The Secret to a Perfect Beach Setup

A beach day for two should feel effortless — like you just dropped your towels, cracked open a drink, and the world slowed down. But in reality, getting that relaxed vibe takes a bit of prep.

The best setups balance comfort, function, and a bit of aesthetic magic. It’s not about being fancy; it’s about being smart. Using a sand free beach towel means no gritty mess. A microfibre towel dries fast so you’re not sitting on damp fabric. And a beach towel with pocket means your valuables are tucked away while you swim.

With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn any spot on the sand into your own little beach haven.

1. Choose the Right Spot

Where you set up can make or break your beach day.

Here’s what to look for:

Proximity to the water: Close enough for quick dips, but far enough to avoid rising tides.
Natural shade: Trees, dunes, or cliffs can provide relief from the sun.
Wind direction: Always face your setup away from the wind to keep sand and towels in place (use a Nomadique Co towel with pegs to keep them down in the wind)
Privacy: Look for a quieter stretch if you want a more intimate setup.

If you’re visiting a busy beach, arrive early — before 9am usually guarantees a good spot and soft morning light if you plan to take photos.

2. Start With a Solid Base

Your towel is the foundation of your setup. Ditch bulky terry cloth towels that trap sand and never dry. Instead, go for a sand free beach towel or microfibre towel.

They’re lightweight, compact, and shake off sand with ease. For two people, bring one large towel for lounging together and two smaller travel towels for drying off after a swim.

If your towel has built-in peg holds (like Nomadique’s beach towel with pocket range), secure the corners so it stays flat even in the wind.

3. Add Shade (So You Don’t Melt)

Even on cooler days, the Aussie sun is no joke. Bringing shade is one of the smartest things you can do.

Your options:

Beach umbrella: Classic, easy to set up, and portable.
Pop-up sun shelter: Great for longer days or extra protection.
Tent or canopy: Ideal for picnics or couples who want more privacy.

Pro tip: Always angle your umbrella into the wind and dig it deep. Use sandbags or anchors if it’s breezy — chasing umbrellas is not part of the ideal beach vibe.

4. Pack for Comfort and Style

A beach day setup is all about layers — soft textures, complementary colours, and just enough gear to make you feel at home.

Here’s a list to make your setup functional and photo-worthy:

Matching sand free beach towels or microfibre towels
Cushions or beach chairs for comfort
Small cooler bag with snacks and chilled drinks
Speaker for soft background music
Reusable cups or insulated bottles
Straw hat, sunscreen, and sunnies
A woven tote or mesh bag for easy organisation

Keep it simple — less clutter makes your setup feel more spacious and relaxed.

5. Snack Smart

Food makes or breaks a beach day. You don’t want anything that melts, crumbles, or attracts seagulls. Stick to easy, refreshing options:

Cut fruit (mango, watermelon, grapes)
Wraps or sushi rolls
Protein balls or trail mix
Sparkling water, kombucha, or juice boxes

Pack everything in a small cooler and add ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep it all chilled. Use reusable containers instead of single-use plastics — they’re better for the planet and your aesthetic.

6. Keep Valuables Safe

One of the biggest beach annoyances is figuring out where to keep your stuff while you swim. A beach towel with zip pocket solves this instantly.

You can store your phone, keys, and cards securely in the hidden compartment — no more leaving your bag in plain sight. If you’re carrying larger items, bring a small waterproof pouch that clips to your towel or umbrella pole.

Peace of mind means you can actually relax.

7. Plan for Wind

No matter how still it feels at home, the beach always has a breeze. The best way to prepare? Assume it’ll pick up halfway through your day.

Here’s how to make your setup windproof:

Use towels with corner loops or pegs.
Place your bags or cooler at each corner for extra weight.
Roll the edges of your sand free beach towel slightly to stop them from flipping up.
Keep snacks and napkins covered.

Bonus: if you’ve got a light microfibre towel, it doubles as a wind wrap or extra shade.

8. Add Small Touches That Make It Feel Special

It’s the little things that make your setup feel personal.

A woven picnic mat under your towels. A playlist that fits the mood. A spritz of body mist or cooling spray. You can even bring fairy lights if you’re staying for sunset.

If it’s a romantic setup, bring matching towels or colours that complement each other. Nomadique’s sand free beach towels come in tones that work beautifully side by side — perfect for photos too.

9. Capture the Moment

Once your setup is complete, take a few photos to remember it. The best lighting is always early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low. Use your travel towel as part of the shot, draped or folded, and include natural elements like seashells, hats, or snacks for that relaxed lifestyle feel.

If you’re solo or with a partner, use your phone’s timer or tripod to get a photo of both of you lounging on your beach towel with pocket. You’ll appreciate having those little memories later.

10. Leave No Trace

A perfect beach day isn’t complete unless you leave the beach as clean as you found it. Bring a small rubbish bag to collect any waste, shake out your sand free beach towel before packing, and brush off your feet with a spare microfibre towel before getting into the car.

Sustainability is part of the Nomadique ethos — it’s about enjoying the ocean while protecting it too.

FAQs

What’s the best towel for a beach setup for two?
A sand free beach towel is ideal because it doesn’t hold sand and dries fast. For couples or friends, bring two towels plus a larger shared one.

How do I keep my stuff safe at the beach?
Use a beach towel with pocket or beach towel with zip pocket to store small items securely while you swim.

How can I make my beach setup more comfortable?
Bring a small cushion, lightweight blanket, or chairs. A microfibre towel can double as a soft pillow or wrap.

What’s the best time to arrive at the beach?
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds — perfect for relaxing or taking photos.

XL sand-free beach towel with pocket australia blue

Conclusion & Next Steps

The perfect beach setup for two isn’t about perfection — it’s about feeling comfortable, connected, and relaxed. With a few smart choices (like a sand free beach towel or beach towel with pocket), you can spend less time fussing with gear and more time enjoying the view.

So next time you pack for a beach day, think light, coordinated, and thoughtful. Your towel, snacks, and setup don’t just make your day easier — they make it memorable.

Explore Nomadique’s microfibre travel towels and beach towels with zip pockets for gear that’s designed for real beach days and real connections.

The Secret to a Perfect Beach Setup