My Favorite Beach Day Luxuries (That Are Totally Worth It)

The extras that make beach days easier, better, and more fun.

Jun 23, 2025

Summer always makes me want to simplify. The easier, the better. Less planning, less fuss—more time with the kids, with friends, with family.

Back in my twenties, all I needed for a day at the beach was a towel and a pair of sunglasses. But now I’m the mom. Most of the time, I’m the host. And having a beach setup that’s extra comfortable means everyone stays a little longer. And honestly, that’s what summer is about for me.

We didn’t buy all of this at once. Over time, we’ve slowly added a few thoughtful upgrades that make beach days feel calmer, easier, and more comfortable. Some of it might seem a little extra, but everything here is something I’ve actually used and loved. These are the little luxuries that make the beach feel like an actual vacation—where the kids are happy, the stuff is handled, and mom and dad can actually relax too.

Quick caveat: This might feel a little niche if you’re not within driving distance of the beach. I’m on the East Coast, and we’re lucky enough to spend a full month down the shore each summer. So we don’t exactly pack light. If you’re flying somewhere or just heading out for a quick swim, you probably don’t need quite this much gear, if any ;). But if you’re beaching like we beach, these have been worth every penny.

Dock & Bay Quick-Dry Towel (~$35)
Yes, $35 for one towel sounds a little insane. But these are totally worth it. Lightweight, quick-drying, and actually sand-resistant. They fold into their own pouch and come in fun colors. We each have our own, and no one wants to share.
They also make a great under $40 gift. I put one in each of my girls’ Easter baskets this year, and they were such a fun, practical addition.
Shop on Amazon »

The Original Bogg Bag (~$90)
The hype is real. This bag is waterproof, tip-proof, and basically indestructible. It holds everything without collapsing in on itself and it still looks brand new after two full summers of sunscreen, sand, and snacks.
I wrote a full review right here if you want all the details, but short version? It’s the first thing I pack for any beach day, and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.
Shop the Original Bogg Bag »

CoolCabana Beach Shade (~$219)
If you spend full days on the beach, this is 100 percent worth the investment. It sets up in minutes (I can set it up without Bri), stays put even on breezy days, and gives you real, usable shade. No chasing an umbrella every time the wind shifts. We’ve used ours for years and recommend it to everyone.
Last summer, I remember sitting on the beach and it was just a sea of CoolCabanas. Once you have one, you get it.
PS: They’re on sale right now for their July 4th promotion.
Shop on CoolCabanas »

Tommy Bahama Ultimate Beach Chair (~$125)
Tommy Bahama makes a great better-than-basic beach chair. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and easy to carry with backpack straps. If that’s what you’re looking for, this one is a solid go-to ».
But if you want the fully loaded version, this is it. It reclines flat, has a high back and extra-wide seat, plus an adjustable head pillow and lumbar support. There’s a towel bar, a side table, an insulated cooler pouch, dry storage, a cupholder, and even a bottle opener. It also comes with a removable shade and built-in backpack straps.
It’s not the lightest, but once it’s set up, it’s the chair everyone wants.
Shop the Ultimate Version »

Bose SoundLink Portable Speaker (~$269)
It’s definitely an investment, but our Bose has been one of the best things we’ve ever spent money on. The sound is incredible. Crisp, clear, and loud enough to fill a beach setup without being that group. It’s compact, durable, and the battery lasts all day. We’ve had ours for years and bring it everywhere.
Shop on Bose »

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler (~$325)
Pricey, yes, but the quality is unbeatable. We’ve used ours for years, and it’s held up through everything. Beach trips, long weekends, even keeping essentials cold during power outages. It holds ice for days, doesn’t leak, and is easy to carry.
Bonus: YETI’s customer service is outstanding, which makes the investment feel even more worth it. And longtime readers know I’m a big fan of their wine tumbler, and we have lots of different sizes of their can coolers on hand.
Shop on YETI »

BEAU JARDIN Folding Push & Pull Beach Wagon (~$149)
If you’ve got a lot to haul—chairs, towels, boogie boards, cooler, kids—this is the one to get. The extra-wide wheels handle sand surprisingly well, and it folds up fast when you're done.
It’s heavy, but it makes walking to and from the beach so much easier.
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Maarch Small Foldable Beach Table (~$22)
This little table is one of those things you don’t think you need until you have it. It’s perfect for the kids to eat lunch on, play games, or keep their sea shell collections safe. It’s lightweight, folds flat, and slips easily into your beach wagon without taking up space.
We use it every single beach day.
Shop on Amazon »

Wellinsulated Beauty Bag (~$69)
I didn’t think I needed an insulated beauty bag until I got one. Now it comes with me to every beach trip.It keeps sunscreen, skincare, lip balm—whatever you don’t want melting—cool and organized, even in the heat. You can also tuck your phone inside to keep it from overheating.
It’s well-made, easy to wipe clean, and feels like a little luxury that actually solves a problem.
Shop at Neiman Marcus »

That’s the list! These are the thoughtful pieces we’ve invested in over time that have made the beach feel less like a chore and more like the break it’s supposed to be. These are the things that help everyone settle in, stay longer, and actually enjoy the day.

If you have a favorite beach must-have, I’d love to know. I’m always up for a how did I ever live without this kind of find.

xx,

Meg