Best Days in the Sun: A Handy Guide to Maximizing Your Summer
Preparing for a Perfect Beach Day: Essentials You Need
Embrace the sun, waves, and sand with our ultimate guide to making the most of your beach time. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a beach bum who prefers to chill, we have got you covered. Because a fantastic summer doesn't happen on its own – you need to make it happen.
To achieve the perfect beach day, arm yourself with the essentials: sun protection, gear, and fun-filled water activities. Here's what you need for the ultimate beach day—from towels and sunshades to underwater scooters.
Essential Beach Basics
As a seasoned beach-goer, I understand the importance of being comfortable while also packing all the necessities, especially when the family joins. Here are some must-haves for your beach adventure.
Towels and Beach Mats
Forget about those worn-out, faded towels from days gone by. Upgrade to a glamorous microfiber towel. They are more absorbent, quicker to dry, lighter, and cost less than a fancy dinner. Get yourself a generous 72 x 36 microfiber beach towel with eye-catching beach designs for just under $10.
For a higher-end alternative, consider this picnic blanket with a convenient carrying strap. It's easy to carry, waterproof, and versatile, so you can use it for lounging on the beach or even a spontaneous picnic.
If you're taking up substantial space, nylon beach mats are an excellent choice. While they might not be the most comfortable to lie on, you can obtain a 10' by 9' beach mat that folds down small and weighs little. Then, spread it out, sunscreen your toddler, and watch them crawl around worry-free.
Sun Shades
While I prefer shade to sun, I despise beach umbrellas. They are a hassle to set up, and a strong gust of wind can send them flying. Fortunately, enhanced options are available.
I adore the ShibumiShade. Skeptical about its ability to float as advertised, I bought one, and it works magnificently. If there's no wind on the beach (lucky you!), you can purchase an accessory that generates wind for you.
Personal Sun Protection
Sun Hat
Iconic big straw hats like this Quiksilver Pierside Lifeguard Beach Sun Hat were popular among Southern California surfers since the 1960s, and for good reason – they offer generous sun protection and a cool, laid-back vibe.
Sunglasses
I am a Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses enthusiast, and I wear them regularly – even for over six months. They are on the pricier side, retailing around $300, but they come with numerous features, including the ability to capture video on the fly.
Sunscreen
I usually use Banana Boat sunscreen simply because it's readily available at drug stores. My face has never burned, but I'm far from an expert. If you're in search of a sunscreen that is actually good for your face, Marlowe's 128 is a solid choice.
Coolers
Want to hear about my dream cooler? Enter the KoolMAX – this over-the-top cooler can chill your drinks, boast a 350W Bluetooth-compatible sound system, and even turn into a karaoke machine if the need arises. Despite its extra features, it may not be everything you need every day – but when you need it, you'll be ready.
If you're just packing a few essentials and don't need loudspeakers, retro-style, over-the-shoulder carried coolers like this Polarbox 1 Ice Chest are a stylish alternative.
Fun in the Water
With the basics sorted, let's delve into activities you can enjoy in the water.
Electric Hydrofoils and Underwater Scooters
In recent years, electric hydrofoils have taken the waves off Southern California (or at least the beaches for the well-off) by storm. While I haven't tried the Waydoo Flyer One myself, I recommend purchasing it and letting me know if it's fantastic.
I can vouch for the thrill of snorkeling with an underwater scooter. These small yet powerful devices can propel you through the water, providing an unparalleled and fun experience. Clip one on a paddle board and use it like a mini outboard motor if you prefer.
Fun in the Sand
Even though doing nothing on the sand might be the ultimate goal, you don't want absolutely nothing to do. These "almost nothing" activities are perfect for maintaining the beach-zen feeling while keeping occupied.
An E-reader
I used to lug a book to the beach, but now I opt for a Kindle Paperwhite. Kindles are superior in every way to traditional books. They can tolerate being submerged in water for an hour, can be Bluetooth-compatible for podcast listening, and beat paper books in terms of convenience. A screen protector is also recommended to protect your Kindle from sand and salt.
A Camera
Capturing memories of your day at the beach is essential. I love my GoPro camera, which is rugged, fully waterproof, attaches to almost anything, and comes with minimal learning curves. For more information on the GoPro Hero 13, check out this review.
A Deck of Cards
Break out a deck of cards for a leisurely game of spades on the beach. Waterproof playing cards like those from Hoyle are virtually indestructible, so you can play bridge while whitewater rafting.
A Guitar
Bringing a guitar to the beach is like wearing sunglasses at night for some people – most should leave it behind, but those who embrace it continue to do so. Protect your fragile guitar with a carbon fiber guitar like the Klos Deluxe. You can plug it directly into your cooler, and it's incredibly durable.
A Bluetooth Speaker
If you prefer a touch of music at the beach but don't want a full cooler sound system, pick up one of these beach-ready SoundLink Flex speakers from Bose. They are IP67 waterproof, so they can be fully immersed in water without issue, and they are designed to withstand outdoor threats such as dust, sand, and UV light.
An Extra Charger
Be the hero of the beach by whipping out a charger when someone's phone dies. The Poseidon Nano Charger is small but packs eight hours of power, plus it is water-resistant and can hold a charge for up to two years.
Speaking of phones, they overheat at the beach – but not if you pack them in a thermal phone case. Not only does it reflect sunlight and heat in the summer, it also offers protection against extreme cold in the winter.
A Personal Air Conditioner
I have heard rumors that there are people who don't enjoy the beach. For those who don't appreciate the hot sun, consider using a personal air conditioner. It will keep them cool until they can persuade everyone else it's time to leave.
With your beach adventure gear well-equipped, enhance your summer lifestyle by indulging in the world of fashion-and-beauty. Accentuate your beach look with a stylish sun hat like the Quiksilver Pierside Lifeguard Beach Sun Hat, perfect for providing ample sun protection and a cool, laid-back vibe.
For a seamless blend of fun and glamour, opt for Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses, designed with numerous features to make your beach days unforgettable. To top off your beach-ready outfit, pick up a 72 x 36 microfiber beach towel for a touch of style that adds comfort and taste to your day in the sand.
No beach trip is complete without grazing on delightful food-and-drink options. Upgrade your cooler game with the KoolMAX, an over-the-top cooler that offers champagne-on-ice service, a 350W Bluetooth-compatible sound system, and even a karaoke machine for an ideal beach party atmosphere. For a more compact solution, the Polarbox 1 Ice Chest is a stylish alternative when you're traveling light.
