The best beach bags and totes for 2023, according to people who are always at the beach

“As someone who grew up by the beach, I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to beach bags, but when I first tried this beach bag from Aloha, I was immediately hooked,” says Kristine Thomason, a Long Beach-based health and lifestyle journalist and certified personal trainer. “It’s made with the brand’s signature splash-proof material, which is perfect for keeping your belongings clean and dry. I also appreciate that it zips shut at the top for an added layer of protection. Plus, it features a little zippered front pocket to stash easy-to-grab essentials.”

“I love this Arc’teryx bag because it can be used for any day trip from the beach to site seeing to a day hike,” says Stephanie Rosenbaum, an avid traveler. “It’s water-resistant too so it’s perfect if there’s ever rain or sand. I also like it because it folds up really small, so I can even keep it in a bigger purse and whip it out if I need to. I’ve had mine for like 15 years now and it’s still in good condition.”

Mesh is everywhere these days, and beach bags are finally getting the royal treatment. “This tote has been in my car for a while,” says Ashley Mosseri, a podiatrist in Florida and frequent beachgoer. “It seems like a very convenient bag and the holes can help empty the sand.”

Carry the sunshine with you wherever you go with this bright and functional Longchamp beach bag. “I love it because it’s fashionable and on-trend and I can put fancy fun Prada accessories and cosmetic bags inside that look good, and you can see it through the bag,” says Ally Cohen, a Florida-based beachgoer. “It’s a gorgeous beach bag and it leaves people wondering ‘What’s in your bag? Oh, that’s a great Dior lip gloss.’”

“The Rope Sling from Kavu — not to be confused with the cotton canvas Rope Bag — is a solid personal tote for beach days,” says Kevin Cortez, a commerce editor and outdoors enthusiast. “While not waterproof (it’s water-resistant), this sling has enough pockets to keep snacks, a phone, and a few books on hand while protecting your goods from the elements. It unbuckles for quick release too, so you won’t always have to pull the bag over your head when you need something.”

“In New England, a durable L.L. Bean tote is a year-round way of life, but I especially love the zip-top versions with long handles for the beach,” says Todd Plummer, a writer, avid traveler and outdoors enthusiast. “Some people prefer waterproof beach bags, but I love how this cotton canvas looks as it breaks in over time. Just looking at one of these transports me to childhood summers on Cape Cod.”

“I like to be prepared with plenty of water, snacks, entertainment, SPF and towels, which means I need something oversized," says Mia Maguire, a commerce editor and beach enthusiast. "This sand-proof and water-resistant bag zips up to protect your electronics (sometimes I work at the beach or pool) and even comes with a waterproof phone case for extra splash defense. It’s also machine-washable, which is great for getting rid of greasy sunscreen stains.”

We love Yeti for their insulated water bottles, so naturally, they make a mean beach bag. “This is hands-down my favorite beach bag,” says Amanda Oliver, a commerce editor and avid outdoorswoman. “I’ve used it for three summers in a row and it still looks brand new. It’s heavy duty yet lightweight and is roomy enough to carry all my essentials. Bonus: It’s waterproof and has zippered pockets inside for my phone and keys.”

For a print that’s effervescent enough to belong on your bathing suit, opt for Lilly Pulitzer’s beach bag tote. “Few things scream ‘summer’ quite like a Lilly Pulitzer print,” says Oliver. “The brand’s classic tote bag is great for the beach thanks to its colorful design, secure zip top, and easy-to-clean canvas.”

“The Terry Backpack Cooler from Beis makes the perfect beach bag," says Vanessa Powel, a Los Angeles-based fashion editor and outdoors enthusiast. "It doesn’t sacrifice functionality for fashion and vice versa. I ride my bike to the beach a lot, and a backpack beach bag makes the experience far more enjoyable. This backpack fits a few cold drinks or snacks, is super soft, which doubles as a beach pillow, and is easy to wash.”

“I'm very into raffia and mesh-style beach bags,” says Katherine Garbarino, a beauty, health and wellness enthusiast. “This one hits both trends and has an insert that’s helpful for your wallet and lip gloss. Sand won’t get stuck inside, it’s lightweight and cute, and it checks all the boxes. This style also comes in a bunch of colors.”

“My favorite beach bag is from Aloha Collection,” says Elizabeth Sneed, a body positive surfer. “It’s a local company on the Island of Kauai founded by two women. The bags are made from a lightweight quality leather with the cutest prints while being splash- and sand- resistant. The bags have ample space inside making them great for travel as well as trips to the beach.”

I spend an inordinate amount of time doing work by the pool during the summer, so this cross between a beach bag and a work bag works, well, swimmingly. I got it for free with my New Yorker subscription (not a flex, I swear), but I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone in search of a practical canvas-like tote that can go in the wash when iced coffee inevitably spills all over it. It’s surprisingly roomy, and while it looks like it’s been around the block after several years of use, that’s just part of its charm.

Boasting a durable mesh ripstop lining that can support up to 160 pounds’ worth of stuff, a waterproof pocket to keep your belongings dry and nine compartments roomy enough for up to six towels, toys and more, this Amazon’s Choice beach bag with nearly 11,000 reviews is ideal for large groups or families. It also features four exterior loops to hang your essentials from sunscreen to hand sanitizer.

This highly giftable monogrammed tote bag with 5,000 Amazon reviews makes for the perfect addition to any beach getaway with its heavy duty cotton canvas material and built-in bottom board that allows it to stand upright when not in use for that clean and structured look.

“I live exactly one easily walkable mile from the beach in Lake Worth Beach, Florida — pretty much right next to Palm Beach — so I’ve become one of those morning-walks-over-the-intracoastal-drawbridge people,” says Marci Robin, a writer and editor. “The Talking Out of Turn In the Groove Stowaway is super-light, so your shoulder is bearing the weight of only what you decide to carry, not the bag material itself — which happens to be durable and sand-resistant and absolutely cute as hell. Look at that colorful, retro pattern! And when you’re tired of looking at it (um, never?), it just folds away into a little pocket.”

To add a burst of color — and versatility — to your beach outfit, grab this Draper James x Lands’ End beauty. “Going to the beach with my family is my favorite outdoorsy thing to do here in Florida, especially before it gets too hot during the summer,” says Ayana Lage, a Tampa-based lifestyle blogger. “[This is] the perfect beach bag because it’s so roomy. I’m able to fit my daughter’s toys, extra clothes, diapers and snacks for both of us without an issue.”

The best part about a luxury bag is that it works double duty as a beach bag once it’s past its prime. “The Longchamp being so light is the best because I stuff it with so much stuff that the bag doesn’t add more weight, and when it gets worn out the corners have holes so the sand falls out,” says Sara Goldberg, a frequent pool goer.

For a water-repellent beach bag designed for everything from the gym to the office and everything in between, grab this highly practical bag from Under Armour. “Gym bags with a waterproof pocket are key for kids so I can change Hannah [my daughter] at the pool or beach and not get everything else in my bag all wet,” Goldberg says. 

With its multifunctional design that’s perfect for work or play, there’s lots to love about this camera cooler with a removable padded insert and a water-repellent finish. “I’m a heavy beachgoer,” says Elizabeth Weinberg, a Los Angeles-based photographer. “I actually love this not for cameras but for bringing cold drinks to the beach.”