Summer Tote Bags: 10 Must-Have Styles for Beach Trips

As summer approaches, finding the perfect summer tote bags for your beach trips becomes essential. These versatile bags not only provide sufficient space for all your beach essentials—but they also offer style and convenience. Whether you’re heading to the shores of Hawaii or lounging by the pool, choosing the right beach tote can elevate your summer experience. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 10 must-have styles that combine functionality, chic designs, and travel-ready features.
1. Stylish Canvas Summer Tote Bags
Lightweight and Durable
Canvas tote bags have long been a favorite among beachgoers. They are lightweight, making them easy to carry, and durable enough to withstand sand, water, and regular use. If you’re all about embracing Hawaii culture, look for bags featuring tropical prints or vibrant colors.
- Spacious storage for towels and snacks
- Environmentally friendly material
- Quick-drying options available
Popular Picks
One of the most beloved options is the Aloha Beaches Large Canvas Tote Bag. It combines tropical flair with practicality, making it an ideal summer travel accessory.
2. Woven Straw Totes
Chic and Trendy
Woven straw totes are perfect for those who enjoy a chic beach look. These bags often feature unique textures and can easily transition from day at the beach to a seaside dinner. Opt for larger designs to accommodate all your sun essentials.
- Stylish and photogenic for Instagram moments
- Often includes a lining to keep items safe
- Natural materials enhance the aesthetic
Advantages of Straw Bags
Straw totes allow ample airflow, meaning wet towels won't stay damp for long. Plus, they reflect the sunny vibes of summer, making them a must-have.
3. Waterproof Beach Bags
Protection Against the Elements
If you’re worried about splashes or sudden rain, waterproof beach bags are a functional choice. These summer tote bags safeguard your belongings from unexpected weather while offering the style you need.
- Perfect for transporting wet swimsuits
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Great option for adventurous activities like kayaking
How to Choose
Look for bags with sealed seams and durable zippers. Some models even offer external pockets for items you may want to access easily without getting everything wet.
RELATED: Find more summer tote bags in our Beach Bag Collection
4. Mesh Beach Totes
Sand-Friendly and Lightweight
Mesh beach totes are gaining popularity for their easy sand cleanup and lightweight designs. They allow air to circulate, keeping your items from getting musty.
- Sand falls through, keeping the bag clean
- Lightweight and often foldable for travel
- Easy visibility of contents
Who Should Use These?
If you plan on spending the entire day at the beach or if you have kids who love to collect seashells, these totes can be a lifesaver.
5. Colorful and Fun Beach Bags
Express Your Personality
Beach trips provide the perfect opportunity to express your personality through colorful beach totes. Choose bright hues or funky patterns to stand out.
- Can match your swimwear and beach attire
- Easily make a fashion statement
- Fun for families looking to coordinate colors
Why Bright Colors Matter
A vibrant bag reflects the energy of summer and beach trips, enhancing your overall holiday vibe.
RELATED: What Beach Bag Best Describes Your Beach Personality?
6. Weekend Adventure Bags
Versatility at Its Best
These bags serve as your all-in-one summer travel accessory. While they often appear like regular totes, they include compartments for clothing, swim gear, and even snacks.
- Include adjustable or removable straps
- Large and spacious for weekend retreats
- Stylish enough for city exploration
Choosing the Right Size
Consider a bag that suits both your beach-day needs and your weekend getaway requirements for ultimate versatility.
7. Foldable Beach Totes
Convenience on the Go
For travelers who appreciate practicality, foldable beach totes are a game changer. They easily fit into your suitcase or backpack until you need them.
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Healthier for the environment compared to single-use options
- Accessible materials, often with fun prints
Perfect for Spontaneous Trips
Never worry about forgetting a bag; just toss a foldable tote in your luggage for beach-ready access anytime!
8. Classic Carryalls
Timeless Designs
Carryalls remain popular for those who appreciate a classic approach to fashion. They typically blend elegance with practicality, allowing you to transition between occasions seamlessly.
- Suitable for picnics, outings, and beach days
- Timeless material options like leather or cotton
- Easy to accessorize for a complete look
What to Look For
Opt for a carryall with added pockets for enhanced organization, especially when heading to the beach.
9. Eco-Friendly Beach Bags
Environmentally Conscious Choices
Buying eco-friendly beach bags made from recycled materials helps you tread lightly on the planet while enjoying your vacation.
- Durable materials often outperform synthetic options
- Support brands committed to sustainability
- Available in various stylish designs
Why Eco-Friendly is Important
Every small choice counts. Your summer tote bags can reflect your commitment to preserving nature, especially when enjoying beach excursions.
