Everyone looks forward to a day at the beach. There’s no better way to relax than sitting in the sun, listening to the waves, and having a blast. Unfortunately, it can be quite a chore carrying everything you need to the beach. However, the best beach bags will make sure you have everything you need while getting to the beach in style.
In this guide we’ll take you through the most important things to consider when you are in the market for a new beach bag, followed by our top beach bag picks.
Quick Answer: Best Beach Bags
Below is a list of the best bags for the beach:
What to Look for in a Good Beach Bag
Here are the top considerations when you’re in the market for a new beach bag.
1. Volume
This is the most important thing to consider when searching for a beach bag. If it can’t hold everything you need it to then it’s a waste of money. At a minimum, a good beach bag should be able to hold swimsuits, towels, flip flops, and sunscreen, but some people need to bring a lot more than that. If you’re spending the day at the beach you need to make sure it can also hold things like your camera, toys for the kids, beach games for the adults, diapers for the baby, your Bluetooth speaker, drinks, food, etc. Consider the capacity, but also if the bag has a weight limit. You still want to make sure you’re able to carry it to the beach.
2. Material
Beach bags are made of many different types of materials. What material you choose is determined mainly by what will work best for you and what style you prefer.
- Nylon / Polyester: Nylon and polyester are becoming more popular beach bag materials because they’re durable and water-resistant. They’re also lightweight and tend to come in a variety of creative colors and designs. If you’re looking for a designer beach bag you’re sure to find some high-quality options made of polyester or nylon.
- Mesh: If you dread carrying sand into your car, hotel, or house after a day at the beach, consider a mesh beach bag. These bags are usually washable and waterproof. However, they may lack durability depending on how much you need to carry.
- Canvas: Canvas bags are the most traditional beach bags. They’re usually fashionable, durable, and easy to clean.
- Straw: Straw beach bags offer a classic summer feel that everyone loves. While they’re not waterproof, they look great, are easy to clean, and are breathable.
3. Pockets
If you tend to pack light and are only bringing your towel, then pockets may not be important to you. But for those who bring a lot to the beach, more pockets are a welcomed feature. Be sure you know how many pockets the bag has and be sure it works with how much you want to bring and what needs to be organized. For example, exterior pockets are great for things like a water bottle, sandals, and your beach/sun hat while interior pockets can store extra clothes, toys, etc. Especially if the bag doesn’t have a zipper closure, be sure it at least has an interior zipper pocket to hold things like your wallet and phone.
4. Handle / Straps
There’s no point in having a large, fashionable beach bag if it’s a pain to carry. Whether you prefer to carry it by the handle, sit it on your forearm, or sling it over your shoulder, be sure you’re comfortable with the material. The wider the strap or handle, typically the more comfortable it will be to carry. Handle / strap material can vary from vegan leather to rope, just make sure it works for you. Also be sure the handles or straps are secured well to the bag so you don’t have to deal with a broken strap in the near future.
5. Washable
Having a washable beach bag will make it easier to clean, especially when you’re on the go. If you fall in love with a beach bag that’s not washable, just make sure you won’t have any issues cleaning it. Because it’ll come in contact with water and sand at the beach, mildew is a possibility if the bag’s not properly cleaned.
6. Accessories
Some beach bags include accessories, and while they’re optional, some of them are pretty convenient.
- Wet Bags: Wet bags are probably one of the most appreciated accessories for a beach bag. These allow you to keep your wet swimsuits, towels, etc. separate from your clean, dry clothes.
- Waterproof Cases: Some beach bags come with separate cases that are waterproof, dustproof, and sandproof that help to guarantee your valuables don’t get water damaged. Some are smaller and allow you to bring your phone in the water with you and others are similar to dry bags, they’re a little larger to make sure your laptop, tablet, etc. don’t get wet.
While they’re not as common, some beach bags also include key holders and bottle openers.
Best Beach Bag Reviews
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best beach bags currently on the market.
G4Free Beach Bag
The G4Free Beach Bag is the ultimate companion for your beach adventures. Boasting a spacious design measuring 21.6” x 6.7” x 15.4”, this versatile tote is perfect for a family of four, easily accommodating towels, snacks, and more. Crafted from durable, waterproof fabric, it keeps your belongings safe from sand and water. With 9 pockets including a separate waterproof compartment for wet clothes, inner keychain, and padded handles for comfort, this multifunctional bag is not just for the beach—it’s your go-to for travel, groceries, and daily outings.
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ESVAN Original Floral Large Beach Bag
The ESVAN Original Floral Large Beach Bag is a washable and waterproof bag made of high-quality polyester. It measures 14.6” x 15.4” x 4.7” and can hold everything from your beach blanket to snacks, and even your laptop. This bag has a zipper closure, one exterior zipper pocket, and three interior pockets. It includes straps and an 11-inch handle drop. Offering a lot of space and more than 25 unique design options, the ESVAN Original Floral Large Beach Bag is one of the best beach tote bags you can buy.
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Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag with Oversized Pockets
One of the best family beach bags, the Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag has all the space you need for a family beach day. The bag measures 16.5” x 15” x 8.5” and has eight large pockets, including a zipper pocket for small valuables. The multiple exterior pockets make it easy to store things like your beach sandals, sunglasses, or baby’s diapers so they’re easily accessible. The waterproof bag dries quickly and the mesh material means you won’t carry unwanted sand into your house. Buying the Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag with Oversized Pockets ensures you can carry all of your beach gear in one convenient and stylish bag.
