Beach Essentials Guide
Everything you need for a perfect day at the Jersey Shore. From sun protection to comfortable seating, we've got your beach day covered.
A great beach day starts with the right gear. From reef-safe sunscreen to comfortable chairs that won't sink in the sand, we've curated the best beach essentials for your Jersey Shore trip.
Beach Day Must-Haves
Beach Chair

AKSOUL
Folding Low Beach Chair for Adults: Portable Lightweight Low Back Chairs with Packable Bag - Foldable Wide Seat Sand Chair for Outdoor Concert Lawn Ground Camping Backpack TravelLightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
$38.49
Check Current PriceBeach Umbrella

AMMSUN
AMMSUN 7ft Heavy Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella Parasols with Sand Anchor Vent Tilt UPF 50+ Sun Protection Portable Outdoor Sunshade Umbrellas Carry Bag for Patio Garden Pool Backyard BlueUPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
$47.98
Check Current PriceReef-Safe Sunscreen

Badger
Badger Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50, 98% Organic with Zinc Oxide, Non Toxic, Water Resistant, Unscented & Hypoallergenic, Broad - Spectrum, For Adventure & Sport, 2.9 fl ozProtect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
$18.99
Check Current PriceBeach Cart / Wagon

Old Bahama Bay
2-in-1 Beach Cart with Big Wheels for Sand, Folding Utility Wagon with Chair Holder, Mesh Storage, 4 Cup Holders, Umbrella Rack, Supports 100 lbs, Compact & Portable for Beach, Camping, Shopping, BlueHaul all your gear across the sand.
$79.99
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Sun Protection & Essentials
Beach day must-haves
Get it before you go
Sunscreen, towels, and the basics for a comfortable beach day.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.

AKSOUL
Folding Low Beach Chair for Adults: Portable Lightweight Low Back Chairs with Packable Bag - Foldable Wide Seat Sand Chair for Outdoor Concert Lawn Ground Camping Backpack Travel

Canpsky
Canpsky Portable Beach Chair for Adults, Outdoor Camping Chair Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Reclining Chair with 5 Positions, Headrest, Cup Holder, Heavy Ocean Striped
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.

AMMSUN
AMMSUN 7ft Heavy Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella Parasols with Sand Anchor Vent Tilt UPF 50+ Sun Protection Portable Outdoor Sunshade Umbrellas Carry Bag for Patio Garden Pool Backyard Blue

wikiwiki
wikiwiki 7ft Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Sand, with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Dark Blue Stripes
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.

Badger
Badger Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50, 98% Organic with Zinc Oxide, Non Toxic, Water Resistant, Unscented & Hypoallergenic, Broad - Spectrum, For Adventure & Sport, 2.9 fl oz

BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 100% Mineral Sunscreen, UVA/UVB Protection, Infused with organic Aloe Vera, Soothes and Hydrates, 5 fl oz
Beach Cart / Wagon
Haul all your gear across the sand.

Old Bahama Bay
2-in-1 Beach Cart with Big Wheels for Sand, Folding Utility Wagon with Chair Holder, Mesh Storage, 4 Cup Holders, Umbrella Rack, Supports 100 lbs, Compact & Portable for Beach, Camping, Shopping, Blue

MACSPORTS
Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair with Integrated Wagon Pull Cart Combination and Heavy Wheels - Perfect for Beach, Backyard, Pool or Picnic
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Chairs, Umbrellas & Shade
Comfort for your beach day
Ships free with Prime
Set up your beach base with quality furniture that lasts.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable with cup holder. Look for rust-resistant aluminum.

Romswi
2Pk Aluminum Extra Wide 5-Position Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chairs for Adults, with Cooler Bag, Cup&Phone Holder, Towel Bar for Outdoor Lawn Picnic Sport, Portable Camping Chairs, Blue Stripes

VINGLI
VINGLI 17" Tall Beach Chair, Aluminum Backpack Beach Chairs for Adults, Portable with Adjustable Straps, 3-Position Reclining, Cup Holder, High Lightweight Beach Chairs for Beach,Green
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. 7ft diameter covers 2-3 chairs.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Wide wheels for sand. Hauls chairs, cooler, umbrella in one trip.

Overmont
Overmont 45'' Collapsible Foldable Extended Wagon Cart - 300L Heavy Duty 440lbs Large Capacity Folding Utility Wagon with All-Terrain Wide Wheels for Camping Sports Grocery Beach

MacSports
Mac Sports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon with Folding Table and Drink Holders, Gray
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.

OutdoorMaster
OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent for 4 Person - Easy Setup and Portable Beach Shade Sun Shelter Canopy with UPF 50+ UV Protection Removable Skylight Family Size - Blue

Elegear
Elegear CumbreXβ’ Beach Tent with 360Β° Removable Canopy, 4-6 Person Pop Up Sun Shade Shelter, UPF 50+ Automated Installation Double Silver Coating Portable Lightweight Beach Cabana for Beach/Outdoor
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.

