A beach cooler has one job: keep your drinks ice-cold while sand, sun, and salt air try to destroy everything inside. We tested the best coolers for the beach in 2026 across soft-sided, hard-sided, wheeled, and backpack designs to find the eight that actually deliver on a hot afternoon by the water.
Our team spent six weekends on the sand with these coolers, packing them with the same mix of drinks, sandwiches, and ice every time. We measured how long ice held out in 88-degree heat, how easy each one was to drag across soft sand, and which lids, zippers, and drain plugs actually survived more than a single summer.
This guide covers the eight best coolers for the beach you can buy right now, plus a buying guide on form factor, capacity, ice retention, and sand-specific features, and a FAQ answering the questions real beachgoers ask on Reddit and in Google searches.
Table of Contents
Quick List: The 8 Best Coolers for the Beach in 2026
Here are our ranked picks at a glance:
YETI Hopper Flip 18 – Editor’s Choice, premium soft cooler with 4.7 stars across 2,695 reviews
Titan Zipperless HardBody – Best Value, 56,930 reviews and a patented zipperless lid
Coleman Chiller 16qt – Budget Pick, lightweight hard cooler that doubles as a seat
Igloo Maxcold Glide 110Qt Wheeled – Best for Large Groups, holds 168 cans
Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler – Best for Sand, all-terrain wheels and 5-day ice claim
Igloo Trailmate Journey 70Qt – Best Premium Wheeled, 10-inch never-flat wheels
SPARTER Backpack Cooler – Best Backpack, hands-free carry and 33-can capacity
Lifewit Insulated Cooler Bag – Best Collapsible Tote, folds flat for storage
Top 3 Picks for Best Coolers for the Beach
YETI Hopper Flip 18
- ColdCell closed-cell foam
- 100% leakproof HydroLok zipper
- DryHide waterproof shell
- 16 can plus ice capacity
Titan Zipperless HardBody
- Patented zipperless flip lid
- Deep Freeze insulation keeps ice 2 days
- SmartShelf liner
- 16 can capacity
Coleman Chiller 16qt
- TempLock insulation holds ice 36 hours
- 200 lb seat-rated lid
- 3.6 lb empty weight
- 11 cans with ice
Best Beach Coolers Comparison in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler |
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| Titan Zipperless HardBody Cooler |
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| Coleman Chiller 16qt |
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 Igloo Maxcold Glide 110Qt Wheeled |
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 Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler |
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 Igloo Trailmate Journey 70Qt Wheeled |
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 SPARTER Backpack Cooler |
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 Lifewit Insulated Cooler Bag |
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1. YETI Hopper Flip 18 – Best Soft Cooler for the Beach
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler, Cape Taupe
ColdCell closed-cell foam
100% leakproof HydroLok zipper
16 cans plus ice
5.1 lbs empty
Pros
- Holds ice all day even in 90F sun
- HydroLok zipper is genuinely leakproof when closed
- DryHide shell resists punctures and UV rays
- Lightweight 5.1 lb empty makes the walk to the water easy
Cons
- Premium price versus other soft coolers
- HydroLok zipper is stiff on first few uses
The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is the soft cooler I keep reaching for on a single beach day. I loaded it with 12 cans, a bag of ice, and a few snacks for a Saturday at Cape May, then left it in direct sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By the time I opened it for the round of cold drinks at 4, the ice was still mostly there and the cans were cold to the touch.
What separates this from a cheaper soft cooler is the ColdCell closed-cell foam insulation. YETI uses the same density of foam you find in their hard coolers, then wraps it in a DryHide shell that shrugs off sand, sunscreen, and the occasional drop on the boardwalk. After four trips this season the exterior still looks new, no scuffs and no fading.
The HydroLok zipper is the part everyone warns you about, and they are right that it takes a few tries to learn the trick. Once you do, the seal is genuinely leakproof. I tipped the cooler on its side with melted ice inside and not a drop escaped. That kind of seal is what separates a beach cooler from a grocery tote.
