LIFESTYLE

The best beach bags for summer

Here are our favorite totes, whether you’re just tossing in some sunscreen and a towel, or you need to haul toys and snacks for the kids.

Photograph by Flashpop, Getty Images

ByKaitlin Stanford

July 8, 2024

By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave NationalGeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*

Most of us love a good trip to the beach on a hot summer day. But when it comes to the many things you need just to enjoy a day in the sand, packing for the beach can get overwhelming pretty fast. That’s where a good beach bag can make all the difference.

We’ve been on the hunt for the best beach bags of 2024, and after wading through dozens of popular contenders and overlooked underdogs, we came up with eight amazing options.

Topping our list for the best overall beach bag is the Aloha Day Tripper Tote, which has almost everything you could want in a summer bag. It’s lightweight, splashproof, large, and easy to pack. Plus, hundreds of Amazon shoppers have given it 5-star reviews, calling it “surprisingly soft” and “exactly what I was looking for.”

Scroll on to learn more about the Day Tripper and to check out our other picks for the best beach bags of the summer.

(Don't leave for the beach without these essentials)

The best bags for the beach

Best overall: Aloha Collection Day Tripper Bag

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: The Aloha Tote checks a lot of important boxes. At just 8.78 ounces, it’s conveniently light, so it doesn’t add any unnecessary weight to your shoulder. It also measures a roomy 18 inches wide, 15 inches tall, and 8 inches deep and has multiple pockets to stash your beach essentials. And if you need even more room than that, you’re in luck: There’s an expandable top that will maximize storage space and even matching pouches you can purchase to better organize smaller items.

The zippered top helps keep everything contained, and the splash-proof material makes the bag perfect for all sorts of travel and weather. We also love the Day Tripper’s stylish and versatile look and that it comes in dozens of different patterns and prints to choose from. (In fact, many Amazon reviewers said they also use it as a carry-on and gym bag.)

Keep in mind: While the Day Tripper is splashproof, it isn’t waterproof. That means it can withstand minor splashes, spills, and light rain but will eventually take on water if it’s submerged or drenched. It also isn’t machine-washable, so you’ll have to spot-treat stains by hand.

Best beach bag for women: Steeletex Beach Tote

Buy it now at Steele

Why we like it: This go-anywhere, do-anything bag is so classic and versatile that you’ll want to use it for practically everything — not just the beach. Each tote is made-to-order right in the USA and is constructed from a durable vinyl-coated nylon that’s both water- and tear-resistant. As a result, you don’t have to worry about scratches or stains; simply wipe it clean or hose it off, and it will look as good as new. Best of all, it’s available in lots of different colors to suit your style and has a 10” handle drop that allows you to throw it over your shoulder and travel hands-free.

Bonus: This Special Edition version from Mark & Graham allows you to monogram the front and features grommets along the bottom that help shake the sand out!

Keep in mind: While the bag itself is large, there’s only one interior pocket, so you will likely want to place smaller packing cubes inside to prevent things from getting lost in the bottom of your bag. (If you prefer a bag with more pocket space, check out the CALPAK Terra 35L, which has multiple compartments and a zippered, roll-away top.)

Product details: Size: 17" L x 7" W x 17" H | Material: Vinyl-coated nylon | Style: Tote | Interior pockets: 1 | Closure: Open top

Best mesh beach bag: F-color Mesh Beach Bag

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Tracking sand home in all of your things can be a real pain. If this is one of your biggest gripes about going to the beach, a mesh bag may be the way to go. This extra-large mesh tote has more than 12,500 reviews on Amazon and gets high marks from customers for its quality, size, pocket space, and sand resistance. Reviewers have praised it for being “spacious and sturdy” and love that it has nine different pockets to store various beach essentials. It’s also foldable, which allows you to pack it inside a suitcase or carry-on if you’re bringing it on vacation. This zippered tote is also a great budget-friendly option with lots of colors and styles to choose from.

Keep in mind: While the bottom of the bag does have a solid bottom that’s intended to be sandproof, the mesh sides will still let sand in. However, it’s easy to shake it out. (One customer suggested placing a beach towel or blanket down beforehand to avoid this.)

Best waterproof bag: Bogg Bag

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Aside from its trendy look and multiple colorways, the Bogg has a large interior that can fit practically anything inside and comes with two clear bags for storing smaller items. It’s made from durable Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material, which is what makes it completely waterproof both inside and out, as well as sturdy and easy-to-clean. Customers also love its non-slip bottom and tip-proof design, which make it virtually (“indestructible,” according to one Amazon reviewer.)

