Everything You Need For the Ultimate Summer Beach Day

There are only so many days each year when the weather is just right for a beach day. You need bright blue skies, sunshine intense enough to warm the sand, and waves gentle enough for swimming. When one of those ideal Summer days rolls around, you have to be ready to take advantage of it.

Before you head to the beach this Summer, make sure you have everything on this checklist. Whether you're heading to the local beach a few blocks away or road tripping to the coast with a big group of friends, these beach-day essentials will help you maximize your fun in the sun.

A Supercute Swimsuit
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A Supercute Swimsuit

Take the first beach outing of the Summer as an opportunity to show off your most adorable swimsuit. Whether you're rocking a classic one-piece or teeny-tiny bikini, make the sand your runway. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to snap some pics for the 'gram!

A Deluxe Beach Towel
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A Deluxe Beach Towel

Don't just grab any old bath towel; for the optimum beach experience, you're going to want a resort-sized towel to lie on. Opt for a sand-repelling option if you really want to live the life of luxury.

A Starbucks<small>®</small> Iced Green Tea Lemonade
Starbucks

A Starbucks<small>®</small> Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Stop by Starbucks® on your way to the beach for a refreshing Starbucks® Iced Green Tea Lemonade. The combination of lemonade and herbal green tea is the ideal way to cool off on a sunny day.

High SPF Sunscreen
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High SPF Sunscreen

Fun in the sun can quickly turn into a painful burn if you're not careful. Keep a bottle of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your beach bag so you're never without sun protection. And don't forget to reapply!

Activities to Keep You Entertained
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Activities to Keep You Entertained

Some people can happily lie on the sand all day long while others get a little bored of the endless crashing waves. Bring a few activities along just in case. Think juicy beach reads and glossy magazines, a volleyball to toss around, or a kite to fly if the wind picks up.

Trendy Sunglasses
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Trendy Sunglasses

If you're planning on soaking up the sun, you need something to block out its bright rays. Slip on a pair of fashion-forward sunnies to keep out the glare and give your outfit some much-needed style cred.

A Big Floppy Hat
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A Big Floppy Hat

Hey, if you can't be a little extra at the beach, where can you be? Plus, it's a great way to keep the sun off your face.