We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel Products Luggage + Bags Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags The 18 Best Beach Bags and Totes of 2024 We’ve collected the best options for every type of beach adventure. By Marisa Petrarca Marisa Petrarca Marisa Petrarca is a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. She has over five years of editorial experience and is known for researching and recommending products to consumers, from the buzziest new skincare launch to affordable fashion finds. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, SELF, and more publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 26, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja Few items are as necessary for a trip to the shore as a trusty bag or tote. Your perfect match should complement your beach style, whether you're packing it with snacks and drinks for the family or looking for one that’s chic and adaptable enough for both daytime lounging and evening cocktails with friends. Fortunately, beach bag and tote options abound, which can also feel overwhelming in its own right. To help you narrow down your search, handbag expert Emily Blumenthal suggests starting by identifying what category best aligns with your needs. Popular options include canvas bags, straw bags, neoprene totes, and clear plastic totes. Each has its own unique advantages (and disadvantages) tailored to the preferences of different beach-goers. To streamline your search, we've collected the best beach bags and totes T+L editors use during their own trips to the beach. Our curated list includes waterproof options, budget-friendly favorites, insulated designs, and much more, so you can hit the sand in style this summer. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Rothy’s The Lightweight Mega Tote at Rothys.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Shade & Shore Mesh Tote Handbag at Target ($10) Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Bogg Bag Original Bogg Bag at Boggbag.com ($90) Jump to Review Best Insulated: L.L. Bean Insulated Tote, Large at L.L.Bean ($80) Jump to Review Most Durable: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall with Internal Dividers at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review Best Crossbody: Teeya Straw Crossbody Bag at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review Best Easy-to-clean Bag: State Wellington Cabana Tote at Statebags.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Straw: Hat Attack Straw Traveler Bag at Revolve ($198) Jump to Review Best Zippered: Becokan Beach Bag at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Durable: Lands’ End Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best Overall Rothy’s The Lightweight Mega Tote PHOTO: Rothyâs View On Rothys.com Why We Love It It’s crafted from recycled materials. What to Consider The short handles may not be comfortable for all users. You may already be familiar with Rothy's popular washable flats, but it's time to introduce you to their beach tote as well. This bag is undeniably stylish, featuring a duo-tone striped design, an interior zip pocket, and not just one but two key leashes. It comes highly recommended by commerce writer Alexandra Domrongchai, who declares this lightweight tote "has it all." She highlights the bag’s spacious build and comfortable carrying straps as two of its most covetable features. "This bag will take you from the beach to the airport and beyond, all while looking effortlessly fabulous," she says. "I especially love its machine washable capability because no matter how much shaking, sometimes you need to throw it in the wash to get all the sand out." Plus, it's sustainably crafted from marine and recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly choice. The Details: Recycled plastic water bottles and marine plastic | 13.6 x 19.7 x 7.4 inches Best Lightweight Shade & Shore Mesh Tote Handbag PHOTO: Target $10 At Target Why We Love It Its side pocket is ideal for stashing flip flops, keys, or any items you want separated from the bag's main compartment. What to Consider This style is exclusively available in mesh. This is the go-to beach bag of senior commerce editor Jasmine Grant. This bag holds a surprising amount of items, and the double handles make carrying the bag to the beach or pool a breeze. The side pockets are also great for holding drinks, keys, your phone, and flip flops. "I have it in yellow, which means it's unmistakable at the beach and pool, and it's also just the perfect pop of color for the summertime," she says. And let's not forget its mesh construction, which is the perfect material to bring to the beach. The Details: Polyester | 16.5 x 18.5 Inches x 6.62 Inches Best Waterproof Bogg Bag Original Bogg Bag PHOTO: Amazon $90 At boggbag.com View On Dillards.com View On Academy.com Why We Love It It’s not only waterproof, but also tip-proof. What to Consider Its structured silhouette takes up a good amount of space, something to keep in mind if you’re tight on storage. I have this trendy tote in the large size, which is perfect for fitting everything you could possibly need for a beach day and then some. It's made from lightweight and rubbery EVA, giving it a flexible yet durable structured silhouette. Its bottom has a treaded, non-slip surface that ensures it stays upright, even on uneven sand. Inside, two clear zippered insert bags attach to the side where I stash small essentials like my