Beach totes are a summer essential for carrying all your beach day necessities. A good beach tote is lightweight yet spacious, stylish yet functional. This guide covers everything you need to know about picking the perfect beach tote.

36 Awesome Beach Totes

What to Look for in a Beach Tote

Size

The most important factor in a beach tote is having enough room to carry all your items. Look for a bag approximately 15”-18” wide and 12”-15” high with a 6”-8” depth. This provides sufficient space for towels, coverups, sunscreen, books, snacks, and other beach gear. Consider how much you normally bring. A larger tote may be needed for families.

Material

The best beach tote materials are mesh, canvas, straw, or cotton. These are lightweight and breathable, while still being durable. Mesh totes allow sand to fall through easily. Canvas, straw, and cotton clean up nicely. Nylon and polyester are also options but can get hotter. Avoid leather, suede, or fabrics that stain easily.

Structure

Some beach totes have sturdier bottoms and structure to hold their shape, while others are slouchier. Structured totes protect delicate items and are better for carrying drinks and books. Unstructured soft-sided totes easily crush down when not in use. Think about your needs and preferences.

Compartments

Multiple pockets and compartments help keep your beach gear organized and easy to find. Look for bags with at least one zippered pocket for holding valuables like phones and wallets. Extra exterior and interior pockets are useful for separating wet and dry items.

Comfort

Consider carrying comfort based on the bag’s strap style. Adjustable crossbody straps evenly distribute weight and are hands-free. Dual handles allow carrying by hand or on the shoulder. Wide straps with ample padding prevent digging. A bag you can comfortably carry all day is key.

Style

Beach totes come in infinite stylish designs to match your personal taste. From classic stripes to bright tropical prints, neutral solids to embroidered designs, there’s a beach tote to coordinate with any bathing suit. A stylish tote adds a pulled together touch to your beach look.

What to Pack in Your Beach Tote

A beach tote should contain everything you need for a full day by the sea. Here are some beach bag essentials:

• Beach towel
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Hat or visor
• Swimsuit and coverup
• Change of clothes
• Sandals or flip flops
• Incidentals like hair ties, clips, and bands
• Beach read book or magazine
• Snacks and water
• Electronics like phone and charger
• Wallet with ID and payment
• Keys

Tote Bag Styles for Every Beachgoer

There are endless beach tote styles to choose from. Consider your needs and personal beach style.

Classic Canvas Tote

Sturdy canvas totes with woven faux leather straps epitomize classic beach style. Look for ones with multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep organized. These hold up well over time.

Mesh Tote

Lightweight mesh totes allow sand to sift right through the woven texture, keeping your bag light. Water proof zippered pockets keep valuables dry. These fold up small when not in use.

Straw Tote

Natural woven straw or raffia totes have a laidback bohemian vibe perfect for tropical destinations. Leather accents add durability. Just be aware these may not be waterproof.

Soft Sided Tote

Flexible soft-sided totes mash down for packing and conform to what you put inside. Durable nylon or polyester paired with faux leather straps makes for a stylish beach bag.

Waterproof Dry Bag

For boating, fishing, and active beach days, a waterproof dry bag will keep gear safe from splashes and spills. Look for durable coated canvas or PVC designs with adjustable straps.

Beach Tote Backpack

Backpack style beach totes are great for hands-free carrying comfort. Padded straps, water bottle pockets and multiple compartments make these practical and organized.

What is a Beach Tote?

A beach tote is a bag specifically designed for carrying all your beach day essentials. Beach totes are characterized by being lightweight, spacious, and having comfortable carrying straps. They are made from materials like canvas, mesh, straw, or cotton that clean up well and resist moisture, sand, and saltwater. Beach totes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles, but always have plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep your gear organized. A good beach tote will hold everything you need for a full day by the ocean.

Where Can I Use a Beach Tote?

The obvious place to use a beach tote is on beach days, but they can also be handy for other activities. A beach tote works great for:

• Pool days or water parks
• Lakeside, camping, or picnic trips
• Boating or fishing excursions
• Sporting events or outdoor concerts
• Travel as a carry-on or personal item
• An oversized everyday bag for work or school

A beach tote is essentially a large, casual tote bag that works in many scenarios beyond just beach days. Anytime you need to carry towels, extra clothes, snacks, electronics, or bulky items, think beach tote.

Why You Should Get a Beach Tote

Beach totes simplify packing up your gear for a day of fun in the sun. Benefits of getting one include:

• Keeps your beach belongings organized in one place
• Lots of interior and exterior storage pockets and compartments
• Lightweight and comfortable to carry all day
• Materials that easily shake out sand and resist moisture
• Stylish designs suit your personal beach vibe
• Takes the hassle out of transporting bulky beach items
• Protects delicate items like phones, keys, and glasses
• Can be used beyond just beach days

Bottom line—a beach tote makes beach days easier and more stylish. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.

Conclusion

With so many stylish beach tote options available, you’re sure to find one suited for your tastes. Look for the right size, durable materials, comfortable straps and plenty of pockets to keep your day at the beach hassle-free. The perfect tote is out there ready for all your seaside adventures.