These Are the Summer Beach Essentials According to a Water-Obsessed Travel Editor

As a travel editor raised in SoCal, an avid surfer, and an aspiring beach bum, I find that packing for the a day at the ocean has become less about what looks good and more about what actually works. This season, I’m bringing the gear that’s proven itself over decades of seaside days: the sun protection that stays put, the snacks that matter, and the one pieces that don’t require repositioning mid-dip.

Here Are My Favorites

Courtesy of Kook

Kook Hair Mask—Massage this incredible smelling mask infused with ylang ylang into hair before a swim to protect your locks. It’s literally saved my color-treated mane from endless hours of salt and UV exposure.

Courtesy of Tower 28

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue—This mist has a hydrating formula that doesn’t feel sticky in humidity. Great for a mid-day mist or relief after sun exposure. I love using it post-surf after stripping off all the zinc.

Courtesy of Roxy

Roxy Spring Suit—This surf suit gives you enough coverage to spend all day in the water without rethinking your sun situation every two hours. I love how the inlays give a nice silhouette.

Courtesy of Outerknown

Outerknown Origin One Piece—John Moore’s brand builds suits that actually stay in place, and better yet they’re made with recycled fishing nets. They also launched a new line of spring suits worthy of checking out. I can’t wait to try mine out in Sayulita.

Courtesy of Kai Sallas Longboard Co

Kai Sallas Waikiki Longboard—This classic noserider has enough volume to paddle like a champ and catch literally anything. I fell in love with her on my first retreat with the champ longboader and have never looked back.

Courtesy of Tag Aloha

Tag Aloha Pareo—Better than tying a sarong when you’re wet and cold—this one worn by all the “it girls” on the islands goes over everything and can double as a towel or beach blanket. It’s a favorite of flight attendants for a reason.

Courtesy of Retrospec

Retrospec E-Cruiser—Cruising along on this adorable vintage looking e-bike sure beats hunting for parking or sitting in beach traffic, and it really charges uphill. I’m currently jerry-rigging a surfboard rack to mine for the ultimate Santa Cruz experience. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Dune Sunscreen—This SoCal-based sun protection is reef-safe and actually doesn’t pill under other products, which matters when you’re layering protection. It also smells amazing, which we all know makes it pass the vibe check.

Courtesy of Raen

Raen Keera Sunglasses—Somewhere between a cat-eye and a wayfarer, this shape actually flatters, and the quality sits somewhere between “this is an investment” and “I’ll actually wear these every day without thinking about them.” Great UV protection and worth the spend.

Courtesy of Hemlock Hat Co.

Hemlock Hat Co—I’ve worn this lifeguard-style hat for years, and love that it’s not as dopey as the ones I used to have to wear while patrolling. There are tons of cute, customizable patterns but I have my eye on this Baja-inspired straw number.

Courtesy of Business & Pleasure Co.

Business and Pleasure Umbrella—This sustainably-made beach umbrella set is next level. While most usually tip in the first breeze, this one’s weighted right and is absolutely adorable. Bonus is that it comes with matching beach chairs.

Courtesy of Aloha

Pendleton Aloha Beach Bag (Pink)—The collaboration pieces with Western icon Pendleton actually hold their shape and fit everything you need, plus they’re waterproof. I love the hybrid vibe of the islands and the indigenous cultures of the West Coast in this new collab.

Courtesy of Nomadix

Nomadix Beach Towels—Nomadix owns the game when it comes to compact beach towels. The microfiber actually dries fast and packs down to nothing, which matters when you’re rotating between beach and car all day.

Courtesy of Patagonia

Patagonia Surf Brimmer Hat—Made from recycled fishing nets, these surf hats float (key after a wipeout), and have a chin strap that actually stays put and a dark underbill that cuts the glare.

Courtesy of RUX

Rux Waterproof Dry Bag/Cooler—Keeps your stuff actually cold and dry, and can also double as a slick looking dry bag. This one always gets compliments.

Courtesy of Amazon

Bose Soundlink Speaker—Compact enough to toss in the bag, waterproof enough that you don’t panic when it gets splashed, and small enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re bringing a sound system to the beach, this is the GOAT in a crowded market of travel sound systems.

Courtesy of Osea

Osea Undaria Body Oil—Rinse the salt off and smooth this on while your skin’s still damp and reward yourself with this insanely delicious smelling, restorative body oil. An essential splurge for an ocean girlie.

Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s Patio Chips—Why do chips taste so good at the beach? It’s an anomoly we may never understand. This chip version of a patio pounder is worth hoarding—a mix of Sea Salt & Vinegar, Delicious Dill, Homestyle Ketchup, and Smokin’ Sweet BBQ—the ultimate four-flavor moment for seaside snacking.

Courtesy of Salt Point

Salt Point Canned Greyhounds—I love how these locally-made canned cocktails are not at all sweet or fakey tasting. I swooned over them at Portola Festival last year and it’s been true love ever since.

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