My Jersey Shore Beach Day Essentials, From a Lifelong Local

I’ve been going to the Jersey Shore every summer since I was a kid. My mom would pack ham sandwiches, slather me in SPF 50, and drive my sisters and me to the beach. Decades later, nothing beats a day in Belmar or Sea Bright. As a travel editor, I’ve visited beaches from Italy to Mexico, but the salty air of the Jersey coast still wins. Over the years, I’ve perfected my beach bag. Trust me, you need more than sunscreen and a towel. Here’s my go-to gear.

Start with a good beach chair—lightweight, with a cup holder, and easy to fold. A compact umbrella like the Versa-Brella clips onto your chair for shade. For towels, quick-drying options from Mark & Graham are soft on sunburn. A Yeti or RTIC cooler keeps drinks cold without being too heavy. A beach blanket keeps sand out of your picnic, and a portable table is perfect for sunset dinners.

Pack lightweight linen clothing, a flattering swimsuit, and an easy cover-up like a crochet dress. Slip-on sandals are non-negotiable; waterproof shoes help with rocky patches. A handheld fan, sun hat, and a roomy tote (I love L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote) hold it all. Don’t forget sunglasses, a toiletry bag with sunscreen and lip balm, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.

For entertainment, a phone umbrella blocks glare on your Kindle, a portable charger keeps devices alive, and a JBL speaker plays tunes without disturbing neighbors. A Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for reading by the water. For skincare, Supergoop spray and Vacation lotion offer SPF 50, while aloe gel soothes after-sun. Antibacterial wipes are great for cleaning hands before lunch. This list has kept my beach days perfect for years.