The 14 Best Beach Bags for Day Trips, Extra-Long Vacations, and Everything in Between
The right carryall can make every excursion to the shore that much better.
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When people talk about beach bags, they're really talking about tote bags. Quibble with this all you like, but the fact of the matter is, you just can't beat the tote when it comes to packing all your beach-day essentials in one carryall and keeping them conveniently at hand the whole time you're relaxing at the shore. You can opt for any kind of tote—classic canvas, waterproof, open-top, zip-closure, insulated, coated, you name it—just opt for a tote. It's the perfect beach bag.
Have you ever tried fumbling around inside a backpack with salty, sandy hands? I have! The last time I was at the beach. I was getting oceanside detritus all over my stuff and ensuring I'd keep discovering little bits of shell for the remainder of my backpack's life while my compatriots were sitting pretty with their big ol' tote bag, reaching for towels and sunscreen with abandon and knowing that at the end of the day, all they'd have to do is turn their bag upside down, give it a shake, and be done with it. Don't be like me. Be smarter. Buy one of these tote bags, declare it your dedicated beach bag, and enjoy all the summer has to offer.
Some highly affordable pop art for your beach day, courtesy of Uniqlo and Roy Lichtenstein.
From the instantly recognizable look to the ultra-durable construction, L.L.Bean's Boat and Tote is a genuine icon.
If you're going to sneak a few beers onto the beach, this is the way to do it.
Great for when the tide comes in.
Lightweight and packable, Gramicci's nylon tote is the kind of beach bag you toss in your carry-on bag when you're going on a proper vacation, not just a day trip.
Hey, even denimheads love the beach.
Made in London from upcycled rice bags from West Africa, Le Tings' signature tote looks so good you'll be tempted to carry it well beyond the beach. No one would blame you.
Okay, so Everlane says it's a commuter bag or a weekender, depending on how you'd like to use it. I say you can go one better and bring it to the beach.
Speaking of travel bags that would make equally great beach bags, here's Tumi's take.
There's even a small slip pocket inside so you can stash your phone and wallet before running into the ocean.
Onia specializes in all things aquatic and aquatic-adjacent. If you're already tried the brand's excellent swim trunks, you know you can trust it's linen tote, too.
For the truly cautious or the exceptionally adventurous, a dry bag that'll keep everything protected even if it lands in the actual water.
Should it come as any surprise that the brand responsible for some of the most beloved high-end swimsuits on the market also makes a great beach bag? No, it should not.
Sometimes, you just need to stunt on the beach. This is the bag to make it happen.
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