Best Picks for Beach Accessories

One of the best places to spend long summer days is at the beach. If you're headed down to the beach this summer, there are a few things you should take with you. There are plenty of accessories to choose from when getting ready for a trip to the coast, but some are more useful than others. While you want to feel your best, choosing accessories that look great and are still functional are ideal choices. Here are a few things you should have the next time you take a trip to the beach.

Towel
A beach towel is one of the most essential accessories because it allows you to sit or lay down on the sand without getting burned. If you plan on laying out and going in the water, you should bring two towels--one to lay on the sand with and use the other to wipe down after coming back from the water. There are many colors, styles, and designs to choose from when it comes to beach towels, so find one that shows off your personality and style. One colorful towel that's full of summer style is the Vera Bradley Beach Towel in Lemon Parfait.

Tote
Instead of carrying all of your gear down to the beach by hand, think about buying a durable beach tote. A tote should be large enough to carry comfortably, but still have plenty of room inside for a change of clothing, beach towels, books or magazines, and anything else you plan on taking to the coast. Look for a tote with long handles so you can effortlessly sling it over your shoulder and keep your hands free to carry anything else you might be taking to the beach. Head to the beach in style using the Betsey Johnson Betseyville puffed-out tote.

Sandals
If you've ever tried walking barefoot from your car to the perfect spot on the beach, you know the concrete and sand gets hot! Protect your feet from jagged shells or hot sand by wearing a pair of sandals to the beach. Look for sandals that have an ankle strap because they are sturdier for walking on sand than flip-flops. If you're going to a beach with a rocky shore, you might want to choose a waterproof sandal that you can wear while walking around the water to prevent cutting your feet on sharp shells or rocks. A style perfect for pairing with casual beach attire is the Lucky Brand Caryl Sandal.

Sunglasses
Wear a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare off of the water while you spend the day at the beach. Sunglasses will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sunburn and prevent premature wrinkles in the future. Choose a chic style to complement your swimsuit or wear a sporty pair if you plan on partaking in beach activities like surfing or volleyball. Whether you want to look retro or contemporary, the classic Ray Ban sunglasses are a must-have for anyone.