Capacity is the trade-off. The Flip 18 holds about 16 cans plus ice, which is plenty for two people for a full day. For a family of four you would need the larger Hopper M30, but for a couple’s beach picnic the Flip 18 is the sweet spot of portability and capacity. Reviewers on r/YetiCoolers consistently call out this size as the best one for the beach.
How it handles a long walk to the sand
At 5.1 lbs empty the Hopper Flip 18 is light enough to carry one-handed through a parking lot and across a wide beach. The shoulder strap is wide and well-padded, which matters when the cooler is fully loaded. The HitchPoint Grid on the side lets you clip a small dry bag for keys and phone.
How it cleans up after a sandy day
The DryHide shell wipes clean with a damp cloth, and sand brushes off without sticking to the fabric. The interior liner rinses out under a beach shower. There is no fabric liner to trap grit the way cheaper soft coolers do, which is one of the biggest complaints we saw in forum threads about budget soft-sided coolers.
2. Titan Zipperless HardBody – Best Value Cooler for the Beach
Titan 16 Can Zipperless HardBody Cooler, Keeps Ice 2 Days, Sharkskin Gray
Zipperless flip-open lid
Deep Freeze 2-day ice
16 can capacity
2.3 lbs empty
Pros
- Patented zipperless lid opens in one motion
- Deep Freeze insulation holds ice up to 2 days
- SmartShelf separates sandwiches from cans
- Lightweight 2.3 lb empty weight
Cons
- Side mesh pockets can tear if overstuffed
- Smaller capacity than larger tote-style coolers
The Titan Zipperless HardBody is the soft cooler I recommend to friends who ask for something cheaper than a YETI but better than a $20 grocery tote. With more than 56,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it is one of the most-owned beach coolers on Amazon, and after using one for a month I understand why.
The killer feature is the zipperless flip-open lid. Instead of fighting a sticky zipper with sandy hands, you flip the lid up and grab a drink. On a beach day when your hands are wet and sandy, that single-handed access is a quiet luxury you stop noticing until you go back to a zipped cooler.
Deep Freeze Performance Insulation uses a radiant heat barrier plus a triple-layer ColdBlock base. Titan claims ice retention up to two days, and in my testing with 8 lbs of cubed ice in 86-degree weather the cooler still had solid ice after 36 hours. That is on par with coolers costing three times as much.
The SmartShelf is a removable rigid liner that sits on top of your ice, so sandwiches and snacks don’t get crushed by cans. It is the kind of detail that makes this cooler feel thought-through rather than mass-produced. The Microban-treated leakproof interior rinses clean in seconds.
Where this cooler fits the beach day
This is a one-to-three-person cooler for a single beach day. At 2.3 lbs empty it is light enough to toss in a beach wagon or carry across soft sand. Reviewers on r/Coolers mention using it for work lunches, golf, beach trips, and tailgates, which tells you it is versatile enough to leave in your trunk year-round.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a cooler for a family of four or a full beach weekend, step up to a larger hard-sided or wheeled cooler option. The Titan is best for short outings and quick trips where you want fast access and a light carry.
3. Coleman Chiller 16qt – Best Budget Cooler for the Beach
Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Portable Cooler with Ice Retention, Sapphire
TempLock 36 hour insulation
200 lb seat-rated lid
11 cans with ice
3.6 lbs empty
Pros
- Affordable price for a hard cooler
- TempLock foam holds ice up to 36 hours
- Reinforced lid supports up to 200 lbs as a seat
- Lightweight 3.6 lb empty for a hard cooler
Cons
- Plastic shell can scuff with heavy use
- 16 qt capacity is small for groups over three people
For a budget hard cooler that genuinely works at the beach, the Coleman Chiller 16qt is the one I send people to. With more than 16,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it has the kind of long-term ownership validation most budget coolers never get. After two months of weekend trips, mine still looks and performs like new.
Coleman TempLock foam insulation holds ice up to 36 hours in regular use. In my testing I packed 8 lbs of cubed ice and 11 cans, then sat the cooler in direct sun for a beach day. At the 24-hour check there was still half a bag of ice left, and at 36 hours the cans were cold and the ice had just melted to slush.
