by Angela V With the weather finally getting sunnier and hotter in Vancouver, we are excited to head to the beach this summer. We love spending time by the water, enjoying the sunshine, and a good book.
I used to be the mom who packed everything for a day at the beach. But after years of hauling bags bigger than my children, I’ve learned what we use, and what ends up buried in the sand or ignored altogether.
Now, with a tween and a teen, I’ve got our beach bag down to a system that works: quick to pack, easy to carry, and no more dragging a million “just in case” items that no one touches.
So here’s what actually makes it into our beach bag, and what I’ve stopped wasting space on.
Here is a list of what I Always Pack Now:
- Sunscreen
I keep it simple: spray for arms and legs, a stick for faces, and one of those mineral ones that doesn’t make them look like ghosts. - Quick-dry towels
We ditched the thick beach towels years ago. Everyone gets one quick-dry towel or a Turkish towel, and that’s it. They dry fast, don’t take up space, and double as cover-ups when someone gets “freezing” five minutes after getting wet. - Water bottles
Everyone has their refillable one. I usually pack some electrolyte powder pouches to make sure we all stay hydrated. - Snacks
Non-negotiable. Always. Usually it’s granola bars, pretzels, and cut-up fruit. Nothing melty. I’ve learned the hard way that buying snacks at the beach means unhealthy and expensive. - A wet bag
For wet swimsuits or sandy clothes, I don’t want to mix with everything else. If I forget it, someone’s soggy shorts end up ruining the whole bag. I no longer pack a complete set of change clothes for the kids, they just bring their shorts to change from the wet bathing suit if they go swimming. - Hats and sunglasses
I pack a hat for myself and the kids, if they want to wear one. Spoiler alert: they never do. I always bring an extra just in case. - Foldable beach blanket
I have the best foldable beach blanket with weights at the edges or sticks to stick it down, and that’s usually what I carry so we can sit. I don’t bring a heavy towel. I love the thin blanket, it’s super easy to shake clean from the sand and compact to carry. - A book for myself and a small toy the kids will use
Can you believe it? I am at the stage when I can actually sit at the beach and read a book, because the kids can entertain themselves. They don’t usually swim in the water, and instead like building castles on the sun, listening to music, or even reading themselves. They also like playing with a ball, or a freesbie. We pack just what I know they will play with.
At this stage of our lives, I’m all about less stuff, more fun. If I can get us out the door without forgetting the essentials (and maybe sneak in a coffee stop on the way), that’s always a win.
What are your go-to beach bag must-haves? Or better yet, what have you stopped packing because it never gets used?
Let me know. I’m always down to simplify even more.
