What to take to the beach? Complete beach checklist & 9 tips

A day at the beach is the ultimate recipe for a wonderful summer day. But nothing is as frustrating as discovering that you’ve forgotten your beach towel, sunscreen, or favorite book. Don’t worry, use the beach day checklist below to check that you haven’t forgotten anything (scroll down). This way, you’ll be fully prepared for a carefree day by the sea. Go ahead and pack your beach bag!

9 handy tips for a day at the beach

1. Smartly prepared for the beach

A relaxing day at the beach doesn't start just when your towel is rolled out, but already at home at the breakfast table. Check the weather forecast and wind force beforehand so you aren't caught by surprise. A balmy breeze is lovely, but at force 5, your parasol turns into a kite. Try to leave early. Early in the morning, the beach is still quiet, the sun is mild, and there are more parking spaces available.

Tip : take a small bottle of baby powder with you in your bag. With this magic stuff, you can effortlessly wipe sand off your skin afterwards!

Also, don't forget to bring an extra bottle of clean water, specifically to rinse your hands or feet before you eat, or before you get back in the car after a long day at the beach.

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2. Bringing sunscreen to the beach: why it is so important

Nothing feels better than the sun on your skin during a day at the beach, but sunburn? Nobody wants that. Opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it at home, even before your towel touches the ground. That way, it's already absorbed by the time you step into the sun. The advice is to reapply every two hours (yes, even when it's cloudy) and once more after a swim or drying yourself off.

Are you afraid you'll forget? Nowadays, there are handy UV stickers that you stick on your skin: they change color as soon as it's time to reapply. Just as if your skin is giving you a friendly signal.

Need extra protection? Put on a light linen blouse or UV shirt, wear a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses with a UV filter. Step into the shade from time to time, especially around midday.

3. Smart eating and drinking on the beach

Sun, sea, and… rumbling stomachs. A day at the beach calls for plenty of food and drink, especially on hot summer days. A well-stocked cooler bag or cool box is your best beach buddy. Fill it with cold water, fresh fruit, pasta salad, or sandwiches. Things that don't melt or spoil quickly. Think of grapes, cucumber, melon, hard-boiled eggs, or cherry tomatoes. Avoid chocolate, soft cheeses, or anything that comes alive like pudding in the heat.

A handy hack : freeze a bottle of water or juice; that keeps your food cool and you'll have ice-cold drinks later. Don't forget reusable water bottles, snack containers, or tightly sealable containers so that sand doesn't stand a chance of getting inside.

Pack an extra bottle of water in your beach bag, specifically for rinsing your hands or feet before you eat. Say goodbye to sand between your fingers or in your cracker! Optionally add a few wet wipes, and you'll be having lunch just like at the table at home (but with a sea view).

4. This is what you bring for a day at the beach with children

A day at the beach with children sometimes requires just a little more preparation. Make it easy on yourself: bring a beach tent or parasol with UV protection so you always have a shady spot for an afternoon nap or snack break.

Fill a cooler bag with easy snacks, such as pieces of fruit, crackers, and raisins. Plenty of water is especially important, and don't forget to bring an extra set of clothes in case everything gets wet or sandy.

Give each child their own bucket or shovel, so they have their own “project” and your hands are free! And as a bonus hack: bring along a small inflatable pool. Even without water, it is a perfect sand-free zone for babies or toddlers.

Have your child wear a wristband with your phone number on it. Should your little one suddenly decide to go on an adventure, another adult can reach you quickly.

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5. How do you keep your belongings safe and dry on the beach?

Nothing ruins a beach day as quickly as wet gear or a lost phone. Fortunately, with a few clever tricks, you can keep your valuables safe and dry.

For example, bring a small portable locker. This is a sturdy box with a combination lock that you attach to your beach chair or parasol. Even more convenient and fun: there are camouflage lockers available, for example in the shape of a sunscreen bottle or a soda can. You can simply place these between your towels. No one will suspect that your keys are hidden inside.

A waterproof bag or dry bag is ideal for a day at the beach. This bag keeps your belongings bone dry and is often light enough to simply throw over your shoulder. Put your phone, charger, book, clothes, and all your snacks inside, and they will stay protected. Even if a small wave suddenly rolls over your towel, because many of these bags can float.

And speaking of phones, bring a waterproof phone case. That way, you can take photos, listen to a podcast, or check your screen with wet fingers without worry.

6. Handy items for extra comfort on the beach

Sunbathing is wonderful, but if you choose wisely, you'll be just that little bit more comfortable. Start with a large beach towel or a beach mat, preferably one with a water- and sand-repellent underside. Don't want sand between your vertebrae? A beach chair or inflatable seat cushion is the solution.

For shade and a bit of privacy, a beach umbrella or beach tent is certainly not an unnecessary luxury. Did you know that some beach tents have a built-in UV filter *and* storage bags that you can fill with sand for natural anchoring? No more panic about your parasol blowing away!

7. Why a power bank is handy at the beach

A dead phone on the beach is inconvenient. Do you want to take photos, listen to music, or stay reachable? Then a power bank is a handy addition to your beach bag. A solar-powered model can be extra practical during long days outdoors. Hang it on your bag or place it in the sun so you always have an extra power source at hand, without being dependent on power outlets.

8. What do you wear to the beach?

At the beach, it's all about comfort, airiness, and making smart choices. Think of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These fabrics let your skin breathe and keep sand out a bit. An oversized blouse or tunic, on the other hand, can easily be pulled over your swimwear.

Flip-flops or water shoes are perfect for your feet. They are easy to put on and take off, and there is no splashing around on the scorching hot sand or sharp shells. Be sure to bring a dry set of clothes for the return journey as well. Nothing is nicer than putting on a fresh shirt after a salty dip and a towel full of sand.

9. Sustainable trip to the beach: smart choices for a clean coast

A day at the beach becomes even more beautiful when you let nature enjoy it too. For example, choose eco-friendly sunscreen without harmful substances such as oxybenzone, which can damage coral and marine life.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead of disposable plastic. Many beaches now have water taps where you can easily fill your bottle. Replace disposable tableware with bamboo cutlery or reusable containers for your snacks. And don't forget to bring a small trash bag so you can neatly clean up your own waste and any litter. That way, you leave nothing behind but your footprints, and the beach stays clean for everyone.

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What do you bring for a day at the beach?

With all these tips, hacks, and smart preparations, you are truly ready for a wonderful, carefree day at the beach. Below you will find a quick checklist so you have all the essential beach gear at hand for a relaxing day by the sea.

Would you like to be able to tick off the checklist digitally? Then click here.