Support Us Button Widget

What should be in every Charlestonian’s beach bag?

Skip the extras and get down to what you really need to have a perfect day on the coast.

CHStoday sunset beach

New color palette unlocked.

Photo via CHStoday team

Table of Contents

You know the drill: digging through scratched sunglasses, worn out flip flops, and dusty mints at the bottom of your bag. With readers’ help, we put together a list of CHS beach bag essentials to give your bag the ultimate revamp.

Sunscreen

Preferably not expired — yeah were looking at you old banana boat from 2010. We like the selection at McKevlins.

Sunglasses

Make sure to protect your eyes from that South Carolina sun + support local business while you’re at it.

Bug spray

This was one of the biggest suggestions from our readers when asked about Charleston life hacks.

  • “Keep bug spray wipes in your purse for the noseeums.” — Michelle B.
  • Mission Essentials (local co) bug spray on hand at all times.” — Traci E.

Odds and ends

  • Towels: Always keep an eye on your towels. Tides change quickly and we have had one too many get drenched.
  • Baby powder: One of our favorite hacks to get off that pesky sticky sand.
  • Speaker: No Lowcountry day is complete without Darius Rucker playing.
More from CHStoday
You’ll spot dozens of familiar Lowcountry buildings, landmarks, and brands on Netflix’s “Outer Banks.”
The Stingrays are under new leadership with Coach Jared Nightingale.
We caught up with the team to discuss The Works Renew, which offers non-heated classes designed to complement its signature sweat and cycle studios, with a focus on mindfulness and relaxation.
Building 64 opens this fall with immersive experiences, cultural events, and celebrations of local artistry.
City Editors Callie + Erika chat with Darius Rucker ahead of Riverfront Revival.
The contemporary Italian spot will sit on King Street.
Robert “Hoot” Gibson will make a stop in the 843 for World Space Week.
Our readers have spoken. Here’s the list of winners, as determined by votes from our audience.
Aged for six years and inspired by live performances, LIVE Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the makers of Firefly Distillery offers a rich, flavorful experience.
Charleston has received the No. 1 honor for a third consecutive year.