Packing for a relaxing trip can be ironically stressful. But don’t worry – together, we’ll uncover what essentials make the cut in this article. So, you want to know “What’s In My Beach Bag?”
This list is a compilation of my personal preferences and follower suggestions. So come along with me, and see what’s in my beach bag while I take a fun-filled trip to the beach with friends.
The Bag:
- I picked this medium-sized Alice and Olivia bag. I didn’t want something too bulky or cumbersome to bear. Pick something that you wouldn’t mind getting wet or dirty because sometimes the cleanup can be a hassle.
The Basics:
- Picnic blanket – I have a Society6 blanket with a water-resistant bottom. I love the water-resistant bottom because it’ll be a bit easier to clean after a day of laying out. However, I looked online for other blankets and found more affordable options from Target and Old Navy.
- Towel – Mine is Sun Squad from Target. But if you’re traveling from out of town, wait to purchase a beach towel from one of our local beach shops – it will double as a souvenir! Two birds – one stone!
- Beach wrap or change of clothes – I usually pack something simple, like a tee and a pair of shorts. I’d suggest something casual and airy that you can hit the shops in without having to head back to your condo to change.
Skincare:
I can’t sugarcoat it. South Padre Island is hot, and the glare of the sand doesn’t help matters, but we can do some things to keep our skin healthy.
- Sunscreen – I packed two cans of different sunscreen. I use Ultra Sheer Neutrogena – 70 SPF spray, and for the face, I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist – 55 SPF. I love that they are spray bottles because the classic kind in the tube is way too messy for me. I don’t mind the lower SPF for the face because I’m usually wearing a hat.
- Lip balm – We forget about lip balm all the time, but it’s so important to protect the thin skin on our lips. I carry Softlips Lip Balm with SPF 20 in Watermelon. Not only does it feel smooth on your lips, but the watermelon flavor is also quite refreshing.
- Hat – I love my baseball cap from Blue Sky, one of the many beach shops on the island. You can choose from a vast variety. So if you want something practical and a souvenir, a hat might be an excellent option.
- Sunglasses – I don’t tend to spend much on sunglasses because I’ll lose them immediately. I opted for a charming retro cat-eye from A New Day at Target.
Entertainment:
As much as I love swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes I like to spend a little time on land and pass the time.
- Activity book – I found these excellent puzzle books on TF Publishing website, also for sale on eBay and Mercari. They have a variety of puzzles, so you aren’t doing the same thing over and over. You can easily buy similar puzzle books at Dollar General too.
- Magazine – It can be a nice relaxing time to dig into magazines, books, or whatever you’d like to read. I opted for some women’s magazines from Walgreens.
- Wireless speaker- I have this cute, travel-sized Sonix Bluetooth Speaker currently on eBay and Mercari. There are also several waterproof speakers on the market if you prefer those.
Extras:
These are a few extras I thought would be helpful.
- Wireless phone charger – I bought one from Xcentz on Amazon. It’s small, light, and the charger can be used on anything with a USB, like wireless speakers.
- Waterproof phone case – I also bought these on Guzack brand on Amazon. My suggestions? Buy one on the island! They have them at every beach shop.
- Waterproof clutch – This clutch is from the Poolside brand. You could put electronics in it, or you could also put a wet swimsuit in there at the end of the day.
Plan Your Next Trip
Once you get to South Padre Island you won’t want to leave! Check out these great tips for what you need to bring to the beach and book your South Padre Island rental today. Don’t wait!
Clean-Up:
I had some great suggestions in this category. Unfortunately, all that water and sand can get messy. So I found some products for clean-up.
- Detangling hairbrush – If I end up going somewhere after my trip to the beach, I want to look a little put together. Some followers suggested a travel Wet Brush. It gets through tangles quickly and helps with unruly beach hair. I got mine from Target.
- Wipes – Wet Ones. I always take a pack or two to outdoor places. They’re perfect for wiping and disinfecting hands before a snack. Also, if you’re in an area with port-a-potties, use these to wipe things down and keep everything clean.
- Baby powder – We got some suggestions from friends and followers, and quite a few people suggested baby powder to remove stubborn sand. You wait for the sand to dry, then apply the powder and dust off the stubborn sand. I picked the classic Johnson’s brand from Walgreens. I chose to travel with it in a ziplock bag; even when it’s closed, some of the powder can get out.
- Trash Bags – One of my favorite suggestions was trash bags. You can use them for litter or holding wet clothes. I bought the Complete Home brand from Walgreens.
Food/Drink:
These items aren’t technically in my bag. It’s just a small extra for food and drink.
- Backpack Cooler – I bought an adorable pineapple-shaped Sun Squad backpack cooler. It’s easy to carry, and reviews say it can hold up to 20 cans. It’s also leak-proof.
- Water Bottle – You can either bring a few bottles of water or your beverage of choice. I chose this large bottle from HEB. I put it in the fridge the night before a trip and then have nice cold water. It’ll fit
- Snacks – I don’t usually do big food items. I prefer to go to local restaurants like Cafe Karma or Yummies Bistro for lunch. I might pack some refreshing fruit or small snacks before lunch.
If you enjoyed this list, check out our “What’s in My Beach Bag?” video on Facebook.
By Lisa M. Lopez
