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May 22, 2023

The 13 Best Beach Bags, Totes, Coolers, and Backpacks in 2023

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Whether your take your beach day pared down with just a good book and towel or you go all out with accoutrements

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Whether your take your beach day pared down with just a good book and towel or you go all out with accoutrements for sand castles and picnics, the best beach bags make it easy to carry everything you need for your ideal sunny day at the shore.

The best beach bag for you depends on a few factors. Function should be top of mind. Are you looking for a bag that'll keep your drinks cool or something loaded with pockets to keep all of your essentials organized? Then there's budget– and it doesn't hurt to think about form either. Luckily for all of us on the hunt for the best beach bags out there, there are plenty of affordable, cute options on the market.

Plus we have lots of picks for the best tote bags and the best work bags if you're looking to carry anything other than towels and sunscreen.

L.L. Bean's Boat and Tote is our canvas pick for the best tote bag and an evergreen favorite of beachgoers everywhere. The heavyweight canvas is durable enough to hold just about anything you'd need for a beach day and withstand the inevitable elements. When we say durable we mean it– this bag has been tested to carry up to 500 pounds.

The bag comes in sizes ranging from small to extra large (with the option to choose from regular or long handles) and a variety of colors to contrast the natural canvas. You can choose from an open- or zip-top. Plus, to make this tote a little more unique, add a little bit of personalization with a monogram. Go classic with your initials or add a fun phrase à la the ironic boat and tote trend.

Baggu's reusable shopping bag may not seem like an intuitive pick for a beach bag, but give it a shot and we think you'll change your mind. The bag is made of recycled ripstop nylon or polyester depending on the exact model, which both hold up well to sand and water. It can hold up to 50 pounds worth of stuff, and when it's off-duty the bag can be folded up to fit in your pocket. What really stands out about the Standard Baggu is all of the fun colors and patterns to choose from.

When you're not heading to the beach, you can use this bag for groceries, a park picnic, or a day trip; it's so versatile, the opportunities for use are quite endless. At $14 each, the price can't be beat.

A straw tote has a natural, breezy air about it, making it a perfect accessory for hot summer days. This one from J.Crew has a chic and simple silhouette, accented with quality leather handles for a touch of sophistication. While many straw beach bags have short handles, this one has long, soft leather straps that make it easy to tote around. It's sturdy, yet flexible and roomy enough to tote a towel, swimsuit, snacks, and more. It is unlined, but since it's tightly woven you shouldn't have to worry about scratchy, stray straw poking you.

Yeti is know for its durable products built for the outdoors, so it's no wonder this tote bag is our waterproof pick for the best beach bag. It's tested to hold up to 1,500 pounds of static weight and while the brand doesn't recommend you tote 1,500 pounds of static weight to the beach, this stat is proof that this bag can do some heavy hauling. The welded construction makes it virtually impossible for water to seep through the bag's bottom and sides, making this a great choice for boat days. The top of the bag is open for easy access to your belongings, so water can get in there, but there are zippered pockets inside to ensure you can keep your valuables dry.

The bag comes in three sizes: 20L, 35L, and 50L. It comes in two neutral core colors, as well as some fun limited-edition options like High Desert Clay and Nordic Purple. To make it your own, Yeti has the option to add some accessories including patches and bottle openers. While pricey, this tote is durable enough to last you years.

A mesh tote bag is ideal for the beach. All of the holes help air flow easily, so you can throw your wet bathing suit inside without worrying about it getting a mildew smell. Mesh makes it easy to shake sand out of the bag too.

This one is breathable and quick-drying thanks to the nylon and polyester construction. It's quite roomy, lightweight, and flexible, giving you more than enough space for your beach day essentials and then some. It has an open top which lends itself to the slouchy, laidback feel. We love the variety of fun colorways and the affordable pricetag.

Getting the whole family to the beach is no easy feat, but a really spacious, durable, well-organized beach bag can make that process a little easier. That's why this extra-large beach bag from Gotdya is our pick for the best beach bag for families. It's designed with family in mind, laden with an internal zippered pocket to keep valuables safe and dry as well as four external pockets to keep things like sunscreen, beach toys, and flip flops at arm's reach.