keys, phone, and wallet. I recently discovered that I can personalize my tote with playful charms known as Bogg "bits" for an extra fun touch. The Details: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) | 19 x 9 x 14 inches The 6 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Insulated L.L. Bean Insulated Tote, Large PHOTO: LL Bean $80 At L.L.Bean Why We Love It Its versatility makes it perfect for both grocery runs and beach outings alike. What to Consider The lighter colors may show stains and smudge marks quickly. Few tote bags rival the iconic status and timelessness of L.L. Bean's Tote, which was introduced in 1944, and now this timeless design comes in an insulated version. What makes this bag so special is its versatile design, durable canvas construction, front slip pocket, and versatile strap options. With both a detachable crossbody strap for easy shoulder-slinging and double hand straps for carrying, it's as practical as it gets. And, last but not least, as someone who has cherished monograms since my college sorority days, I appreciate the option to customize it with my initials. The Details: Cotton | 14 x 22.5 x 7.5 inches Most Durable Yeti Camino 35 Carryall with Internal Dividers PHOTO: Amazon $150 At Amazon $150 At REI $150 At Dick's Why We Love It It has internal dividers to keep your belongings organized. What to Consider It’s a bit on the heavier side, even when empty. This carry-all features an understated design and the durability of its "thickskin" shell, which is both waterproof and puncture-resistant — built to withstand years of use. I love the dividers on both ends of the bag, which can be pulled out to create additional organizing pockets as needed, or pushed back when they’re not in use. Plus, I can attest that even when submerged in several inches of water, nothing inside gets wet. The Details: Nylon | 18.1 x 9.8 x 15.2 Best Crossbody Teeya Straw Crossbody Bag PHOTO: Amazon $21 At Amazon Why We Love It You can wear it as a crossbody or carry it by its top handles. What to Consider This is more of a purse as opposed to a large beach bag. For light packers who want a beach-friendly bag that can also be used when you head out to lunch, this small crossbody is the perfect choice. It complements all of your outfits and comfortably fits all the essentials — including a book, phone, wallet, sunglasses, and sunscreen — with some room to spare. This is one of my favorite crossbody bags for vacations, showing no signs of wear or tear despite how many trips we've taken together. The Details: Polyester and cotton | 17.3 x 5.5 x 11.8 inches The 10 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Easy-to-clean Bag State Wellington Cabana Tote PHOTO: State View On Statebags.com Why We Love It Its TPU exterior is super easy to clean: simply spot clean it with a damp cloth. What to Consider The translucent options may not be ideal for solo travelers. The State Wellington Cabana Tote is simple yet chic. It’s such a perfect size and water-resistant, so you can use it poolside or on the beach without worrying about getting your books or magazines damp. The straps are nice and thick, so you can hold it for long periods of time, and it even comes in a mini size for those who like to pack light. As an added bonus, it comes with a detachable zippered pouch for valuables, which attaches to the bag with a chain for quick access. The Details: TPU and nylon | 12.2 x 16.4 x 8 inches Best Straw Hat Attack Straw Traveler Bag PHOTO: Hat Attack $198 At Revolve View On Shopbop.com $198 At hatattack.com Why We Love It It has a built-in holder for your favorite beach hat. What to Consider The raffia exterior can be uncomfortably scratchy. When it comes to beach essentials, Hat Attack always steals the show. Over the years, the brand has consistently churned out more and more designs that are modern yet timeless. Its Original Straw Traveler Bag epitomizes the brand's aesthetic. It features a built-in spot to store your favorite sunhat securely — no more cramming it into your bag or leaving it behind due to logistical woes. Plus, its raffia design has a natural resistance to water. And because the material is made of cellulose and a natural polymer it is strong and durable, even if you stuff it to the rim. The Details: Raffia straw and cotton | 20 x 14 inches Best Zippered Becokan Beach Bag PHOTO: Amazon $18 At Amazon Why We Love It It comes with a waterproof phone case. What to Consider The bag itself may be more water-resistant as opposed to waterproof. Finding a great beach bag with a zippered top is surprisingly challenging, but this budget-friendly style is a great choice. The zip closure keeps water out, while the striped design and rope handles give it a quintessentially beachy vibe. It has a handy side pocket that fits most water bottles, includes a waterproof phone case, and its collapsible shape makes it easy to pack for vacations. The green and white-striped option is my personal favorite, but it comes in a total of six designs, including chevron and colorful leaf patterns, as well as striped versions in other colors. The Details: Canvas | 20.8 x 7 x 14.5 inches The Best Beach Blankets of 2024, From Stunning Sand-repellers to Massive Family-size Picks Best Durable Lands’ End Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag PHOTO: Lands End $32 At Amazon $35 At landsend.com Why We Love It It’s been tested to hold up to 500 pounds. What to Consider The large size may be too big for casual outings, so