These coastal towns offer once-in-a-lifetime beaches. And these items will make your stay even more pleasant. (iStock)
There is a reason why millions of people flock to the beach every year. Beach vacations offer sun, soft sand, and the chance to finally relax. It's hard to stress when you're sunbathing and listening to the waves crashing.
To help you prepare for your next beach vacation, we have a list of must-have items that can make your time at the beach even more enjoyable. Plus, we have a list of ten affordable coastal cities that offer some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
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Items you need for your beach vacation
If you're preparing for your next beach vacation, grab a few essentials from our list below and pack ahead.
WEKAPO Beach Blanket $29.98 to $39.98
Relax in the sun without getting covered in sand with the help of this beach blanket. (Amazon)
A beach blanket is a staple for any beach vacation. This giant beach blanket can hold a few people, or you can opt for one that holds your entire group of friends! If you want to add some luxury to your beach trips, Sand Cloud also offers beautiful, giant beach blankets that will last a lifetime.
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OhO Smart Glasses with Bluetooth Speaker $45.99
Listen to your music without fear of losing your headphones in the sand. (Amazon)
To make sure you don't lose your expensive headphones, consider wearing sports sunglasses with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Coming in several different colors, these glasses provide shade and entertainment all in one. For more high-tech glasses, Revo offers Bluetooth sunglasses that are worth checking out.
Cascade Mountain Tech Beach Chair $36.12 was $54.99
Relax in a comfortable beach chair throughout your vacation. (Amazon)
If you prefer a chair instead of a beach towel, this Mountain Tech beach chair is easy to fold up and take to the beach. Choose the color that best suits your style and have a relaxing place to sit all day long. For other beach chair options, you can find options at Walmart.
BenSorts Pillow Sandals from $22.99 to $26.99
Feel like you're walking on air in these unisex sandals. (Amazon)
When you're lounging on the beach all day, you need a comfortable pair of sandals to take you from the hotel to the beach. These unisex sandals are designed to make you feel like you're walking on pillows and come in every color under the sun. For a wider selection of beach sandals, check out what OluKai has to offer.
Bodysurf Beach Bags $29.99
Carry all your belongings in this elegant beach bag. (Amazon)
Instead of trying to carry all your belongings in your hands, fit everything into this oversized beach bag. You can choose a medium or large size, depending on what you plan to take with you on vacation. Alternatively, Bogg Bags are stylish, waterproof beach bags that can help you carry anything.
UNO Splash Card Game $12.18
Play your favorite card game without worrying about it getting wet with these waterproof cards. (Amazon)
A good game of UNO on the beach can be fun, but water can destroy regular cards. This splash-resistant version of the UNO is made of plastic, ensuring you can keep having fun, no matter how close you are to the waves. Frequent Walmart shoppers can also find UNO and other waterproof sets online.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Case $9.99
Keep your phone and other belongings safe in these waterproof bags. (Amazon)
The last thing you want on your beach vacation is to destroy your phone by accidentally getting it wet on the beach. This pair of waterproof phone cases can easily protect your phone from bad weather or waves. For a wider variety of waterproof phone case options, check out Case Mate.
Beach Drink Cup Holder $13.99 was $16.99
Make sure your beer and other drinks stay upright with these cup holders that you can place right in the sand. (Amazon)
To prevent sand from getting into your nice cold drinks, these cup holders can be placed on top of the sand and stay sturdy. This pack of seven can be shared among all your friends. For a different style of cup holder, visit Walmart to see all of their options.
Maelstrom Cooler Backpack $39.99
Take all the drinks you and your friends need to the beach with a cooler backpack. (Amazon)
A cooler backpack makes it easier to carry your favorite drinks to the beach. In addition, it can function as carry-on luggage before reaching your destination. For other cooler and stylish backpacks, Igloo offers durable options.
Hikenture Beach Pillow with Removable Cover $20.99 was $25.99
Take the best nap of your life on a nice, warm beach with the help of this inflatable pillow. (Amazon)
Beach naps are some of the best naps you'll ever have. To make the experience even more enjoyable, an inflatable beach pillow can help you relax. This pillow has a removable cover that can be easily washed and the entire pillow can be deflated for easy storage. You can also find affordable beach pillow options at Ballast, an outdoor gear company.
Coastal towns you should visit
If you're planning your next trip to the beach, there's no shortage of places to visit. Our list below includes 10 of the most popular coastal cities, both in the US and abroad.
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Hilton Head, South Carolina
Home to white sand beaches, Hilton Head is a golfer's paradise. It is one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the east coast. The Coastal Discovery Museum is one of the city's main attractions and includes heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens.
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada is a town in Florida that is made up of six of the Florida Keys. It is known for its beautiful coral reefs and pristine beaches. It is famous for its snorkeling options and has a great selection of private boat tours.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island is a 5,500-acre protected island that has never been fully developed, making it perfect for tourists looking to spend time in a tropical paradise. You can visit a turtle sanctuary while you're there, ride more than 20 miles of bike trails, or just enjoy the vast expanse of beaches.
Maldives
Located between the coast of India and Africa, the Maldives is home to crystal clear waters and multiple islands that you can visit. To taste what the locals eat, you can visit the local Male market. You can also practice diving, many water sports and you can try swimming with manta rays or sharks.
Silver Beach, Michigan
Located in St. Joseph, Michigan, Silver Beach is a 1,600-foot beach that is perfect for family vacations. The beach has a huge carousel and there is also the St. Joseph Lighthouse, many good restaurants and a local art center.
Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
Isla Verde contains three huge beaches and multiple resorts. Located just outside of San Juan, there is plenty to do when you want a break from the sun. There are multiple casinos you can visit and endless restaurants to choose from.
Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia
Marigot Bay is a Caribbean paradise and one of the most popular resorts in the area. The beaches are shaded by high mountain peaks and there are countless boat tours to choose from to see everything the island has to offer. You can take a trip through the rainforest, see waterfalls and take a rejuvenating mud bath.
Gulf Coast, Alabama
On Alabama's Gulf Coast is Gulf Shores, which has a state park, long beaches, and a pier worth visiting. For animal lovers, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers sightings of turtles, many species of birds, and a variety of other local creatures. For families, there's the Pirate Island Adventure Golf Course and Tropic Falls Theme Park.
Coronado, California
Coronado is a resort town on San Diego Bay, known for the Victorian Hotel del Coronado, a luxurious hotel opened in 1888. Directly across the street from the hotel is Coronado Beach, a surfing destination. The beach even has a section for off-leash dogs.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a beautiful old city with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can visit historical places like the Big Buddha Phuket and Bangala Road, full of pubs, street food and delicious restaurants. Just across the street is one of the most popular beaches, Patong Beach.
