Choose a tote bag with a zipper to keep valuables out of sight or to contain toys.

Many tote bags have open or snap-tops. These have their purpose, but you will want a bag that zips if you will be bringing any valuables to the beach, or if you want to safeguard the contents of your bag against sand, water, or curious gulls. A zippered tote bag is also useful as a travel bag for car, boat or airplane trips on which bags might get jostled around. In contrast, an open-topped tote bag is useful for transporting bulky beach towels or sand toys that people need to access quickly and easily.