7 Beach Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed

With summer in full swing, the rising temperatures have most of us seeking water. But let’s be honest, when it comes to sand, salt and strong UV rays, a day at the beach isn’t always, well, a day at the beach. Whether you’re ocean-, river- or lake-bound, we’re using our SoCal experience to give you our best hacks for an easier, cleaner, cooler and all-around better beach day.

Stake your (sand-free) space

If you can write your name in the layer of sand left in your car after the beach, we see you. And while a sandy beach is perfect for castle-making, hole-digging and all-around lounging, it’s also famous for clinging to blankets, beach bags, chairs and skin. That’s why we went a little gaga over this easy hack for creating a sand-free space under the sun. 

Check out this YouTube video, which shows you an easy way to protect your space – and all your stuff – from the sand using something you probably already have at home: a fitted sheet. Consider our minds blown (but also sand-free!). 

Find a creative stash

When you’ve got surf and sand, no one wants to be stuck at home base guarding valuables. Keep everyone in the water or enjoying that game of beach volleyball by thinking a bit outside the wallet or purse. 

Grab an empty sunscreen container, rinse it out and use it to stash cash, keys, credit cards or jewelry. Slip it in your beach bag and no one will know your valuables are hidden in plain sight. Alternately, check out these ingenious storage flip flops that feature a hidden compartment that’s just as good as a wallet.

Protect your skin

Any day at the beach that ends in scorched skin just isn’t a day at the beach. Make sure you’re keeping your family protected by picking up some UV stickers. Attach one of these handy dots to your skin before spraying or spreading on your sunscreen. By the time the dot changes color, you’re ready for a reapplication. 

As a bonus hack, store your sunscreen in your fridge or a cooler for a nice chilly sensation every time you apply. 

“Pool” your resources

If you’ve got toddlers at the beach, you don’t need us to tell you it’s not for the faint of heart! But you can level the playing field (just a bit) with an inexpensive kiddie pool. Both the inflatable or plastic type will work, but the inflatable might be easier to store and transport. 

Set your babies up in the pool with either sand or water and let them play and splash until their – very contained – hearts are content. 

Freeze everything

If there’s one thing you’re always going to want a few hours into a beach day, it’s an ice-cold drink. Unfortunately, that’s a big ask when you’re set up in hot sand. The night before you head out, throw your drinks in the freezer. Transfer them to your cooler before you leave – not only will they stay cold, they’ll keep your other items chilly as well. 

Keep in mind this doesn’t work with canned sodas, but for some extra chilliness, you can freeze those 30 to 45 minutes before you leave (just don’t forget to take them out!). 

Choose the right towels

If you ever feel like you bring half the beach home in your towel, we’ve been there. In fact, our sandy frustrations are what inspired us to create the Geometry beach towel! Made in a generous 65” x 31” size that’s perfect for beach naps (please?), the micro loop weave is super light, ultra compact, crazy absorbent and won’t pick up half the beach. 

Plus, they’re cuuuute. Head over to Geometry House to see the entire collection of fun, vibrant prints. 

Pack the powder

Everyone needs a good long shower after the beach, but what you don’t need is sand all through your car and house beforehand. Brush off the excess with baby powder and a brush prior to getting into the car. The powder loosens the sand while the brush sweeps it cleanly away. 

If you want to simplify things, pick up one of these sand-removing sponges, which are conveniently pre-filled with powder for a one-stop solution.

Summer is flying by! While these hacks might keep you cool, safe and comfortable, your most important summer hack is to enjoy every second like it’s a day at the beach (even when it’s not).