5 Tips for Using a Soft-Sided Cooler at the Beach

Start with a quality cooler A cheap $20 cooler won’t keep things cold. Look for thick insulation and a waterproof liner—brands like Yeti, RTIC, or Engel can last six-plus hours in 90°F heat.

Pre-chill the cooler overnight Throw a bag of ice inside before you load it. This cools down the interior so it doesn’t waste energy chilling warm air.

Use already-cold contents Fill the cooler with drinks and food that are already refrigerated. Warm items will melt ice faster and reduce overall cooling time.

Choose block ice or frozen water bottles Block ice and frozen water bottles last longer than cubes. They melt slower and keep temperatures more stable throughout the day.

Keep the cooler shaded and covered Bury it in the sand if possible, and always keep it in the shade. A towel over the top adds extra insulation, and only open it when necessary.