18 Essentials Items for the Perfect Beach Day Out! (UPDATED)

18 Essentials Items for the perfect beach day out! (UPDATED)

 

18 Essential Items for the Perfect Beach Day Out!

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. 18 Essentials to take to the Beach
2.1 Sunscreen
2.2 Towels
2.3 Shade
2.4 Hat
2.5 Sunglasses
2.6 Water Bottle
2.7 Food
2.8 Portable Beach Table and Chairs
2.9 Phone
2.10 Portable Phone Charger
2.11 Music
2.12 Book/Kindle
2.13 Inflatable pillow
2.14 Bucket and spade
2.15 Bat and ball
2.16 First Aid Kit
2.17 Chewing Gum
2.18 Lip Balm

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Read Time: 10 Minutes

 

1. Introduction

It wouldn’t be summer without a perfect beach day out.

Whilst Covid lockdowns and regulations may prevent some people from going as often as they like, there is nothing quite like a beach day out to lift your spirits when you are able to go.

Whenever this may be, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you have a great time down by the sea or ocean.

18 things no less!

Well, at least 18 things that we think are essential to take with you for the perfect beach day out.

They are in no particular order, but why not check them out below?

 

2. 18 Essentials to take to the Beach

2.1 Sunscreen

If you only take one thing with you on your perfect beach day out, then make sure it is sunscreen.

As the name suggests sunscreen does the important job of protecting you from the sun.

Our skin works to protect us from ultraviolet radiation which could be harmful if we are exposed to it for too long. This is why it is important to use sunscreen to reduce the potential damage that can be caused by these ultraviolet rays.

Even on cloudy days, our skin is at risk of the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, the damage of which can lead to skin cancer. So on hot days, even if you only plan to be on the beach for half an hour or so, it is vital to slip, slop and slap.

As a general rule try and use sunscreen that has at least an SPF of between 30 – 45.

Also, try and apply it a good 20 minutes before you get to the beach and consider topping up every 1-2 hours when you are there.

 

2.2 Towels

Bringing a towel to the beach is something many people forget to do, but it’s always a pretty good idea.

The sand can get very hot if you plan to lay down on it, so bringing a towel will ensure you don’t get burnt.

Beach towels are a lot bigger than regular bath towels, so they can be a bit of a chore to carry around with you. But as 2 or 3 people can easily sit on them they do have their benefits.

Also as they come in a range of colours and designs they give you a great opportunity to convey some personality on the beach.

Why not bring one with you that showcases your favourite colour, holiday destination, sports team or even musical artist, to add even more of a feelgood factor to your perfect beach day out?

If you plan to go for a swim, you should also bring a separate towel to dry yourself with. The beach towel you sit on will have lots of sand on it, which won’t be a great feeling on your skin when you go to dry yourself.

 

Woman on deck chair at the beach at the beach in Queensland, Australia

 

2.3 Shade

If you intend to make the most of the sunny weather then consider bringing a pop-up beach tent, cabana, or umbrella with you.

Not only will this provide you with much-welcomed relief from the harmful effects of the sun, but it will also give you more of a sense of privacy from other beachgoers too.

For the first time user, they can seem a little daunting to erect, especially a cabana.

But once you know what you are doing, they will define your territory on the beach and set you up for a perfect beach day.

 

2.4 Hat

If you don’t have shade, then a hat is very important to wear to ensure you have a perfect beach day out.

Just like with sunscreen a sun hat can help protect you from the effects of harsh UV rays.

There are lots of different hat styles around, including wide-brimmed hats, Panama hats, safari-style hats, baseball caps, bucket hats, Greek fisherman’s hats and even legionnaire style headwear, that would be perfect to wear on the beach.

They represent the perfect way to protect yourself in style.

 

Beach Picnic Items are essential items to bring to the beach in Queensland

 

2.5 Sunglasses

The same goes for sunglasses too.

Your eyes need protection from the sun’s UV rays just as much as your skin. But surprisingly not everyone wears sunglasses when they are enjoying a beach day out.

This is not wise as regular beach days when not wearing sunglasses can cause photokeratitis, which is a bit like a painful and red sunburn of your eye.

Over a prolonged period, too much exposure to UV rays can significantly damage your vision. To the point that it significantly increases your chances of contracting diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

Again there are plenty of awesome styles of sunglasses to wear at the beach that will make a real fashion statement.

Just make sure they offer total UV protection. In other words 100% complete blockage against UVA and UVB rays.

 

2.6 Water Bottle

Even if you are only going for a short time, it is important to stay hydrated during your visit to the beach.

That is why you should always carry a water bottle around with you.

Should you enjoy a prolonged time, having fun out in the sunshine, you can quickly become dehydrated without realising it.

Our bodies need a certain amount of water just to function normally. As water carries oxygen and nutrients to cells, as well as helping the body to absorb nutrients and minerals.

It also assists the body to perform several of it’s processes, including metabolism. So it is vitally important that we have a good supply of drinking water with us when we are at the beach.

If you don’t then dehydration could occur.

Dehydration happens when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.

The effects of dehydration can include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, passing out and even heat stroke which can be fatal.

But all of these symptoms are preventable just by staying well hydrated.

 

Wearing Sunscreen is a terrific way to practise beach sun safety when at the beach in Queensland

 

2.7 Food

During a beach day out, you are going to get hungry.

And while many beaches have an excellent range of nearby cafes, bistros, eateries and restaurants to choose from its often nice to bring a picnic with you.

Beach picnics can be fun with friends and family, or romantic with your partner. Both of which can significantly add to the enjoyment of your day.

