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Whether you’re lounging poolside in Tulum, sailing through the Greek Isles, or soaking up the sun on a local beach day, the best beach bags do more than just look cute—they work hard, too.
From extra-large beach bags that hold everything (including the sandcastle toys!) to packable beach totes that fold neatly into your suitcase, the right bag can make or break your sunny-day setup.
Best Beach Bag and Beach Bag Tote Styles
Table Of Contents
When choosing the best beach bag for travel, think beyond style—although that’s important, too! Look for:
- Lightweight, foldable designs if you’re packing carry-on only
- Zipper closures to keep your valuables secure
- Water-resistant or mesh materials to help shake off sand and dry quickly
- Multiple pockets for organizing sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks
- Versatile straps so you can wear it as a crossbody, backpack, or shoulder bag
And remember—stylish beach bags don’t have to be high maintenance. Many of today’s options combine durable materials with trendy designs, so you can go from the beach to the café (and even the airport) without switching bags.
With that in mind, here are the best beach tote bags, crossbody options, and backpack styles to add to your travel capsule wardrobe—so you can pack light, stay organized, and look effortlessly chic while chasing the sun.
Best Beach Tote Bags
Shop: Nordstrom | More colors/prints available here
ALOHA Collection Day Tripper Tote
Top Reader Pick: Extra Large Beach Bag That’s Splash-Proof and Stylish
This extra large beach bag is a reader favorite for a reason! The ALOHA Collection Day Tripper tote is roomy enough for towels, snacks, sunscreen, and more, yet lightweight and easy to pack.
Made from a special splash-proof material, it’s ideal for travel days, poolside lounging, or seaside strolls. It zips at the top to keep everything secure, with both inner and outer pockets for your smaller essentials. A true travel-friendly beach bag that delivers on both fashion and function!
Shop: Lands’s End | Nordstrom
Lands’ End Medium Natural 5 Pocket Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag
Classic Canvas Beach Tote With Built-In Organization
If you’re hunting for a large beach tote bag that’s timeless and practical, this Lands’ End version checks all the boxes. With five handy pockets and a zip top, it’s perfect for organizing towels, flip-flops, and a paperback (or two).
The sturdy canvas design holds its shape, while the reinforced bottom makes it a reliable big beach bag for sandy adventures or carry-on travel. It even comes in various sizes, including extra large!
Shop: MZ Wallace | Nordstrom
MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote
Stylish Beach Bag That’s Chic Enough for the City
Who says your beach bags for travel can’t double as your everyday tote? The MZ Wallace Metro Tote blends coastal ease with urban sophistication. Its quilted design is water—and stain-resistant, while the padded straps and multiple compartments keep things comfy and organized.
It’s a sleek yet spacious packable beach tote bag that transitions beautifully from pool to plane to patio lunch.
Check out this thorough guide to the best purses for travel that tick all the boxes!
Shop: The Sak
The Sak Roma Shopper
Chic Crochet Straw Beach Bag With Vegan Vibes
The Sak’s Roma Shopper gives major stylish beach bag energy with its boho-chic crochet design. It’s handmade, vegan, and super versatile—roomy enough to hold your towel, sunnies, and SPF, but pretty enough to double as a purse.
Use it as your everyday woven straw beach bag or toss it over your shoulder for a coastal picnic. The inner pockets and zip top make it a smart blend of beachy and practical.
Shop: Athleta
Athleta All About Tote Bag
Sporty Large Beach Tote With a Secure Zip Top
Need a multi-use beach bag that fits your on-the-go lifestyle? This large tote from Athleta does it all. It has a sporty look but is polished enough to carry around town. The interior compartments keep your beach day must-haves in order, while the durable material resists splashes and spills.
It’s a fantastic beach tote bag with a zipper for sporty types or anyone heading from barre to the boardwalk.
Shop: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Cinch Tote 25L
Lightweight Packable Beach Bag That Cinches Shut
This packable beach bag is the ultimate space-saver. It folds into its own pouch and then opens up to hold a whopping 25L of gear. The drawstring top cinches shut to secure your belongings, and the lightweight ripstop fabric is ideal for travel, outdoor adventures, and sandy destinations.
It’s a perfect beach bag for families or minimalist packers who love versatility.
Shop: Quince
Quince Water Repellent Puff Expandable Tote
Modern Waterproof Beach Bag That Expands as Needed
The puffy, quilted texture gives this tote its trendy charm, but don’t be fooled—it’s ultra-functional. The water-repellent exterior helps keep your essentials dry, and the expandable design means you can fit more than meets the eye. If you’re after a cute beach tote that stands out while staying practical, this one’s a minimalist dream.