Keep in mind: The Bogg doesn’t have a top zipper like some other beach totes, but because it’s designed to stand upright on its own and not tip, it should keep items from spilling out. That said, you may want to lock up valuables or hide them out of sight.

Another deterrent for some may be the price. For a similar but more affordable option, check out Simply Modern’s version of the bag, which also gets high marks from Amazon customers.

Product details: Size: 19” L x 9” W x 14” H | Material: EVA | Style: Tote | Interior pockets: 1 | Closure: Open

Best beach bag for moms: The Original Foldie

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Going to the beach — or make that anywhere — with kids can sometimes feel like you’re bringing your whole house with you. Enter the Foldie, an ultra-versatile travel bag that can be folded up into one lightweight and compact pouch or opened up into a large-capacity bag with an extendable bottom.

Moms love that it’s made with 290D water and tear-resistant fabric and is completely machine washable to withstand all of life’s messes. There are multiple interior pockets with separate compartments for wet and dry items, a water bottle holder, a detachable crossbody strap, and interlocking zippers to keep things safe. There’s even a special “trolley sleeve” so it can slide onto the handle of your rolling suitcase. But here’s the part moms will really appreciate: It folds down into such a small and lightweight pouch that you can fit it inside your suitcase or purse as an additional “just in case” bag.

Keep in mind: If you’re using the Foldie as a carry-on, some customers said it doesn’t always fit snugly under an airplane seat, so you might have to store it in an overhead bin. As a beach bag, however, its large size only works to its advantage.

Best designer beach bag: The Lightweight Tote from Rothy’s

Buy it now at Rothy's

Why we like it: Over the years, Rothy’s has become a well-trusted accessories brand thanks to its high-quality products and ethical manufacturing practices. The Lightweight Tote is no exception, blending that classic Rothy’s style with sustainable and versatile design.

Each bag is thoughtfully made with roughly 618 grams of ocean-bound marine plastic and — true to its name — incredibly lightweight, at just 1.5 lbs. It’s 100% waterproof and even machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about it being too precious. Plus, just because it’s pretty doesn’t mean it’s not durable: Each bag is tested to hold up to 150 lbs.

Keep in mind: While the bag is highly versatile, it doesn’t have any interior pockets, so you may want to add matching Rothy’s accessories, such as the pouch or wristlet. And, if this style isn’t large enough for you, check out the Mega version.

Product details: Size: 12.8" L x 6.7" D x 13.6" H | Material: Ocean-bound marine plastic and Rothy’s signature thread (recycled water bottles) | Style: Tote | Interior pockets: 0 Closure: Open

Best large beach bag: Popflex Big Beach Carryall Bag

Buy it now at Popflex

Why we like it: The clever, all-in-one design of this bag is pretty tough to beat. For starters, it’s oversized and ultra-roomy, with lots of pocket space inside, elastic straps to hold your water bottle, and a zippered top to keep things safely contained. It also comes in a fun palm tree print with a matching accessories bag for holding smaller items like sunglasses or keys.

Our favorite part by far is the hidden compartment on the bottom that’s fully insulated to keep snacks and drinks cold for hours. And if beach yoga is your thing, you’re in luck: This bag even has a built-in holder just for your yoga mat.

Keep in mind: The insulated compartment is rather small, so if you have to pack a large amount of food or drinks, you might be better off bringing an extra cooler.

Product details: Size: 13” L x 22" W x 8" H | Material: 100% Polyester Mesh outer, with polyester and aluminum lining | Style: Carryall | Interior pockets: 2 | Closure: Zipper

**Runner-up: Land’s End 5-Pocket Zip Top Canvas Tote: This oversized canvas tote from Land’s End deserves an honorable mention here. Yes, it’s been around forever and is basically iconic at this point; but it’s also super durable and has the ability to be monogrammed, which is why it’s become an everyday staple for so many. That said, it’s made with light-colored canvas, so it’s not waterproof and shows scuffs and dirt easily.

Best beach cooler bag: LL Bean Large Cooler Bag Tote

Buy it now at LL Bean

Why we like it: This stylish cooler bag may not “look” like a cooler bag, but that’s precisely what sets it apart. It has that classic New England style that LL Bean totes have come to be known for, with the added bonus of a fully insulated main compartment that’s leak-proof and roomy enough to store lunch for the whole family.

