I love my LL Bean lightweight tote for this! The large is the perfect beach bag size if you need space for towels and a change of clothing. It also has a zipper pocket inside for keys, cell phone, etc. and I usually pack an empty, clear zip pouch for storing toiletries and sunscreen in my beach beach in case anything leaks. Also a great backup bag for transporting souvenirs home, if needed!

I just use a packable shopping bag for the beach, with a small pouch for valuables and small items.

It’s not the prettiest but I got a packable 25L tote from Eddie Bauer for $15 for a Hawaii trip and we still use it all the time for pool days.

The ones you’ve named are quite structured, how about something like the standard baggu? I like how the handles are long enough and flexible enough that if I have something wet/dirty I can tie it to the outside of my backpack and keep it separate or I can tie the bag up and the dirt is enclosed inside

The best packable beach bag is Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag because it has a whopping eight pockets: seven external pockets for smaller belongings like electronics, sunblock, and flip-flops, and one interior pocket. There’s also a zippered section inside for keys, so they don’t get buried. There’s nothing exceptionally creative about the design but the bag is more convenient for travel than a bulky canvas beach bag. The woven mesh material is ideal for shaking sand out however, this also means the bag isn’t waterproof.

I'm considering getting something for similar usage from Sea Bags. They're based in Maine (I think) and are made from used sails.

I can’t vouch for current LL bean totes lmao but my grandmother has been using the same tote bag since before my brother was born… so like 30+ years. That is HER bag for anything that doesn’t fit in her pocketbook lol

Highly rate Longchamp- durable, hard wearing, lots of colours, zipper closure. They’re a classic for a reason.

Love my aloha tote as a beach/pool bag. The pockets are so useful and it’s waterproof!

For the beaches/beach towns I'm used to visiting (outer Cape, Lake Superior, Sanibel/Captiva), a canvas LL Bean tote bag would be spot-on. I've found most beach communities to be pretty casual, and you don't want to bring a nice bag to the beach. Bring a favorite summer bag for shopping and going out in the evening.

I have a large longchamp le pliage for the beach! We love it, hold towels, water bottles, sunscreen and so easy to get the sand out of

Not gonna lie, I love a fat Vera Bradley tote for the beach and lake

I personally dont have one because I am not located close to a beach and therefore dont get much wear out of a luxury beach bag. Google straw bags and you will get a range based on your budget.

I WOULD carry this amazing Celine Straw Bag

https://www.celine.com/en-us/celine-shop-women/handbags/more-lines/medium-celine-classic-panier-in-palm-leaves-and-calfskin-192622EFA.04LU.html?lpoid=02e7881bcbd96426642aa03cefe925733a08aeaa&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14GaimZp-lIrif-iwVgYRuQg91xYnixWdX0kurQSkvAkWJWw38gk3_YaAvEaEALw_wcB

Recommend “bellwood bag”, reasonably priced, fashionable and practical.

Idk how much cheaper you’re thinking, but I’ve been eyeing this Altuzarra Watermill bag:

https://preview.redd.it/49amo6hhi7ic1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd7eb350e1749d7b0a4eb575dff5742c7631073d

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I love that Chloe bag! I think this is a cute beach bag and it has the same stylish vibe as Chloe for half the price.

https://preview.redd.it/q66w0r2jh7ic1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d8e09f6ecbfa4301392c1b88912ebde5b25a9a1

What about this one, https://www.gossamergear.com/products/vagabond-packable

I bought it exactly for this purpose. have used it a few times for shopping and strolling in the city and it's really good and comfy. I love the pockets on the strap. Fitts my iPhone 11 pro perfectly.

I had the same requirements as you and looking forward to using it on my next holiday.

Tom bihn monster truck... I would totally tote

I don’t love branded bags and don’t like the regular version of this, but I LOVE this version. You’re making me want it, lol

Wait - ok, I absolutely hate every other version of this bag, but this one is very cool!

Oh I love that. My beach bag is a reusable grocery store tote in bright colors lol

I saw one of these mesh bags in person and wow, they’re beautiful!

