What You Need in Your Beach Bag for a Santa Monica Vacation

When the hardest choice you have to make is whether you spend all day sipping cocktails next to the ocean or break up lounging by the beach with bike rides to get oat milk lattes…

That’s our favorite kind of dilemma.

The Santa Monica lifestyle means that summer never really has to end, and beach days are a year-round promise. To make the most of being oceanside, we rounded up our California-based favorite beach day essentials you should bring with you when you come to stay beachfront, or poolside, at Oceana.

COOLA Sunscreen

A beach must-have, sunscreen gets an upgrade with COOLA ($25) — think an ultra lightweight formula that can withstand activity and exercise. And 50 SPF and organic ingredients are features we can get behind. While we like how refreshing the fragrance-free spray is, it also comes in scents including tropical coconut and guava mango if you want to channel some serious island vibes.

Ouai Hair Oil

Protect and restore your locks after a day in the sun and sea air with this acclaimed hair oil ($28) from Ouai (pronounced “Way”). The brand was started by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, beloved hair guru of celebrities including Chrissy Tiegen, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and Katy Perry. Ouai also sells leave-in conditioner and dry shampoo, for shiny, healthy hair on-the-go.

The Perfect Beach Read (prices vary)

A toes-in-the-sand, sun-soaked afternoon calls for a good book. Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation,” Casey McQuiston’s “One Last Stop” and Jasmine Guillory’s “While We Were Dating” are sweet (and sometimes sizzling) rom-coms that promise endless good feelings.

For something more literary, “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah depicts an engrossing historical venture in the Great Depression and one woman’s struggle for survival. Chang-rae Lee’s “My Year Abroad” became an instant bestseller, following an American college student as he’s brought under the wing of a boisterous Chinese American entrepreneur.

Frette Beach Towel

Frette isn’t a California brand, but we’re obsessed with their luxury linens, which make appearances in all of our private suites. And their beach towel ($150) is another testament to their impeccable standards. Made in Turkey, it’s soft and absorbent, and its geometric design is both sophisticated and bold.

Garrett Leight Sunglasses

Founded in, and inspired by, California, Garrett Leight has developed a cult following since its beginnings in Venice. Its sunglasses and eyeglasses ($360+) are a collaboration between a father and son duo, who partner with some of the finest craftsmen to create iconic glasses with effortless SoCal style.

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

Give your skin some after-sun care with Le Pruniere’s heralded oil ($72), featuring a bounty of vitamins, antioxidants and omega fatty acids to protect, heal and hydrate your skin. Able to calm irritation and give your skin a healthy, California glow, it also naturally fortifies the skin barrier against UV rays. It can also be rubbed into your hair and body to nourish and seal in moisture.

Cami and Jax Swimsuit

When you dig through your suitcase and realize your swimsuit got left behind or are craving a refreshed style, Cami and Jax’s one-pieces ($250) are elegant and chic — and conveniently available on Montana Avenue. A favorite of celebrities and splashed across the pages of Vogue, Cami and Jax has rapidly grown a large following.

What’s better than luxuriating on the beach all afternoon? Personalized beach chair setup and snacks delivered to your chair. Enjoy beach day your way with our Beach Butler package (including an Oceana tote, to easily carry everything you need for an idyllic day) — but our exclusive offer is ending soon.

Through September 6, 2021, enjoy lazy days oceanside with:
-Morning yoga classes on the beach
-Dining delivered right to your beach chairs
-Beach butler setup at Perry’s on the Beach, including two lounge chairs and a beach umbrella
-Priority beach cruise bicycle reservations (if you’re feeling adventurous, pedal to one of our favorite healthy restaurants)
-Complimentary cocktails for two on Sunset Terrace (we recommend ending a beach day with the La Playa Margarita)
-Cooler of beverages for the beach
-Oceana beach tote bag

To reserve your Beach Butler getaway, contact Oceana at 1-800-777-0758. Our staff will be delighted to help you plan your next visit.

*Prices are subject to change and were accurate at time of writing.

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