Sun, Sand, and Sanity: 10 Beach Hacks for Summer

There’s nothing quite like a beach day in the summer, the ocean breeze, the salty air, and the sun that practically demands you relax. But let’s be real, it’s also a battlefield of sand, sticky sunscreen, and soggy snacks. To help you keep your cool (literally and figuratively), here are 10 summer beach hacks every sun chaser needs to know:

Baby Powder = Sand Remover Magic

Tired of taking half the beach home with you? Sprinkle baby powder on sandy feet and legs. The powder dries the moisture, making the sand fall off effortlessly. Bonus: you’ll smell fresh, not fishy.

Fitted Sheet = Sand-Free Zone

Forget the towel fight. Stretch a fitted sheet with heavy items (like a cooler) in each corner to create a sand-free lounging area. Yes, it actually works.

Freeze Aloe Vera Cubes

Soothing sunburns just got cooler. Pour aloe vera gel into an ice tray and freeze. These little cubes are a lifesaver if you overexpose yourself to the sun or even just for a refreshing post-sun treat.

Ziploc Your Tech

No need to risk your phone turning into a sand sculpture. Use a clear sandwich bag as a waterproof, sand-proof phone case; you can still text, take photos, and scroll like a pro.

DIY Waterproof Speaker

Pop your phone into a dry plastic cup to amplify your beach playlist without splurging on waterproof speakers. Low-tech. High vibe.

Tote Cooler Hack

Line your beach bag with a small reusable grocery bag or insulated lunch tote. Fill it with ice packs and keep your snacks from turning into soup.

Sunscreen Reminder Trick

Use a Sharpie to write times directly on your sunscreen bottle for when to reapply. Reapply every 2 hours, and you won’t end up looking like a lobster with regrets.

Mesh Laundry Bag = Sand Toy Storage

Toss all the toys in a mesh laundry bag. Shake it out and leave the sand where it belongs on the beach, not in your car.

Frozen Grapes = The Beach Snack Hero

Freeze grapes before you go; they stay cold, taste like mini popsicles, and are way less messy than melty chocolate.

Windproof Your Towel

Tired of your towel flapping like a flag in the wind? Pack a couple of large binder clips or metal camping stakes to anchor it to the sand or your beach chair.

Whether you’re chasing toddlers down the shoreline or stretching out with a book and some SPF, these hacks are here to save your summer. Smarter beach days mean more time soaking in the sun and fewer moments spent wrangling towels, snacks, and sand.

By IG @jessicahall