10. Designer Beach Bags
A Touch of Luxury
For those willing to invest in a luxury aspect of their summer escape, designer beach bags offer sophistication and timeless appeal.
- High-quality materials that withstand wear
- Exclusive designs often featuring unique patterns
- Great conversation starters
Where to Find Them
Explore high-end retailers or visit holiday resorts with boutique shops to find the perfect designer bag that complements your summer style.
Finding the right summer tote bags can truly enhance your beach trips this season. With various styles available, from functional mesh bags to luxurious carries, each one offers something unique to satisfy your travel needs. Choose wisely, and explore options that resonate with your personal style and adventurous spirit. Whether you’re relaxing by the ocean or discovering hidden beaches, your summer tote bags will make all the difference in your experience.
Recommended Shopping and Resources
Embark Travel Store Collections
-
Beach Bags: Sunny days are here, and the beach is calling your name! Enjoy these endless days of summer with a beautiful new beach bag from our collection. Featuring a wide range of bags from fashionable choices to designer brands, the Beach Bag Collection has something just for you!
-
Totes: Commute easily from the beach to the city with these adorable totes!
- Handbags & Purses: Always carry just the right accessory for all your travels! No matter where your adventure takes you—from city touring in the spring to an evening cruise in the summer—our curated selection of handbags and purses will help you stay in style for every moment of your journey. This collection features a wide range of women’s carry bags including traditional handbags, shoulder bags, crossbody bags, purses, hobo bags, backpacks, totes, and clutches.
- Ready for the Beach: Get ready for fun times at the beach with novelty towels, inflatables, sunglasses, hats, and swimming gear.
-
Escape to Paradise: Discover tranquility on the crystal teal seas with our Escape to Paradise Collection! Exquisitely curated for summer holidays, this collection features all the travel essentials needed for your summer vacation. Find luxury luggage pieces, designer luggage sets, weekenders, beach bags and totes, handbags, floppy hats, breezy kimonos, and other travel accessories—all selected in a gorgeous palette of calming teals and blues, sandy browns, and peaceful neutrals. You’ll want to own every piece in this collection before traveling to your next dreamy beach destination!
- Escape to Maui: Aloha from the lush islands of Hawaii! Inspired by the tropical gradient hues of blues and greens, this beautiful collection of accessories, handbags, jewelry, and home decor will transport your senses to an exotic getaway destination.
Shopping Guide Articles
-
What Beach Bag Best Describes Your Beach Personality?: For those of you who like a little attitude to go with your style, we’ve selected a few fun bags that will make your personal charisma stand out from the rest. Each one describes a certain flair and style that some will find more appealing than others. The choice is up to you—which one of these fun beach bags best describes you and your beach personality?
-
Guide to the Best Summer Bags from Vera Bradley: Vera Bradley is one brand that has mastered the art of designing beautiful prints and patterns and offering it across a wide range of body styles. When your heart falls in love with a particular Vera Bradley print, chances are you’ll also be able to find it available in a handbag accessory that’s suitable to your travel needs. With this designer brand, there’s no need to sacrifice beauty for functionality!
-
Beach Bag Essentials: Top Features You Need for the Perfect Day: Planning a day by the ocean but unsure which beach bag will best keep your essentials organized and protected? A beach bag does more than hold your towel—it sets the foundation for a stress-free, stylish beach day. Whether you’re a traveler gearing up for an adventure or just love lounging by the shore, knowing which features to look for can transform your experience. From small beach totes to extra large beach bags packed with compartments, this guide walks you through the must-have features of the best beach bag options for men, women, and everyone in between.
- Summer Tote Bag Guide: Top Picks for Your Summer Advetures: As the days grow warmer and summer adventures beckon, having the right summer tote bag can make a world of difference. Whether you're headed to the beach, planning a picnic, or embarking on a weekend trip, a stylish and practical tote bag is an essential companion. This guide will help you choose the perfect tote for every occasion, featuring some of the best options available for your summer travels.
Travel Resources & Travel Planning Articles
- Plan Your Trip: Resources for your next globe trotting adventure featuring online tools for booking air, hotels, car rentals, tours, and more.
- How to Experience Outdoor Adventure in Florida: If you’re planning on traveling to Florida to enjoy an array of water activities, we have a few adventurous travel excursions for your family to enjoy this summer. From swimming with dolphins to boarding a pirate ship, these water adventures are sure to bring an unexpected sizzle to your Florida family vacation.
- 3 Things to Do in Punta Cana for Couples: If you’re planning a dreamy beach vacation for the summer—or anytime of the year, for that matter—we’ve compiled a list of top things to do in Punta Cana. Whether you’re heading to the DR for a destination wedding, a romantic getaway with your spouse, or a family vacation with the kids, you’ll want to add these activities to your itinerary!