How to Plan the Perfect Beach Day

A day at the beach has the potential to be one you remember or one you regret. The difference maker? It's all in the planning. To help you make the most of your day in the sun, we've provided 10 ways to plan a perfect beach day, from what you should pack to what you should leave at home.

Shade is hard to come by on the beach, meaning it's best to bring some shade with you. Popup shelters like this tent from Eddie Bauer can be a lifesaver on scorching hot summer days.

Go overboard on the drinks when loading up the cooler. Sure, it may be a little heavier, but you’ll be thanking yourself for packing a few extra beverages.

Pro Tip: Freeze non-carbonated drinks like water and juice to keep everything cool while saving room on ice.

Those flimsy neon beach chairs at the gas station may tempt you with their reasonable prices, but you'll be tossing them in the trash after a couple of uses. Not to mention, their comfort level is nonexistent. Plan on investing in a quality beach chair like this well thought out option, which has integrated storage, a neck pillow, a cupholder and even backpack straps for easy transport.

Sunscreen is a must on the beach. Even if you don't normally burn outside, this will likely change at the beach. Add in the reflective quality of the sand and water, and the beach sun is bound to leave its mark.

Not a fan of sunscreen? No problem! Opt instead for UV-protective clothing. Cooling and quick-drying materials are always the way to go on the beach.

When it's time to head to the beach, leave valuables like rings, necklaces and other jewelry at home. While you may be confident you won't lose it, there's a reason using a metal detector is such a popular beach activity.

Nothing puts a damper on a day at the beach like an emergency trip to the closest cellular store to replace your waterlogged smartphone. To avoid this, invest in waterproof dry storage bags to keep things like phones, e-readers, watches and other electronics free from harm.

What's a day in the sand without the proper tools for building a sandcastle? Whether you're bringing along the kiddos or you're a kid at heart, plan on bringing some easy-to-pack beach toys like shovels, buckets, beach balls, bocce ball and more.

If you haven't spent a lot of time on the beach, you may be surprised at the number of pests. From biting flies to mosquitoes and everything in between, you can quickly become an all-you-can-eat buffet for things that buzz. It's wise to stow some bug spray in your beach bag, just in case.