Over the past weekend, I explored LeClaire Park in Davenport, Iowa, just a ten-minute drive from campus. The park’s walking path offered stunning views of the Mississippi River. My friends and I sat on a park bench, listening to the soothing sounds of the river, the calls of pelicans, and feeling the gentle breeze through our hair. This peaceful experience deepened my appreciation for beaches and their ability to evoke calm, especially when they’re deserted. As summer approaches, I’ll share essential items to bring for your upcoming beach day.
1. Bathing Suit
It’s clear that a bathing suit is essential for a beach outing. For those in need of shopping options, consider Cider, Old Navy, Aerie, and Target. These brands offer a wide range of styles and colors, from bikinis to more modest one-piece suits. Surprisingly, Old Navy, traditionally known for family apparel, now caters to younger women with trendy bathing suit options. Cider provides affordable yet quality options, with full bikini sets priced between $16 to $20, unlike other brands that sell components separately. Don’t forget a cover-up, like a crochet mesh top, which allows you to showcase your bathing suit while staying covered during beach trips.
2. Sunscreen
Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply as needed to prevent the discomfort and unsightly effects of sunburn. According to a review by The New York Times, one of the top-rated sunscreen products currently available is the Banana Boat Light as Air Sunscreen. It effectively blends into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue, making it suitable for all skin types. Additionally, its pleasant, breezy scent adds to the beach day experience.
3. Towel
It is a must that you bring a towel or beach blanket! The last thing you want is to sit in the burning hot sand.
4. Accessories
If you have long hair, it’s essential to pull it back, especially before swimming. This not only helps maintain your hair’s health but is particularly beneficial for hair prone to dryness. Sunglasses are also essential for shielding your eyes from the sun and adding a stylish touch to your beach day ensemble.
5. Sun Bum
Sun Bum products are ideal for beach trips. They offer a range of hair care products designed to protect against heat, UV rays, and chlorine damage, as well as skin and lip care items. Known for their quality and beach-inspired aesthetic, Sun Bum is a perfect companion for a day at the beachSun Bum products are ideal for beach trips. They offer a range of hair care products designed to protect against heat, UV rays, and chlorine damage, as well as skin and lip care items. Known for their quality and beach-inspired aesthetic, Sun Bum is a perfect companion for a day at the beach.
6. Book or Journal
For those who prefer lounging by the beach, bringing along a good book to read or a journal to write in can be a delightful form of self-care and entertainment.For those who prefer lounging by the beach, bringing along a good book to read or a journal to write in can be a delightful form of self-care and entertainment.
7. Music Speaker
If you’re a music enthusiast like myself, creating a beach day summer music playlist is a perfect way to enhance your experience. Whether you’re reading, writing, or simply enjoying the company of friends, a curated playlist adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your beach day.If you’re a music enthusiast like myself, creating a beach day summer music playlist is a perfect way to enhance your experience. Whether you’re reading, writing, or simply enjoying the company of friends, a curated playlist adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your beach day.
8. Digital Camera
Digital cameras are experiencing a comeback, particularly among Gen Z, who appreciate vintage aesthetics. With their unique filters and quality, digital cameras complement traditional phone cameras perfectly. This beach photo, captured with my digital camera last summer above, is a testament to its charm. Sharing beach day photos on social media is not only enjoyable but also a wonderful way to preserve summer memories!Digital cameras are experiencing a comeback, particularly among Gen Z, who appreciate vintage aesthetics. With their unique filters and quality, digital cameras complement traditional phone cameras perfect. Sharing beach day photos on social media is not only enjoyable but also a wonderful way to preserve summer memories!
Now gather all these essentials and begin your California dreamin’Â