Beach Essentials and Where to Find Them

Memorial Day Weekend signals the start of beach-going here on the East Coast. While the weather hasn’t been totally cooperating lately, it does look like some warmer weather is finally on its way.

Our beach days may be a bit different this year thanks to the Covid Virus; however, what you need to take with you to spend a day at the beach hasn’t changed. I have put together a list of eight items that I deem essential to take with you to enjoy your day at the beach.

• Your Mask
• Sunscreen
• Beach Umbrella
• Beach chair
• Beach towel(s)
• Small table
• Cooler for Cold drinks/snacks
• Beach wagon or cart to tote everything

In addition to these necessary items, do not forget your sunglasses, hat, and sweatshirt. I always bring a magazine or book too.

I am a fan of the spray sunscreen but my husband prefers the actual cream that you get to rub into your skin. Target has sunscreen on sale right now and if you spend $20 you get a $5.00 Target gift card. Below are links to the products my husband and I use.

Lotion: https://www.target.com/p/banana-boat-ultra-sport-sunscreen-lotion-spf-30-8oz/-/A-11082867 Spray: https://www.target.com/p/sport-sunscreen-continuous-spray-twin-pack-spf-30-11oz-up-38-up-8482/-/A-11251676 Face Cream: https://www.target.com/p/neutrogena-ultra-sheer-non-greasy-sunscreen-stick-spf-70-1-5oz/-/A-14897054

I have very fair skin (typical Irish) and burn quickly, so I always plop myself under the umbrella at the beach. Here is a 7′ umbrella with UV fabric that is reasonably priced at one of my favorite stores – Target! It is available for in-store pick-up, but you’ll need to check the inventory at your local store. https://www.target.com/p/7-39-cabana-stripe-beach-umbrella-sun-squad-8482/-/A-76542646

I have had my beach chair now for a couple of years and honestly do not remember where I purchased it. I found one on Amazon that is very similar to the one I have only better–because it has a cup holder! I get the Amazon Prime member discount, not sure how much that saves me. Below is a link to the chair. https://www.amazon.com/Beach-Extended-Height-Position-Folding/dp/B0757LPCZH/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=extended+height+beach+chair&qid=1590170043&sr=8-2

Beach towels seem to be on sale almost everywhere this weekend. You should check your local sale flyers for deals. I know Target has many towels at 30% off right now. Here’s one for only $7.00 that looks pretty good to me: https://www.target.com/p/basics-ombre-stripe-beach-towels-sun-squad/-/A-76595072?preselect=54653999#lnk=sametab

I love this beach table! It is easy to carry as it rolls up and has its own bag with a sling carrying strap. It is the perfect height and is great for when you are eating lunch or having some snacks at the beach. https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products-Foldable-All-Purpose/dp/B01EIO0XZA/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=beach+tables&qid=1590164215&sr=8-7

We are fans of soft-sided coolers. The one in the link below is my favorite because it has a hard shell inside that keeps you from over-stuffing it. Also, it has a flap on the top to slip your hand in so that you do not have to unzip the entire cooler to get something. It is currently on sale at, you guessed it, Target! https://www.target.com/p/igloo-maxcold-hard-liner-cooler-24-can-black/-/A-51536873

There are lots of different types of beach wagons/carts you can choose depending on how many chairs, coolers, etc. you’ll need to lug. We have been using Wonder Wheelers for years now and they do the trick for us. Here is a basic one you can get from Target. It is the one we use and we fit four chairs, a cooler, towels, and snacks on it. https://www.target.com/p/wonder-wheeler-beach-standing-cart-red-rio/-/A-76501450

You will, obviously need a beach bag to tote some of these goodies in but I am not recommending one since I believe that is more of a personal choice. I will leave it up to you to select a bag that reflects your own fashion sense. Beach bags are available at both Target and Amazon and there are plenty to choose from – have fun selecting one.

Hopefully, I have made your search for beach supplies a tad easier with the above suggestions!

I trust you will enjoy this Memorial Day weekend and the Summer months to come. Let’s not forget the meaning behind Monday’s holiday – in honor of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. A big thank you to those we honor and those that served or are serving now! God Bless America.