.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

The 11 Best Beach Bag For Beach Days 

By  Emily Konatella

LAST UPDATED - December 11, 2023

Nothing beats a sunny day at the beach! The sun, the surf, the relaxation. But while everyone loves splashing around in the waves and soaking up the sun, the same can't be said for lugging around your beach gear— especially without the right beach bag.

Not only will a fashionable beach tote compliment your outfit, but it'll also help keep your beach essentials dry, organized, and sand-free. So to help you find the perfect beach day carryall, we've rounded up our picks for the best beach bag of the summer. So grab your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen and get ready to hit the beach in style!

What to look for in a beach bag

If you usually lug your beach day essentials around in a reusable canvas tote, it's time for an upgrade. Here are a few key features that set beach bags apart from your standard tote:

  • Bigger size equals more storage space— Most beach bags are larger in size and more rectangular in shape than a regular shopping tote, giving you plenty of room to hold larger items like towels, snacks, and beach toys. Stick to an extra-large tote with plenty of compartments if you plan to carry beach gear for the family.
  • Durable, beach-friendly materials— The best beach bags are made from a tear-resistant, durable material like mesh, straw, or heavy-duty canvas. Some are made using machine-washable fabrics for easy clean-up.
  • Waterproof fabric or water-resistant base— Unlike absorbent canvas or fabric, a waterproof bag made from coated canvas, vinyl, or PVC keeps your dry clothes, snacks, phones, and other important belongings dry and protected from wet sand and stray waves.
  • More pockets mean better organization— The best beach bags are designed with plenty of pockets to keep your beach day essentials well-organized and easily accessible. External pockets made with mesh material are great for holding wet swimsuits, sandy flip-flops, and other messy items you don't want to keep in the main compartment. A hidden zipper pocket on the inside is the perfect place to stash your keys, cards, phone, and other valuables.
  • Sturdy handles— Because you'll be hauling a heavy load, you'll want to look for a beach bag made with reinforced handles that can withstand large loads and frequent use without stretching or tearing. Some tote bags feature a fully removable shoulder strap so you can transport your stuff hands-free.
  • Handy built-in features— Some beach totes come equipped with handy design details like a built-in key holder or bottle opener for added convenience. Other features include detachable inner pouches for holding money, keys, sunglasses, and other small essentials you'll want to keep secure while you soak up the sun.
  • Versatility— In addition to the beach, a stylish bag can be used at the farmer's market, grocery store, or even as a carry-on bag for your next vacation. Be sure to choose a bag that's large enough to haul your laptop to the office and fashionable enough to take on a shopping trip.

The best beach bags for holding beach towels and other beach essentials

Now that you know what to look for in your next beach bag, it's time to check out some of the best products on the market today.

01

Out of 11

Frances Valentine X Sea Star Beachwear Fisherman Tote

Best Overall

Frances Valentine X Sea Star Beachwear Fisherman Tote

Source: Frances Valentine

The Frances Valentine x Sea Star Beachwear Fisherman Tote is made of lightweight, durable neoprene that's water-friendly and even floats! The expandable design stretches to perfectly fit your belongings every time— whether they be beach towels, groceries, picnic supplies, flip flops, or whatever else your heart desires. Shoppers can choose between two reversible colorways: a classic red and light blue combination and eye-catching lime green and bright floral pairing.

Material

100% neoprene

Care

n/a

02

Out of 11

Dejaroo Lightweight Mesh Beach Tote Bag

Best on a Budget

Dejaroo Lightweight Mesh Beach Tote Bag

Source: Amazon

Looking for something that's affordable, practical, and built to last? This Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag is undoubtedly one of the best beach bags on the market. The oversized tote bag is made from lightweight, high-quality mesh that dries quickly and repels sand. The mesh beach bag features eight pockets— including a secure interior zipper pocket— for total organization. The versatile beach tote comes in fifteen color options to complement the colors of any beach blanket, chair, or umbrella.

Material

Mesh

Care

Machine Wash

03

Out of 11

Burberry XL Canvas Beach Tote

Worth the Splurge

Burberry XL Canvas Beach Tote

Source: Bloomingdales

If there's one designer beach bag worth splurging on, it's this chic X-Large Canvas Beach Tote from Burberry. While it looks effortlessly stylish at the seaside, it's equally as chic as an everyday tote bag during the summer. The oversized canvas tote features refined details like a raised Burberry logo, double shoulder straps, and topstitched leather double handles and trim. A tethered zip pouch on the inside keeps your phone, keys, sunglasses, and other small valuables secure and easy to reach.

Material

Linen, cotton

trim: leather

Care

n/a

04

Out of 11

CGEAR Sand-Free Tote IV

Best Sand-Proof

CGEAR Sand-Free Tote IV

Source: Amazon

Sick of getting sand all over your bag? Opt for a sand-proof beach bag like this Sand-Free Tote IV from CGEAR. The waxed cotton canvas tote is weather-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean. It's designed using CGEAR's patented sand-free technology— a proprietary weave that sifts out sand and small particles as you walk. The roomy interior offers more than enough space for your beach towel, clothes, sunblock, and other beach supplies. Plus, its vegan leather trim and handles are finished with reinforced stitched seams for added support and durability.