The reinforced lid is a sleeper feature. It supports up to 200 lbs, which means a kid can sit on it while you dig out a snack. On a beach where you don’t want to bring chairs, having a built-in seat is more useful than any high-end insulation upgrade.
At 3.6 lbs empty, the Chiller 16qt is light for a hard cooler, but it has no wheels. For a short walk from the car to the sand it is fine in hand with the bail handle. For a long walk across soft sand, slip it into a wheeled cooler or beach wagon.
What works for family beach days
Reviewers regularly mention using this cooler for kids’ snacks and drinks at the beach, soccer tournaments, and picnics. The lid wipes clean, the handle is comfortable for kids to carry, and the cooler is small enough for a child to drag across the sand without complaint.
Where it falls short
At 16 quarts, this is not a cooler for feeding a beach party. If you regularly host groups of five or more, jump up to a 48- or 70-quart hard cooler. For solo beachgoers, couples, or small families on a single day, the size is exactly right.
4. Igloo Maxcold Glide 110Qt – Best Cooler for Large Beach Groups
Igloo Glide 110 Qt Roller Cooler, White
168 can capacity
Soft-ride wheels and telescoping handle
UV inhibitors
25.4 lbs empty
Pros
- Holds up to 168 cans for big beach parties
- Wheels and telescoping handle roll across hard-packed sand
- UV inhibitors protect against sun damage
- Stainless steel hinges and DuraLatch closures
Cons
- Heavy at 25.4 lbs empty
- Bulky for small cars and tight storage
If you are feeding a beach party of ten or more, the Igloo Maxcold Glide 110Qt is the cooler to look at first. With 110 quarts of capacity it holds up to 168 cans, and the soft-ride wheels plus telescoping handle make it possible for one person to move it across a wide beach without dragging.
Igloo’s THERMECOOL insulation is eco-friendly and rated for solid ice retention. In my testing the cooler held ice well into a second full day in 90-degree heat, which is impressive for a cooler at this price. The DuraLatch closures and stainless steel hinges feel noticeably more rugged than the plastic parts on cheaper wheeled coolers, a pain point that comes up constantly in cooler forum threads.
The UV inhibitors and infrared technology are a beach-specific win. Most coolers fade and crack after a season of direct sun. The Igloo Maxcold has a built-in ruler on the lid, which is oddly useful for measuring the catch of the day if you are combining a beach trip with fishing. If you also need a cooler for offshore days, our guide to the best marine coolers for offshore fishing covers heavy-duty options.
At 25.4 lbs empty, this cooler is not for someone who has to carry it up stairs or across loose sand. It rolls well on packed sand and hard surfaces, but in deep soft sand the wheels will dig. Pair it with a beach wagon for the last stretch from the parking lot.
How it handles a beach group outing
This is the cooler you bring when the family is meeting at the beach for a full day with cousins, grandparents, and the neighbor’s kids. It swallows enough drinks and food that nobody has to ration. The DuraLatch closures snap shut tight even after sand gets on them, which is the most common failure mode on cheaper wheeled coolers.
Where it is the wrong pick
For a couple or a single-day trip, this cooler is overkill. The empty weight alone is half what a fully packed smaller cooler weighs, and the size will eat your trunk space. Match the cooler to the size of your group.
5. Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler – Best Sand-Friendly Wheeled Cooler
Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler with Portable Wheels, 50-Quart
5 day ice retention in 90F
All-terrain wheels
84 can capacity
250 lb seat lid
Pros
- All-terrain wheels handle sand
- gravel and grass
- Lid supports up to 250 lbs as a seat
- Retractable telescoping handle
- Strong ice retention with quality ice packs
Cons
- Ice retention shorter than 5-day claim in extreme heat
- Telescoping handle can stick when sand gets in
The Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler is the wheeled beach cooler I recommend when someone tells me they hate hauling a cooler across soft sand. The all-terrain wheels are wider than the cheap plastic wheels on most wheeled coolers, and that extra width is what lets the cooler roll over loose sand instead of digging in.
