Posted on 12/13/2019By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team

So you are planning a beach vacation (if not, you should be).  Congrats!  Everyone needs a little fun in the sun. Soon you'll have your toes in the sand while enjoying the soothing sounds of the surf gently lapping against the shore.  Before you head down to Destin, South Walton, or any beach for that matter... you'll want to pick up some cool accessories to enhance your vacay! Yeah, we know you don't have a beach store in your hometown.  And yes, there are plenty of shops here along the coast.  But, why not check out Amazon?  Maybe you've heard of them? They sell stuff online.

Without further ado, here's 5 Cool Amazon Buys For A Beach Vacation:

 1. Starfish Sand Coasters

The beach is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing lemonade, smoothie, or beer (It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere). These cute starfish-shaped coasters are the ideal way to keep your beverages stable. They keep water bottles, sippy cups, cocktails, soda, and beer cans up out of the sand. The coasters are also perfect for keeping track of those miscellaneous items that are all too likely to get buried in the sand or be carried off by a crab (wink) — phones, sunglasses, keys, sunscreen, and countless other items. The coasters come in a set of four, with a mesh carrying bag.

 2. Massive Beach Blanket

This massive beach blanket might come in handy - it can fit seven adults, so there's plenty of room for an impromptu picnic, and it is designed with portability in mind: It folds up to the extremely compact size of 5.3 X 7.9 in. The fabric, Parachute Ripstop Polyester, is water- and sand-resistant, and it dries quickly. It's also wind-resistant, and it comes with five sand anchor pockets to keep it on the beach even during strong winds.

 3. Waterproof Dry Bag

This bag will offer peace of mind and help you keep track of everything you bring to the beach (well, not the kids). It's perfect for packing everything you'll need at the beach and keeping it safe and visible in a waterproof transparent container. You'll be able to keep track of essentials like towels, phones, wallets, and sunscreen, all in the same place. Sand doesn't stick to it, and it has both a side handle and an over-the-shoulder strap, letting you carry it however you'd like.

 4. Beach Umbrella Hanging Hook

With these hanging hooks, you'll be able to keep your essentials safely off the ground and within easy reach. Made out of polypropylene, the hooks are sturdy enough to hold heavier items such as bags and towels, and they are easy to install. They fit all standard-sized beach umbrella poles and can be installed in moments. No tools are required: All you need to do is put the beach hook on your umbrella pole and tighten the bolts of the hook to keep it in place. Each hook has four prongs, making it easy to hang an assortment of items in your area of the beach.

 5. Quick-Dry Aqua Shoes

Our sand is so soft here in Destin that this cool Amazon buy really doesn't apply. But, if you are heading elsewhere - you may want to pick up a few pairs! These lightweight and flexible water shoes will allow you to enjoy the beach to the fullest. Shoes come in both children and adult sizes. They also protect the bottoms of your feet, making it easy to walk over both sand and rocks without worry. They're also easy to clean. 

Once you've planned your next beach vacation with Ocean Reef Resorts, you'll be able to sit back and relax with these beach essentials by your side. There's nothing better than knowing that every aspect of your vacation is taken care of. 

The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.