Top 9 Beach Bags Every Traveler Needs

Got your beach towel and a good book? Check. Stocked up on ice-cold drinks? Absolutely. Sunscreen and UV-protective long-sleeve shirts? You bet. But what about the ideal bag to carry all your essentials and a few extra items from your starting point to the beach?

Your beach bag is the unsung hero of any seaside adventure. "Beach bags are crucial for a day by the water because they help transport, safeguard, and organize all your necessary gear," explains Kristin Billings, a travel expert focused on beach holidays and Disney trips. "A well-chosen bag enhances your day, keeping you organized and allowing for more enjoyment at the beach."

Regardless of what you choose to pack (and we have plenty of great tips), and wherever your destination might be (Snorkeling in Catalina Island or sunbathing on Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach?), just ensure you have the right bag to carry it all.

Factors to consider when selecting your ideal beach bag

Naturally, the perfect beach bag for parents managing plastic sand toys and a day’s supply of juice boxes will differ significantly from the ideal tote for a resort-goer carrying just stylish sunglasses and a good read (after all, the swim-up bar is merely a sand mound away).

Keep these suggestions in mind as you embark on your quest for "the one":

1. Size is crucial. When in doubt, opt for a larger option, advises Abbey Hester, co-founder of beach event company The VB Picnic Co., alongside her twin sister Hayley. "It's frustrating to invest in a bag," she notes, "only to realize on the day of your trip that your beach essentials won’t fit."
2. Staying organized avoids headaches. Whether you choose a spacious bag with compartments or smaller containers to keep valuables away from snacks, you’ll minimize stress and reduce conflicts (like, "I told you to keep the keys safe!") by maintaining order.
3. Durability is essential. Avoid being that person who spills their items halfway from the car to the beach. Look for bags designed to endure sun, saltwater, and sand—even if it means paying a bit more upfront.
4. Think about how easy it is to clean. Is it machine-washable? Can it be hosed off? Does it feature mesh or straw to let sand fall through? Choose a bag that meets your cleanliness standards.
5. Align the bag's style with your personality and context. The Hester sisters prefer neutral bags that complement the beach's taupe and earth tones, while Laura McGee, owner of Fort Myers boutique Ives Curated Gifts, favors vibrant, sunny colors. Beyond color, consider the occasion. “Are you looking for something casual for family beach days?” she asks. “Or do you want an accessory that pairs with your resort outfits?”

Ready to discover your ideal beach bag? Check out our top nine recommendations.

Allpa 60L Gear Hauler Tote - Del Día by Cotopaxi

Best beach bag overall

Our travel specialists agree that when selecting beach bags, larger is preferable. "It should be spacious enough that you never need to leave the beach after arriving," states Hayley Hester. "You should be able to fit everything you need inside."

With a capacity of 60 liters (which is essentially big enough for a toddler to snuggle up within its semi-structured design), Cotopaxi’s Allpa Gear Hauler truly embodies the mantra of 'go big or go home.' But that’s just one of the many great features this impressive beach bag offers.

Featuring longer tote handles, shorter side-grip handles, and convenient snatch handles on the sides, this hauler offers multiple carrying options. Its ballistic nylon exterior is incredibly durable and water-resistant, easily handling unexpected splashes. Plus, with several pockets (one outside and five inside, including a main compartment), staying organized is a breeze. Planning a lengthy walk along the beach? The two top compression straps will help secure everything in place.

And let's talk about the colors. We’ve highlighted the benefits of Cotopaxi’s Del Día initiative before—using repurposed fabrics results in unique products crafted in fair labor-certified facilities—but a large, colorful beach bag definitely helps in identifying your spot amidst a sea of similar setups. Additionally, the brand supports its products with a lifetime warranty and contributes one percent of its revenue (via the Cotopaxi Foundation) to nonprofits working to alleviate extreme poverty.

