For the past 27 years, I have gone to the Beach for a summer vacation. I also like to go on a few quick beach vacations. Each time I have gotten smarter and found things that have made my beach trips more relaxing. I have also found things that help me stay at the beach ALL day. These are the top five things that I have found the most useful for my beach vacation and now I don’t travel to the beach without them. P.S. I am writing this from my condo balcony listening to the waves.

Beach Wagon

For the longest time, my family and I would fill our arms and sometimes make multiple trips to and from the beach just to get all of the stuff that we needed for the day. One summer I saw someone using this beach wagon and couldn’t believe we didn’t think to get something like this sooner. This wagon is made specifically for the beach and has large wheels that make it easier to pull in the Sand. Don’t get me wrong, if you fill it full of heavy items, it is a little challenging to pull but I have always been able to pull ours.

Tent/Umbrella

After I have been in the sun for a few hours in the morning I realize that I should probably take a break and cool off. When this happens, I don’t want to go back to my room and stay inside while I’m on the beach so an umbrella or tent is perfect for staying on the beach but out of the sun. My family has this tent currently and we had one before this that we loved. The first tent lasted about 9 years before the buttons that lock it into place got rusty and broke off. The tent would’ve lasted much longer if we would’ve rinsed it off at the end of each trip and oiled the legs and buttons. When we travel to the beach, we usually have a group and we can fit several people under the tent. It’s been great for toddlers that need to get out of the sun for a bit.

Sand Resistant Beach Mat

When I go to the beach I like to lay down on a towel but I hate when I want to dry off and my towel is covered in sand. This mat has been perfect to keep my towel sand free. It’s a pretty large mat and you anchor all four corners into the sand and it stays in place. It is made of nylon so it dries quickly and if you do kick sand on it or someone throws sand on it (my two-year-old niece) you can just pick up one side and it all slides off.

Waterproof Kindle Case

Once a year I take a week-long vacation on a beach somewhere and just read and relax. I went through two kindles before I realized I should protect it a little bit better. I decided to look for a case that is little more protection for everyday use. While searching I found a waterproof/soundproof case and it’s perfect. Unfortunately, they no longer make this case but Amazon started making one very similar, you can find that case here. This has been the best investment for my beach vacations. I no longer worry about getting out of the water and picking up my kindle or throwing it in my sandy beach bag. It is perfectly safe.

Backpack cooler

I don’t have a backpack cooler but it’s going to be my next purchase. I have a great beach cooler now that has wheels but the only thing I wish it had. It has straps to put on like a backpack. If you want a top-brand cooler and don’t mind spending the money, I would recommend this one. My brother-in-law has this brand and it will hold ice forever without melting! I like to find cheaper alternatives and this one is the one I’m going to purchase right now it has a 10% off coupon!