The Best Beach Tote Bag: What to Pack and How to Make It Yours
Every good beach day starts with a good beach bag. A big canvas tote is the classic choice for a reason: it is roomy, sturdy and looks effortlessly coastal. Here is why a canvas tote makes the best beach bag, what to pack and how to make yours unmistakably yours.
Why a canvas tote is the best beach bag
- Roomy: fits towels, sunscreen, snacks, a book and a water bottle.
- Sturdy: canvas holds its shape when you set it down in the sand.
- Timeless: a natural canvas tote with colored trim is the original coastal look.
- Easy to spot: with custom patches, your bag will not get mixed up with anyone else's.
Beach bag packing checklist
- Beach towel or blanket
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Water bottle and snacks
- A book or magazine
- A cover-up or a cozy crewneck for when the sun goes down
- A zip pouch for phone, keys and cards
- A spare bag for wet swimsuits
Summery patch combinations
- Tropical: palm tree, smiley, cherry.
- New England: lobster, seashell and your initials.
- Coastal city: LA, palm tree, bow.
- Classic monogram: 2 initials plus a palm tree and a lobster.
Each Everyday Tote comes with 5 patches included, and up to 3 of them can be A to Z letters.
Which tote color is best for the beach?
Natural & Navy is the most nautical. Natural & Green feels like a garden party by the shore. Natural & Red is cheerful and classic Americana, perfect for Fourth of July. Natural & Black is sharp and modern, and makes bright patches pop.
Caring for your beach tote
Shake out sand after every trip, empty wet items right away and let the bag air dry. Spot clean canvas as needed.
A beach tote makes the perfect summer gift
Heading on a girls' trip or bachelorette? Matching beach totes with different initials are a fun surprise. See our tote styling guide or design your beach tote.
