1. Sunglasses, a hat and cover-up are critical to protect your eyes and skin against the sun's harmful glare. A wide-brimmed hat offers protection for your scalp and face, while a light cotton shirt gives your skin a break from the rays without being stifling.
2. Pack sunscreen, and apply it liberally and often. According to the Mayo Clinic, it takes 1 oz. of sunscreen to properly cover your body. Babies younger than 6 months old should not use sunscreen, and everyone else should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
3. When the sun's rays are at their hottest, you will want to have a shady spot to rest. Bring an umbrella or sun canopy that can offer a respite from the heat. If you have young children, bring a battery-operated fan to help them stay cool.
4. Take a big blanket to serve as a spot for relaxation, playing, eating and reading. An old bedroom comforter works great.
5. Instead of packing a large beach towel for every person, take several small hand towels. They don't take up as much room in your bag, and they are the perfect size for drying off.
6. Beach toys are fun for all ages, and even adults enjoy building elaborate sand sculptures. If you don't have shovels or buckets, take plastic bowls, cups and large spoons. Buckets can serve the dual purpose of carrying some water back to the car to rinse the sand off your feet at the end of the day.
7. Being out in the sun and water means you can dehydrate easily, so take lots of water to drink. Pack plenty of snacks to keep your energy going all day long, but don't pack things that will melt easily in the heat. Fruit, granola bars, peanut butter crackers and nuts are healthy snacks that pack easily and travel well.
8. If jellyfish are a problem at the beach, pack either vinegar or meat tenderizer. According to Dr. Paul Auerbach, both of these can help reduce the pain of a jellyfish sting when applied to the affected site.
9. If you like to read, take along some magazines or books. There's nothing more relaxing than reading with the sound of the ocean in the background.
10. Walks along the beach can produce lots of hidden treasures in the form of shells and sea glass. Bring a baggie to store your finds for the ride home.
