With summer in full swing, it's time to hit up the beach for some fun in the sun and sand. And intrepid beach-goers know the only difference between an amazing day at the beach and a miserable one is packing the right gear, from the cooler keeping those drinks chilled to the cover-ups helping you stave off a sunburn.
But you don't have to trek around town—and hit up a dozen different shops—to find the perfect beach buys. All you have to do is head to your local Target. Don't believe us? Read on for 25 ultimate beach essentials you can get from the superstore.
Best Life’s editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we’re hoping you’ll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn’t mean you’ll pay more for them (we’d never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece’s initial publication date, but it’s the internet and we can’t guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | Pineapple Beach Towel
Target$10$8; buy now at Target
If your towels are looking a little worse for wear, brighten things up with this cheery pineapple-print one instead.
2 | Gold Beach Ball
Target$13; buy now at Target
Want to make your next trip to the beach a lot more fun—and Instagram-worthy? Pack this gold beach ball to toss around and watch your likes tick up.
3 | Tie-Front Bikini
Target$25; buy now at Target
Who says that cute swimsuits have to be expensive? This adorable striped tie-front bikini is just $25, but it's sure to make you look (and feel) like a million bucks.
4 | Cat-Print Board Shorts
Target$23; buy now at Target
Just because you can't bring your cat to the beach, that doesn’t mean you need to leave your fondness for your feline friend at home entirely. With these trunks, you can proudly show off your admiration for your furry friend.
5 | Woven Plastic Beach Tote
Target$8; buy now at Target
Pack up those beach essentials this summer with this woven plastic beach tote—not only a stylish addition to your accessories arsenal, but, at just $8, a budget-friendly one, too.
6 | Pool Float Bean Bag Chair
Target$50$45; buy now at Target
Not in the mood to lay on the hot sand all day? With this pool float bean bag chair, you can relax on the beach or in the water.
7 | Beach Umbrella and Travel Bag
Target$35; buy now at Target
Keep sunburns at bay and stay cool even on the most sweltering days with this adorable beach umbrella, which just so happens to come with its own convenient travel bag.
8 | Igloo Wheelie Cooler
Target$25; buy now at Target
Having your drinks warm up in the sun is almost as bad as forgetting them at home. Luckily, with this cute rolling cooler, you and your drinks can stay ice cold.
9 | Kids’ Ice Cream Beach Chair
Target$15$12; buy now at Target
If you’re eager to make your kids’ beach trip even more fun, get them a set of dedicated beach loungers—like these adorable ice cream cone ones, currently on sale at Target.
10 | Tassel-Trim Poncho Cover-Up
Target$35; buy now at Target
That period of time between swimming and hitting up the boardwalk, when you’re a little too damp to put on your real clothes, but aren’t thrilled to be wearing just a towel, can present something of a conundrum. The good news? With this tassel-trim cover-up, you can stay comfortable and cool without the horror of trying to wriggle into your jeans.
11 | Turquoise Sun Shelter
Target$40; buy now at Target
The only thing better than the sun and sand? Enjoying them from the shady comfort of this adorable sun shelter.
12 | Cup Holder Fan
Target$23; buy now at Target
Beat the heat on those scorching beach days with this tiny handheld fan from Coleman. It’s the perfect size for the cup holder on your beach chair, making it easy to keep handy when you need it most.
13 | Pizza Slice Pool Float
Target$28$23; buy now at Target
Hit the water in style, comfort, and a light layer of pepperoni with this pizza beach float that’s sure to attract some envious stares.
14 | Folding Baby High Chair
Target$86; buy now at Target
Your baby is hungry and not above stuffing handfuls of sand in their mouth—but with this convenient folding high chair, you can keep their actual meals on the menu instead.
15 | WaterSeals Waterproof Pouch
Target$20; buy now at Target
A day at the beach isn’t complete without photographic evidence of all the fun you had, so make sure to pack this convenient waterproof wallet, perfect for keeping your phone and credit cards from becoming casualties of the waves.
16 | Stainless Steel Pink Triangle Tumbler
Target$9; buy now at Target
Keep your preferred beverage icy cold this summer with this adorable stainless steel tumbler, complete with a straw.
17 | Heavy-Duty Beach Wagon
Target$162$120; buy now at Target
Instead of bringing a handful of oversized bags to the beach with you, gather up all those essentials (and give your arms a much-needed break) with this rolling beach wagon.
18 | Vineyard Vines Round Beach Towel
Target$30$21; buy now at Target
Celebrate your penchant for all things preppy without the high price tag by investing in this cute round beach towel from Vineyard Vines for Target, which is currently 30 percent off!
19 | Waterproof Smart Speaker
Target$100$75; buy now at Target
What’s a beach day without an epic summer playlist to complement it? With this waterproof JBL speaker, you can enjoy that perfect mix without worrying about splashes or spills.
20 | Dolphin and Shark Kickboards
Target$14; buy now at Target
Give those little swimmers in your life some extra confidence in the water with these cute kickboards, perfect for taming some tiny waves.
21 | Microfiber Cooling Towel
Target$9; buy now at Target
If you love the beach, but the hot weather isn’t exactly your favorite, stay cool and comfortable with this microfiber cooling towel.
22 | Men’s Water Shoes
Target$40; buy now at Target
Most water shoes aren’t exactly stylish, but this pair from Speedo (yes, the very same makers of those infamous tiny trunks) is a surprising exception to that rule.
23 | Floppy Sun Hat
Target$15; buy now at Target
Don’t let a sunburn ruin your fun in the sun. Luckily, with this stylish beach hat, you’ll have it made in the shade.
24 | Gingham Food Tent
Target$4$3; buy now at Target
Ants, flies, and mosquitos do not a happy beach picnic make. Fortunately, you can protect your snacks from anything—or anyone—that might want some for themselves.
25 | All Purpose Dry Sacks
Target$10; buy now at Target
Instead of toting your wet clothes back home in your bag, keep them separated with these colorful dry sacks, perfect for containing that sopping-wet suit. And for more great summer buys, snag these 23 Red, White, and Blue Accessories You Need This Fourth of July.
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