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CleverMade SnapBasket LUXE Canvas Beach Bag
Sometimes heavy-duty canvas bags can make the best bags for the beach. The CleverMade SnapBasket LUXE Canvas Beach Bag has a weight capacity of 30 pounds and only weighs about one pound itself when empty. It’s a great option for travel because while it measures 18.5” x 11.75” x 11.5” when open, it easily packs down to only two inches in depth when you collapse it so it easily fits in your checked luggage. The carry handles are extra long so you have the option of comfortably carrying it in your hand or resting it on your forearm. Not only is it a great beach bag, but you can also use it as a shopping bag whether you’re buying clothing or groceries on vacation. If durability is a key concern, the CleverMade SnapBasket LUXE Canvas Beach Bag is a great option.
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Odyseaco Waterproof Beach Bag
Odyseaco has successfully made one of the best waterproof beach bags on the market. The Odyseaco Waterproof Beach Bag boasts a classic bohemian design and a heavy-duty quality that’s resistant to ripping, tearing, and water. The bag stretches 16.5” x 14” x 7” and includes an interior zipper pocket for your phone and two exterior pockets for things like your refillable water bottle or other drinks. The handles are made from a thick but soft rope and there’s a ten-inch shoulder drop. For a one-of-a-kind bag that’s tough enough to follow you to the beach for years to come, consider the Odyseaco Waterproof Beach Bag.
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CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag for the Beach
With a great mesh bag for beach outings, long gone are the days of tracking sand into the car after a day of fun. The patented technology of the CGear bag naturally sifts sand through its bottom, making it almost completely self-cleaning. This tote combines a classic look and quality construction that includes contoured handles and an interior pocket for small valuables. It measures 15” x 17” x 7” and has more than enough space for your beach towels, sunscreen, etc. You’ll love having the CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag with you at the beach.
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Shylero Extra Large Beach Bag
When it comes to oversized beach bags, you can’t get much better than the Shylero Extra Large Beach Bag. It measures 22” x 15” x 6” and is made of a washable, waterproof, canvas-like fabric with ripstop construction. It can hold 22 pounds and has an outside pocket as well as three large interior pockets. Because it has all of this space and organization, it’s the best beach bag for families. It’s large enough for multiple beach toys, several towels, and even your notebook if you want to get some work done while the kids are playing. Included with the bag is a built-in key holder, built-in bottle opener, and a sandproof, waterproof, and dustproof PVC case. If space is what you’re after, it’s hard to say no to the Shylero Extra Large Beach Bag.
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QOGiR Neoprene Beach Bag with Zipper Pocket
The versatility of the QOGiR Neoprene Beach Bag with Zipper Pocket easily makes it one of the best beach bags for moms. If you’re not excited about taking your diaper bag to the beach, this bag is a convenient alternative. The large size bag measures 14” x 12.5” x 10”, so it has enough space for baby necessities and beach gear. It includes a removable bottom board if you want it to sit flat, and the bag can be configured in multiple styles for your preference and convenience. The bag is made of a washable neoprene material and the handles are made from sailing rope that includes a detachable shoulder pad to enhance comfort. When the vacation is over, the bag folds down to less than two inches in depth so it easily fits in your carry-on luggage and barely adds any weight. The QOGiR Neoprene Beach Bag with Zipper Pocket has everything families need in a beach bag.
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F-color Mesh Beach Bag
The list of the best beach bags for travel is always highlighted by the F-color Mesh Beach Bag. Regardless of whether you’re visiting your local beach or relaxing on a gorgeous island beach, this is the bag you’ll want to have with you. The measurements of the bag are 17.9” x 15” x 9” and it can hold a massive 160 pounds. Whatever you need to bring with you, this bag can handle it. The bag has eight pockets and a design that helps eliminate sand. It’s made of mesh and equipped with a special material that’s resistant to tears, rips, and mildew. If you tend to be an overpacker or need to bring lots of things to the beach for your family, the F-color Mesh Beach Bag might be the best option for you.
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Epison Straw Beach Bag
This straw bag is perfect for the beach and for everyday use. It measures 12.2” x 18.1” x 5.9” and can easily fit up to three beach towels, flip flops, sun glasses, drinks, a sun umbrella, and even your favorite book to read while you relax. This bag also includes a classic and fashionable tassel that helps it stand out. It’s a top zippered bag that has two open pockets and one zipper pocket for your valuables. If you love the look of straw bags, you’ll love the durability the Epison Straw Beach Bag offers.
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Venture Pal 40L Waterproof Beach Backpack
Backpacks for the beach are becoming more common. And when you check out the Venture Pal 40L Waterproof Beach Backpack, you’ll know why. The bag has 40 liters of storage space spread between multiple compartments. It has one main zippered compartment for the majority of your belongings, a small zippered pocket for keys, and two side pockets for things like your water bottle and sunscreen. It even has a waterproof wet pocket so you can keep your wet clothes separate from your dry ones. The bag is made of a high-quality nylon and the double-layer bottom allows you to carry more things. This backpack can also double as a hiking daypack, and has a chest strap with a safety whistle buckle. If you’re not a fan of handle or shoulder strap beach bags, the Venture Pal 40L Waterproof Beach Backpack might be your new favorite travel accessory.
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Once you’ve chosen your new beach bag, trips to the beach will be a lot simpler. As soon as you use it once, you’ll fall in love with the convenience. And because they pack down so small, you can easily store them in your car or luggage until your next beach adventure.