There is an excellent range of foods you can pack in an Esky to enjoy during your perfect beach day out.

These include wraps, fruit, dips, salads, roast chicken, veggies and even cakes, chocolates and sweets.

So why not enjoy a feast at one of Mother Nature’s most wonderful settings?

 

2.8 Portable Beach Table and Chairs

If you are planning a picnic at the beach, a portable table and chairs are well worth bringing with you.

Not only do they give you a comfortable space to lay out your food on, they also provide you with a more comfortable dining experience than sitting on a towel will do.

Unless there is a gale-force wind, in which case you shouldn’t be eating in the first place, sand will not blow up on to your food. You also won’t accidentally knock sand on your food just by moving about either.

What you will get however is the chance to enjoy the view of the beach a lot more while you eat. Secure in the knowledge that the beautiful food you prepared is much more protected from the elements.

 

Sunglasses at Beach in Queensland, Australia

 

2.9 Phone

It’s a sign of the times that a mobile phone is now considered essential to take not just to the beach, but pretty much anywhere you go. But it is.

Not only does it provide you with backup if your car breaks down or you have a medical emergency, it’s also a great way of course to keep in touch with people when you are on the go.

Likewise, as an entertainment device and a resource for instantly finding out information smartphones are invaluable.

Just because you take a phone with you doesn’t mean you have to use it. But it always makes for a better day when you know you can access if it the need ever arises.

 

2.10 Portable Phone Charger

With this in mind, if you are planning to stay for a long time during your perfect beach day out and are addicted to using your phone, then be sure to bring a fully charged portable phone charger with you.

The last thing you will want is to not be able to upload a photo to Insta, or quickly surf the net because you have run out of battery charge.

Portable phone chargers tend to be small and lightweight. So they won’t take up too much room in your beach bag.

 

Beach Sandals on the sand at a beach in Queensland, Australia

 

2.11 Music

Music is a must when chilling at the beach.

Not only is it a great way to unwind, it is also a great way to create a vibe on your perfect beach day out.

Whether it be via your smartphone, iPod or even a good old fashioned ghetto blaster, listening to tunes at the beach is one of life’s simple pleasures. The perfect soundtrack to a perfect day.

If you listen to a device via speakers, just be aware of volume levels and who is around you.

Not everyone wants to listen to death metal, sickly sweet teenage pop music or gangsta rappers dropping F-bombs. (Though you would hope the Beach Boys would be ok!)

 

2.12 Book/Kindle

After a while, it can get a bit boring just lying in the sun. So why not bring a book with you to stimulate your mind?

Reading is a very relaxing activity and there is no better place to do it than at the beach with the ocean rumbling in the background.

If the thought of bringing a heavy hardback with you onto the sand is something you are not so keen on, then why not bring your Kindle?

You will be able to read whatever you want then!

 

Are you living your best beach life?

 

2.13 Inflatable pillow

Lying on the sand, or even in your cabana, for a prolonged length of time can be uncomfortable on your neck. So why not bring with you an inflatable pillow?

In the same way as they do on flights, bus and train journeys, inflatable pillows will provide your neck with comfort, support, and stability.

What better way can there be to lay on the sand for a couple of hours than to rest your head on a nice squishy pillow?

As the name suggests inflatable pillows come flat packed. So they are easy to pack in your bag.

They can also be inflated in just a couple of minutes with a pump, or a bit of puff. So they are not too inconvenient to use either.

 

2.14 Bucket and spade

If you are planning a perfect beach day out with kids, then a bucket and spade is an essential thing to take with you as it will entertain them for hours.

Even if you don’t have kids there is something quite therapeutic about building sandcastles.

It’s also quite addictive too!

Before you know it, you will be channelling your inner architect to create a veritable metropolis of sand structures!

 

Sandals and Shoes on a towel at beach in Queensland, Australia

 

2.15 Bat and ball

No trip to the beach would be complete without a spot of ball sports.

Whether it be cricket or tennis, or even football, rugby or gridiron, its always good to get a game going.

The beach gives you lots of space to play in. But just be mindful that you don’t interrupt on other people’s beach experiences.

If bat and ball is not your thing, then how about a kite or frisbee?

 

2.16 First Aid Kit

You never know what minor cuts and scrapes you might get when swimming in the ocean, or indeed walking on seashells. So it’s always good to be prepared with a picnics.

You don’t necessarily need to take a full kit with you onto the beach with you, but it is great to have one in the car.

At the very least though take some plasters, antiseptic cream and hydrolytes in your beach bag for those little emergencies.

Especially if you have kids.

 

What Beach Essentials do you take with you to the sand?

 

2.17 Chewing Gum

A beach day out can be very hot work, especially in the height of the summer.

Whilst it’s very important to take plenty of water or other fluids with you to the beach, chewing gum can also prevent your mouth from getting dry.

It’s a good idea to take a couple of packets with you to the beach, for when drinking supplies are getting low.

As chewing gum is said to reduce stress it will also help you chill out quicker too!

 

2.18 Lip Balm

Similarly, lip balm is good to carry around with you to ensure it remains a perfect beach day.

It generates an occlusive layer on your lip’s surface to seal in moisture and protect them against elements like wind, the sun and cold temperatures.

If staying on the beach for a while, your lips could be exposed to the potential of drying and cracking. So lip balm is a great way to prevent this from happening.

 

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Spencer

Hi! My name is Spencer and I have created Beach Scenes to help you find the perfect travel destination for your beach holiday in Queensland.

I hope the reviews and recommendations on my site inspire you to book an Australia Queensland vacation!

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