Pack up for your day out on the sand
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To prep for a day at the seaside that delivers on the promise of big fun, make sure you have a beach bag that holds your stuff comfortably, tidily, and with style. Everyone’s ideal beach bag will look different. If you’re heading to the beach for a day of solo relaxation, you’ll want a solution that’s streamlined, secure, lightweight, and polished enough to be versatile.
If you've got family in tow (whether you're heading straight for the sand or taking a dip in the pool first), you’ll need something large, well-organized, durable, and easily cleaned. To find the best options for every scenario, we researched and evaluated bags based on size, fabric, pockets, and handles.
The sides aren't structured
Suppose you come to the beach fully prepared for anything and need maximum space for all your gear. In that case, the Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag has a whopping eight pockets: seven external pockets for smaller belongings like electronics, sunblock, and flip-flops, and one interior pocket. There's also a zippered section inside for keys, so they don't get buried.
There's nothing exceptionally creative about the design, but our tester found the bag more convenient for travel than a bulky canvas beach bag. She could fit several towels, extra shoes, large water bottles, and even a big camera or lunchbox in the bag. The woven mesh material is ideal for shaking sand out; however, this also means the bag isn't waterproof, and our tester noted it might not hold up well to keys, a wine opener, or other sharp objects. On the first use of the bag, we noticed fraying on the stitching around the handles, which are double-layered on top to create extra shoulder padding; however, it's held up well since then despite packing it into overstuffed suitcases several times.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: Zipper
Easy to use and carry
Big enough for large items
Keep your space clutter-free with a collapsible tote bag. The Cruise On Collapsible Tote Bag reduces to pocket size for easy travel, then expands to fit many items. Made from premium nylon for durability and easy machine washing, the bag is also waterproof, making it ideal for long days at the beach. Not to mention, the long straps make the bag lightweight and comfortable for use, so you can enjoy whatever environment you're in without adding stress to your shoulders. One downside of this tote bag is that it does not include a closure to secure your belongings, but your beach hat won't complain about the extra space.
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 16 x 4 x 24 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: None
Only comes in one color
After a relaxing day at the right beach, it's frustrating to come home and realize you've brought a whole bunch of sand with you. A sand-proof beach bag can help minimize the mess, both in your house and in your car. The CGear Sand-Free Tote differs from other beach bags because it's made from a patented double-layer mesh weave that allows sand to sift right through. Even if you throw in sand-covered shoes or beach toys, all that grit should fall out of the bottom of the bag the minute you pick it up.
This beach tote is made from water-resistant PVC with reinforced seams for added durability. To clean it, rinse it with water. And it's roomy enough to hold towels and toys alike. The bag has one smaller interior pocket for valuables and comes in an eye-catching blue plaid that'll be easy to spot on the beach. And, as our product tester noted, "it lies entirely flat when empty, so it's very easy to pack and store."
Unfortunately, the CGear bag doesn't totally live up to its sand-free promise due to its lack of zipper closure, allowing sand to enter from the top. Our tester plopped the bag in the sand when she arrived at the beach, and no sand got in from the bottom or the sides throughout the day. However, when a young boy ran by with a soccer ball, he kicked a big cloud of sand directly into the bag. Although it isn't fully sand-free, our tester felt it's still worth buying.
Price at time of publish: $35
Size: 17 x 7.5 x 15 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: None
Spacious yet easy to carry
Just as tough as their famous coolers, this rugged bag from Yeti is for serious beachgoers and boaters. It's waterproof, super durable, puncture and abrasion-resistant, and easy to clean. A huge opening and zipped pockets with a molded base keep the bag upright and protect it from water seeping in. Some unique features in this tote are the crossbar handles across each strap for another method of carrying the bag and the hitch point grid that can be used to attach outdoor gear or your favorite beach accessories. It is available in five different colors.
