Every destination in this guide will ask more of your feet than you expected. Footwear is the unglamorous decision that determines how much of the day you enjoy versus how much you spend compensating for a bad call made in the parking lot. Invest in a pair of sturdy shoes and your feet will thank you later.

We don’t have time for sunburns in the wrong places or premature aging, so our approach is layered. Start with a good sunscreen, applied generously and often. Then add shade. We prefer a beach tent for its portability — most pack down to the size of a small log and slide easily into a beach bag.

There are two main styles of tent. One is essentially a large sheet anchored with sand bags; they offer generous coverage but can be tricky to adjust as the sun moves. Our preferred option is a pop-up beach tent with built-in windows for cross-ventilation.

Yes, you need a towel at the beach. But the setup matters. The best approach is two layers: a wide bottom sheet that creates a buffer between you and the sand, and a proper towel on top. The sheet keeps the sand under control. The towel does everything else.

You will be at this beach for six to eight hours. A beach chair is a luxury that becomes a necessity once you’ve had one. The case for it: you will want somewhere to sit that isn’t the ground. The case against it: you have to carry it in and out. The right chair resolves this argument entirely.

Insulated tumbler. Portable Bluetooth speaker. Utensils. A good book. A coozie. Wet wipes, always. And your slut bag — packed separately. That’s what comes with you on the trail. The base camp stays at the towel.