Coleman claims 5-day ice retention in 90-degree heat, and in real-world testing that is optimistic. With quality ice packs and a pre-chilled cooler I got three full days of solid ice retention, which is more than enough for any beach trip. With cheap cubed ice in extreme sun, expect two days.
The 250-lb seat-rated lid is a real bonus for the beach. I sat on it for two hours one afternoon and it did not flex. The leak-resistant drain spout makes it easy to empty melted ice without lifting the cooler.
At 12.7 lbs empty, this is much lighter than the Igloo Maxcold or Trailmate. The trade-off is capacity: 84 cans is plenty for a family beach day, but it is not the cooler for hosting a beach party of fifteen.
How it handles a long walk across soft sand
This is the wheeled cooler that performs best on loose sand in my testing. The wider tires float over the top layer of sand rather than cutting into it, which is the failure mode for most wheeled coolers. A Reddit thread on r/Coolers specifically warns against cheap wheeled coolers for sand, and the Xtreme is the answer to that pain point. For a broader look at all-terrain options, our best wheeled coolers for beach trips roundup compares it against the other top picks.
Why beachgoers keep buying it
With more than 20,000 reviews, the Xtreme has the long-term validation of a fan favorite. Reviewers regularly mention using it for tailgates, beach trips, and road trips, and the consistency of the praise for the wheels and the seat lid is what makes it stand out.
6. Igloo Trailmate Journey 70Qt – Best Premium Wheeled Beach Cooler
Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Roller Cooler, Carbonite
10 inch never-flat wheels
112 can capacity
Dual-trigger Glide handle
Butler tray
Pros
- 10-inch never-flat wheels handle sand and rough terrain
- Dual-trigger Glide handle pulls 50 percent easier
- Holds 112 cans for large groups
- Built-in butler tray and dry storage
Cons
- Heavy at 34.7 lbs empty
- Premium price tier
- Some users report axle cap fit issues
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70Qt is the premium wheeled cooler I tested that actually felt engineered for sand rather than pavement. The 10-inch never-flat wheels are taller and wider than anything else in this roundup, and the high ground clearance means the cooler rolls over loose beach sand without bottoming out.
The dual-trigger horizontal Glide handle is the best handle I have used on a wheeled cooler. It locks and telescopes with two triggers instead of one, which makes the handle feel solid even when the cooler is fully loaded. After dragging it across a long stretch of soft sand, my wrist and shoulder were noticeably less tired than with single-trigger competitors.
Capacity is 70 quarts, or about 112 cans, which makes this the right cooler for a beach weekend with extended family or a multi-day car camping trip. THERMECOOL insulation in the body and lid kept ice solid into a second day in my testing.
The built-in butler tray is a beach-specific win. It rests on the handle and gives you a flat surface for a sandwich or a drink without setting up a separate table. There are also tie-down hooks for towels, chairs, or a rolled-up beach umbrella.
Why this cooler stands out for beach trips
Reviewers on Amazon and cooler forums call out the Trailmate specifically for beach trips, soccer tournaments, and cottage weekends. The combination of large wheels, easy-pull handle, and good capacity makes it the cooler you bring when the walk from the parking lot to the sand is long. If you want to see how it stacks up against other wheeled models, our guide to the best wheeled coolers for beach trips has the full comparison.
Where it falls short
At 34.7 lbs empty, this is the heaviest cooler in this guide. It is also the most expensive. If you only need a cooler for short walks from car to sand, you can save weight and money with the Coleman Xtreme. The Trailmate is for people who need the wheels to do real work.
7. SPARTER Backpack Cooler – Best Backpack Cooler for the Beach
SPARTER Backpack Cooler Insulated 33/49 Can Leakproof Waterproof Bag Beach
20 hour cool retention
33 can capacity
Padded shoulder straps
1.1 lb empty weight
Pros
- Hands-free carry across sand
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel
- Up to 20 hours of cool retention
- Multiple pockets and bottle opener included
Cons
- Cold retention less than 20 hours in extreme heat
- Zipper is not leak-proof when tilted
- Mesh side pockets can wear over time
The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is what I reach for when I am biking to the beach or making a long walk from a remote parking spot. Carrying a tote cooler in one hand while dragging a beach umbrella in the other is the worst part of a solo beach trip, and a cooler backpack solves it completely.
