A huge thank you to Backcountry & ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post.
We’re in Carolina Beach–one of our favorite places in the world–this month. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous and we are taking full advantage of our time here.
I’d love to say we’re able to take in the beautiful sunrises over the ocean, but with two little kids (and a sun that rises at 5:30 am) that’s next to impossible. Instead, we take the kids in the late afternoon when the sun isn’t quite as hot so they can play in the water.
This year Shana and family came to visit for the first time and we had a blast. We took them to the beach right around sunset so we could enjoy some happy hour beverages while the kids played in the water. These are the times I wait for ALL year long.
Beach Essentials For Summer Evening Hangs With The Fam
Here are the pieces I swear by for beach hangs (even happy hours–maybe especially happy hours).
- The best-ever beach chair (with a personal shade)
- A Portable table (the piece I never knew I needed)
- Something to keep the drinks cold (and tumblers to drink them in)
- A stay-put swimsuit that’s comfy and cute (and an easy cover-up)
- Something to keep water-logged kids warm and dry (for evening hangs)
swimsuit (8) | pants (s) | bag
The Perfect Beach Bag
I stole this bag from my husband after seeing how much he could fit into it! It’s waterproof, has multiple pockets, is adjustable (it can be worn as a hip pack or across the back like this) and the straps on the bottom can hold extra gear (like wet clothes or towels). This is the perfect bag for the beach: stash your phone, wallet and keys in without worrying about them getting wet or sandy.
rashguard | hat | bodysuit | swimsuit
cooler bag | swimsuit | towel
What We Pack For Beach Hangs On Summer Evenings
Going to the beach with kids isn’t always the easiest thing, but knowing exactly what to bring makes it a whole lot easier. Zack and I now have our list of what to pack down to a science so we don’t have to overthink it when we want to go–it makes getting out the door (and maximizing beach time) so much quicker.
A. The Best-Ever Beach Chair (+ Side Table)
I splurged on this crazy comfortable chair (and personal shade) because the reviews were amazing and I’m so glad I did. It’s not hot (the mesh panels keep the air flowing), keeps your bum off the sand, and is super-lightweight. The carrying sack converts into a pillow, and the chair can be used with or without the personal shade (yasss). (If you’re not wanting to splurge, the chair Shana is in is similar but a bit lower to the ground.)
Oh and a portable table?? SO good. It keeps clothes, phones, speakers and food out of the sand (much better than a towel) and folds up in an easy-to-carry bag. I didn’t realize how much I needed one…and now can’t go without it!
B. Coolers & Tumblers To Keep The Drinks Cold
I’ve been LOVING the YETI tumblers for years because they really do keep drinks cold for HOURS, even in hot weather. Add ice and you’re good to go. Shana swears by this cooler bag to pack extra drinks and food in, and I’ve got my eye on this one–loving that aqua blue color!
C. Something To Keep The Swimmers Warm (& Dry)
I’ve been using my Rumpl blanket almost daily since I first got it this winter. It’s a much warmer option than wet towels (and a lot easier to pack) and the synthetic insulation provides warmth even if it gets wet. And speaking of towels, this ultralight towel is pretty dang amazing. It folds up to about the size of your palm (super-portable), absorbs four times its weight in water and dries crazy fast. SO much better than transporting a bunch of wet sandy towels back home! (It’s perfect for the pool, too…dry off the kids, hang it and soon it’ll be ready to do it all over again.)
D. Stay-Put Swimsuit That’s Comfy + Cute
This suit has that deep v shape I like, but stays put even in the ocean water thanks to the straps in front of the bust and across the back. It’s not cheeky at all, so it’s good for when you’re running around with the family and don’t want your bum peeking out–it’s a little sexy but mostly functional.
As for the kids, we always put them in long-sleeve suits for extra sun protection and easier movement in the water. We don’t have to worry about straps falling down or being re-tied, and G loved this animal print suit.
Oh, and those pants I wore as a coverup? LOVE. Super comfy and lightweight…perfect for the beach because they dry so quickly if they do happen to get wet (see my bum in the first pic?). 😂 I’m wearing a small and love that the tie-waistband is adjustable.
Also…don’t forget extra swim diapers. Even if you don’t think your kiddos will go into the water. We hadn’t planned on Ozzie actually going in (he hadn’t all week), but he followed his cousins right in after them. Lesson learned!
XOXO,
Scotti
ps. First-time shoppers can use our discount code THEMOMEDIT for 15% off full-priced pieces! (Exclusions apply.)
A huge thank you to Backcountry & ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post! I love summer beach days (and nights!) and you guys have made them so much easier. It is so appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed!
Photo Credit to Terah Wilson Photography. Terah, it was so nice to meet you and work with you–love your work! And readers, thank YOU so much for your support.
