It's August on Cape Cod, and my beach bag has basically become a second home. I know where everything is. I know what's missing. And I've gotten very particular about what makes the cut.
The sunscreen, the snacks, the extra hair tie — those are givens. But the things that actually make a beach day feel good? Those take a little more thought. I've been refining my setup all summer and I'm finally at a place where I genuinely love everything I'm bringing down to the water. Here's what's in the bag right now.
The Paxos Everyday Pouch | Small ($46)
This little pouch has become non-negotiable. I use it for all the small things that otherwise disappear into the bottom of a tote — lip balm, a card, my AirPods, some cash. It's the right size for exactly that and nothing more, which I love. The Paxos has a clean, graphic look that feels intentional rather than just utilitarian, and it zips shut so nothing escapes when you're digging around for your phone.
The Paxos Everyday Pouch | Large ($68)
And then there's the big one. The Paxos Everyday Pouch | Large is where I put everything else — a full-size sunscreen, my book, a small notebook, a snack. It's roomy enough to function as a standalone bag if you're just running to the beach for an hour and don't want to haul a full tote. I've also been using it as a catch-all when we come back from the beach — wet swimsuit goes in a bag, everything dry goes in this. It keeps things organized and contained!!
The Monte Carlo Turkish Towel ($58)
I have been obsessed with Turkish towels for years, and the Monte Carlo is one of my favorites we carry. It's lightweight and takes up almost no space in the bag, but it's generous enough to actually lie on. The stripe pattern is classic and cheerful — the kind of towel that looks good whether you're at the beach, poolside, or thrown over a chair on the porch. It dries fast, which matters when you're packing up quickly and heading to lunch right after.
The Block Print Sarong ($118)
This one is new this summer and I am so glad I have it. The Block Print Sarong is hand block-printed in India and the pattern is just beautiful — the kind of thing that looks like you put effort into your beach day when really you just grabbed it off a hook on the way out the door. I've been wearing it as a cover-up, wrapping it around my waist over a swimsuit, and also using it as an extra layer to sit on when the sand gets hot. It's one of those pieces that works for everything and takes up zero room in the bag.
The Terrycloth Pool Bag ($44)
This is the newest addition and it might be my favorite. The Terrycloth Pool Bag is exactly what it sounds like — a bag made from terrycloth, the same material as your best beach towel. It's the perfect size for a quick trip to the pool or the beach when you don't need everything. I've been using it to carry my book, the Paxos Small, and a cold drink. It's casual and fun and honestly adorable, and at $44 it's a great little end-of-summer treat.
There's also something to be said for having a bag that's already beach-friendly. Sand wipes right off, it's not precious, and it looks great whether it's sitting on a lounge chair or the back seat of the car.
A few other things making the bag this summer:
- The Sicily Turkish Towel — another favorite for when I want a second towel without the bulk
- Eau de Buzz — a perfume AND a bug repellent, which is genius and absolutely necessary on Cape Cod evenings
- The Sun Stone After Sun Balm — a solid lotion bar that doesn't leak and actually works
August is short. Make every beach day count — and make sure your bag is ready for it.