10 Essentials for the Perfect Beach Day (That I Carried All By Myself)

I remember going to the beach when my son was just 6 months old and he couldn’t walk yet, and I couldn’t afford a wagon. So I carried him, plus everything we needed, down the long, sandy stretch to the ocean in Santa Monica… by myself. It was exhausting. My arms were burning, my bag was slipping, and I broke a sweat before we even hit the water. And somewhere along that schlep, passing families with wagons—I thought, "Why am I putting myself through this?"

But then we got there. I set everything down. The ocean breeze hit my face. My son’s laughter danced across the shore as he watched the waves crash, laughing with pure joy, but also a little scared, unsure of how to feel about the loud rush of water. It was the kind of moment where wonder and fear meet, and it made me smile watching him try to make sense of it all.. And I was reminded: this is why. I left that beach feeling tired, yes, but also proud and grateful. That day stuck with me.

And while none of what I'm sharing is particularly profound, it's real. It's helpful. And sometimes, that's exactly what we need.

Over the years, I kept going. And little by little, it got easier. My routine became smoother. My son got older and more independent. He started helping me carry things. He'd remember the extra blanket or grab the snacks. We'd talk about who gets to take what, like teammates preparing for a game.

Now, 10 years later, we’ve mastered the art of beach-going. It’s become our ritual. Our rhythm. And our peace. Trekking through the long sandy path to the ocean in Santa Monica (realizing later that there were other beaches with easier access to the sea, I'll be posting a blog of my favorite mom beaches soon, but this list? It’s what I’ve carried, sweated through, and fine-tuned as a single mom making magic on a budget.

Living in LA means having some of the best beaches just a short drive away—and for me, the beach is more than a weekend outing, it's therapy. It’s where I go to breathe, reset, and let my son run free while I reclaim a little piece of peace. The sun, the waves, the exploration—it’s our happy place.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my beach-day setup, and let me just say: yes, I carried all of this on my own. Was it a trek? Absolutely. Was it also a full-body workout? Definitely. But was it worth it? Every. Single. Time.

Here are my 10 tried-and-true essentials for the perfect LA beach day:

1. A Big Beach Towel

Invest in a giant one. Like, a real-deal, take-up-a-whole-lounge-space towel. I’ve had mine for 8 years and it’s still my ride or die. Big enough for both of us to sit, snack, nap, and build sand kingdoms.

2. Spray Sunscreen

Your skin is your biggest organ, and you should take care of it. Go with the spray version—it saves time, provides full coverage, and lets you chase down a squirmy kid with one hand.

3. A Journal or Book

When my son is happily digging in the sand, I steal a few quiet moments to write, reflect, or get lost in a few pages. It's my small but powerful act of self-care.

4. Sand Toys

You don't need an entire sandbox set. A simple bucket and shovel can spark hours of joy and imagination. I usually grab ours from the dollar store, but you can also order a small kit on Amazon. Cheap, cheerful, and absolutely worth it. Also, the these specific sand toys are collapsable for optimal space in your tote bag...which is the next item.

5. A Good Tote Bag

Don’t underestimate a sturdy, roomy tote that fits it all without falling apart mid-walk. Bonus points if it’s washable.

6. An Umbrella

Optional, but highly recommended if you’re going for luxury mom vibes. It’s like creating your own little shaded island oasis. Pro tip: anchor it deep or the wind will make it someone else's problem.

7. A Small Insulated Lunch Box

I love my colorful mini Trader Joe’s bags—they're the perfect size to pack snacks and keep everything cool. It’s my secret weapon for surviving hours at the beach without soggy sandwiches or hot fruit.

8. Snacks (Because being Hangry at the beach is no fun)

I pack seasonal fruit (mango, strawberries, grapes), a sandwich or wrap, and maybe a little treat like trail mix or gummies. Keep it light but satisfying.

9. Insulated Water Bottle

Hydration is everything. A solid, insulated bottle will keep your water icy-cold while you soak up the sun.

10. Change of Clothes (and a Light Jacket)

Even in LA, beach weather can turn breezy. I always bring dry clothes and a lightweight jacket (with a hood) for both of us so we’re not shivering on the ride home.

Beach Day Checklist ✅

Quick Check-Off List:

☐ Big, cozy beach towel

☐ Spray sunscreen

☐ Journal or book

☐ Sand toys (bucket + shovel – dollar store or Amazon)

☐ Spacious tote bag (bonus if theres an insulated section for food)

☐ Beach umbrella

☐ Small insulated lunch box (Trader Joe’s mini bags FTW)

☐ Snacks (fruit +chips+ sandwich)

☐ Insulated water bottle

☐ Change of clothes + light jacket

Pro tip: Everything on this list (except the water bottle, packed lunch, and umbrella) lives in my trunk all summer long. That way, we’re always ready to hit the beach without the chaos of last-minute packing.

None of this is groundbreaking, but when you’re running out the door and trying to beat the beach traffic, having a list—even a basic one—can be the difference between a smooth day and a hot, sandy meltdown in regrets and wasted funds. Bookmark this post, share it with a mom friend, and remember: you deserve days like these.

Now go soak up that sun, Mama. You earned it.🌞

Love Always and Forever, Grace