Items I take to the beach because I want to feel stylish, practical, and respectful of the places that welcome us.
Beaches aren’t just vacation backdrops. They’re living sanctuaries. The last thing I want to do is harm coral reefs, disrupt marine life, or introduce unnecessary chemicals into the ocean. So my beach bag is curated with intention—fun, functional, and planet-minded.
Let’s start with the unsung hero: the towel. I grew up with classic beach towels—heavy, soggy, sand magnets. Great exfoliation, terrible experience when you’re even slightly sun-kissed. Enter the Turkish beach towel. Lightweight, quick-drying, soft, and sand-resistant. I always pack two: one for lounging and one as a wrap after a swim. Bonus: it doubles as a cozy airplane layer. If you are like me and don’t like the sand in your legs, I always bring this in my beach bag.
Snorkeling is another must for me. It’s family-friendly, low-commitment, and endlessly fascinating—but rentals add up fast, especially with a crew. Investing in your own snorkel kit is a game-changer. I also bring shorter training flippers; they pack easier and still get the job done. And because leaving valuables unattended is an open invitation, I keep my essentials with me using a waterproof phone case or a waterproof fanny pack, hands-free and stress-free.
Underwater, I love capturing the magic below the surface. I use the Insta360 Ace Pro because it’s intuitive, takes excellent photos and video, and even lets you control recording with hand signals. No awkward button-mashing underwater. I’ll share photos on the blog so you can judge the quality yourself.
Sun protection is non-negotiable. Being a responsible beachgoer also means being kind to your skin. I use Sun Bum sunscreen because it’s lightweight, effective, and doesn’t leave me feeling like I was glazed. Their after-sun lotion is also a staple, because prevention is great, but recovery matters too.
Finally, hydration. Hot beach days demand cold drinks and smart storage. I bring a collapsible insulated cooler or a soft cooler bag, depending on the vibe. Add a leak-proof insulated bottle or tumbler, and yes—if hard seltzer is part of your beach ritual, there’s a practical option for that too. Cold drinks, fewer disposables, just plain chill.
Stylish. Practical. Thoughtful. That’s my formula for responsible beach fun and honestly, the ocean deserves nothing less.