"The straps aren't too long or too short—plus, I love that I can carry it with the big handles and throw it over my shoulder or pinch the parallel bars right above the lip to carry at my side," says our senior commerce editor. "It'll hold everything you need for an excursion to the beach or all the food you need for a day trip—and then some. I also use this bag for my daily grocery run since it keeps things relatively cold, and as I said, you can pack a lot (think a week's worth of groceries, plus some!)."
Price at time of publish: $197
Size: 18 x 14 x 9 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: None
Straps are a little short
For a multi-functional bag that’s great at the beach and for day-to-day use, the Everyday Lightweight Tote by L.L.Bean is an excellent option at a reasonable price. Available in three sizes—medium, large, and extra large—the bag is big enough for beach gear without being bulky, so go ahead and throw in that beach blanket. With several great colors to choose from including Burgundy, Navy Blue, and Sunflower with contrasting stitching, it’s an easy choice for men and women. For storage, there’s a front pocket for quick grab-and-go items, and the interior has a zipped pocket with a key clip. The well-built beach bag has a zipped top, reinforced handles, and a double-layered bottom.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size: 12 x 6 x 13 inches (medium), 15 x 7.5 x 17 inches (large), 17.75 x 7.5 x 18.5 inches (extra large) | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: Zipper
Material gets hot in the sun
This extra-large mesh bag has enough space to carry everything you need to the beach. Despite its large size, the mesh material folds up so it can easily fit into your suitcase when traveling. An internal carabiner and zippered waterproof pocket keep keys, phones, and jewelry secure. Plus, the mesh material dries quickly and allows air to flow throughout the bag, so your damp towels won't stink after a long day at the beach. However, our product tester thinks "the best feature of the Oahu Mesh Beach Bag is its sturdiness."
When we took this bag to the beach, we were able to shake out excess sand before bringing it back to the car and then the house—eliminating sand lingering on the floor for days. This is also the type of product that can go far beyond beach season and become a staple to keep in your trunk. We found it was large and durable enough for taking clothes to and from the laundromat, going grocery shopping or camping, or even lugging around sports equipment. The reinforced handles and stitching showed no signs of wear and tear after testing.
Price at time of publish: $20
Size: 18 x 29 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: None
Hydro Flask's Insulated Tote is your solution to transporting food stress-free. This bag is made from durable polyester fabric and provides lightweight insulation for up to four hours—perfect for those extra-long days at the beach. Its zippers are water-resistant, and the bag's exterior is waterproof to keep moisture out and your contents dry. The collapsible design feature is ideal for travel and quick storage, while the fully lined, welded interior makes for easy cleaning. It's also great for grocery store runs, camping trips, and picnic dates and is available in six shades, including vibrant Magenta, Gulf Blue, and a classic Black.
Price at time of publish: $65
Size: 23 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: Snap
Comes in multiple handle lengths
Colors will get dirty quickly
Lands' End's quintessential beach bag is ideal for families and is a beloved bestseller. It's made from ultra-durable 24-ounce cotton canvas and has reinforced handles to support a heavy load. It also has a water-resistant base and trims for protection and inside pockets for organization. With size options ranging from small to extra large and with seven color choices, there's a version to suit every kind of traveler. Add a personal monogram or family name and make it your own.
Price at time of publish: $41
Size: 13 x 5.5 x 9 inches (small), 17 x 6 x 13.5 inches (medium), 22.5 x 9.5 x 17 inches (large), 26 x 10.3 x 17.5 inches (extra large) | Waterproof: No | Closure: Zipper or none
It may remind you of something you’d take to the grocery store or laundromat, but these oversized bags are also great to bring to the beach. At 22.75 x 10.25 x 11.75 inches, this tote is large enough to stow away towels, sunscreen, and the kids’ beach toys all in one, but it also easily collapses for you to travel with. The fabric is made from polyester, and the structure is secured with a metal wire frame and velcro straps, so the bag feels durable yet still lightweight when carrying all these items. Plus, it comes in many playful patterns.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 22.75 x 10.25 x 11.75 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: None
The Shylero bag works well as a beach bag because it's made of durable, easily washable waterproof fabric and has an interior water, dust, and sand-proof PVC case to store phones or other valuables. In addition to being convenient, the 17 x 15 x 6-inch bag is super spacious. We also love the range of colors the beach bag comes in, its beachy rope straps, and the built-in key holder and bottle opener.
Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 17 x 15 x 6 inches | Waterproof: Yes | Closure: Zipper or magnet
Backpacks are a great way to bring towels and food to the beach because they free your hands for carrying extra essentials like an umbrella or folding chairs. The Venture Pal Lightweight Hiking Backpack is our favorite option in this category. The pack features a waterproof pocket within the main compartment, perfect for separating wet swimsuits from other objects.
The outside is made of durable material with heavy-duty zippers, so it won't fall apart after your first outing. There are also many pockets suitable for storing car keys, sunglasses, or other small items. It measures 9 x 6.5 x 2 inches and has comfortable shoulder straps. Reviewers love how large the bag is: many reported it could hold towels, shoes, goggles, and snorkeling gear with room to spare.
Price at time of publish: $29
Size: 9 x 6.5 x 2 inches | Waterproof: No | Closure: Zipper
The Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag is our favorite pick because of how large it is, holding all the beach-going essentials, and its ability to pack down small for travel. We like Cruise On's Collapsible Travel Tote Bag for a solid budget pick.
Whether you’re looking to bring just a book and a towel or gear for the whole family, you’ll want a bag to haul everything on your packing list. The ideal beach bag depends on your plan and how many people you are accommodating. If you have to hike to the beach or make several other stops that day, go for a smaller backpack or tote that can fit the essentials without weighing you down while providing more versatility. For a larger family and friends affair, look for oversized models with room for all your creature comforts.
The most traditional beach bag material, canvas, is durable and offers a classic aesthetic. If you need a waterproof bag, look for one made of nylon or polyester. Other materials offer additional benefits, such as sand-sifting mesh. Pay attention to the handles as well—braided ones look great but might bite your shoulders or hands if you’re hauling your bag for a long time, while flat cloth or canvas handles are durable and comfortable.
Pockets are a valuable feature in a beach bag: External pockets can hold liquid containers upright and compartmentalize wet and sandy items. Inside pockets can help hide and secure your valuables while keeping them accessible, so you can easily grab your car keys or phone when your hands are full. For added security, consider pockets that zip or at least snap closed.
Some of the most stylish beach bags are carried by hand. However, these aren’t always the most practical, as they prevent at least one hand from carrying other items. If you’re traveling with kids—or clutching an iced coffee or your smartphone—you’ll probably want a tote with shoulder or crossbody straps, or a backpack.
You might be attracted to a mesh bag for its sand-filtering properties, which keep it cleaner in the first place. Many beach bags can be thrown in the washing machine; others should be spot cleaned using a damp cloth and soap to rub out any stains. More delicate bags should be air dried. When in doubt, consult the care label or visit the brand's website.
Pack your bag with the essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, a towel, a beach hat, and dry clothes. Stash a plastic bag to keep any wet gear separated. Use your inside pockets to tuck away your keys and phone, but ideally, you’ll bring as few valuables out on the sand as possible to mitigate the risk of theft and increase your peace of mind when you're in the water.
If you’re planning to pack your beach bag in your luggage, look for one that's super light and easily foldable or able to be packed flat, such as a cotton mesh bag. Avoid bulky, rigid bags with lots of structure. Beach bags with a shoulder strap or crossbody option keep your hands free for taking pictures or consulting a map on your adventures.
The author of this article, Amber Nolan, is a travel writer located in Key West with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry. Her work has been published in USA Today, Jetsetter, Cruise Critic, Frommers, and several other travel publications. She is currently covering tourism for the local Key West newspaper, the Blue Paper. In addition to her research, we also sent several of the products to testers for their feedback.
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