The 12 Best Beach Bags of 2021

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The Rundown

Best Overall: Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag at Amazon

"A sprawling 18 x 29 inches and has a whopping eight pockets to store items in."

Best Budget: Surdoca Reusable Produce Cotton Mesh Bag at Amazon

"These bags couldn’t be more affordable nor lighter weight, so you can stock up on a bunch."

Best Sand-Proof: CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag at Amazon

"Made from a patented double-layer mesh weave that allows sand to sift right through."

Best Waterproof: YETI Camino Carryall at Amazon

"Waterproof, super durable, puncture-resistant, and easy to clean."

Best Multipurpose: L.L. Bean Everyday Lightweight Tote at L.L. Bean

"A multi-functional bag that’s great at the beach as well as for day-to-day use."

Best Mesh: OdyseaCo Oahu Mesh Beach Bag Tote at Amazon

"The mesh material folds up so it can easily fit into your suitcase while traveling."

Best Insulated: Hydro Flask Insulated Tote at Hydro Flask

"Does double duty as both a lightweight beach bag and a small cooler for drinks and snacks."

Best Straw Bag: Aqua Extra Large Woven Tote at Bloomingdales

"This chic yet functional straw bag skates the best of both worlds."

Best Clear Bag: Mark & Graham Oversized Clear Tote at Mark & Graham

"Mark & Graham's clear tote affords a view of everything you have in your beach bag."

Best Canvas Bag: Lands’ End Open Top Canvas Tote Bag at Lands' End

"It’s made from durable 24-ounce cotton canvas and has reinforced handles to support a heavy load."

To prep for a beach day that delivers on the promise of big fun, make sure you have a beach bag that holds your stuff comfortably, tidily, and with style. Everyone’s ideal beach bag will look different: if you’re heading to the beach as part of a big day of solo sightseeing, you’ll want a solution that’s streamlined, secure, lightweight, and polished enough to be versatile. If you’re heading straight for the sand with a family, you’ll need something large, well organized, durable, and easily cleaned.

Keep reading for our picks of the best beach bags available.

Our Top Picks

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Best Overall: Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag

If you come fully prepared for anything at the beach and need more space for all that gear, the Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag is a sprawling 16.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches and has a whopping eight pockets to store items in. There are seven external pockets for smaller belongings like electronics, sunblock, and flip flops, and one interior pocket for larger items. The bag is waterproof as well, so liquid won’t seep in if the bag is set on wet sand. There’s also a zippered pocket inside for keys so they don’t get buried at the bottom of this massive bag. Customers were surprised by how roomy the beach bag is and stated it was well constructed.

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Best Budget: Surdoca Reusable Produce Cotton Mesh Bag

We love to use these bags, designed for farmers market produce, for a day at the beach. The mesh openings are small enough to keep beach essentials in, but large enough to easily filter the sand out so you don’t end up taking it all home at the end of the day. They couldn’t be more affordable nor lighter weight; stock up on a bunch for various uses—even stash an extra or two in your luggage for an almost weightless beach bag solution. Plus, they just have this effortless, back-to-basics chic look about them.

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Best Sand-Proof: CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag

3.9

CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag Review

After a relaxing day at the beach, it’s frustrating to come home and realize you’ve brought a whole bunch of sand with you. A sand-proof beach bag can help minimize the mess, both in your house and in your car. The CGear Sand-Free Tote is different from other beach bags because it’s made from a patented double-layer mesh weave that allows sand to sift right through. Even if you throw in sand-covered shoes or beach toys, all that grit will fall out of the bottom of the bag the minute you pick it up. And while it lets sand out, it doesn’t let any in (a feature reviewers rave about).

This beach tote is made from water-resistant PVC with reinforced seams for added durability. To clean, just rinse it with water. And at a roomy 17 x 7.5 x 15 inches, it’s large enough to hold towels and toys alike. The bag has one smaller interior pocket for valuables and comes in an eye-catching blue plaid that’ll be easy to spot on the beach.

