The New York Times - The beach is calling

A gif showing beach towels on the sand, a beach chair on the sand, a cooler filled with ice and drinks, and a fedora and a beach bag on the sand.

Wirecutter Staff

There are always two beaches: the one you imagine and the one you actually end up on. Somehow the sun is always hotter, the sand stickier, and the towels less inviting than you remember them being. But with a little preparation, you can close that gap between beach fantasy and beach reality.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing the best towels, sunscreen, coolers, flip flops, and other gear to make your next trip to the water as fun and relaxing as possible.

Hit the sand→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

The best deals on beach gear

A collage showing a water bottle, beach shoes, and an umbrella.

Wirecutter Staff

We’ve rounded up all the discounts we can find on our favorite shelter, chairs, footwear, and more.

Save on these before summer→

More for the shore

A display of some of our favorite plates, bowls, cups and pitchers for eating outdoors, all in bright colors.

Plates, bowls, cups, and carafes for eating outdoors

Have a little snack on the sand with our favorite on-the-go tableware.

A photo of three sets of snorkel gear laying on the beach.

The best basic snorkel set

Take a look at the underwater world around you with our favorite snorkel gear. Say hi to the fishies for us.

The search coil on our pick for best metal detector, the Nokta Makro Simplex Plus.

Our favorite metal detector

For a different kind of beach day: Firsthand tests and expert interviews helped us get the dirt on metal detectors.

A great deal on a soft outdoor blanket

The Yeti Lowlands Blanket unfolded on the grass.

Michael Murtaugh

The Yeti Lowlands Blanket was easily the softest picnic blanket we tested—so soft, we could use it on our bed and sleep soundly. And not only is its sturdy underside waterproof, but its top is spill resistant, too. We do think it’s a bit pricey, though, which is why we’re extra excited to see it on sale.

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Get it here for $40 off with promo code CHEESEBURGER→

Have a great beach day.

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The New York Times - The beach is calling

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