The Best Beach Bags for the Hamptons—And What to Pack in Them

Congratulations New Yorkers, you’ve officially survived winter! And in only a few shorts weeks, beach season will be officially underway. Heading to the Hamptons for a little R&R? Ditch that ratty tote, or gasp, gym bag that you’ve been hauling around all year and pick up a new, colorful beach bag for all your summertime essentials. Not sure what type of bag is right for you? We’ve rounded up the best beach bags below.

FOR LOW-KEY LADIES:

If your idea of a great Hamptons weekend is beach-side bonfires and margaritas in Montauk, then this Madewell tote is about to become your new best friend. It’s roomy enough for all your needs (and has plenty of room for any knick-knacks you might score while antiquing in town). Best of all, it can be carried over-the-shoulder or by its braided top-handles.

What to put inside:

Not everyone can pull-off circular frames, but you can. And you won’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Bravo.

Oversized, super-soft, and made in Portugal—this towel was made for you. And the fringe edges give it tons of personality.

Before the days of Instagram filters and PicStitch, cameras used film. Go retro.

Keep your lips smooth (and sunburn free) with this nourishing lip treatment available in 13 fun shades.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE & BE SEEN:

What to put inside:

If sunset cocktails at Nick & Toni’s is your idea of perfection, then you’ll need this simple, sleek, and oh-so-chic Hermes beach bag by your side all summer long. Made from 100 percent cotton canvas, and available in two bold hues, it’s eye-catching without being in-your-face.

Keep the sun out of your eyes—and still show off your lash extensions! This canvas baseball cap featuring Gucci’s signature logo is perfect for reading poolside or taming unruly fly-aways on super-humid nights.

This towel is yours, and yours alone. Enough said.

Go from sunbathing to popping Dom in these sparkly sandals.

High-quality headphones with the appeal of jewelry. YES!

FOR MULTI-TASKING MOMS:

What to put inside:

Handmade from recycled sails collected from sailing communities all over the world, this bag is as unique as you (and your little ones!) It’s large enough to store all the basics like sunscreen, bottled water, and snacks, but chic enough to take to Sunday brunch with the girls.

Snap crystal clear pictures of your kids playing in the ocean—without damaging your iPhone. The Catalyst case can be submerged in water up to 16.4 feet, so you can splash, cannonball, even dive down, without worry.

Even though you always try to leave with whatever toys you came with, when you have little ones (and high-tide rolls in), that’s not always the case. But rest assured, should these buckets and pails be swallowed up by the ocean, they’re biodegradable.

Protect yourself from the sun, rain, wind, and more with this portable umbrella that folds up quick as can be.