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Confession: I have a love-hate relationship with the beach (trust, it's more love than hate). I mean, nothing beats warm sand, taking a dip in the ocean, and a fresh tan. But can we take a minute to discuss the process of actually getting there? IDK if it's just me, but in order to get the full beach experience, I need to have all my beach essentials. The sunscreen, the aesthetic beach blanket (for the Insta, ofc), the beach read that I'll probably never even open, and the sub sandwich are all non-negotiables. Carrying all of these things (through hot sand, may I add) is no easy feat, but it's nothing a good beach bag can't solve.
Whether your ideal beach bag is a roomy, classic straw tote, a mesh carryall, or LL Bean's classic Boat and Tote, there's a style out there for you. If you ask me, the best beach totes are ones that you can use well after beach season. So, to help narrow down your search for the perfect one, here's a peek at some of the best beach bags the internet has to offer, most of which can double as a work bag, reusable grocery bag, travel tote, or even just a cute summer accessory.
Our top picks for the best beach bags of 2024:
Below, you'll find 15 of the best beach bags for every beachy aesthetic. So when that vacay *actually* makes it out of the group chat, you'll have the perfect accessory ready to go.
Pros
- Zipper closure offers extra security
- Added lining for durability
- Inner small pocket helps organize and secure items
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some reviewers wanted
I can't be the only one who thinks that the walk to and from the beach is a complete pain in the butt, right? Between the heavy beach chairs and sinking sandals, the last thing you want is extra stuff to drag you down. That's why this lightweight tote is the perfect beach accessory to carry all of your necessities securely and comfortably. Thank me later.
- Materials: Rattan, Polyester
- Dimensions: 17'' x 16'' x 23''
Pros
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Roomy design fits a lot of things
- Easy to fold up and travel with
Cons
- No separate compartments aside from phone pocket
I have this mesh tote, and I take it literally everywhere. Originally designed with carrying your grocery errands in mind, but trust, it goes far beyond the typical Trader Joe's run. The lightweight design, phone pocket, and roomy interior makes it ideal for lugging all those beach necessities. Plus, it's available in 8 different colors...although, this tropical print literally screams b-e-a-c-h!
- Materials: 100% GRS-Certified Recycled Performance Air Mesh
- Dimensions: 14.75” x 6” x 14.5”
Pros
- You can choose between four bag sizes and two strap lengths
- Durable, sturdy build
- Can be personalized with a monogram or phrase
Cons
- Color may fade over time
Name something more iconic than the classic Boat and Tote! This bag went viral last summer, thanks to the Ironic Boat Tote Instagram trend. Fit all your beach essentials into this durable canvas bag with reinforced handles that'll last a lifetime. You can choose between four bag sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large) and two strap lengths (Regular and Long), which is a game-changer for those who like their bag to drop lower when carrying a ton. And, yes, you can of course get it custom-monogrammed with your initials or the ironic phrase of your choice. There's a reason this one has become a tried-and-true option for decades now.
- Materials: Cotton Canvas
- Dimensions: 10.5” x 9.5” x 5” for small; 12"x 13"x 6" for medium; 15" x 17" x 7.5" for large; 17"x 19" x 10" for extra-large
Pros
- Available in a ton of cute patterns and colors
- Machine washable
- Roomy
Cons
- No structure
Having a Baggu is kind of a right of passage. I mean, who doesn't love a super affordable catch-all that works for just about any occasion? Available in tons of cute patterns and colors, this roomy tote can hold up to 50 pounds (!!) and, not to mention, will look adorbs with your favorite swimsuit.
- Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon
- Dimensions: 25.5" × 15.5" × 6"
Pros
- Top magnetic button closure keeps items secure
- Interior slip pocket to hold important items
Cons
- A lil pricey
Raise your hand if you're in need of a girls' trip to the beach! *Raises both hands* As soon as the vacation makes it out of the group chat (fingers crossed), snag this cute lil straw tote that's sooo on brand. Although the cheeky little saying already had me sold, trust, the bag is as functional as it is adorable. It's large enough to fit all of your necessities with a magnetic button closure to make sure they stay secure.