Shop: Quince
Quince Hand Crochet Hobo Shoulder Bag
Stylish Straw Beach Bag With a Relaxed Hobo Shape
This crochet beach bag gives off effortless vacation vibes with its soft structure and shoulder-hugging shape. Handmade and beautifully woven, it’s a lovely option for beachgoers who prefer a low-key, stylish beach bag that transitions from towel time to town exploring.
Shop: Nordstrom | Baggallini
Baggallini Swift Tote
Lightweight Travel Beach Bag With Pockets Galore
Looking for a lightweight beach tote bag that works as a personal item, day bag, and sand-friendly companion? The Baggallini Swift does it all. With its water-resistant nylon material, zip-top closure, and well-placed pockets, this is the best beach bag for travel if you’re hopping from airport to coast with ease.
TFG readers share their solutions on how to protect your belongings when going to the beach alone!
Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
Iconic Packable Beach Tote That’s Travel-Tested
Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote is a tried-and-true classic, beloved for its style and packability. Whether you go for the original version or the newer eco-friendly edition, this foldable beach bag is water-resistant, surprisingly roomy, and elegant enough for any destination. It easily fits beach gear and more, making it a must-pack item.
Shop: Gap
Gap Logo Tote Bag
Oversized Beach Bag With a Retro Twist
This soft, roomy cotton tote is an easy, breezy pick for beach days. With a nostalgic nod to ‘90s branding, it holds towels, sandals, snacks, and all your daily extras. It’s a solid choice if you want a big beach tote bag that’s low-fuss, high-function.
Shop: Lululemon
Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote
Functional Yet Cute Beach Bag With Luxe Details
This multi-compartment tote is beloved for good reason. With its sleek design, padded laptop sleeve, and easy-to-wipe interior, it’s a stylish beach bag that works just as well at the café as it does in the cabana. Think of it as your all-day, everyday solution for keeping things tidy on the go.
Shop: Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons Del Mar Packable Tote
Water-Resistant Foldable Beach Bag With Big Capacity
This large beach tote bag folds down compactly but opens up to carry everything you need. Made from recycled water-resistant fabric, it’s eco-friendly, lightweight, and super functional. If you’re headed on a beach vacation or cruise and want something you can toss into your suitcase without taking up room, this one’s ideal.
Best Crossbody and Shoulder Beach Bags
The Sak On the Go Sling Crossbody Bag
Boho Beach Bag With Roomy Storage and Comfort
This stylish sling backpack is a sleek and functional option for beach outings, park days, or travel adventures. Designed with a minimalist profile, it features an adjustable strap that can be worn crossbody for hands-free comfort, plus multiple zip compartments to organize essentials like your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and snacks.
The compact size makes it easy to carry while still fitting everything you need for a day out. With its sporty yet polished look, it transitions effortlessly from beach strolls to city sightseeing.
Shop: Dooney & Bourke
Dooney & Bourke Canvas Crossbody and Shoulder Tote
Stylish Canvas Beach Bag With Versatile Straps
This Dooney & Bourke canvas beach tote blends timeless style with beach-ready functionality. Crafted from durable duck canvas and trimmed with luxe leather, it features dual top handles and a removable crossbody strap—giving you multiple ways to carry it.
The spacious interior holds beach-day essentials, while the secure zip closure and interior pockets help keep things organized. It’s a chic, elevated alternative to your average beach tote, perfect for breezy boardwalk strolls or brunch by the shore.
Shop: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Mesh Beach Tote Bag
Lightweight, Quick-Drying, and Built for Summer Adventures
This Eddie Bauer beach tote is made for carefree summer days, whether you’re heading to the beach, lake, pool, or park. Crafted from lightweight, quick-drying mesh, it’s designed to carry everything from towels and snacks to sunscreen and water bottles—without the bulk.
Multiple exterior pockets keep your essentials organized and within reach, while a zippered interior pocket offers secure storage for keys or a phone. Spacious, breathable, and easy to clean, it’s your go-to companion for warm-weather outings.
Best Backpack Beach Bags
Shop: Dick’s Sporting Goods
TYR Alliance Mesh Equipment Backpack
Durable Mesh Backpack for Water and Beach Activities
Perfect for beach days, swim practice, or any water adventure, the TYR Alliance mesh backpack is built to handle wet gear with ease. Its breathable mesh construction allows moisture to escape and items to dry quickly, while the large main compartment offers plenty of room for swim fins, towels, and more.