Camp Tough Tote Bag by Mountain Hardwear

Top beach bag for organization

If Marie Kondo were to choose her ideal beach bag, we’re certain she would opt for Mountain Hardwear’s Camp Tough Tote Bag. With six pockets surrounding a central compartment, this tote is designed for maximum organization, ensuring your beach outings remain enjoyable rather than chaotic. "Having multiple compartments is essential for keeping everything organized," states Hayley Hester. "Otherwise, your items end up piled together in a messy heap. You want to know exactly where everything is."

Offered in two neutral tones (Hunter Green and a beige named “Scout”), the Camp Tough Tote is made from 1,200-denier, abrasion-resistant, fully recycled polyester by a brand dedicated to improving the world through nonprofit collaborations (including their latest initiative with Leave No Trace) and sustainable methods.

Black Hole MLC Cube by Patagonia

Top beach bag organizer

If your bag lacks pockets—or maybe it has some, but you need more—consider investing in a smaller organizer, suggests McGee. "You might want one pouch for wet items like swimsuits at the end of the day; another for headphones, phone, and SPF lip balm; and perhaps a third for snacks," she advises. "Having separate bags for each category simplifies your day."

Billings agrees, saying, "I really prefer a smaller inner bag that can keep your keys, sunscreen, and other small items organized—perhaps a little waterproof bag with a zipper."

While a gallon food storage bag—or even a simple plastic grocery bag—could work in a pinch, their durability is likely insufficient for regular use, and as single-use items, they aren’t environmentally friendly options.

Instead, explore the offerings from Patagonia, a certified B Corporation and founding member of 1% for the Planet, which allocates all profits not reinvested back into the business to projects that combat the climate crisis. All of its Black Hole packing cubes are crafted from robust, weather-resistant, fully recycled fabric that’s Fair Trade-certified sewn. We particularly love the newly launched MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-on) for its two-part design: a compressible, roll-top upper section and a separate zippered lower compartment. Its perfectly sized design makes it ideal as a standalone beach bag or compact enough to fit inside a larger tote. If you prefer a minimalist approach, the 3-liter Black Hole Cube is perfect for holding your wallet, keys, and phone (though it won’t accommodate much more).

Sandy Tote by Clare V.

Top stylish beach bag

“My top pick for a beach bag is one that allows sand to pass through, preventing it from accumulating at the bottom,” Billings advises. “This could be a straw or mesh bag that holds a decent amount of items.”

If you share Billings’ dislike for bringing the beach home—and many of us do—the Sandy Tote from the female-founded fashion brand Clare V. could be your ultimate solution. Specifically designed for relaxing days by the sea, the Sandy’s loose weave construction effectively filters out stray sand particles with just a few shakes. We also adore how the braided cotton rope adds a stylish twist to the classic tote design.

Measuring 16 inches in width and 12 inches in height, this fashionable tote can easily accommodate your book, sunglasses, and even a towel. However, if you're preparing for a full day at the beach, you might want a larger option. It’s also advisable to keep items that shouldn’t get wet or sandy in a separate, smaller bag.

Beverage Bucket by Sea Bags

Best beach bag for carrying a six-pack

Beach trips often create unforgettable memories: a proposal at sunset leaving only one knee sandy, your child’s first splash in the ocean, or that sunburn you wish you could forget. In a sense, your beach bag plays a crucial role in this memory-making adventure. By choosing one from Sea Bags, you’re opting for a handmade tote that carries its own rich history.

Every product from this brand is crafted from sailcloth that once propelled boats along the shores of Portland, Maine. While most sails end up in landfills when they become too worn for use, Sea Bags breathes new life into them. So far, this woman-founded company has repurposed around 1.5 million pounds of sailcloth into everything from duffels to diaper bags and various home decor items.

Candice Thiele, the leading salesperson at Ives Curated Gifts in Fort Myers, Florida, praises Sea Bags for their durability and ease of cleaning. Moreover, she notes, “They’re vintage; they’ve been places.”