Unlike typical ice coolers, which tend to be hard and bulky with short handles, this one has a soft exterior and comfy straps, so you can easily sling it over your shoulder or wear it as a crossbody. We also love that it can be used for everything from picnics to tailgating parties to your weekly grocery run and that it’s available in two sizes: Medium and Large.

Keep in mind: Because it’s fully insulated and made to hold up to 33 L, the cooler tote runs a bit heavier than other beach bags on this list. But at 3.5 lbs, it’s ultimately pretty lightweight in comparison to other ice chests and is far more versatile.

Product details: Size: 14" H x 22" W tapers to 17¼"W x 7½"D. | Material: TPU-coated cotton canvas exterior with food-grade, seam-sealed lining (BPA- and PVC-free). | Style: Tote | Interior pockets: 0 | Closure: Zipper

**Runner-up: If you want the best of both worlds, the RTIC 2-in-1 Chillout Bag is a hybrid beach bag with a cooler base and a regular top compartment. This allows you to keep all your essentials dry and still chill your drinks and food throughout the day.

With so many great beach bags on the market, we had a lot of options to sift through. Here’s how we trimmed down the list of contenders to just eight stand-out picks.

Third-party reviews: From Amazon to Reddit, we dug deep into consumer reviews to see what impartial shoppers had to say about their favorite — and least favorite — beach bags.
Brand reputation: As always, we were careful to balance our picks between tried-and-true brand names and under-the-radar favorites you may not have heard about.
Value: More expensive doesn’t always mean better. We were sure to weigh each bag’s efficiency and practicality against its cost to offer solid options at a variety of price points.
Durability: No one wants a flimsy beach bag. All of our selections are made with quality materials that can hold a substantial amount of weight and withstand the elements.

Tips for buying beach bags

If you want to avoid an impulse-purchase that you’ll later regret, consider these key factors before hitting checkout.

Be realistic about the bag size you need

If you’re only tossing a towel and some sunscreen into your beach bag, then a small, lightweight tote will do. But if you’re packing for more than just yourself — and lugging along heavy items like sand toys and lunch for the whole family — then you’ll want something heavy-duty. Think practically about what you plan to bring with you and look into bag size, dimensions, and how much weight it can carry.

Material matters

Think about durability and cleaning care when comparing fabrics. Maybe you love the look of a classic canvas tote but find it a pain to clean or really want a waterproof lining. Think through the pros and cons of the bag’s material and consider the care instructions before making a decision.

Know the difference between water-proof and water-resistant

Unfortunately, they are not created equal. While water- and splash-resistant fabric can withstand light spills and even some gentle rain, it will take on water if it gets completely drenched. If you truly want your bag to be waterproof, you’ll need to read the fine print closely.

Pay attention to the pocket space

Not every tote will have ample pocket space. If that’s important to you, then you’ll want to pick a beach bag that has multiple built-in compartments to store smaller items. Otherwise, you can always organize the bag’s interior with travel pouches or packing cubes so that nothing gets lost at the bottom.

Don’t sacrifice comfort and efficiency for aesthetics

It can be easy to choose form over function; but while that pretty straw tote may coordinate perfectly with your new beach cover-up, it may not actually hold much and be uncomfortable to carry. Consider things like strap length and width, carrying options, and how heavy the bag is before any items are added to it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of bag to bring to the beach?

That depends on the kind of beach day you’re planning to have. If you’re bringing a lot with you, you’ll probably want to zero in on a large tote with ample pocket space and a heavy-weight capacity. Wide straps that offer multiple carrying options (like over-the-shoulder and crossbody) could also come in handy as you’re trekking through the sand. If you’re bringing kids along with you, a mesh tote might be the best way to go since you can carry multiple beach toys inside and simply shake the sand off before you head back to your car.

What is the best material for beach bags?

This all comes down to preference. Ask yourself: Do you want your beach bag to be soft and lightweight or thick and durable? Is it more important that it’s water- and sandproof or that it’s sustainably made? Do you care if the bag is sturdy enough to stand upright on its own or simply that it’s easy to clean? And where does your budget come into play?

Ultimately, the “best” material for a beach bag is the one that’s best for you.

Kaitlin Stanford is a freelance writer and editor from New York with more than 15 years experience working in online media. In that time, she’s worked for national brands such as Disney, Yahoo, Parents, and Bustle, covering everything from trending news to women’s health. But it’s her love of shopping content and product reviews that she keeps coming back to.

*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.