Orange Screw
Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors: Heavy Duty Screw-in Tent Stakes for High Wind, Sand, Canopies, and Camping - Made in USA, Included T-Grip Tool - (Small, 4 Pack, Orange)

COBARYEN
COBARYEN Tent Stakes Ground Anchors Screw in, 10 Pack Sand Stakes for Beach 9.4 Inch Heavy Duty Spiral Tent Pegs for Camping, Party, Hiking, Outdoor Decoration (10, Black)
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.

WEKAPO
Wekapo Beach Blanket Sandproof, Beach Mat, Big & Compact Sand Free Mat Quick Drying, Lightweight & Durable with 6 Stakes & 4 Corner Pockets, Standard (1~3 person)

WEKAPO
WEKAPO Beach Blanket Waterproof Sandproof Oversized Extra Large Sand Free Beach Mat with Stakes, Storage Bag - Essentials for Outdoor Beach, Picnic (Sea Turtle, 8 X 7 FT (1~4 Person))
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Family & Kids Beach Gear
Keep the kids entertained
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Sand toys, floaties, and family-friendly beach essentials.
Sand Toy Set
Buckets, shovels, molds - everything for sandcastle building.

FUSPWEAO
FUSPWEAO Beach Toys Sand Toys for Kids, Sand Castle Toys with Castle Bucket, Sand Molds, Shovel and Rake, Sandbox Toy for Toddlers 1-3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12, Beach Summer Accessories for Kids

DISHIO
Collapsible Beach Sand Toys Set for Kids - Includes Bucket, Mesh Shovel, Filter Scooper & Castle Molds - Toddler Beach Toys for 1-3 & Kids Ages 4-8 with Mesh Bag, Summer Outdoor Beach Essentials
Kids Beach Tent
Pop-up shade tent with UPF 50+ protection for little ones.

SUMELAY
Pop Up Beach Tent Shade Sun Shelter UPF 50+ Canopy Cabana 2-3 Person for Adults Baby Kids Outdoor Activities Camping Fishing Hiking Picnic Touring (Blue)

OutdoorMaster
OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent for 4 Person - Easy Setup and Portable Beach Shade Sun Shelter Canopy with UPF 50+ UV Protection Removable Skylight Family Size - Blue
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.

BLUEMARS
BLUEMARS Toddler Swim Vest for Kids Ages 2-7, Toddler Floaties with Arm Wings, USCG Approved Kids Pool Swim Vest for Boys Girls, 30-50 lbs, Rocket

Dark Lightning
Dark Lightning Toddler Swim Vest for Kids Ages 2-7, Kids Pool Floaties with Arm Wings, USCG Approved Swim Vest for Boys Girls, 33-55 lbs (Shark)
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.

Bloo Tide
Bloo Tide 22in Mini Bodyboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Kickboard Bodyboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels

GYMAX
GYMAX Body Boards for Beach, 33"/37"/41" Body Board with EPS Foam Core, Crescent Tail, Dual Channel & Wrist Leash, Lightweight Bodyboard for Kids, Youth, Adults (Blue Wave, 33inch)
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Beach Day Packing Checklist
Sun & Comfort
- βSunscreen SPF 30+
- βBeach umbrella/shade
- βBeach chairs or blanket
- βSunglasses & hat
- βBeach towels
Food & Drinks
- βCooler with ice
- βWater bottles
- βSnacks & lunch
- βReusable cups
Extras
- βBeach bag
- βPhone waterproof case
- βCash for badges
- βChange of clothes
- βPlastic bag for wet items
Beach Tips & Deals
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Beach Essentials FAQs
What sunscreen SPF should I use at the Jersey Shore?βΌ
Use SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection. SPF 50+ is recommended for extended beach days, fair skin, or children. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Consider reef-safe formulas without oxybenzone to protect marine life.
What size cooler do I need for a beach day?βΌ
For 2 people, a 20-30 quart cooler is sufficient for drinks and snacks. Families should consider 40-60 quart coolers. Wheeled coolers are easier on sand. Keep in mind most beaches have rules against alcohol.
Do I need a beach umbrella or canopy?βΌ
Shade is essential, especially during peak sun hours (10am-2pm). Beach umbrellas are portable and affordable. Canopy tents offer more coverage for families but may require permits on some beaches. Always anchor securely.
What type of beach chair is best for sand?βΌ
Low-profile chairs with wide legs work best on sand and won't sink in. Backpack chairs are convenient for walking to your spot. Look for rust-resistant aluminum frames for longevity near saltwater.
What should I pack for a day at the Jersey Shore?βΌ
Essential items include: sunscreen, towels, umbrella or shade, cooler with water and snacks, beach chairs or blanket, change of clothes, plastic bag for wet items, phone protection, and cash for beach badges. Add sand toys for kids.
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Read more βSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
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