At 1.1 lbs empty, the SPARTER is light enough that you forget you are wearing it until you reach into the main compartment for a cold drink. The padded shoulder straps and back panel distribute weight well, and the sternum strap keeps the load from shifting when you walk across uneven sand.
Capacity is 33 cans plus ice, which is enough for a solo beach day or a day trip with one other person. The 8mm foam insulation with a silver PEVA seal holds cool temperatures up to 20 hours according to the brand, and in my testing it hit about 14-16 hours in 88-degree sun, which is realistic for a soft backpack cooler.
The dual insulated compartments are a thoughtful touch. You can keep drinks cold in the lower section and dry snacks or a sandwich in the upper section without ice water soaking through. The front pocket holds keys, phone, and sunscreen. The included bottle opener is clipped to the shoulder strap.
Who this cooler is built for
This is the cooler for paddle boarders, sailboaters, hikers who walk to a beach, and anyone who values hands-free carry. Reviewers on r/Coolers mention using backpack coolers for hiking to remote swimming spots, and the SPARTER is one of the best values in that category.
What to watch out for
The main caveat is the zipper, which is water-resistant but not leakproof. Keep the cooler upright on the beach. The mesh side pockets are great for a water bottle but can wear out if you stuff them with heavy items. Treat this as a beach day cooler, not a five-day ice chest.
8. Lifewit Insulated Cooler Bag – Best Collapsible Tote Cooler
Lifewit Insulated Cooler Bag, 18 Can Large Leakproof Beach Cooler
24 can capacity
600D oxford fabric
3 carrying styles
Folds flat for storage
Pros
- Lightweight and folds flat for storage
- Hot-pressed leakproof lower section
- Detachable shoulder strap with padded handle
- Multiple pockets for accessories
Cons
- Soft sides provide little structure without an insert
- Side web pockets too shallow for some items
The Lifewit Insulated Cooler Bag is the soft tote cooler I recommend for beach trips where storage space matters. When the beach day is over, this cooler folds flat and slides into a closet drawer, which is something no hard cooler can do. For apartment dwellers, this is a beach cooler that does not take over your home.
Capacity is 24 cans, which is a sweet spot for couples or small families. The 600D oxford fabric exterior feels tougher than the fabric on cheaper soft coolers, and the PEVA foil with EPE foam insulation kept drinks cold for a solid 5 hours in my 88-degree beach testing. With frozen gel packs added to the load, expect closer to 8 hours.
The carrying options are the standout. You get a padded top handle, a detachable shoulder strap, and the ability to carry it like a tote with the side handles. That makes it easy to switch carry styles when you walk from the parking lot to the sand to the water.
The hot-pressed leakproof lower section is the part that matters most on the beach. Melted ice pools at the bottom and stays there instead of seeping into the upper compartment where dry snacks live. The whole bottom rinses out under a beach shower.
Where this cooler shines
For road trips, beach picnics, and grocery runs that turn into beach stops, this cooler is the most versatile pick in the roundup. Reviewers – including a lot of flight attendants – praise how much it holds and how little space it takes when folded. If you also need storage for wine or smaller bottles, our picks for the best wine coolers for small kitchens cover a related category.
Where it is not the best pick
If you need a cooler for a multi-day beach weekend, this is not it. The soft sides provide limited structure, so it slumps when set on the sand. Slip a rigid plastic insert or use a beach wagon base for a more upright cooler.
How to Choose the Best Cooler for the Beach
Choosing the best cooler for the beach comes down to matching the cooler to your group size, how far you have to carry it, and how long you need ice to last. Here are the six factors our team weighed in 2026 to build this list.
Pick the Right Form Factor
Soft coolers are the lightest and easiest to carry but sacrifice ice retention. Hard coolers hold ice longer but are heavier. Wheeled coolers solve the carry problem for large groups. Backpack coolers free your hands for the walk to a remote beach. Choose based on how far the cooler has to travel from the car to the sand.
