Must-Have Beach Gear for 2025

12 essentials for your next beach vacation

Stylish swimsuit? Check. Bright flip-flops? Check. That juicy beach book? Double check! But while you might be packing your favorite beach gear, there are some essential items that you may have missed. And they’ll take your beach vacation to the next level!

Check out these absolute must-have items before you start packing for your next beach trip.

• Beach Cup Holders

  Staying hydrated when you’re on the beach is an absolute necessity, you guys. Buuuuut sandy drinks are no fun!

  Beach cup holders keep your drinks upright and sand-free. Just stick one right next to your spot for a clean drink, every time.

• Collapsible Cooler Bags

  Speaking of drinks, you’ll want to keep them cool on those hot beach days. But no one wants to lug a heavy cooler on vacation!

  Collapsible cooler bags are lightweight and easy to pack. Add cool drinks and chilled fruit, and you’ll stay fresh, even on the hottest beach days.

• Extra Large Beach Blanket

  When you’re with a group, setting up your spots in the sand can feel like putting together puzzle pieces. Solve it easily with an extra-large beach blanket. Everyone will have enough room, but you’ll still be close enough to share snacks (and gossip!).

• Hand-Held Fan

  Ocean breezes keep you cool, but what do you do when the air is hot, humid, and barely moving?

  A hand-held fan is lifesaving beach gear on non-windy days. Look for a rechargeable one—plug it in at night and it’ll keep you cool all day.

• Inflatable Lounger

  When it comes to sitting (or lounging) on the beach, your options are endless. But there’s only one choice that’s comfortable and easy to take on vacation: an inflatable lounger. For all-day comfort, pick one that you can use on the sand or float on in the water.

• Mesh Beach Bag

  The one beach souvenir no one wants? Sand! It gets everywhere, including the bottom of your beach bag.

  Pack your beach gear in a mesh beach bag and give it a good shake at the end of the day. You’ll keep the sand on the shore—and out of your suitcase!

• Microfiber Scrunchies

  If you have long hair, a microfiber scrunchie will be your new best friend on beach trips. Throw your hair up into a bun, wrap it up in your scrunchie, and you’ll have a cute ‘do for the rest of your day.

  The microfiber will speed up drying time, and when you take it off? Perfect beach hair!

• Refillable Face Mister

  Feeling flushed? Don’t let the heat get to you! Fill a portable mister with your favorite soothing toner (or just cool water) and give your cheeks a little spritz whenever you get too hot.

• Sandcastle Kit

  On a beach vacation with the kiddos or ready to unleash your inner architect? A slightly bougie but super fun sandcastle kit takes your creations to the next level!

  Sand toys can be bulky. Save suitcase space by using buckets as containers for smaller rolled-up items like socks, swimsuits, and tank tops. No wasted space in your bags, you guys!

• Sun Protection

  You already know that you have to apply (and reapply) waterproof sunscreen—even on cloudy beach days. But there’s more to sun protection than a spray that smells like summer.

  A scalp and hair mist keeps your hair healthy and scalp free from sunburn, while a chapstick with SPF protects your lips. And don’t forget UV-rated sunglasses; your eyes will thank you!

• Waterproof Phone Holder

  Okay, this might not be the most stylish beach gear. But it’s definitely a must-pack for keeping your phone dry while you take selfies in the ocean.

  Look for one that loops around your neck, so you won’t worry about dropping it—and your phone—in the water.

• Waterproof Speaker

  Take your favorite playlist on vacation! Whether you’re jamming out to Spotify or tuning in to your favorite podcast, a waterproof speaker is a must. After all, summer’s hottest hits were meant for a day at the beach.

The right beach gear can make or break your vacation. Throw these essentials into your beach bag, and you’ll have everything you need for sea, sand, and salt!

Worried that your beach items will weigh down your luggage? We’ve got you! Ship your vacation must-haves to your final destination with LugLess. For less than the price of the average checked bag, you’ll skip the hassle of checking suitcases and the wait at baggage claim. You’ll breeze in and out of the airport, light, carefree, and ready for an amazing vacation!