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Best Waterproof: YETI Camino Carryall

This rugged bag is for serious beachgoers and boat goers. It’s waterproof, super durable, puncture resistant, and easy to clean. There's also a huge opening and zipper closure, with a molded base that keeps the bag standing upright and protects from water seeping in. It measures 18 x 14 x 9 inches and is available in five different colors.

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Best Multipurpose: L.L. Bean Everyday Lightweight Tote

For a multi-functional bag that’s great at the beach as well as for day-to-day use, the Everyday Lightweight Tote by L.L. Bean is an excellent option at a reasonable price. Available in two sizes, medium (12 x 6 x 13 inches) and large (15 x 7.5 x 17 inches), the bag is big enough for beach gear without being bulky. With several neutral colors to choose from like burgundy, navy blue, and sunflower with contrasting stitching, it’s an easy choice for men and women. For storage, there’s a front pocket for quick grab-and-go items, and the interior has a zipped pocket with a key clip. The well-built beach bag also has a zipped top, reinforced handles, and double-layered bottom.

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Best Mesh: OdyseaCo Oahu Mesh Beach Bag Tote

4.5

OdyseaCo Oahu Mesh Beach Bag Tote Review

Measuring 18 x 29 inches, this extra-large mesh bag has enough space to carry everything you need to the beach. Despite its large size, the mesh material folds up so it can easily fit into your suitcase while traveling. An internal carabiner and zippered waterproof pocket keep keys, phones, and jewelry safe. Plus, the mesh material dries quickly and allows air to flow throughout the bag so your damp towels won't stink after a long day at the beach.

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Best Insulated: Hydro Flask Insulated Tote

The Hydro Flask Insulated Tote does double duty as both a lightweight beach bag and a small cooler for perishable drinks and snacks. The inside of the bag is lined with insulation that keeps contents cold for up to 4 hours. It's waterproof and has welded seams too, so spills stay inside the bag and they're easy to clean. This bag can hold up to 35 liters, which is more than enough space to hold large beach towels and additional gear. The outside is made of durable fabric and features a zippered pocket for chapstick, sunglasses, sunscreen, or any other small items. It measures 15 x 20 x 7.75 inches, has sturdy handles and water-resistant zippers, and can stand up by itself. Best of all, the Hydro Flask Tote is available in four stylish colors and comes with a five-year limited warranty.

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Best Straw Bag: Aqua Extra Large Woven Tote

This bag skates the best of both worlds: it’s perfectly polished for a day on the go, but functional and large enough for a day at the beach, too. Made from packable straw material, this tote has shoulder straps for a hands-free solution. A magnetic strap closure keeps your stuff secure and interior slip pockets keep essentials organized and compartmentalized.

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Best Clear Bag: Mark & Graham Oversized Clear Tote

Mark & Graham Clear Striped Tote — Mark & Graham

When you've packed your beach bag to the brim, digging through to find your sunscreen or sunglasses can feel like an endless journey. Opt for this Mark & Graham clear tote instead, which affords a view of everything you have in your beach bag. Trendy and well-made, the 23 x 14 x 6-inch bag has colorful striped handles and is constructed of eco-friendly, biodegradable TPU with vegan leather trim. Bonus: Mark & Graham offers a vinyl decal monogram with this bag, making for a perfect gift option, too.

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Best Canvas Bag: Lands’ End Open Top Canvas Tote Bag

Lands’ End's quintessential beach bag is ideal for families and is a perpetual best seller with a five-star rating. It’s made from ultra-durable 24-ounce cotton canvas and has reinforced handles to support a heavy load. It has a water-resistant base and trim for protection, and inside pockets for organization. With size options ranging from small to extra large, and seven color choices, it has plenty of options for everyone. Add a personal monogram or family name and make it your own.

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Best Oversized: Ikea Large Shopping Bag

You normally only see Ikea's iconic tote bag when you're shopping inside the Swedish retailer, but these oversized bags are also great to bring to the beach. Weighing only 4 ounces, this lightweight tote can hold up 19 gallons. It's made out of durable polypropylene and can hold up to 55 pounds. The open top allows for effortless packing and unloading, and the stable straps are comfortable to carry on your shoulders. When not in use, this bag can fold down to fit into any storage area and is easily cleaned with soap and water.

