What is the best beach bag? Find your perfect summer tote here

• The best beach bags are spacious, durable, and comfortable to carry.
• Popular materials for beach bags include canvas, straw, nylon, and easy-to-clean plastics like EVA.
• Many modern beach bags are versatile enough to be used for travel, picnics, or everyday errands.
• Key features to look for include interior pockets, zippered closures, and reinforced straps.

Whether you’re a local beachgoer or planning a seaside vacation, a day by the water usually means packing more than you think. From towels and sunscreen to portable chargers, snacks, water bottles and sun hats, having the right beach bag can make or break your day.

Beach bags are true summer essentials, designed to carry everything you need while standing up to sand, sun and saltwater. While nearly any tote could technically work, the best beach bags are spacious, durable and comfortable to carry—even when loaded with heavier items like drinks, hardcover books and oversized towels.

Many popular beach bags are made from straw, canvas or natural fibers, while others use easy‑to‑clean materials that handle spills, sand and damp swimsuits with ease. Thoughtful features like interior pockets, zippered closures and reinforced straps also help keep smaller essentials organized and protected.

Find your perfect beach bag with these top summer picks

Beyond the beach, today’s most popular beach bags are surprisingly versatile. Many double as picnic totes, pool bags, carry‑on bags for travel or oversized everyday bags for grocery shopping and busy summer schedules. Choosing the right one means you’ll reach for it again and again, and not just on beach days.

1. Best budget beach bag: Becokan Beach Bag

Becokan Beach Bag

This best-selling beach bag is the definition of low-effort, high-reward. The Becokan tote is lightweight, water-resistant and roomy enough to hold everything from oversized towels to snacks and sunscreen—without getting weighed down.

Multiple pockets keep your essentials easy to grab, while the durable design stands up to sand, spills and long beach days. Buy now at Amazon

When in need of a budget-friendly beach bag, Amazon has some amazing picks, including the Becokan Beach Bag for $15. This extra-large tote bag is constructed from a waterproof canvas material and features a spacious interior with tons of pockets, including a size pocket large enough for a reusable water bottle and a zipper pocket.

Despite its larger size, the bag also packs down flat, so it’d be a great choice for travel, especially if you’re headed on a cruise or beach holiday. 

• Style: Tote 
• Size: 18.5 x 6.5 x 14.1 
• Material: Waterproof canvas
• Pockets: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes 
• Quick-Dry: Yes

2. Best waterproof bag: Casemate Jelly Tote Bag

Casemate Jelly Tote Bag

Equal parts nostalgic and practical, this jelly tote is having a major moment.

The transparent, waterproof design makes it perfect for sandy or splash-heavy days, while the structured shape keeps your essentials easy to spot (no digging required). It’s the fun, functional bag you’ll reach for all summer. Buy now at Amazon

Casemate is one of TikTok’s favorite bags right now, and it’s perfect for the beach. This waterproof Casemate tote bag is an excellent choice because it’s big enough to fit essentials (including a towel), but not so big that you feel like you’re lugging your items down to the coast.

It’s constructed from a durable plastic material with lightweight and comfortable jacquard straps, plus comes with a water-resistant touch-screen pouch for your phone to keep your device protected from the sand and salt water. 

• Style: Tote 
• Size: 17 x 12 x 8 inches 
• Material: Plastic with jacquard straps
• Pockets: No
• Waterproof: Yes
• Quick-Dry: Yes

3. Best overall beach bag: Bagsmart Coast 40L Tote

Bagsmart Coast 40L Tote

If you’re the type who packs for every possibility, this 40L tote has you covered. The Bagsmart Coast bag is surprisingly spacious, with smart compartments that keep wet swimsuits, dry clothes and smaller must-haves organized (and not floating around your bag).

It’s lightweight, travel-friendly and designed for real-life chaos—whether you’re heading to the beach, pool or beyond. Buy now at Bagsmart

Don’t hit the beach without this Bagsmart Coast Tote. The beach bag is the best size for a day at the beach, with plenty of room for your towel, sunscreen, sun hat, and snacks. It also comes with a Crossbody Organizer Pouch that you can use for your phone, credit cards, keys, and other smaller essentials, and either wear separately or tuck away in the tote.

