3. Beach Umbrella

An umbrella is another great way to protect skin from the sun. Having a large umbrella at the beach also keeps bags, towels, and belongings a bit more covered and protected. The Sport-Brella Umbrella is a great choice because it is rainproof for wetter climates. Another popular choice is the Coolibar Umbrella, For independent beachgoers, a chair with an attached shade covering is a great option that is easy to carry and provides sun protection for one.

4. Beach Blanket

Oversized towels are nice, but one nice big beach blanket is better. A beach blanket rests on the sand, so users can keep their towels relatively sand-free. A beach blanket also serves as a central meeting location and a great place to dry off, eat lunch, and play games. It is best to find a beach blanket that has stakes that dig into the sand and has room for everyone. This ensures that it does not blow away in the wind. For an individual or a couples' retreat to the beach, Anthropology makes a highly recommended smaller beach blanket that features terry cloth towel on one side and a woven fabric on the other.

5. Beach Games/Toys

Where there is sand, there are games. The beach is a great place to enjoy the space of an oceanside playground. Pack up Frisbees, balls, kites, pails, and shovels. Even for adults, building a sandcastle or tossing a football is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. For water buddies, be sure to bring boogie boards, paddle boats, or other water toys. One of the most popular toys for children at the beach is a beach toy set with plenty of toys like buckets, shovels, and molds for the building. The Clicker Crab Toss and Grip is another great choice to keep little ones entertained. Classic games like horseshoes and volleyball are also fun for kids and families.