Image: Jane Sherman
If Family Feud asked contestants to guess the words most popularly associated with a Seattle day at the beach, “glamorous” would earn a buzzer—and probably some scoffs from the audience, too. What might win the game? Try “chilly.” Or “active.” Maybe “sunburned.”
A good many Western Washingtonians have Victorian-era contact with exposed legs and at least one acquaintance who swims in 50-degree weather for fun—so, naturally, we don’t luxuriate at the beach quite like people from sunnier climes. Our relationship with the water revolves around outdoor activities, like kayaking and clam-digging. Our relationship with the sun tends toward the distant. Our relationship with life tends toward the practical.
And yet, as soon as the sun peeks out from behind our familiar clouds, we flock to the beach in droves—actual temperatures be damned. There’s no beach day like a Seattle beach day. Pack accordingly.
Miir All Day Straw Cup
$40
We get the hype for Seattle sweetheart, Stanley. But you won’t have to fight your fellow Target shoppers for this sleeker version from Wallingford-based Miir.
Sunproof Nourishing Lip Balm
$18
Draw a line in the sand between chapped and sun-kissed with a hydrating balm you’ll actually want to fish out of your tote.
Image: Jane Sherman
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
$50
We aspire toward religiously reapplying sunscreen; this light UPF 50+ REI sweatshirt provides coverage in an instant. And, yes, you will need that extra layer.
Image: Jane Sherman
BlueWater SPF 36 Watersport Sunscreen
$18 for 3.4 ounces
This exceptionally water-resistant BlueWater sunblock built by and for active Seattleites stays put on skin, keeping eyes, delicate gear, and waterways safe.
Image: Jane Sherman
SEE 55028 Polar Sunglasses
$149
Squinting for more than one reason? These oversize prescription sunnies enhance the beach reading experience—not least because they’ll help you hide from small talk.
Image: Jane Sherman
Essential Hydrating Tonic
$43
Engage in a little practical vanity, without wearing makeup to the beach: This mist gives skin a fresh, dewy look with lavender water straight from Orcas Island.
Image: Jane Sherman
Slowtide Premium Woven Quick Dry Beach Towel
$45
Save the plush terry cloth for your hotel bathrobe. This ultra-thin towel from Slowtide packs small, dries fast, and, thanks to its soft, fade-free velour front, still invites some long-awaited sunning.
Image: Jane Sherman
The Everything Cup
$24
Kiddos can throw sand in the works of the most well-planned beach day. Morepeas snack cups “prevent waste and tears over spilled snacks at the beach,” per cofounder Allison Fadden.
Image: Jane Sherman
Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna
$28
Fluffy beach reads are always welcome on our shores. But Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna, founding member of Olympia band Bikini Kill feels infinitely more Seattle.
The Bags
Image: Jane Sherman
Atomic Jelly Tote
$36
Tote Beach bags shouldn’t just be washable. They shouldn’t need washing. This recyclable plastic pick from Ballard shop Prism looks great on and shakes out easy.
Image: Jane Sherman
Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag
$18
Pack anything that really shouldn’t catch a wave—or a raindrop—in this kayaker-approved Seattle Sports Explorer dry bag.
Published in the The Ultimate Outdoors Guide issue of Seattle Met.
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