19 Best Beach Bags for Your Summer Vacation

by oqtey
Condé Nast Traveler

Whether you’re headed to a remote island resort or staking out your favorite patch of local sand, the right beach bag makes all the difference. You want something roomy enough for a towel, a good book, and a few snacks—but elevated enough to match the rest of your travel wardrobe. Today’s beach totes are as stylish as they are functional, with features like insulated linings, sand-repellent fabrics, and clever compartments that keep everything from tech to sunscreen neatly in place. From eco-friendly options crafted from recycled sails to woven straw bags that double as dinner-date accessories, these are the best beach bags to bring along for your next sun-soaked escape. Whether you lean minimalist, sporty, or boho chic, there’s a beach tote here that suits your style—and your itinerary. Below, 19 packable beach bags to carry this season.

Our top picks:


MZ Wallace Crochet tote

This lightweight crochet tote from MZ Wallace is a favorite of commerce editor Meaghan Kenny’s. “It’s just the right size to hold a beach towel, a reusable water bottle, a cover-up, and a toiletry bag full of beauty products,” says Kenny. “I carried it to the pool, to Montauk, and down the Jersey Shore for several beach days last year—and I’ll be using it just as much this summer.” It can be packed down to lay flat in a carry-on or stuffed to the brim when needed.

Rothy’s The Summer tote

With a breezy striped pattern and rope handles that feel straight from a yacht club, this eco-minded tote is made from a durable hemp blend and includes an exterior pocket for your sunscreen or book. It’s ideal for anyone seeking both polish and practicality from their beach gear.

Bogg Bag Original tote bag

Made of wipe-clean EVA, this structured tote can brave saltwater, sand, and spilled cocktails alike. It’s loved by parents and group travelers alike for its oversized capacity and virtually indestructible build. Grab Bogg’s bag dividers to keep snacks, towels, and beach gear organized inside. For the fisherman aesthetic, we love this dockside stripe.

Sea Bags Cure Pink Lobster tote

Hand-sewn from recycled sails in Maine, this tote blends nautical charm with environmental consciousness. Plus, every bag is slightly different from the next because of its upcycled nature. The water-resistant material and sturdy rope handles make it a standout for seaside strolls or farmers’ market runs. Despite its roominess, the bag also lies completely flat for packing.

Beis collapsible lunch box

More stylish than your average cooler, this pastel-hued lunch bag collapses flat when empty and keeps drinks and snacks cool while you sunbathe. It’s compact, clever, and worthy of a spot in your beach lineup.

Mark & Graham Hat Carrier beach bag

Ingeniously designed with a built-in loop to carry your wide-brim hat without crushing it, this canvas and leather tote is a fashion-savvy travel companion. Multiple compartments and a spacious interior mean you won’t have to choose between packing a towel or your latest beach read. If you aren’t a hat person, be sure to peruse the brand’s other beach bags because they are all worthy of this list.

Lululemon Daily tote bag

Sleek, sporty, and full of secret compartments, this water-repellent tote is designed for on-the-go days that start with sunrise yoga and end with a sandy picnic. With 20 liters of space and thoughtful storage, it’s perfect for those who like their beach bags as organized as their travel itineraries.

Sidney Byron Suncatcher Daytripper tote bag

With soft woven textures and subtle blush accents, this dreamy tote looks like it belongs on a coastal road trip through Big Sur. It’s a lightweight, relaxed pick for beachgoers who favor bohemian flair over bulk.

Clare V. L’été tote

Effortlessly playful, this canvas tote adds a pop of personality with its bold lettering and Paris-meets-California attitude. It’s roomy enough for all your essentials and then some, without sacrificing style.

Igloo Packable Puffer cooler bag

This sporty, insulated cooler bag looks like a puffer jacket and performs like a mini fridge. It packs flat into its own front pocket when not in use and keeps up to 20 cans perfectly chilled, ideal for beach barbecues or impromptu happy hours.

Carve Designs tote

Laid-back and spacious, this 100% cotton carryall is the one you’ll reach for when you’re packing light but still want room for the essentials. The soft construction makes it easy to toss in a suitcase or drape over a lounge chair.

J.Crew Como tote

Lightweight, handwoven, and undeniably timeless, this straw tote pairs beautifully with everything from linen dresses to swimsuits. Leather handles add a touch of refinement, making it a chic companion from beach to bistro.

Athleta Diem tote bag

Sleek yet functional, this bag is crafted with water-resistant material and includes multiple interior compartments to keep wet gear separate from dry. Designed with active beachgoers in mind, it’s as ready for paddleboarding as it is for post-beach errands.

Steele Canvas Steeletex beach tote

Built for utility but still effortlessly cool, this industrial-inspired tote is made from water-resistant vinyl-coated fabric. It’s a workhorse with edge, great for anyone who craves a splash of bright color to go along with their practicality.

L.L.Bean Maine Isle tote

Beachgoers typically know this brand for its iconic Boat and Tote, and while we love that, this cheerful, wipe-clean beach tote is also a roomy pick featuring both zip and slip pockets to keep everything from your phone to your flip-flops in check. Consider it your go-to for a boat cruise and beach picnics alike.

Shiraleah Soleil Rattan tote

With its structured silhouette and woven rattan body, this tote brings just the right amount of vintage Riviera energy to any coastal itinerary. The vegan leather details and cheerful sunburst design add polish, while the spacious interior fits your beach read, sunnies, and SPF making it just as functional as it is eye-catching.

Rip Curl Sand Free tote bag

With an impressive 52-liter capacity and fabric that actively repels sand, this oversized tote is a dream for surfers, families, and overpackers alike. Comfortable shoulder straps and a quick-dry build make it a staple for saltwater adventures.

Paravel Large Cabana tote

Perfectly oversized for a jam-packed day in the sun, Paravel’s Large Cabana tote is ideal for families or couples only bringing one bag. Like with all things Paravel, we love that this can be monogrammed for a more unique look. Best of all, the spill-proof canvas bag is made from recycled plastic bottles.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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