Is a day at the beach part of your summer plans? Whether you’re visiting us in the Caribbean or spending a weekend at a beach resort nearby, you’ll want to remember to bring all of the essentials for a great day of fun in the sun. Here are some of our favorite items to fill up your beach bag:

Sunscreen – Undoubtedly, the most important thing you can pack in your beach bag is sunscreen! It will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and ensure that you leave your beach day with a healthy glow instead of a burn! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day to keep your skin protected.

Tip: Try a spray-on sunscreen that lets you apply even coverage easily without missing a spot.

Read more about sun protection!

Accessories – When packing for your beach day, you definitely don’t want to leave your sunglasses, hat, flip flops and cover-up behind at the resort. These summer accessories will make you look stylish while also keeping you comfortable during your day in the sun. You also won’t want to forget a plush, comfy towel to lie on.

Tip: Polarized sunglasses are great for people with sensitive eyes. They’ll give you crisp, clear views of the beautiful scenery while keeping you squint-free!

Hair products – If you’ve got long locks, you’ll want to bring along some beauty accessories to keep your hair out of your face and untangled for the day. Pack some hair ties, bobby pins or clips, in addition to a headband or scarf to keep shorter hair pulled back. You can also bring a small bottle of detangling hair spray and a wide-tooth comb to brush out any knots from the wind or water to keep your hair looking great.

Tip: Want to keep the beachy waves after you’ve left the shore? Try spritzing a saltwater spray into your hair and scrunching it to imitate the look your hair gets from the ocean air.

Entertainment – While your main reason for a beach day might be to get some much needed R&R, you may also want to pack some things to keep you entertained throughout the day. Pack some portable speakers to play music from your phone or MP3 player, a book or magazine to read, or even a game like bocce ball or horseshoe. If you have little ones, don’t forget the necessary tools for sandcastle building!

Tip: If you’re planning to bring electronics to the beach, like your phone, MP3 player or eReader, make sure to put them into a protective case first to keep sand & water from ruining them!

What are your must-have items for a beach day? Share them in the comments below!