Summer is here. Sun-kissed days and blistering heat means ever enticing warm sandy shores and cool ocean waters. Loving the beach is in our DNA, but there’s nothing worse than trying to beat the traffic or to secure the best patch of sand, and realising you’ve forgotten the essentials.

As the ultimate playground for relaxation and recreation, going to the beach is so much better when you have everything you need. Whether it’s a getaway with family, a sandy stroll with a loved one or a day of seaside serenity with friends, the beach is best enjoyed when you’re prepared. From umbrellas and towels to games and entertainment, we’ve compiled a list of the best beach gear and games to elevate your summertime fun.

Towels

Perhaps the most essential piece of gear for the beach is a trusty towel. It provides comfort on the hot sand and soaks up the water after a dip in the sea. A quality towel makes all the difference and can be oversized for post-swim comfort or extra absorbent for quick drying effectiveness. Check out some of our favourites that combine both fashion and functionality from Adairs, Kmart, Lincraft and Target.

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Umbrellas

When the sun beats down and you’re curled up with a good book, you realise just how much you’d give for a slice of shade. Thankfully, a beach umbrella has you covered. Providing respite from the sweltering heat, an umbrella is more than just practical, it can be a stylish statement piece. Colourful, patterned, chic or adorned with tassels, it adds flair to your stake in the sand. Check out our favourites from Kmart, Target and Adairs.

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Chairs

When you spend the whole day by the water, you want to be as comfortable as possible, and nothing raises your relaxation game more than a supportive beach chair. Ideally, you want a chair that’s lightweight and portable and something that can hold your ice-cold beverage. Here are some of our favourites from Adairs that’ll ensure coastal comfort for years to come.

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Bags

To make the most of your beach adventure, there are a few essentials you’ll want to pack. Snacks, drinks, books, a towel, sunscreen, your phone, wallet and keys all need to be packed and the most practical solution to carry everything? A sturdy bag of course. Beach bags are designed for the sand, and often, they become one of the most stylish items in your summer inventory. You can even bring a bag that doubles as a cooler to keep your drinks refreshingly ice-cold. Check out our favourite beach bags from Sportsgirl and Strandbags and get ready for non-stop relaxation and adventure.

Entertainment and games

The seaside is the perfect place to enjoy a range of games and forms of entertainment, from beach cricket to dancing in the sand. If you want to relax and kick back, a good speaker and a great book can give you hours of bliss but if you’re looking for a bit more action, you can try beach footy, cricket, frisbee or volleyball. Here are some of our favourite beach-friendly entertainment and games from Mr Toys Toyworld, Kmart, JB Hi-Fi, QBD and Target that’ll keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.