- Materials: Woven raffia, Canvas
- Dimensions: 6" x 13.5" x 6.5"
Pros
- Plenty of pockets to stay organized
- Mesh doesn't hold sand
Cons
- Straps can be uncomfortable if the bag is too heavy
If you prefer top-notch function when it comes to your beach bags, I think you should meet this A+ Amazon find. With plenty of convenient pockets to keep all your items organized and sturdy straps that can hold up to 160 lbs (yes, 160!), you're gonna wish you had this beach necessity sooner.
- Materials: Mesh
- Dimensions: 15" x 16.5" x 8.5"
Pros
- Can be used as tote or backpack
- Drawstring closure keeps belongings secure
Cons
- More expensive than some other straw bags on the list
No, I don't think you get it—I'm obsessed! Having the option to carry your bag on your shoulder or on your back is a total game changer. If you've experienced that walk to the beach where you're fighting for your life to hold everything, then this versatile tote with towel-bearing straps may be the answer to all your problems.
- Materials: Corn Husk
- Dimensions: 13.5" x 16" x 4"
Pros
- Available in a ton of colors and three sizes
- Easy to clean
- Tip-proof and non-slip bottom
Cons
- Some reviewers found that straps can easily fall off shoulders
This waterproof tote is giving '90s jelly shoes in the best way possible. The material is super easy to clean, which will 100% come in handy when sand is involved. Oh, and if you need somewhere to put your phone and wallet, there's a waterproof pocket just for that.
- Materials: EVA material
- Dimensions: 18.5'' x 11'' x 11.75''
Pros
- Roomy design gives a lot
- Durable leather straps
Cons
- Interior isn't lined
Trust, as much as I love a luxury designer straw tote bag, dropping that much money on one just isn't in the budget rn. Luckily, J. Crew has this expensive-looking straw tote for less that gets the job done from the farmer's market to the oceanside.
- Materials: Straw, Leather
- Dimensions: 11.5" x 23" x 8"
Pros
- Such a cute accessory you can carry beyond just the beach
- Handmade to order so your bag is unique to you
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- No separate compartments or lining
If it's a one-of-a-kind beach tote you're looking for, look no further than this chic seashell-adorned mesh bag that's handmade. I know this list is dedicated to beach bags, but you can't tell me you wouldn't be sporting this everywhere this summer.
- Materials: Fishnet, Shells
Pros
- Exterior straps hold your sunhat
- Roomy design
- Packable for easy travel
Cons
- Material may feel scratchy against skin, according to some reviews
Sometimes, it's the simple things that get me the most hype. Just like having pockets on a dress, this bag with exterior straps to carry your sunhat is just genius. What can I say? Hat Attack just gets it!
- Materials: Raffia Straw, Cotton Lining
- Dimensions: 20" x 14"
Pros
- Super soft cotton fabric
- Comfy straps
Cons
- Not water-resistant
A bag that lowkey helps you dry off? I'm sold! Arguably the coziest option on the list, this super soft tote is gentle on the skin (and oh so adorbs), so you don't have to worry about extra irritation against that inevitable sunburn. IYKYK.
- Materials: 100% Cotton Terry Jacquard
- Dimensions: 20.5" x 15.5"
Pros
- Stylish design that can be used well beyond the beach
- Spacious
Cons
- Straps are short, so it's harder to carry
Who says a beach bag has to be basic? This fun, colorful fringed option is ready to make a statement with your vacation lewks. It's spacious, functional, and the most gorg accessory all summer long.
- Materials: Raffia, Leather, Linen
- Dimensions: 10.6" x 11.8"
Pros
- Zip-top closure to secure items
- Water-resistant, easy-to-clean coated lining
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets
Cons
- Some reviewers think shoulder straps are too short
This versatile, everyday tote has it all—plenty of space for your beach snacks, a secure zip closure to make sure your sub sandwiches don't go flying, multiple pockets for extra sunscreen, and a coated lining to make shaking that sand out a breeze.
- Materials: 100% organic cotton canvas
- Dimensions: 12" x 16.5" x 7"
Pros
- Super roomy for all your essentials
- Long shoulder straps
- Available in two colors
Cons
- Not waterproof
You can n-e-v-e-r go wrong with an extra-large woven tote. This one features a gorg, two-toned colorway and strays away from all the extra bells and whistles for a simple on-the-go carryall. Reviewers are obsessed with just how spacious and oversized this bag is, making it perfect for the beach.
- Materials: Jute
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Here at Cosmo, we take finding the latest and greatest trends for our readers v-e-r-y seriously. Our lifestyle and shopping team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
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