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
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Polyester, NavyLightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
$79.99
Check Current PriceBeach Umbrella
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Light Blue StripesUPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
$36.99
Check Current PriceReef-Safe Sunscreen
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. TubeProtect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
$10.99
Check Current PriceBeach Cart / Wagon
MACSPORTS
Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair with Integrated Wagon Pull Cart Combination and Heavy Wheels - Perfect for Beach, Backyard, Pool or PicnicHaul all your gear across the sand.
$120.98
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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.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Polyester, Navy
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.
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Light Blue Stripes
AMMSUN
AMMSUN 7ft Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ UV Protection, Windproof Fiberglass Ribs, Portable Lightweight Outdoor Umbrella with Carry Bag for Beach, Patio, Pool, Camping Red
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. Tube
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.
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
Rio Brands
Rio Beach Wonder Wheeler Deluxe Utility, Lawn, and Beach Foldable Cart, Blue Print
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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.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Backpack Beach Chair with Cooler and Cup Holder, Portable Folding Beach Chair for Tanning, Tropical Leaves
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Polyester, Navy
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
TIMBER RIDGE
TIMBER RIDGE Tailgate Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart, Heavy Duty Utility Push Pull Beach Wagon Foldable, Outdoor Grocery Cart with Side Pockets for Camping, Garden, Shopping, Holds 225 lbs, Blue
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.
Honkpop
Beach Tent Easy Set Up, Wind Resistant Beach Tent with Sandbags, Easy Pop Up Canopy Sun Shelter with UPF 50, Large Beach Shade for 4-5 Person Family Outdoor Fun, Carpa para Playa for Camping Picnic
Elegear
Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shelter with Canopy, CumbreX™ 4-6 Person Pop Up Beach Tent, Easy Setup UPF 50+ UV Protection Portable Lightweight Waterproof Cooler Family Beach Cabana Sun Shade Shelter - Blue
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
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, Green)
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)
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
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))
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)
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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 Sand Toys, Sand Castle Toys with Castle Bucket, Creative Molds, Shovel and Rake, Sandbox Play Set for Kids Ages 3-12, Outdoor Summer Beach Essentials for Building & Playing
4E's Novelty
4E's Novelty Beach Toys for Kids with Bag, 12 Pcs Set Sand Castle Beach Bucket with Shovel & Large Molds - Beach Toys for Kids 3-10, Sand Toys for Toddlers with Mesh Beach Bag
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)
Gorich
Gorich Pop Up Baby Beach Tent with UPF50+ UV Protection, Portable Toddler Sun Shelter with Mesh Ventilation, Lightweight & Foldable Play Shade Tent for Beach, Park & Backyard
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.
SwimWays
SwimWays Swim Trainer, US Coast Guard Approved Life Vest Kids Swim Vest, Arm Floaties & Life Jackets for Kids 33-55 lbs, Shark
Elejolie
Toddler Swim Vest for Kids 22-66 lbs, Learn to Swim Training Float Jacket with Arm Water Wings, Swim Aid for Pool, Beach, Lake, Water Park, Summer Vacation
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.
GYN Trade
Legendary Pro X Bodyboard for Beach with Hard Slick Bottom, Boogie Boards for Kids & Adults, Heat Sealed with EPS Core, Leash (Flame, 33)
Bloo Tide
Bloo Tide 22in Mini Bodyboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Kickboard Bodyboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels
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Beach Day Packing Checklist
Sun & Comfort
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30+
- ✓Beach umbrella/shade
- ✓Beach chairs or blanket
- ✓Sunglasses & hat
- ✓Beach towels
Food & Drinks
- ✓Cooler with ice
- ✓Water bottles
- ✓Snacks & lunch
- ✓Reusable cups
Extras
- ✓Beach bag
- ✓Phone waterproof case
- ✓Cash for badges
- ✓Change of clothes
- ✓Plastic bag for wet items
Beach Tips & Deals
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Beach Essentials FAQs
What sunscreen SPF should I use at the Jersey Shore?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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