This Bagsmart beach bag is also water-repellent, so it’s great for potential splashes. Plus, it comes in a few fun color options (including the most cheerful lemon yellow). 

• Style: Tote  
• Size: 15.94 x 8.66 x 15.35 inches  
• Material: Nylon, polyester
• Pockets: Yes, plus a Crossbody Organizer Pouch
• Waterproof: No 
• Quick-Dry: Yes, it’s water-repellent 

4. Trendiest beach bag for 2026: Bogg Original Bogg Bag

Bogg Original Bogg Bag

The Original Bogg Bag is the cult-favorite carryall that’s sturdy, tip-proof and basically indestructible. Its washable, waterproof design means sand and spills are no big deal, while the structured shape keeps everything upright and easy to find.

It’s a splurge shoppers consistently say is worth it, especially if you want a beach bag that can handle years of summer plans. Buy now at Bogg Bag

Whether you’re headed to the beach or a picnic in the park, the Original Bogg Bag is one of the most loved carry-all options. Bogg bags are made from waterproof, quick-drying EVA plastic (they’re kind of like Crocs, but bags!) and come with a large and a small bag insert, allowing you to keep smaller essentials safe.

“I own the Original Bogg Bag in two sizes, and the extra-large is my go-to for a day at the beach or lake,” says Jessie Quinn, a USA TODAY Shopping contributor. “I love how spacious the bag is, how easy it is to clean (I just rinse mine in the bathtub and let it dry on my balcony), and how much it carries.” 

• Style: Tote  
• Size: 19 x 9 x 14 inches  
• Material: Eva plastic
• Pockets: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes 
• Quick-Dry: Yes

5. Best for families: Calpak Terra 35L Water Resistant Zip Tote Bag

Calpak Terra 35L Water Resistant Zip Tote Bag

This Calpak tote is built for overpackers in the best way. With a generous 35L capacity, a zip-top closure and water-resistant fabric, it keeps everything from towels to tech protected and organized.

It’s polished enough for travel days and tough enough for beach runs, making it a go-to for anyone who wants one bag that does it all. Buy now at Calpak

Families in search of a large and functional beach bag will love this pick from Calpak, which also doubles as a carry-on tote. The Calpak Terra 35L Water Resistant Zip Tote Bag features a rectangular shape that keeps its structure, making it easier to not only pack up but also see what you have inside once you get to your sandy destination.

It’s constructed from a water-resistant, recycled ripstop polyester material and features large interior size pouches for sandals or a swimsuit change, as well as plenty of outer zippers, too. 

• Style: Tote 
• Size: 14 x 18 x 8.5 
• Material: Recycled ripstop polyester
• Pockets: Yes
• Waterproof: No, but it is water-resistant!  
• Quick-Dry: Yes

6. Best mesh bag: Sande Kids Beach Hauler Mesh Backpack

Sande Kids Beach Hauler Mesh Backpack

For family beach days, this mesh backpack is a game changer. It’s lightweight, breathable and designed to haul all the kids’ gear—think toys, towels and snacks—without trapping sand or water.

Bonus: the backpack style makes it easy to carry, even when little hands are full. Buy now at Nordstrom

Mesh bags make it easier to shake off sand and provide more breathability when packing up damp items. This mesh backpack from Sande Kids is an excellent choice for the beach because not only is it made of waterproof mesh, but it’s also easy and comfortable to carry.

The backpack is also on the larger end of the spectrum, providing plenty of space to stash away beach toys, sunscreen, sunhats, and more. 

• Style: Backpack  
• Size: 15 x 11 x 19 inches 
• Material: PVC and polyester mesh, 100% cotton straps 
• Pockets: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes 
• Quick-Dry: Yes 

7. Most versatile beach bag: Torrain Barrel Tote Bag

Torrain Barrel Tote Bag

If you love a roomy carryall with structure, this barrel tote delivers. The wide, cylindrical shape gives you extra packing space without feeling bulky, while sturdy materials hold up to heavy loads.

It’s a reliable grab-and-go option for beach days, road trips and everything in between. Buy now at Torrain

The Torrain Barrel Tote Bag is a mix between a beach bag and a fashion bag, making it a great choice for those wanting to go from the beach to brunch or shopping on the pier.

The bag resembles classic upcycled gear with a modern twist, only with a more structured barrel silhouette that makes it easier to carry and a chic, eco-friendly choice for spontaneous adventures. While it is a smaller option, the cylindrical tote is still spacious enough to carry your beach essentials, market finds or daily gear. You can also use this bag to stay organized on the go, thanks to its clever pockets designed to roll with the punches.

• Style: Tote 
• Size: 12 x 17 inches 
• Material: Recycled plastic
• Pockets: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes 
• Quick-Dry: Yes

8. Best travel-friendly beach bag: Gap Canvas Slouchy Tote Bag

Gap Canvas Slouchy Tote Bag

This laid-back canvas tote leans into that effortless, throw-it-all-in vibe. It’s soft, roomy and easy to style with everything from swimsuits to everyday outfits.

If you’re looking for an affordable, no-fuss bag that works beyond the beach, this is the one. Buy now at Gap

A classic tote bag is one of the best personal items to carry on the plane and then transform into a beach bag. This slouchy canvas bag from Gap features a timeless style with plenty of space to store your beach and pool essentials.

And, if you don’t want to carry it on, it lies flat for packing. The bag is also available in a trio of fun colors, including a gorgeous emerald green that goes with everything. 

• Style: Tote 
• Size: 15 x 9 x 22 inches
• Material: Cotton canvas, vegan leather trim 
• Pockets: Not listed
• Waterproof: Not listed
• Quick-Dry: Not listed

9. Splurge-worthy beach bag: J.Crew Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag

J.Crew Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag

Chic and practical, this packable tote is made for summer travel. The handknotted design gives it that elevated, woven look, while the lightweight build folds down easily into your suitcase.

It’s the kind of stylish extra bag you’ll be glad you brought—especially when your haul grows. Buy now at J.Crew

For a splurge-worthy beach bag, consider this timeless hand-knotted tote bag from J.Crew. The bag is made from a paper raffia-like material that is crocheted into an oversized and oh-so-texturized tote bag.

Its size makes it a great, versatile choice for those headed to the beach, the pool or even brunch, and it also packs down flat for travel.

• Style: Tote 
• Size: 12 ½ x 12 ½ x 12 ½ inches  
• Material: Paper, leather trim 
• Pockets: Yes
• Waterproof: No 
• Quick-Dry: No

What size beach bag do I need? 

Beach bag sizes can vary a lot, depending on the circumstances and your personal preferences. If you’re headed out for a solo beach day, you might not need as large a bag as you would if you hit the sand with your family.

Most people want to be able to fit essentials like towels, sunscreen, snacks and a beach read into their bag, which requires a medium- to large-sized bag. However, if you also need your bag to hold sand toys and a change of clothes for your kids, more space is better. 

What material is best for a beach bag? 

Most beach bags are available in canvas, nylon, mesh, PVC and woven straw materials. However, you can also find some (such as the Original Bogg Bag) available in waterproof and lightweight EVA. Canvas totes are a beach classic.

While they are super durable and offer a more utilitarian approach to the bag style, these types of beach bags are easily dirtied and a little more difficult to get clean, and the same goes for straw. If you prefer something that is waterproof or easy to wipe down, consider beach bags constructed from PVC plastic, EVA, or with some waterproof coating. These materials are all super durable in the face of sand and saltwater. 

How do I clean a beach bag?

Most beach bags are surprisingly low-maintenance—you just need to match your cleaning method to the material. Look for bags with wipeable linings, water-resistant fabrics or waterproof PVC that can be quickly rinsed or hosed down after a sandy day.

For canvas or straw styles, stick to spot cleaning. A gentle scrub with mild soap helps lift dirt without damaging the structure (especially since straw isn’t waterproof and some canvas can lose its shape in the wash).

Dealing with stubborn stains? Letting your bag sit in the sun can help naturally fade discoloration. For everyday upkeep, wipe interiors with a damp cloth and always let your bag air dry fully—this helps prevent that musty smell.

Plastic or EVA bags are the easiest of all: just rinse them in the sink, tub, or with a hose, and they’re good to go for your next trip.

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