Parts of the country are experiencing record-setting heatwaves this week, with temperatures peaking in the triple-digits here in New York City. The Shop TODAY team is coping the best way we know how: by hitting the beach!
To help you get beach-ready, Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by Studio 1A with the Amazon essentials for sun, sand and sea. From breezy linen cover-ups to post-swim essentials, these are the problem-solving finds we're actually packing in our beach totes for a day on the shore.
Keep scrolling to see everything you'll need to get outdoors and make the most of the beach this summer.
Amazon beach essentials seen on TODAY
Whether you’re hitting a waterpark or planning a trip this summer, these waterproof waist pouches are the must-haves you didn’t know you were missing. With enough space inside to fit a passport, keys, cell phone and more, you never have to leave your valuables unattended and vulnerable on the beach again. Some of the cases are transparent and touchscreen-friendly, so you can still use your phone (even in the splash zone!), while others are opaque to keep your valuables hidden safely out of sight.
This swimsuit dress checks all of our boxes: tummy controlling, generous coverage and dozens of colors and patterns to choose from. We love the skirt portion, which one reviewer says is particularly flattering for a postpartum tummy. It’s attached so you don’t have to worry about it falling off or blowing away like a sarong, but it’s not bulky so you can still tuck it into a pair of shorts on the beach.

To stay cool this summer, experts told us that lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are the way to go. These pants feel almost like pajama pants but are so much more versatile, with a flattering high waist and a drawstring you can cinch to your perfect fit. Pair them with this breezy button down for a mix-and-match set that gives instant vacation vibes. Both come in a ton of colors and sizes up to XXL.

Editor’s note: Our original pick is currently low in stock, so we added a comparable option, above.
You know how your old swimsuits can fade and get dingy after a few trips to the beach or pool? This “suit saver” was developed by water quality scientists to prevent that, per the brand, neutralizing chlorine to protect swimsuit material and extend the life of your favorite swimwear.
“This is going to remove odors and keep the colors of your swimsuits bright,” Brach explains. “One little bottle lasts 50 washes! Just a small squirt and a few moments in a sink of regular tap water is all it takes... no dyes, soaps or chemical fragrance!”
The worst part of going to the beach is that gritty feeling after... and finding sand all over for days afterward. This genius bag solves that issue though — at the end of your beach day, just pat the soft microfiber pouch to activate some powder to the surface, and then gently wipe away sand from hands, feet, legs and more.
“It really works, even in those hard-to-reach spots like between the toes,” Brach vouches. “You can use it over and over again all summer and it has an easy zip case to keep it stored between uses.”

After your post-beach shower, spritz damp hair with this multitasker that does the job of three products in one: it detangles so you don’t get any snags or breakage out of the shower, moisturizes with ingredients like coconut oil and banana, and protects against damaging UV rays. Plus, Brach says that using a leave-in conditioner like this helps to control frizz, prevent split ends and even slow color fading!
More Amazon beach favorites to shop
Protect your feet and increase traction with these bestselling (and editor-approved!) sock-like water shoes. From rocky shores to the supermarket, we tested these shoes on multiple terrains and think they're a must-pack for trips to the beach.
Don’t forget the SPF! Personally, I prefer spray-on sunscreens to lotions because the mist makes application so much faster, easier and cleaner. This is a great option that would work for the whole family (no glitter, greasiness or polarizing scents here). The SPF 50 body spray is a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, too!
Don't let blocked shakers kill the vibe at the beach picnic or backyard barbecue this season. Skip the clumps and jams due to humidity with this set of two moisture-proof salt and pepper shakers. They have two openings at the top to control how much shakes out at a time and can house the spices and seasonings of your choosing.
This loose cardigan can be worn as a cover-up or blouse and boasts a breezy, airy fit. It's available in more than 40 colors and patterns to suit any preference.
These trendy sunglasses have an oversized design and come in various shades to suit different tastes. Plus, the brand says they offer UV protection.
These flip-flop sandals are made with a non-slip rubber sole and have extra cushioning that resembles a yoga mat. They come in more than two dozen colors and sizes 5-11.
If you haven't swapped out your old, bulky beach towels for Turkish towels yet, this is your sign to make the switch. They are soft, absorbent and dry quickly, but take up way less space in your beach bag than traditional towels.
Trying to stay cool in the dog days of summer is no easy task, but these genius little towels make it slightly easier. They come in a pack of four and are water-activated, staying chill for up to three hours at a time. Just soak, wring out and snap each towel to cool off.
A former Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner, this sunhat is a favorite of Brach’s and is practically crush-proof. The unisex piece comes in three sizes and more than 20 colors to top off any beach day outfit.
Searching for the shade? This portable umbrella features a heavy-duty clamp that securely attaches onto chairs, wagons, coolers, bleachers, golf carts and more to provide some coverage from the sun's strong rays wherever you need it.
If you’re in search of an upgrade from your sandy towel to relax on, this couch and lounger is the key. Simply whisk this bestselling inflatable through the air to give it shape, trapping air inside so you can lounge anywhere.
'Tis the season for skin prep! This nourishing, fast-absorbing body cream provides hydration and visible tightening, per the brand. An added bonus? It smells divine, thanks to the brand's viral fragrance that has hints of pistachio and vanilla.
From the backyard to the beach, this spikeball set brings the fun and games wherever you go this summer. The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a rulebook, net and three balls.
If you’re not already familiar with the viral Bogg Bag, allow us to introduce you to what we affectionately call the Crocs of the bag world. According to the brand, each bag is made out of a soft, flexible material that’s durable, waterproof and easy to clean, making it a dream for beach days. It also comes with two clear insert bags for smaller essentials like your phone, cards and more.
Meet the experts
- Adrianna Brach is the editorial director at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds available on Amazon that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.