While most of us spend all year fantasizing about our next beach day, we sometimes forget about all the stuff we have to lug on the sand before we get to relax.
Transporting your beach gear can put a damper on your day in the sun, but there are plenty of ways to make the experience an easier one. Instead of throwing all your beach day essentials (beach blankets, sunscreen, beach towels, sun hats, etc.) in a reusable shopping tote, consider investing in a beach bag.
Whether you're looking for a sleek and stylish bag for just the essentials or an extra-large tote to carry enough towels for the whole family, there's bound to be an option that works for you. We rounded up some of the best beach bags that will surely be a sight to see this season, including an award-winning tote Shop TODAY editors love.
Travel Gear Awards winner | Shopper-favorite beach bags | How we chose
Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag
- Super durable
- Sturdy construction
- Very roomy
- Some think it's too large
Award: Best overall | Category: Beach bags
Material: Cotton canvas | Dimensions: 12 x 13 x 6 inches
You can't go wrong with a classic L.L. Bean beach tote. A Shop TODAY Hot List inclusion, this durable bag has plenty of room to hold all of your beach day items and can even be embroidered with your monogram or an ironic slogan. They come in a variety of colors and are available in sizes S to XL.
Several Shop TODAY staffers tried this tote for our first-ever Travel Gear Awards and gave it glowing reviews, making it a clear winner in the beach bag category. Associate editor Emma Stessman was gifted this bag for her birthday and says she's used it most days since then. "It holds a surprising amount of stuff! I’ve never had an issue not being able to fit everything I need for the day in there," she raves. "The design is also just so classic and simple, so it’s easy to style."
Best beach bags and totes, according to shoppers
F-Color Oversized Mesh Beach Bag
- Multiple pockets
- Fast-drying material
- Sturdy build
- Some dislike the mesh bottom
Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches
This extra-large mesh beach bag with 9,600+ verified five-star ratings can hold up to 160 pounds and fit up to six beach towels, according to the brand. It also features eight pockets and even a convenient loop to hold your keys.
Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote
- Many colors to choose from
- Very lightweight
- Simple to travel with
- "Flimsy" structure
Material: Polyester, mesh, nylon | Dimensions: 17.3 x 15.7 x 5 inches
Currently Amazon's bestselling women's shoulder handbag, this canvas mesh tote is both lightweight and roomy enough to carry your go-to sunglasses, beach towel and more. "It’s the perfect simple beach tote. It’s big enough to hold just about anything without looking bulky," one verified shopper proclaimed about this find — and we bet several others agree with this sentiment.
Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag
- Various pockets throughout bag
- Sand doesn't get caught
- Lightweight, yet durable
- "Plastic" smell at first
Material: Mesh | Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.6 x 1.2 inches
Seas the day with this super chic mesh beach bag with pockets and a zipper closure. It has 20+ unique color options and one recent reviewer said, “It has little pockets for things, and the mesh makes it easy to knock all the sand out. It made the walk down to the beach soooo much more bearable.”
Ledaou Large Beach Tote
- 30+ designs to choose from
- Fabric is waterproof
- The bag zippers at the top
- Some had issues with lining
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 17.5 x 15.7 x 8 inches
Be in charge with this large waterproof and sand-proof beach tote. Available in 21 colorways, this water-resistant beach tote features high density polyester and is easy to clean as the sand shakes right off.
ESVAN Water Resistant Large Tote Bag
- High-quality construction
- Folds down for storage
- Simple to clean
- Some think it's too small
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 14.6 x 15.4 x 4.7 inches
Have a worry-free, water filled beach day with this large waterproof tote. This bag is crease-resistant and has a large outside zipper pocket. There are also two double sipper pockets inside if you need more storage. If you want to wash this bag go right ahead — just make sure to do it by hand.
Solyinne Straw Beach Bag
- Has a zipper closure on top
- Durable straw weave
- Has pockets inside
- Some think it's too small
Material: Straw | Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.8 x 6 inches
It will be all tassel, no hassle when you purchase this straw beach bag. This tote is made of high-quality straw and features a tassel pendant with top zipper closure. Pair it with a cute straw fedora or platform wedges to complete the ultimate beach girl look.
One five-star reviewer said, “This bag was everything I was looking for. It served as a beach bag and my everyday purse while on vacation. It was study, lightweight and durable.”
Land's End Print Canvas Tote
- Very roomy
- Many repeat buyers
- Has pockets within the lining
- Some say it's too flimsy
Material: Cotton| Dimensions: 17 x 13.5 x 12 inches
This tote claims to stand the test of time. It was tested by the brand to hold up to 500 pounds and has a water-repellent base and trim. The wide seams allow this bag to stand upright on its own keeping your items in the four interior pockets safe. There's also an outside pocket and key ring attachment. Make this personal by monogramming or embroidering your initials. To clean this bag, make sure to spot clean.
Qogir Neoprene Multipurpose Beach Bag
- Includes shoulder pad
- Great for groceries
- Very sturdy build
- Some dislike the smell
Material: Neoprene, polyester | Dimensions: 14 x 12.5 x 10 inches
This sporty beach bag with 3,700+ verified five-star ratings is expandable, machine-washable and made of neoprene material that’s super easy to clean and dry. Plus, it folds down for easy storage.
Lamyba Beach Tote Bag
- "Fits five towels"
- Durable handles
- Built with sturdy fabric
- Doesn't have a zipper
Material: Cotton canvas, vegan leather | Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 6 inches
Whale, hello there! This charming “beach vibes” tote bag is the perfect accessory for the season. Made of vegan leather, this bag is 100 percent cotton canvas and both waterproof & sand-proof. One five-star reviewer said, “[It’s a] great quality, great style, plenty of space. My favorite beach bag ever and get tons of compliments on it.”
Swig Life Loopi Tote Bag
- Loop handles are well built
- Roomy interior
- Lightweight design
- Some experienced fabric rips
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 11 inches
This large, lightweight tote bag will have you turning heads all summer long. Available in flirty colors like leopard and confetti, this waterproof, puncture-resistant bag is easy to carry with its cushioned loop handles. A reinforced base and three easy-access pockets also makes it super easy to pack up everything you need for a stellar day by the water.
Scout 4 Boys Extra-Large Tote Bag
- Very easy to clean
- Extremely durable
- Zips closed at the top
- Some think it's too large
Material: Polypropylene | Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 12 inches
This super large tote is designed to be packed to the brim! Available in eight nautical patterns, you can rest assured that it won't break thanks to its "burst-proof" bottom and heavy-duty woven fabric that's "as strong as a tarp but light as a canvas."
Baby Bogg Bag Washable Tote
- Waterproof design
- Lightweight material
- Stands upright easily
- Doesn't zip shut
Material: EVA | Dimensions: 15 x 13 x 5.25 inches
Anything you take to the beach comes back with an endless amount of sand in, on and around it. Fortunately, Bogg's beach bag was designed to make getting rid of excessive sand a breeze. Just hose it off and store for the next use. Its ample size holds up to six large towels with room for other beach necessities like sunscreen and snacks. With sturdy sides and a non-slip platform, you won't have to worry about all of your things spilling onto the floor when you set it down.
How we chose
While choosing the best beach bags, we took size, material and durability into consideration. We included stylish totes that are roomy enough to hold beach-day essentials, and we made sure to choose highly rated products with positive customer reviews.
