Bringing a standard canvas grocery tote to the beach is a rookie mistake. It will absorb water, trap sand in the corners, and quickly become a heavy, damp mess.
The Oversized Tote
For family days, you need sheer volume. A sand-resistant oversized tote made of synthetic material is best. It wipes clean and holds multiple towels without tearing at the seams.
The Mesh Solution
For wet gear like wetsuits, fins, or snorkel gear, a mesh drain bag is incredible. You can literally rinse your gear with a hose while it's still in the bag, then hang the whole thing up to dry.