Nothing is better than a chill beach day to unwind and let go of your stress. The sun is out, the waves are calling, and you’ve finally decided to leave your cave to enter the social world.
A successful beach day starts with smart packing. You might already have a sunscreen, towel, and a snack bag with you, but why settle for surviving the beach when you could be thriving in it?
Here’s your ultimate guide to six of the essential items to bring for a stress-free beach trip.
1. Sunscreen and Towels
Don’t play with the sun. Sure, you could go swimming and enjoy the cold water, but you don’t want your skin to be boiling at the end of it.
Bring a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply it every two hours. Throw in a sunstick or mineral powder for your face if you want to have a little selfie session at the beach.
For towels (yes, plural), you need one to lie on, one to dry off with, and one for when the first two are too sandy. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Hydration and Nutrition
Pack way more water than you think you will need. Sitting in the sun for hours can make you dehydrate faster, and it’s more of a dizzy, cranky, and “why is the sky spinning” kind. Not fun.
Also, bring snacks that won’t melt or go bad in the sun. Consider things like fruit, chips, granola bars, or trail mix. Hunger can feel just as bad as dehydration.
3. Herbal Relaxation
To add an extra layer of calm and contentment to your beach day, consider cannabis products in low-dose edibles and beverages. If you’re in California, a trusted dispensary in San Diego can hook you up with beach-friendly options.
Always check local regulations and be mindful of public consumption laws. Dispensaries like the Catalyst are known for offering high-quality and legal products.
4. Seating Arrangements
Sand can be deceptive. It feels soft until you’ve sat on it for hours and can no longer feel your spine. Not to mention, it gets everywhere.
A foldable beach chair or padded mat can do wonders for comfort. You can also take an umbrella or a beach canopy for shade in case the sun gets a bit too hot for your skin.
5. Games and Books
Sometimes, you need something to do at the beach other than scroll Instagram and take your own pictures.
If you’re with friends or family, or don’t mind walking up to a stranger to socialize, you can take along a Frisbee, paddleball, or volleyball with you. But if you’re more of an introvert, a good book can be just as fun.
A journal or sketchpad for creatives is a great option, too.
6. The Extras You Might Forget
We all forget something. Here’s a quick list of items that are often forgotten but are essential:
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
- Hair ties or hats
- Ziplock bags for phones and snacks
- Trash bags for cleanup
When you prepare right, even a simple day can become a core memory.