Omg, that is so much fun! Absolutely love the vibrant colors.

I've never cared for straw bags because I don't see the value in them, yet the Strathberry straw bag is the only one to ever catch my eye.

Depends on what you actually need it for.

I live beside the beach, if I’m walking from the house to the beachfront I’d want the Strathberry. But if it’s just for lunches, grabbing coffee etc. I like the Loewe best.

Celine

I love me some celine

I like the Strathberry, but I’m a bit jaded because I think the other two just look like $20 straw totes you can pick up in any resort town or AliExpress but with GREAT BIG LOGOS on them (I know they are made much better and with more pricey materials … but still $20 vs $$$$ for something to drag around salt, sand and water). Strathberry looks like a real bag.

Reef safe sunblock, lip balm with spf, polarized sunglasses, a hat, a book/Kindle, towel (I like Turkish towels cuz sand falls right off, and they're light), and water bottle.

Definitely water shoes. Depending where you are in Hawaii, a lot of stuff is lava rock and you will want something to either wear under your fins (if you're snorkeling), or on your feet for general use. Some of us love water shoes we can hike in, but then that's a different animal than what you'd wear inside fins. I have worn my ancient shoe/sock Vibrams with a tough sole -- those turned out to be great for the beach.

When I go to Hawaii, on day 1 I bring it all, only to realize that 1-2 hours of sunbathing is enough to completely uv fry my Caucasian skin and or get blown out by the trade winds. Enjoy your beach time in short spurts, just bring a small bag w towel, water, a snack and extra sunscreen.

I’ve learned and relearned that a day at the beach in HI is nothing like a day at the beach in CONUS.

When I go to Hawaii, I typically pack everything into a single carry-on and then use a Crapchute packable shoulder bag (2.5oz) for the beach. I backed the original Kickstarter and have bought extras from the website as gifts because I like the bag design so much- it fits my linen towel, prescription goggles, insulated water bottle, sunscreen, wallet, and everything else I need. However, I don't stay the whole day at the beach- I usually spend the morning there and then head out for lunch when it starts to get really hot.

You might want to bring something to sit on and something to shade your head (hat or sun umbrella). Instead of bringing a cooler from home, I'd buy a cooler bag in Hawaii to use. They're sold at a lot of supermarkets (I'd recommend Don Quijote) and would make a nice souvenir.

as someone from hawaii, the fashion here is really chill. you probably would want to dress up for dinners.

wear what youre comfortable with. i suggest jean shorts, linen dresses, etc. almost anything else is available at long's (cvs) and asian skincare is also more available here than most other states.

have fun, please shop local and respect the locals and the island. we have a low tolerance for rude tourists. 😊

You never wish your beach bag was smaller, only bigger! 😅

https://preview.redd.it/pxcd16on0tof1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5604b892c85b6b5235ae4d2b36cd54f68df0ee43

Update It’s complete!! Thanks for all the suggestions! I decreased every stitch at the top. Did Tunisian crochet for the handles, lined the bag and added a plastic bottom! Turned out really nice!

https://preview.redd.it/jmlmpxq7osnf1.jpeg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0e1552233d39257fdca42a11102fcb7eaacee59

You said you want the top in. Maybe replace these with a triangle. As others have said, line it with fabric and give it a sturdy base

Put in a sturdy bottom and heavy straps.

I'm sorry... I wrote this almost 24 hours ago and forgot to click "Comment"

From Florida... beach bags can never be too big or boxy. However, I see what your talking about as with an already wide opening, plus the stretch you will encounter (hope you plan to line it with less stretchy material.. quilting cotton would be perfect)... well everything will want to fall out if you don't decrease the size of the opening.

So, why not just start working on a top border? You could do a 2 - 3rows to straighten up the top edge and then begin decreasing in following rows. I am not terribly experienced but I think I'd do 'aggressive' decreasing on the narrow sides and less or no decreasing at the front and back. I think this might give you a satchel purse type shape... those ones that are slightly narrower at the top than the bottom. Like this (a free crochet pattern that might help you with shaping your bag) or this .