be sure to review the dimensions before ordering. Not every brand delivers the durability and quality of Lands’ End when it comes to canvas totes. Its cotton canvas is crafted to withstand a whopping 500 pounds, a testament to its high-quality construction. Its wide-felled seams also enable it to stand upright, a feature that isn't exactly common with canvas totes. The water-repellent base exists to safeguard your bag's contents, and it also has an exterior pocket, four interior pockets, and a key ring attachment to keep you organized on the go. The Details: Cotton canvas | 17 x 6 x 13.5 inches Best Mesh Hoxis Beach Tote $14 At Amazon View On Hoxisbag.com Why We Love It t comes in bold brights, classic neutrals, and even patterned options. What to Consider Sand can easily accumulate inside the bag. Sometimes, you just want a beach bag that serves its purpose but that you also know you don’t have to be overly precious about. For Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker, this bag is exactly that. Unlike many fully mesh totes, this one actually has an internal pocket, which is big enough to keep a small wallet and phone away from the sand. It easily fits two large towels, plus sunscreen, water, and more, and we love how the solid bottom helps the bag hold its shape when packed full. It also comes in a rainbow of colors like coral, lavender, and bright yellow (along with neutrals like tan, cream, and black) so you can decide if you want to go bold or basic for your next beach day. The Details: Nylon and polyester | 17.3 x 15.7 x 5 inches Best Net Bag Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag PHOTO: Nordstrom $110 At Nordstrom View On Longchamp.com $110 At Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It It’s a luxurious take on a classic net bag. What to Consider Small items may fall through the mesh holes if they’re not secured in a larger bag. “There are so many ways to use market bags and beach days are just one of them,” Parker says. “I personally love this Longchamp take (made in partnership with Filt, the French brand making these bags since the 1800s). The classic style gets an upgrade with a little leather snap closure and shorter leather straps so you can carry it by hand or over your shoulder. The material is shockingly strong — I’ve carried two bottles of champagne plus my normal items inside — and the slits are not so small that things like keys will fall though. It’s such a versatile bag that once I was finally able to get my hands on one when it came out in 2021, I purchased a second color as soon as that came back in stock, too.” The Details: Cotton and leather | 12.2 x 15 x 2 inches Best Splurge Loewe Medium Leather-Trimmed Woven Basket Bag PHOTO: Saks Fifth Avenue $690 At Saks Fifth Avenue $690 At Neiman Marcus View On Loewe.com Why We Love It It has a simple polished design with adjustable leather straps. What to Consider It doesn’t have any zippered enclosures. "For a while, I was convinced this Loewe bag was haunting me," Parker explains. "I kept seeing it all over my vacations and on social media and, trust me, I resisted when I first saw the price. I didn’t think I could ever get my money’s worth on a beach bag but I was so wrong. I’ve used this for multiple summers but also love to work it in on warmer shoulder season days, too. The woven raffia has held up incredibly well, and the tote makes even a coverup and flip flops feel way more polished. I especially love that the straps can be adjusted so it sits perfectly on both bare shoulders and over a heavier top, too." The Details: Raffia and leather | 15.75 x 10.5 x 6.25 Best for Kids Tagitary Beach Toy Mesh Beach Bag PHOTO: Amazon $14 At Amazon Why We Love It It’s perfect for collecting small treasures on the beach. What to Consider It’s not really big enough to hold a significant amount of things. These beach bags are perfect for all ages, and an especially genius option for little ones. They have an adjustable strap to fit comfortably on anyone’s shoulder or as a crossbody. The mesh design is lightweight and easy to clean and store, and one of the best details is its zippered top to keep little one’s shell collections safe, or adults’ sunglasses and phones out of the way during a beach walk. The best part is they come in a value pack of three, so you’re covered if one goes missing. The Details: Mesh | 9.84 x 9.84 x 0.79 inches Best Straw Mark & Graham Pom Pom Straw Beach Tote PHOTO: Mark & Graham $110 At markandgraham.com Why We Love It It has chic details such as its pom fringe and woven texture. What to Consider If you opt for personalization, it’s not eligible for returns. Few accessory brands craft their products as thoughtfully as Mark & Graham. Its section of straw bags is extensive and each one is unique. My go-to from the brand is this straw tote bag. It has no shortage of covetable details, from its woven texture and pom fringe to its playful contrast trim and lineup of fun monogram options. If you’d prefer an understated vibe, you can also opt out of the vibrant-colored trim and monogram entirely. The Details: Paper straw | 21 x 5 x 13 inches The 12 Best Beach Wagons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Sand-proof LEDAOU Beach Bag Waterproof Sandproof Tote Bag PHOTO: Amazon $20 At Amazon Why We Love It Sand falls straight through the mesh design rather than accumulating inside. What to Consider All of your belongings are quite visible through the bag. While there’s no one definition of what makes