Material

Canvas, Leather

Care

Machine Wash

05

Out of 11

Mark & Graham x Steele Canvas Waterproof Beach Tote

Mark & Graham x Steele Canvas Waterproof Beach Tote

Source: Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham's Waterproof Beach Tote was designed in collaboration with Steele Canvas, a family-owned company known for its dependable, American-made canvas bags and home goods. The waterproof beach carryall is made from super durable coated nylon vinyl that is tear- and water-resistant. An interior pocket keeps your keys, phone, wallet, and other small valuables handy inside the roomy tote. But perhaps the best feature is the bag's two brass grommets along the bottom that make it easy to shake out any sand and debris that collects in the bottom of your bag. It comes in two sizes and six color choices with personalization options for added style.

Material

Steele Canvas, vinyl

Care

n/a

06

Out of 11

The Original Straw Traveler Bag

Best Multi-Purpose

The Original Straw Traveler Bag

Source: Hat Attack

Hatattack New York is a Connecticut goods and accessories brand known for its timeless aesthetic and functional designs. It started as a husband and wife team and was founded in a studio apartment in Manhattan. Their stylish Original Straw Traveler Bag boasts a roomy interior, sturdy straps, and a practical built-in spot for your sunhat, making it a great option for a day at the beach or a trip to the farmer's market. This bag is made from 100% raffia straw and will surely brighten your spring and summer.

Material

100% Raffia Straw

Care

Spot Clean with Damp Cloth

07

Out of 11

F-color Oversized Mesh Beach Bag

Best Mesh Bag

F-color Oversized Mesh Beach Bag

Source: Amazon

This F-color Oversized Mesh Beach Bag is a best-seller on Amazon for a good reason. The affordable bag is fitted with eight versatile pockets, including one interior pocket with secure zipper closure. While the eco-friendly mesh material may feel lightweight and look sleek, it's incredibly strong and durable. The tear-resistant fabric and reinforced seams can carry up to 160 lbs of beach gear, camping supplies, or groceries. Beach-goers can choose from four color options: blue, black, grey, and white.

Material

Mesh

Care

n/a

08

Out of 11

BTB Los Angeles Ellie Perforated Straw Beach Tote Bag

Best Straw Bag

BTB Los Angeles Ellie Perforated Straw Beach Tote Bag

Source: Neiman Marcus

Nothing says summer quite like chic and stylish straw bags! This versatile BTB Los Angeles Ellie Perforated Straw Beach Tote Bag is perfect for a vacation, beach day, or family trip to the pool. The stylish and practical beach tote is made from perforated ivory straw with natural color trim that gives a nice contrast. Whether you are seeking a beach bag or a summer bag, this stylish Ellie Perforated Straw Beach Tote bag will be your new summer favorite.

Material

perforated straw

Care

n/a

09

Out of 11

Hydro Flask Lightweight Collapsible Insulated Tote

Best Insulated

Hydro Flask Lightweight Collapsible Insulated Tote

Source: Amazon

This Lightweight Collapsible Insulated Tote from Hydro Flask, the experts in insulated water bottles and coffee cups is ideal for transporting food and drinks to the beach, pool, or barbeque. The dual-purpose insulated tote bag can be used to keep foods hot or cold. The roomy interior easily holds enough snacks and water bottles for the whole family to enjoy at the beach. Its collapsible design is made using waterproof coated fabric, zip pockets, welded seams, and a durable fully-lined interior for easy clean-up and compact storage between uses.

Material

Polyester

Care

n/a

10

Out of 11

SAINT LAURENT Cabas YSL Vinyl Tote Bag

Best Clear Bag

SAINT LAURENT Cabas YSL Vinyl Tote Bag

Source: Bergdorf Goodman

For a modern look, try a beach bag— like this SAINT LAURENT Cabas YSL Vinyl Tote Bag— that's made from vinyl and calf leather. Not only is the see-thru material on-trend, but it's also incredibly easy to clean. Plus, it makes it easy to spot your contents inside without needing to dig through your tote to find them. The versatile tote is fitted with a back slip pocket, magnetic snap fastening, slim straps, and sleek silver-toned hardware.

Material

vinyl, calf leather

Care

no

11

Out of 11

Botkier Bedford Large Beach Tote

Best Canvas Bag

Botkier Bedford Large Beach Tote

Source: Botkier 

When it comes to canvas bags, it's hard to beat this Botkier Bedford Large Beach Tote. The simple open-top beach bag features a magnetic snap closure. Crafted from canvas and leather accents, the beach tote is lined and includes an interior zip pocket and slip pocket that allows you to store your phone, key, and other essentials. With double handles and straps, this bag can be worn in different ways and hand free. Shoppers can choose from three summer-ready colors.

Material

Canvas with leather trim

Care

n/a


About the author

Emily is a fashion consultant, designer and creative director with more than 15 years experience creating, designing and developing clothing & jewelry. From managing pageant shows to turning concepts into actual designs, she has experience with almost all fabric types and jewelry designs and is in touch with the latest fashion trends.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Creative Design

Get a Weekly Dose Of Tomorrow's Trends & Best Products!

We don't share your information with anyone!