If you’re heading to the beach for a day of fun, sunshine, and relaxation (in other words, book in hand), then building the perfect bookish beach bag has got to be your number one priority! We all love the idea of a perfect day out, but let’s be honest, when you add a touch of sand, sunscreen, water, a little glare, and a bit of a breeze into the mix, things can get out of hand. 

Relax, we’ve got you covered, so sit back and relax and let’s get beach-ready, bookish style!

What Actually Belongs in a Bookish Beach Bag?

First up is the actual bag; you definitely want a bag large enough to carry all the necessities. We don’t like carrying loads of bags or making return trips to the car. A waterproof bag or one with a thick lining is perfect. 

Let’s kick off with all the essentials: your latest read, a beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, a baseball cap, a travel pouch (for keeping things organized), reading accessories, and those all-important snacks!

How to Protect Your Book From Sand and Sunscreen 

A book sleeve is non-negotiable! There is nothing worse than crumpled pages accompanied by the odd splash of sunscreen. Our book sleeves are the perfect size, measuring 13" x 9.5" when laid out flat. 

They’re made from soft, vegan leather and feature an elastic pen/highlighter holder, a small, zippered pocket on the back, an extra-large lined interior, and an elastic button closure at the top. 

If you’re caught without your book sleeve, a ziplock bag is a great backup plan. We recommend keeping a pack of wet wipes handy so that you can wipe your hands before reading, and make sure to keep your books in their sleeves when you’re taking a quick break. It always amazes me how sand sneaks in everywhere, even when there isn’t a hint of a breeze!

A Kindle is great for the beach for obvious reasons, but you still need to protect it from the heat, sand, and water. Our book sleeves do the job perfectly!

How to Beat the Glare Without Missing a Page 

We all know how annoying it is to try to read when the glare kicks in. It can even happen when you are happily reading under the shade of a beach umbrella. Drum roll, that’s why we always make sure to pack a fabulous baseball cap. Our baseball cap oozes bookish charm, and when paired with some large sunglasses, the look is complete!

It’s not all about frustration or looking fabulous. Did you know that wearing a sun hat or a baseball cap while reading outside helps by blocking the overhead glare? It is important to shield your eyes from direct sunlight, and the brim actually minimizes pupil constriction, is known to reduce eye strain, and prevents those awful headaches we get when squinting.

Reading and Bookish-Inspired Accessories Ideal for the Beach

Aside from our incredible book sleeves and bookish-inspired hats and baseball caps, we have a host of reading accessories that will just add to your day of fun in the sun. 

Hydration, hydration, hydration! A water bottle is another necessity, after all, reading can be mentally exhausting, it's like the gym for your brain! On a serious note, keeping your body hydrated while in the sun is extremely important, and our metal, insulated water bottles do the trick, plus they’re the perfect way to show off your monthly collectible stickers!

A bookmark is another necessity in our book. A quick, unexpected breeze, and you spend the next few minutes trying to find where you were. Our bookmarks serve two purposes: one, keeping your place, and two, featuring slots for up to 27 book reviews, including the date read, book title, and your star rating! We also have bookmark bundles available, and with dozens of variations of bookmarks from our past boxes, you never know what you'll receive! 

You can pack your standard beach towel or get into the whole beach bookish vibe with one from our Summer Collection! We love this Summer Reading Beach Towel, which features pink tassels on both ends and a collection of summery artwork perfect for reading outside! 

The Perfect Beach Read

Our Summer 2025 Reading Box is just what you need (did we mention one of the gifts is that fabulous summer reading beach towel?) This full book box features a hardcover copy of The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly and five surprise gifts!

If you’re looking for something more thrilling, then our Summer Thrills Box was made for you! Featuring a new, hardcover copy of Caller Unknown by bestselling author Gillian McAllister plus five stunning gifts!

We also have an incredible selection of book-only options. When it comes to summer, we immediately think of romance. Who doesn’t love a vacation romance? We think you will thoroughly enjoy Until Next Summer by Ali Brady. 

"A heartfelt and hilarious frolic through a nostalgic landscape of color wars, first kisses, and toilet-paper porch decor—with a cocktail in hand." – Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Two former best friends each find love at an adults-only summer camp in this romantic and nostalgic novel that proves “once a camp person, always a camp person.” 

Sun, Snacks, and SPF: The Final Beach Bag Check 

Now that your book is tucked safely in its sleeve, your water bottle is filled, your bookmark is ready for battle against the breeze, and your snacks are packed within easy reach, there’s only one thing left to do: double-check the sunscreen. 

So grab your beach bag, find your perfect patch of beach bliss, settle onto your towel, and let the waves, sunshine, and page-turning begin. 

Whether you’re caught up in a summer romance, a thrilling mystery, or your latest OUABC Book Box, you’re officially ready for a gloriously bookish beach day. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!