The Best Beach Bags for Summer 2026
Shop our favorite beach bags (ideal for the pool, too!) just in time for your upcoming vacation.
Our Top Beach Bag Picks
- Best Waterproof: CALPAK Water Resistant Zip Tote Bag
- Best Large: SCOUT Extra-Large Beach Bag
- Best Zip: ESVAN Oversize Water-Resistant Beach Bag
- Best Personalized: Mark & Graham Oversized Ribbon Straw Beach Bag
- Best Rubber: Neoprene Multipurpose Beach Bag Tote
- Best Cooler: Away Cooler Tote
- Best Budget Cooler: RTIC Everyday Insulated Tote Bag
- Best Multipurpose: Wrapables AllyBag Reusable Shopping Bag
- Best Bucket: Stripe Nylon Bucket Bag
- Best Seashell: Seashell Pocket Mesh Bags
Toting around wet towels, sandy sunscreen bottles, portable speakers, melamine tumblers and a packed lunch for your entire family is much easier to do when you have a beach bag equipped for the job. Not all beach bags are created equal and it's crucial to invest in a bag that takes the chore out of lugging your miscellaneous items to and from the shore. Pull out your notebook and prepare to take notes, because we share the best beach bags for every need.
What to Look for in a Beach Bag
SIZE: Before you dive into your shopping journey, consider how large your beach bag needs to be to accommodate your beach day needs. Are you packing the essentials for yourself, your partner or your kids? The more people to account for, the larger your beach bag should be. That said, the best beach bags are the ones that provide the necessary storage space while also feeling comfortable on your shoulder or arm as you trudge across the sand. Sometimes a bag that’s too big will work against you and make getting from point A to point B more of a chore than it needs to be.
MATERIAL: A wet, damaged bag is the last thing you want to deal with at the end of your beach day. Invest in a bag built to withstand the sun, wind, water and beach heat by sticking to top-performing materials. Rattan, neoprene, nylon, mesh and PVC-lined beach bags will protect your belongings from the elements and hold up for many summers to come.
COMFORT: Sun-kissed shoulders and a loaded beach bag with unpadded handles are a surefire way to end your otherwise blissful afternoon on a sour note. Look for a beach bag with cushioned shoulder handles that take the pressure off, or an extra cross-body handle to distribute weight across your body.
ORGANIZATION: Many beach bags are free from compartments to provide ample space for rolled-up towels, water bottles and more. Now with that said, if throwing all your beach day goodies into the abyss and needing to rummage through your belongings every 15 minutes stresses you out, here's our top tip: look for a beach bag with integrated interior pockets or exterior compartments. Bonus points if the built-in pockets (and the bag itself) feature a top zipper to keep your phone and E-reader sand free between uses.
From towels and sunscreen to snacks, books and hats, this waterproof wonder can hold it all. This eco-friendly beach bag includes all kinds of pockets, a luggage sleeve, and sturdy nylon straps for comfortable carrying. This bag is practical for everyday use, especially at the beach.
Parents, this striped stunner is the beach bag you never knew you needed and won't be able to live without. The extra-large tote measures 24 inches wide, 19 inches high and 12 inches deep to provide ample stow-and-go space for your family's beach day essentials. It's made from durable, wipeable all-weather fabric that maintains its structured design no matter how many wet towels you throw its way. Oh, and it's collapsible and folds away for space-saving, stress-free storage between trips.
This playful carryall comes fully loaded with everything you need for baby beach days. Noteworthy features include an expansive front tech pocket, a zippered closure, three zippered interior pockets, two bottle side pouches and a water-resistant lining. Load this beauty with diapers, bottles, snacks and more, then continue to carry it when you come home from vacation.
This personalized take on the timeless bag design is an investment that you will relish using for summers to come. Each tote is handwoven from natural straw to create a classic, basket-style silhouette and topped with oversized striped ribbon handles in eight eye-catching colorways to provide a comfortable grip. An embroidered monogram in your choice of 30 unique thread colors rounds out the design with a custom touch.
Neoprene bags are popular for pool days and beach trips alike — and for good reason. The popular material is ultra-durable, washable and water, oil and UV-resistant. This sporty design features a perforawhiteted neoprene body and an red, and black stripe. Each bag comes with a magnetic closure that opens to the interior and a detachable matching pouch that can be used for storage or worn solo as a clutch.
The days of struggling with a bulky cooler in the sand are behind us. This chic cherry red cooler tote marries retro flair with modern functionality. The roomy tote bag comes with a waterproof zipper, and insulation that keeps cool for up to 9 hours. It also contains two pockets, and an adjustable and removable strap so carrying all the beach necessities no longer has to be a hassle.
Looking for a (cute) cooler bag that won't break the bank? This contemporary design will not disappoint. The insulated tote comes a waterproof exterior, interior zippers with storage, and a collapsible design. This periwinkle color is sure to suit your summer style.
Spend less on your beach bag than you do on your Chipotle order and look good doing it. This beachy nylon tote earns the honor of our best multipurpose and budget pick because it's featherlight, water-resistant, machine-washable and long-wearing. Plus, it comes in 21 punchy hues and patterns to reflect your style on the cheap.
Never miss an opportunity to try out the latest fashion trends? Scoop up this dreamy summer bucket bag ASAP. The structured bucket bag is the unofficial "it" bag of the vacation season, red and white striped design checks out. It features a twill interior lining, cotton rope handles, and the stripes add in a splash of nautical appeal. Take your bucket bag from the beach to the bar by tying a summery scarf to the handle.
Keep your little one busy and collect meaningful memories with the help of this sweet seashell collection bag. The adorable mesh shoulder bag comes with adjustable straps for comfortable wear. Choose between four different colors to match their collection bag to their favorite swimsuit or beach towel.