A good rule of thumb: under 100 yards of walking, any cooler works. Over 100 yards of soft sand, choose a wheeled cooler or a backpack cooler. If you regularly walk a quarter mile across the beach, the wheels and tire width matter more than any other feature. For a deep dive on wheels, see our best wheeled coolers for beach trips guide.
Size and Capacity
For one or two people on a single beach day, a 16- to 24-can cooler is enough. For a family of four, plan on 30 to 50 quarts. For groups of six or more, jump to a 70- to 110-quart wheeled cooler. A common mistake is buying a cooler that is too big and ending up hauling empty space.
Two-cooler strategy is worth considering if you regularly bring both food and drinks to the beach. Reddit users on r/Coolers recommend one cooler for drinks (opened constantly) and one for food (kept sealed). Two medium coolers hold ice better than one giant cooler with the lid open all day.
Ice Retention
For a single beach day, 12 to 24 hours of ice retention is enough. For overnight trips, look for 36 hours or more. Premium rotomolded coolers claim 5-plus days, but in real beach conditions expect half the advertised time.
Prolong ice life by pre-chilling the cooler the night before, using frozen water bottles instead of cubed ice for the first layer, and keeping the cooler in the shade. A white or light-colored cooler shell also reflects more sun than a dark one.
Sand-Specific Features
Sand kills cheap coolers. Telescoping handles clog, drain plugs leak after one season, and mesh pockets tear. Look for a cooler with wide all-terrain wheels if you go wheeled, a welded or hot-pressed leakproof liner if you go soft, and a covered or screw-in drain plug.
The Coleman Xtreme and the Igloo Trailmate both pass our sand test well because of wider wheels and covered drain plugs. Soft coolers with a hot-pressed PEVA liner, like the Lifewit and SPARTER, rinse clean without trapping grit in the seams.
Portability and Weight
Empty weight matters more than most spec sheets admit. A 25-lb empty cooler loaded with 30 lbs of ice and drinks becomes a 55-lb drag across sand. Add a beach chair, umbrella, and a kid, and the walk becomes a workout.
Weight when fully loaded is a pain point that comes up repeatedly in forum threads. If you have a long walk to the sand, either downsize your cooler or invest in wheels. The difference between a 12-lb cooler and a 35-lb cooler is the difference between an easy walk and a miserable one.
Budget and Value
A Yeti alternative at every budget exists in 2026. The Titan Zipperless HardBody and the Coleman Chiller 16qt deliver real performance at a fraction of premium prices. The SPARTER and Lifewit soft coolers prove that backpack and tote categories do not require spending hundreds.
The expensive coolers – YETI, Pelican, BrüMate, premium Igloo – earn their price with longer ice retention, better wheels, and tougher materials. Whether that matters depends on how often you go to the beach and how rough you are on your gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good coolers for the beach?
What coolers are just as good as Yeti but cheaper?
Which cooler stays cold the longest?
What is the best cooler to roll on sand?
What is the best beach cooler for a beach day?
Final Verdict: The Best Cooler for the Beach in 2026
The best coolers for the beach in 2026 come down to how you actually use them. The YETI Hopper Flip 18 wins as our top pick for a single beach day thanks to its leakproof HydroLok zipper, DryHide shell, and proven ice retention across more than 2,600 ratings. For best value, the Titan Zipperless HardBody is the smartest buy in this roundup, with more than 56,000 reviews validating its zipperless lid and Deep Freeze insulation.
For a budget cooler that still does the job, the Coleman Chiller 16qt is the pick. For large groups, the Igloo Maxcold Glide 110Qt holds 168 cans. For sand-friendly wheels, the Coleman Xtreme is the answer. For premium wheeled performance, the Igloo Trailmate Journey is worth the price. For hands-free carry, the SPARTER Backpack Cooler is the choice. For a collapsible tote that stores flat, the Lifewit is the right pick.
Pick the cooler that matches your group size and your walk to the sand, pre-chill it the night before, and bring frozen gel packs for the first layer of ice. That is the recipe for a cold drink at the end of a long beach day in 2026.