The 96-ounce Beverage Bucket by Sea Bags includes six interior pockets perfectly sized for your favorite six-pack. (Just a reminder: glass bottles are typically not allowed at most beaches.) Simply fill the main compartment with ice, use the stylish hemp rope handles to transport your refreshments to the beach, and enjoy. A grommet at the bottom of the bag allows melted ice to drain away. Spilled some soda? No problem—the Beverage Bucket is machine washable.

The Virginia Beach Tote by North End Bag Company

Best all-purpose beach bag

Planning to fly to your beach getaway? Billings recommends choosing a versatile beach bag that can function as both your seaside companion and reliable carry-on. The Virginia Beach Tote from North End Bag Company, handcrafted just four blocks from the Virginia Beach shoreline, is an excellent choice. It features a stylish, water-resistant, waxed canvas exterior paired with leather straps, offering a look that’s both rugged for everyday use and polished enough for first-class travel. The exterior slip pockets are perfect for flip flops or travel snacks, while additional interior compartments provide storage for goggles or electronics.

The Hester sisters are particularly fond of this tote—not just because it shares the name of their favorite beach spot. "These bags are handmade, so they tend to be a bit more expensive, but their durability means you can enjoy them for years," Abbey Hester notes. "You’ll find yourself reaching for it summer after summer."

The Packable Backpack by Away

Best compressible beach bag

At first glance, Away’s Packable Backpack resembles any other lightweight backpack—though it’s crafted entirely from recycled, water-resistant nylon. The wide, lightly padded shoulder straps ensure that even heavy loads are comfortable to carry, while a top handle adds grab-and-go convenience. One verified buyer was particularly impressed, stating, “It’s much larger than I anticipated and really easy to access (which was crucial for handing out sunscreen, phones, and everything else my family needed). I love the color, style, and material. I’ll definitely be buying more as holiday gifts.”

But wait—just with a little crease here and a squish there, voilà! This hands-free beach bag shrinks down to about the size of a tofu block (or a generous filet mignon for meat lovers). In true Houdini style, the Packable Backpack folds into a small zip pouch for convenient, out-of-sight storage. Plus, it’s a product from a commendable brand: Away is a female-founded business that’s part of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association and collaborates with travel-centric nonprofits like Global Glimpse and Foster Love (previously known as Together We Rise), which supports those in the foster care community.

Alder Lake Tote by Kavu

Best mesh beach bag

It’s only fitting that Kavu, an outdoor brand inspired by the aviation term 'clear above, visibility unlimited,' would create a bag perfect for sun and sand adventures. Introducing the brand-new Alder Lake Tote. With plenty of storage options (five exterior pockets, a hanging zip pocket, an additional slip pocket inside, and a spacious central compartment), this transparent beach bag allows sand to escape effortlessly through its mesh design. And if one of the kids spills mint chip ice cream on it, just hose it down when you get home.

While Kavu implements sustainability efforts overall—partnering with bluesign-approved suppliers and using some eco-friendly materials—the Alder Lake Tote doesn't prominently feature these initiatives, aside from its hang tag (crafted from recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based inks) and the biodegradable bag it comes in.

R-Jaunt 20L Cooler by Icemule

Best insulated beach bag

On hot days, cold drinks are a must. And if there's no tiki hut around, it's time to bring the fun with Icemule’s brand-new R-Jaunt 20L. This cooler is crafted from recycled rPET ocean waste nylon and fully recycled plastic components. Completely waterproof and featuring dual foam and air insulation, this roomy beach bag (also available in 15-liter and 9-liter versions, which are not made from recycled materials) guarantees over 24 hours of ice retention.

Inside, there’s a spacious compartment that can hold 15 standard 12-ounce cans (along with ice), while the exterior includes a single zip pocket to keep credit cards or earbuds safe from moisture. Plus, the Jaunt’s backpack-style design, equipped with padded shoulder straps, allows your hands to stay free for holding your child’s hand or waving to friends as you approach the beach party.