It’s officially time for 2023 vacation planning. If your plans include some leisure by the water, you’ll want to find the ideal beach bag for your adventure. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool or on a boat, the right bag can carry all of your water essentials.

When shopping for a beach bag, give thought to the size, material and style (think: a zip-top or open-top beach tote bag), as well as how you want to carry it. For a resort stay, you may consider a fashionable option that holds a sun hat and a beach read. Elsewhere, you might want a great mesh bag so the sand can flow right out.

If you’re going to be tossing items in and out frequently, an open-top tote will work well, whereas a beach backpack is an ideal hands-free choice. If you’ll be traveling, a lightweight style that can be easily packed or used as your personal carry-on item may be just right.

To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News has selected the best beach bags in a variety of categories based on consumer reviews.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues.)

What sets this bag apart: This tote bag is constructed with a lightweight, waterproof material. It has a large capacity for beach essentials like towels, cover-ups and snacks. What’s more, it comes in stripes or a fun tropical print, making it ideal for daytrips or exotic beach locales.

Travelers appreciate: “I love how much this bag can fit – it’s almost like a Mary Poppins bag,” says Erin Evans, managing editor of travel at U.S. News, who adores this