Packing Essentials for a Summer Beach Getaway

The soothing sound of crashing waves, the sweet smell of salt in the air, and the gentle tickle of warm sand beneath your feet: nothing quite says summer like a day at the beach. Like any other leisure activity, turning your trip to the sea into a genuinely relaxing experience takes more than just showing up.

A smarter beach day starts before your toes ever touch the sand. Small headaches like transporting your beach equipment and accidentally soaking your speaker during an unexpected turn of the tide can all be accounted for and diminished with a little bit of forethought. With a bit of planning and the right gear, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the sun. Here are five must-haves to keep in your beach day toolkit this season:

1. Mineral Sunscreen

The summer sun is part of what makes a day at the beach so magical, but too much of it can quickly turn your trip into a blistering disaster. Sunburns by themselves are uncomfortable, but repeated overexposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer. 

This makes sunscreen non-negotiable, but that necessity comes with its own issues. Most conventional sunscreens use chemical filters, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to hormonal disruption in humans. 

These chemicals can linger your bloodstream long after you've gone home, putting your health at risk. Fortunately, there’s a better alternative: sunscreens made with mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 

These mineral formulas sit on top of the skin and physically block harmful UV rays, rather than absorbing them like typical sunscreens. They're gentle, effective, and safe for sensitive skin. Keep a bottle handy in your beach bag and reapply every two hours or after swimming to stay protected.

2. Easy-Pack Beach Chairs

Beach chairs can provide a serious comfy factor to your trip, but if you've ever struggled to stand up from one of those ultra-low seats or struggled under the strap of a heavy seat, you know that not every chair is created equal. Finding an elevated chair that’s also easy to pack and carry has traditionally been a difficult chore.

Recognizing these struggles, SUNFLOW went to work crafting a solution with their Tall Sand Dune chair. With 17 inches of height from the sand, it’s an ideal option for anyone seeking an easy-in, easy-out seating solution. 

Taller chairs are especially helpful for older adults, people with mobility concerns, or anyone who just prefers a few inches of extra space between them and the sand. You get a clear view of the waves, a better vantage point for people watching or keeping an eye on the kids, and none of the awkward acrobatics when it's time to stand up.

Pairing your chair with thoughtful accessories makes the experience even better. The SUNFLOW Contour Pillow, for example, turns your chair into a personal retreat where you can unwind in ergonomic bliss.

3. Shade Tools for Long Days in the Sun

Beaches are beautiful thanks in part to the uninterrupted view of the blue horizon, but this same attribute can make a long, hot summer day rather uncomfortable. That lack of obstacles means shade is a rare commodity on the shoreline, which can become a real problem after hours of baking in the sun. 

Shade tools, such as a classic beach umbrella, pop-up canopy, or a full-on beach cabana, create a protective area shielded from the harsh UV rays. These spaces have the added benefit of providing you a place to rest, reapply sunscreen, and keep snacks from turning into soup.

Beach umbrellas are great for small setups and are easy to plant right into the sand. For more coverage, especially if you’re with a group or have kids in tow, SUNFLOW’s portable Happy Hut Cabana offers more space and better airflow. For the sun tanners out there, SUNFLOW chairs can attach the Sunshade, which provides UPF 50 protection for your head and neck while you read or relax.

4. Waterproof Containers to Protect Your Valuables

The beach might be great for your soul, but it’s tough on your gear. Between crashing waves, sneaky tides, and flying sand, anything valuable or electronic is at risk of meeting a watery grave. That’s why waterproof containers are a must-have for any smart beachgoer.

Waterproof bags and hard cases keep your essentials safe from moisture and grit. Dry bags are a popular choice because they’re lightweight, flexible, and easy to roll up when not in use. For even more protection, hard-shell waterproof boxes offer crush-resistance and often float if accidentally dropped into the surf. 

Keeping your valuables waterproof helps keep you relaxed and worry-free over an errant wave. You don’t have to panic when the tide shifts or someone kicks sand into your bag during an impromptu volleyball game. It’s a small step that goes a long way toward a stress-free day.

5. A Sand-Ready Cart Or Wagon

There’s a universal truth every beachgoer learns the hard way: carrying all your gear by hand is a nightmare. When your favorite stretch of sand is a good ten-minute walk from the nearest parking lot, the last thing you want is to be lugging the family’s chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and towels through hot sand that inevitably gets in your shoes and sandals. 

Investing in a wagon or cart with wide, sand-friendly wheels can eliminate much of the arduous logistical labor on your end. Look for beach wagons that are designed with larger wheels, specifically made to roll over sand with ease. 

Higher-quality options also come with durable frames and collapsible designs, making them easy to store in the car and quick to set up when you arrive. Many even include cup holders and compartments for easy access to essentials, such as water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks.

Best of all, a beach wagon lets you consolidate all your heavy items into one manageable load. When you're dealing with crowded beaches or small kids who can’t carry much themselves, having everything in a single, mobile hub saves time and energy.

Don’t let anyone tell you that struggle and stress build character and make the end result that much more satisfying. Your day off at the beach is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, and with the proper planning and equipment, it will be. See you surfside!