The Best Beach Tote Bags

No beach day is complete without towels, sunscreen, snacks, a bathing suit, and a nice roomy tote to carry everything along in style. Although you may have bags at home, it’s worth getting a tote bag made especially for the beach. They’re easy to keep clean, and you don’t have to worry about them getting water damaged. We’ve gathered up the best beach tote bags so that you’ll be fully prepared for your next trip to the seaside.

What to Look For

When searching for the best beach tote bags, we looked for options that are durable, easy to clean, and are spacious enough to hold all your gear. Our overall favorite was the oversized mesh tote from F-color because it’s reinforced and has plenty of pockets to keep things organized. If you’re planning on bringing snacks to the beach, we’d recommend the jumbo cooler tote bag from Creative Green Life. It’s sturdy, stain-proof, and insulated, so it’ll keep your food and drinks nice and chilled. Keep reading to learn more about the best tote beach bags on the market.

F-color Oversized Mesh Beach Tote

The hole package

Make sure you leave the sand at the beach with this durable mesh tote bag.
Best Overall

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You can keep everything from your keys to your beach towel neatly tucked away in this roomy mesh bag. It has eight exterior pockets to stow small items like sunblock and sunglasses, and one zippered interior pocket that’s waterproof. This means you can make sure your phone or tablet will stay dry and safe from the sand.

Pros:

  • The bag is reinforced and can hold up to 160 pounds, so you can carry a lot without worrying about the fabric ripping.
  • Because the material isn’t stiff, you can fold up the tote and store it in your car or luggage with ease.

Cons:

  • The bottom of the bag is mesh, so some sand might get in, but it should also fall back out when you lift up the bag.

Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote

Color me impressed

Jazz up your beach outfit with this colorful mesh tote bag.
Runner Up

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If you’re just packing for yourself, this shoulder bag-style tote is the perfect option. It’s big enough to stow all the essentials, but not so big that it gets in your way when you carry it. The long straps make it easy to keep on your shoulder, so you’ll be comfortable even if you’re wandering far down the beach in search of the perfect spot to lay down your towel.

Pros:

  • This tote is available in a wide variety of colors, so you can pick one that you love.
  • The bag has a solid nylon bottom, so it keeps its shape and stays upright when you set it down.

Cons:

  • This bag doesn’t have a closure, so it’s easy to access the contents but they might spill if the bag tips over.

Hibala Large Woven Beach Bag

Au naturel

Protect the earth and stow your stuff simultaneously with this eco-friendly jute tote bag.
Best Straw Tote

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Embrace the boho-chic look on your next beach trip with this large woven tote bag. The natural jute material is laminated to make it water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about the tote getting soggy or moldy if it’s exposed to water. In case the bottom does get wet, the inside of the tote is lined so that your belongings stay dry.

Pros:

  • The narrow profile means this bag is comfortable to carry under your arm, but it’s still big enough to hold everything you need.
  • This bag folds down flat, so it’s easy to pack in your suitcase if you’re traveling.

Cons:

  • There are no interior pockets in this bag, so smaller items like sunglasses might fall to the bottom.

Lucazzi Extra-Large Utility Tote Bag

Room to spare

Keep all your family's belongings safe and secure in this large, durable tote bag.
Best For Families

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A family beach day is great fun, but packing for so many people can be a challenge. This extra-large tote bag is up to the task, and it fits up to eight beach towels with room for sunscreen, goggles, snacks, and toys in the outside pockets. Although toting this much stuff can get heavy, the two handles attach with a padded velcro strap to make it more comfortable to carry.

Pros:

  • The reinforcement bars are secured with velcro so that the bag folds down flat for storage when you’re not using it.
  • This bag has a lightweight metal frame inside the durable polyester, so it keeps its shape well and stays upright and open when you set it down.

Cons:

  • This tote bag is a bit pricier than other options.

Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag

Keep cool

Make sure your snacks stay fresh with this insulated tote bag.
Best For Picnics

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If you’re spending a hot day at the beach, the last thing you want is soggy sandwiches and lukewarm water. It’s easy to keep your food chilled with the help of this soft-sided cooler tote, which is lined with thermal foam that can keep ice frozen for eight hours. The heavy-duty zipper ensures that no heat gets in, and the sturdy design holds up to 40 pounds.

Pros:

  • You can clean the interior and exterior with just a damp sponge, but this bag is also machine-washable in case it gets grimy on your adventure.
  • The front pocket has room for small items like your keys and debit cards, so you don’t need to pack a separate purse.

Cons:

  • This bag is only available in gray, so it’s not ideal if you want a bright, fun color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for a beach tote bag?

Because you’ll be taking your bag to the shore, you need to choose a tote that can withstand the elements. Plastic mesh is a great option because it won’t get damaged by the water, and any loose sand will fall through the holes. Polyester canvas and other waterproofed materials are strong as well, and they will help keep your belongings safe and dry.

What’s the difference between a beach tote bag and a regular tote bag?

Beach tote bags are larger than regular tote bags, so they have plenty of room for folded towels and other beach essentials. They’re also made out of durable materials that help them withstand sand, saltwater, and wind.

About the Author

Madeleine is always on the lookout for new styles, so you can usually find her perusing Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. She treats herself to the occasional splurge on nice shoes, but she also loves bargain-hunting at the thrift store. She's developed quite the eye for fashion through the years, and now she wants to share her expertise with anyone looking to give their wardrobe an upgrade.

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