This bag is durable, constructed with a breathable blend of polyester and mesh which makes for easy drying. It's machine-washable to boot, so you don't have to be precious when you tote this one around.

Cold drinks and beach days are meant to be together. But the sun can make that ice-cold beer go lukewarm fast. That's why an insulated tote is a must if you're bringing snacks and beverages to the beach.

This Hydro Flask bag looks just like a regular tote, but open it up and you'll find a fully-lined, insulated interior. The outside fabric is coated so its waterproof and super easy to clean. The top zips up, which water-resistant zippers might we add, to keep sand and splashes away from your eats and drinks. It's collapsible, making storage and travel a breeze. With a 20L capacity, this tote can carry food for your whole group.

Since the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote made the top of our list as the best beach bag overall, we felt that the Lands' End iteration deserved a shoutout too. With a durable canvas construction, color handles and bottom, and customization options, the Lands' End 5 Pocket Canvas Tote is very similar to the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. They look alike and feel quite alike too.

Unlike the Boat and Tote, the Lands' End Canvas Tote has an embroidery option where (in addition to adding a monogram) you can add a symbol or design right onto the bag. This bag also has an exterior pocket, four interior pockets, and an added keyring. The two brands also stock different colors, so if you're looking for a great canvas bag and one brand doesn't have your preferred color, check the other.

Getting a colorful, fun bag might just be what your little one needs to get excited about toting their own things to the beach. These bags from Lands' End are made for ages 3+, and they're simply adorable. With the Rainbow, Mermaid, Fish, Dino Pirate, Shark, or Unicorn, there's something to appeal to every kid's style and passions. The mesh back is ideal for kids, who are bound to get sand in the bag. It's easy to clean too, just use a damp cloth to wipe the bag down.

Not only is this bag cute and practical, but it can help keep your child entertained on your next beach day. Inside each beach bag is a pair of swim goggles and a set of five beach toys for your little one to enjoy.

Style is subjective, which makes it difficult to just choose one most stylish bag for everyone. There are so many stylish beach bags out there, but we chose the J.Crew Marseille Tote in Gingham Straw for its balance of style, quality, and price. The twisted paper straw bag is more structured than your typical beach bag, which gives it a polished feel that's perfect for taking from lounging at the beach to a nice dinner out. The gingham pattern is so sweet for summer; it simultaneously feels simple and funky.

This versatile canvas bag from Everlane is designed to be a weekender, so it can fit more than enough for a day at the beach. It's durable, structured, and made from 100% cotton canvas. The interior is spacious and open, with a metal zipper at the top to keep things secure. A small internal pocket ensures your essentials are protected and organized. The bag comes in four everyday color options: Black, Natural, Cappucino, and Black/Bone Stripes. The best part? It's machine-washable so you don't have to worry about it getting splashed or sandy. When you're not at the beach, you can use this for work or weekend trips.

Have you ever tried to fly with a big, straw beach hat in tow? It's not great. Beach hats don't fit into most carry-ons easily and when they do, you risk ruining the hat's structure. That's why The Original Natural Straw Traveling Hat Bag is such a smart find. It's made with 100% raffia straw and has an interior lining. There's a magnetic, snap closure so it's not a complete open top. But, our favorite part of this bag is the built in spot on the outside of the bag to hold your sunhat. When you're traveling, use it as your carryon. When you get to the beach, it's ready to be a beach bag again. And, it's a really cute beach bag too.

Carrying a backpack to the beach is often easier on your shoulders and back than a tote, and being completely hands-free is an added bonus. If you don't want to choose, this Patagonia pack can be both. Thanks to 100% recycled ripstop nylon, the bag is strong, durable, and very lightweight. It's small enough to be stuffed into its own pocket, but when you fill it have no fear– it can fit 27L worth of stuff.

With thoughtful touches like water bottle pockets on the sides, a key keeper hidden in an internal zip pocket, and a mesh harness to help distribute the weight, this bag is well-suited for active beach days and the bikes, hikes, and walks that may follow.

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