a bag sand-proof, I find this one checks all of my boxes: it’s stylish, affordable, practical, and prevents my items from getting sandy. I love that it’s as stylish for vacation as it is practical against sand. (You can just shake it out without sand collecting in any corners and getting all over your car.) Plus, it has four front pockets to keep your belongings organized, not to mention a zippered top. The Details: Polyester | 17.5 x 8 x 15.7 inch Best Anti-theft FlexSafe Portable Travel Safe PHOTO: Amazon $60 At Amazon $60 At Walmart View On Theaquavault.com Why We Love It It has a fixed lock and attaches to your beach chair or any fixed object. What to Consider It doesn’t have a ton of space inside — it’s just for the essentials. I know this isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing bag on this list, but it’s the leader in anti-theft beach bags. I love that this anti-theft bag is small, with an understated design that doesn’t draw attention, and it attaches to your beach chair or any fixed object — and it has a combination lock you choose your own number combination for. I've found it incredibly handy for keeping my keys, wallet, and other essentials safe during relaxed beach walks. That way, I’m able to enjoy myself without worrying about what will happen if my husband nods off while lounging on our beach blanket. The Details: 3 x 3 x 7 inches Best Sustainable Baggu Duck Bag PHOTO: Baggu $42 At Amazon View On Baggu.com View On Baggu.com Why We Love It It’s crafted with recycled cotton, making it a more eco-friendly option. What to Consider It may be too small to fit a towel. If you're always on the lookout for eco-friendly alternatives to popular products, the Baggu Horizontal Duck Bag deserves your attention. According to Senior Commerce Writer Merrell Readman: “this bag is the perfect size to fold up inside of my suitcase when traveling for a beach vacation. It’s also large enough to hold everything I need for a day out enjoying the surf and sun. I love the top zipper on this bag because it provides an added sense of security while I'm walking around (not to mention that it helps to keep sand out). Plus, it's adorable — and affordable!” The Details: Recycled cotton canvas | 12.5 × 17 × 4.25 inches Tips for Buying Beach Bags and Totes Select high-quality materials There are many popular materials used to craft beach and tote bags, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common materials, according to Blumenthal, are canvas, straw, raffia, mesh, and plastic. While none are inherently superior to the others, certain materials may be more durable than others. For instance, straw totes exude a quintessential beach aesthetic but may not withstand harsh conditions well, while clear plastic totes are typically lightweight and durable, but can become uncomfortably warm in the sun. Mesh bags are often praised for their durability, easy maintenance, and lightness, whereas raffia bags may lose their shape if they become wet, making them better suited for the poolside than beach. Prioritize easy transport Few things are as frustrating as lugging around an uncomfortable bag. Hence, it's crucial to scrutinize its portability before you buy. Does your bag have both carry-top handles and a crossbody strap? Is the crossbody strap adjustable for a customized fit? Lastly, is the bag lightweight or heavy from the outset? Most brands provide this information in the details section of their website for easy reference, so you can find the most easily transportable bag for you. Think about insulation Insulation is a must if your beach day will include cold drinks and snacks. While coolers are most ideal for keeping food and beverages cool for long periods of time, insulated bags are typically lighter and easier to transport. If you don’t need a full day’s worth of refrigeration, it might be worth considering an insulated beach bag over a cooler. Frequently Asked Questions Are canvas totes good for the beach? Blumenthal says canvas is a viable option for the beach. She explains that when it’s tightly woven, it is water-resistant “because the fabric expands as soon as it absorbs water. This closes the gaps between the threads, making it harder for water to pass through the material.” Plus, “they can be machine washed, spot-treated for stains, and are durable enough to sustain that beach overstuffing.” What beach bag doesn't collect sand? The reality is that most beach bags will collect sand, but mesh bags may be more sand-resistant than other options. Blumenthal says they’re your best option for keeping sand out of your car, home, and just about everywhere else since the sand easily falls through the mesh weave. What should I pack in my beach bag? The world is your oyster when it comes to packing your beach bag. However, some popular items to consider include extra bottles of sunscreen, your favorite pair of sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks. You can also add a change of clothes, a beach towel, a book, portable speaker, a hat, and more. Above all, the key is to pack whatever you need to make your day as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Marisa Petrarca has been testing, reviewing, and writing about fashion for nearly a decade. She worked with T+L editors to select the best beach bags and totes, conducted her own research, and spoke to handbag expert Emily Blumenthal for expert tips and product recommendations. The 10 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit