Summer has to be the best time of the year. School is out, the sun is out, and the beach is ready for use. If you are anything like me, the beach is like a second home during the summer. I live for my days off where I can just lay on the beach and get a nice tan with my friends. My friends are definitely my top thing that I need to enjoy the beach, but here is a quick list of 10 things that I have found that have made my beach experiences the best.

1. Bathing suit

Obviously when heading to the beach, you need your cutest bathing suit. The hardest decision is trying to find a bathing suit that will be cute, but also won’t leave super weird tan lines either

2. Towel

A towel is another obvious necessity. It is something that can be used in so many different ways. It can help dry you off if you are someone who swims at the beach, it can be used as something to sit on, or even something to hide your face if it starts to burn.

3. Speaker

The best part about laying on the beachhas to be listening to music while doing so. Everyone has a different beach playlist that they listen to, but for me, if you just put on some country or some pump up jams I am all good.

4. Sunglasses

ABSOLUTE necessity when going to the beach for the day. Who wants to be blind all day while they are trying to relax? No one. So if you are heading to the beach, this is definitely one item not to forget.

5. Tanning oil

Tanning oil becomes your best friend at the beach. Although it makes you oily and all the sand sticks to you, it definitely helps towards a better tan. But if you are like my siblings and cannot tan whatsoever, bring some 50 SPF to save yourself from a bad burn.

6. Cover up

This can also be used to save you from burning if you are a little pasty. I tend to use my cover up when I go walking on the beach or the rocks or when I do not want to change out of my bathing suit after the beach.

7. Food

I do not know what it is, but I get SO hungry when I am at the beach. That is why I always have to bring a big cooler of food to hold me over while I am there. Pack some of your favorite snacks and a sandwich and you will be all set.

8. Drinks

If you are over 21 alcoholic beverages are a popular thing to bring to the beach, but if you are like me and still underage, I am fine with just bringing some water and Snapple to sip on. It is so important though to stay hydrated when at the beach because the sun will absolutely drain you.

9. Beach Chair

A beach chair is a good addition if you do not particularly like getting sand all over you. You can still get a tan, but you do not have to be all sandy while doing it.

10. Friends

How can you have a good beach day without the company of your friends? My favorite days are when I am in the car with three or four of my friends on a hot day with the windows down heading the beach.