It also features a barrel-lock closure for quick access, adjustable shoulder straps for comfort, and a zippered side pocket to secure small essentials. Available in a variety of bold colors, it’s a practical and sporty choice for travel or everyday use by the water.
We’ve rounded up the best women’s water resistant backpack options to keep your essentials safe and sound!
Shop: Nordstrom
Fjällräven Water-Resistant Tote Backpack
Convertible Water-Resistant Tote-Backpack for Beach and Beyond
This versatile lightweight beach backpack Kånken bag from Fjällräven is the ultimate multitasker—wear it as a backpack or carry it as a tote. Made from lightweight, water-resistant Vinylon fabric, it’s perfect for beach days, city strolls, or spontaneous weekend adventures.
The main zip compartment is roomy enough for your towel, book, and snacks, while front and side pockets keep small items within easy reach. Stylish, durable, and practical, it’s a functional favorite for minimalists who want one bag that does it all.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Beach Bag for Travel
Whether you’re headed for a weekend coastal getaway or an international tropical escape, the best beach bags are the ones that blend style, function, and packability. From extra large beach bags with zip tops to packable beach totes and hands-free backpacks, your choice should reflect your destination, activities, and style.
And of course, if you’re a carry-on traveler, many of these totes double as personal items for the plane, helping you pack smarter and lighter.
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Organize Beach Bags and Travel Totes
The best beach totes and vacation bags can be used for your personal carry-on item and excursions. And one way to organize your items both on and off the plane is by using packing cubes. If you’re curious about how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they also can compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
A packable beach bag can be stowed on top of, alongside, or even between packing cubes in your carry-on luggage. Or you can use your bag as a carry-on item itself and use packing cubes to organize small essentials, on or off the plane. Check out this post to see how others have used them to keep organized!
What are your favorite beach bags and totes? Share in the comments!
To complete your summer beach look, please read:
- Best Swimsuits for Women: Stylish and Fun Summer Picks
- Versatile Beach Dresses
- Best Swimsuit Coverups
- Cute and Comfortable Beach Sandals
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Love the look of the dejaroo mesh bag – thanks!
Doing carryon so not able to fit my usual beach bag, need options, good choices to check out, thanks!
I love the info I got on TFG planning my last trip, so I knew right where to go to plan our Cancun vacation. Off to shop for a new beach bag and then coming back to find a coverup!
I tried to enter the contest last night unsuccessfully. so this is really a test.
I love your advice. Found you last year on a trip to Greece for a wedding. (Sadly, my husbands last before he passed) I needed a packing list and there you were! I love your fresh style, practical with some whimsy. Always on trend. I’m happy for your success, congratulate you on making it happen. It’s inspiring to me as I feel I’m starting over (at 61).
All the best to you and your family.
Aloha is my go to beach bag. I love the smaller bags for inside organization. Perfect for a day of soaking at Ojo Caliente.
Soooooo, the beach bag has morphed into the ‘it’ bag. Like a statement only more relaxed and I’m loving the new styles. Beautiful!!! I went to Greece last summer and discovered this site. I am a subscriber and am happy. You have evolved as well. Congrats on the birth of your daughter and I’m looking forward to many new adventures. I lost my hubby last october. I discovered your site while looking up “what to pack for Greece”. All the best to you and your family.
My husband just surprised me with a trip to Turks & Caicos. First plane trip since 2019! I am planning on going carry on only and TFG has been a big help.
You might also like our hand-embroidered, ecofriendly totes. They roll down to the size of a coffee cup, and are one of my travel and everyday staples 🙂
They’re lovely!
I carry Envirosax – these nylon bags rolls and fold into almost nothing, but work great as beach bags, shopping bags, laundry bags, extra luggage bags……….and they come in all sorts of colors and patterns. I have three that are about 5 yrs old – easy to wash and dry, and they tuck into my backpack until needed. Love them!
Great addition!
Love Maison Scotch’s Mint Tote–it has a great soft print I adore! Baggu’s Nylon Tote is also great to have on hand, because you never know when you’ll need an emergency extra. A few companies bags I’ve been eyeing are Mar Y Sol. They have great straw beach totes! Mercado Global is another great option and has woven bags with great patterns.
I use the Longchamp’s Le Pliage Large for both the beach and also somethings we I travel. It’s my favorite tote bag.