towel
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Beach tent or umbrella shade
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Comfortable chair(s) with built-in cup holder(s)
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Beach bag + wet/dry pouch
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Insulated water bottle + snacks in cooler bag
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Waterproof foldable phone case + portable charger and Robe
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Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, & high-SPF sunscreen
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Footwear: flip-flops or water shoes
Optional but nice: portable speaker, inflatable lounger, evening layer, wind guard, lantern
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Leaving sun protection for after you burn. Don’t. Shade, sunscreen, hat first.
Choosing comfort over weight ~ but ignoring the weight until you’ve carried it long. Heavy gear becomes dead weight fast.
Neglecting wind in design. Tents or umbrellas without anchor points or vents flop around or blow away.
Buying towels or blankets that look nice but retain too much moisture. You want materials that drain and dry quickly.
Forgetting maintenance. Salt, sand & damp: rinse off gear, hang to dry, clean zippers & pockets so prevent deterioration.
Conclusion
A well-chosen set of beach must haves defines whether your beach day feels like a chore or pure joy. The best beach accessories aren’t the ones with the fanciest branding—they’re the ones that solve your unique problems: keeping sand off, staying dry, avoiding sunburns, being able to transport everything without feeling weighed down. When done right, your beach time will feel fresh, relaxing, and exactly what you imagined.