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Best Design: BAGGU Duck Bag

The BAGGU Duck Bag works just as well at the beach as it does for any other trip, thanks to its adjustable, 40-inch strap and two handles that make traveling a breeze—tote it in your hand, over your shoulder, or across your body. In addition to convenience, the 15 x 11 x 4-inch bag is super spacious and can hold up to a 15-inch Macbook. Its interior zip pocket can even fit your phone, keys, and other small items. We also love the range of shades the beach bag comes with, including Apricot, Denim, and Kelp. And, as an eco-friendly company, BAGGU made this canvas bag with 100 percent recycled cotton.

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Best Backpack: Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Equipment Bag

Backpacks are a great way to bring towels and food to the beach because it leaves your hands free to carry extra essentials like an umbrella or folding chairs. And the Delux Mesh Equipment Bag from Speedo is a great option to bring with you. This bag features open-weave mesh on the outside so you can see what's inside the bag and it has a drawstring opening for easy access. The outer is made of breathable mesh fabric, so you can store your wet gear in it without worrying about it getting moldy on the ride home. There's also a zippered front pocket to store car keys, sunglasses, or any other small items. It measures 24 x 17 inches and has comfortable shoulder straps. Reviewers loved how large the bag was: many reported that it could hold towels, shoes, goggles, and snorkeling gear, with room to spare.

Final Verdict

For a budget-friendly pick, we love the reusable cotton mesh produce bag from Surdoca (view at Amazon): there’s no lighter, cheaper, nor more functional solution. However, if we're trying to find a beach bag that goes with our beach ensembles, we're going with Aqua's straw tote (view at Bloomingdales). We also love that it goes seamlessly from the streets to the beach to the office.

What to Look for in a Beach Bag

Size: Whether you’re looking to bring just a book and a towel or gear for the whole family, you’ll want a bag that can haul everything you need. If electronics are part of your beach routine, you’ll also want a bag with waterproof inner pockets (or separate waterproof bags included). And naturally, if you want to carry cold drinks or food, a bag with an insulated section is a must.

Fabrics: Canvas, the most traditional beach bag material, is durable and offers a classic aesthetic. Straw bags are a close second in terms of style and functionality. If you need a waterproof bag, look for one made of nylon or polyester. Other materials offer additional benefits, like sand-resistant silicone. Pay attention to the handles as well—braided ones look great, but might bite your shoulders or hands if you’re hauling your bag for a long time, while flat cloth or canvas handles are both durable and comfortable.

Pockets: Pockets are a valuable feature in a beach bag: external pockets can hold liquid containers upright, and compartmentalize wet and sandy items. Inside pockets can help hide and secure your valuables while keeping them accessible, so you can easily grab your car keys or phone when your hands are full. For added security, consider pockets that zip or at least snap to close, versus slip pockets alone.

Handles: Some of the most stylish beach bags are hand carried: picture the most iconic, timeless straw bag silhouettes. However, these aren’t always the most practical, as they’ll tie up at least one hand for carrying. If you’re traveling with kids—or clutching an iced coffee or your smartphone—you’ll probably want a tote with shoulder or crossbody straps.

FAQs

How should I clean my beach bag?

You might be attracted to a cotton mesh bag for its sand-filtering property, which makes it easier to clean; just throw the whole thing in the wash. For a canvas beach bag, use a damp washcloth and soap to rub out any stains with cold water. When you’ve gotten out the visible dirt, rinse the soap out of the washcloth and rewet it to rub the soap out of the canvas bag. Let it air dry.

What supplies should I bring to the beach?

Pack your bag with the essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, a towel, a hat, and dry clothes to change into. Stash a plastic bag to keep any wet gear separated. Use your inside pockets to tuck away your keys and phone, but ideally, you’ll bring as few valuables out on the sand as possible to mitigate the risk of theft and increase your peace of mind when you're in the water.

What type of beach bag should I travel with?

If you’re planning to pack your beach bag in your luggage, look for one that is super light by weight and volume, such as a cotton mesh bag. Avoid bulky, rigid bags that do not compress, such as structured straw. And look for a beach bag with a shoulder strap or crossbody option to keep your hands free when you’re out and about.

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