Going to the beach can get messy; luckily, there are easy DIY beach tricks to keep you focused on the beauty of the Pacific Ocean…not the amount of sand in your sandwich. (#ironicname)

Keep Phone Clean

A ziplock bag for your iPhone (Yes, that touch screen will still work.)

Sun-Made Tattoos

Create the perfect sun-made tattoos (Simply bring Elmer’s Glue and create a design on your skin for the tattoo you want.)

Protect Valuables

Hide money in a lotion bottle or roll up dollars bills into a chapstick container.

Edible Ice Packs

Use edible ice packs. Freeze grapes. Freeze water. Pck them in your cooler. Instead of ice that melts, you have drinks and snacks that stay extra cold.

DIY Frozen Slushie

On a similar note: An extra easy frozen slushie – freezing a juice box, like a Capri Sun, and letting it semi-thaw. MMM. (And nope, no alcohol allowed on beaches in San Diego, so no “adult” beverage additions.)

Store Wet Swimsuits

Bring a plastic wipes container to store wet swimsuits…instead of laying them, sand and seaweed (maybe?) covered, across the backseat.

Keep Cups Clean

Use extra large cups, like Big Gulps from 7-11, as holders to keep drinks clean and sand-free.

Now that you have these easy DIY beach tricks, the next step may be finding the perfect beach.

To choose, simply head to The Ultimate Beach Guide (aka The Best San Diego Beaches).