25 Beach and Lake Day Essentials For Your Summer Vacation (2023)
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Welcome to our comprehensive list of the 25 must-have lake and beach essentials for your ultimate summer getaway!
Whether you're planning a relaxing lakeside retreat or an exciting beach adventure, having the right gear can make all the difference.
In this list, we've curated the top 25 essentials that will ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable time by the water.
From sun protection and swimwear to beach games and picnic gear, we've got you covered with everything you need to make the most of your time in the sun and surf.
So, let's dive in and discover the must-have items for your perfect lakeside or beach vacation!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
1) Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch
For most of us, our lives are contained within these pocket computers masquerading as phones. Thus, nothing would be worse than to drop it in water. That’s where these brilliant waterproof pouches come in.
2) Waterproof Dry Bag
When a cell phone pouch isn’t enough, upgrade to a dry bag. These are particularly handy if you’ll be paddle boarding or kayaking. This bag will keep your belongings safe and dry.
3) Water Shoes
In my opinion, water shoes are essential while recreating in a body of water other than a pool. Unlike a pool, lake bed’s are typically littered with debris like rocks, twigs, and other natural elements.
Water shoes will protect the bottom of your feet from getting cut or punctured.
4) JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker
Lake days and music go hand-in-hand, and this nifty bluetooth speaker by JBL makes enjoying your favorite tunes while lounging with friends a breeze.
It has great sound, a reliable connection and includes a built-in carabiner, enabling you to hang it from nearly anywhere.
5) Microfiber Quick Absorbing Towels
Towels are one of the quintessential items you need for a day at the beach. These microfiber towels by 4Montster absorb fast, dry even faster and include a convenient carrying case.
6) Raw Elements Mineral Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from harmful sun rays is imperative, but did you know that the very products that are meant to protect your skin can actually harm you as well?
Insert; Raw Elements. This mineral sunscreen protects your skin without nasty, needless chemicals. Additionally, it’s reef safe, moisturizing, waterproof and cruelty free.
7) Waterproof Cooler Backpack
This backpack cooler makes carrying your favorite beverages from the car to the beach a breeze. This particular cooler has a 32-can capacity and pouches on each side capable of holding several bottles of wine.
8) Hydration Electrolyte Packets
Staying hydrated in the sun is imperative, but sometimes plain old water just won’t cut it. These hydration electrolyte packets by Ultima are the ultimate in convenience and have great flavor.
They come in multiple flavors and unlike their competitors, they’re sugar free and keto friendly.
9) Head Protection
Protecting your head from the sun is as easy as picking out a hat you like and wearing it. This particular hat protects your dome while allowing your ponytail to hang free.
10) Beach Tent
Chill out on the beach while staying cool in the shade with this beach tent. It’s secured with a three-way system utilizing sandbags, stakes and ropes.
It’s well ventilated and water-resistant to keep you dry from the rain and best of all, it can be used at the beach, festival, sporting event or simply for relaxing in your backyard.
11) Inflatable Float Hammock
These water hammocks are great for when you just want to float around in the lake or the pool. They come in adult and children sizes, so all members of the family can float together.
12) Sand Removal Bag
Everyone can relate to the common problem of having sand stuck all over your body and getting it all over your clothes and vehicle.
With just a few swipes, Sandscreen removes sand from your body quickly and effectively. Check out the video on Amazon to see it in action.
13) Sun Bum Cool Down Spray
After a day in the sun, your skin needs hydration. Sun Bum's 'Cool Down' Lotion is enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E, providing hydration to gently restore the skin's moisture balance.
The light, non-greasy formula is quickly absorbed, leaving the skin smooth and soft.
14) Tote Bag
A bag large enough to carry all of your essentials is necessary for any beach trip. This simple, minimalistic bag makes transporting all of your beach-going items a breeze.
15) Inflatable Air Lounger
This inflatable lounger allows you to chill on the beach (or anywhere) in style and comfort. It’s durable, easily inflates and pacts down small, making it easy to carry around.
16) Family Games
Whether you're spending time with your family or friends, playing games at the beach is always a good time.
This waterproof version of the classic card game, Uno, is the perfect way to kill some time with your group.
17) Portable Fan
Days at the beach and lake get hot. Cool down a bit with this battery powered fan. You can hang it in your beach tent, on your boat or virtually anywhere else and feel the breeze.
18) Honeymoon Sand Keepsake Jar
This isn't technically a lake or beach day essential, but if you’re tying the knot and heading to a tropical destination for your honeymoon, this sand jar would make for an excellent keepsake.
19) Cooling Towels
These cooling towels are great for when that mid-day sun starts to beat down on you. Simply soak it, wring out the water, give a few shakes, and wrap it around your neck or over your head to instantly cool down.
These are also great for hiking.
20) RibRave Mosquito Repellant
This ingenious device keeps mosquitos at bay, giving you a 30-foot perimeter in just ten minutes after turning it on.
It uses a combination of technology and natural scent to keep those pesky blood-suckers away.
21) Anker Magnetic Battery
If your phone has a mag charger, this MagSafe compatible battery by Anker gives your phone extra juice when it needs it most.
It isn’t so much charger, but an extra battery for your phone. If you start to get low on power, simply slap it on and let it do its thing.
22) Beach Ware
Since you’re heading to the beach, why not dress the part? Amazon has many fun beach and lake themed t-shirts and tanks, such as the one in the image above.
23) Giant Beach Blanket
Why get any old beach blanket when you can get one that’s big enough for the entire family to lay on? This one fits the bill and comes in several themes and colors.
24) Beach Pillow
Complete the set by snagging this comfortable beach pillow to rest your head on when nap time arrises.
25) Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board
Bringing your own, high quality paddle board (such as this one) can save you big bucks on rental fees. Especially in places like Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead.
This particular paddle board is high quality and has many five star reviews. It includes a pump and a bag with shoulder straps for easy transport.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
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