Before you haul half the house to the shore, let us talk about beach hacks. From promises of sand free bliss to tips that calm a jellyfish sting, the internet is full of bold (and sometimes questionable) ideas for making your day on the water effortless. Some sound almost too good to be true, while others have been passed around like family recipes, gaining a reputation without anyone knowing if they actually work. With the sun high, the surf rolling, and a healthy dose of curiosity, we set out along the Alabama Gulf Coast to try five of the most talked about tricks for ourselves. Our goal was simple: discover which ones truly make a beach day smoother and which belong back on the porch with yesterday’s tall tales.

Curious which ideas rose to the top and which washed out with the tide? Keep reading to discover which clever tips earned a permanent spot in our beach bag.

1. Fitted Sheet for a Sand Free Zone

The claim: Use a fitted sheet as a mini beach cabana to keep sand off your belongings.

Our test: We stretched an old queen-sized sheet upside down, tucking coolers and bags into each corner to hold it tight.

Verdict: Sweet tea approved. The raised edges created a cozy spot for snacks, sunscreen, and your phone. Just do not expect it to keep toddlers or the breeze from bringing in a little extra sand. Pair it with a beach umbrella for maximum comfort.

2. Frozen Aloe Cubes for Sun Kissed Skin

The claim: Freeze aloe vera gel in an ice tray for instant post sun relief.

Our test: We froze pure aloe overnight, popped out the cubes, and rubbed them on sun warmed skin after an afternoon at Cotton Bayou.

Verdict: Heavenly. The chilly aloe felt like a Gulf breeze after a long walk along the water. Pro tip: keep a few cubes in the cooler if you are staying out all day (just don’t mistake them for margarita ice).

3. Baby Powder to Brush Off Sand

The claim: Sprinkle baby powder on sandy legs and feet and watch the grit slide right off.

Our test: After a swim at Gulf State Park Beach, we tried it before hopping in the car.

Verdict: It works, y’all. The powder absorbs moisture, so the sand brushes away without a fuss. Keep a small bottle in your beach bag but be mindful on windy days unless you want to look like a powdered donut.

4. Mesh Laundry Bag for Beach Toys

The claim: Store the kids’ buckets, shovels, and shells in a mesh laundry bag so sand sifts out as you go.

Our test: We scooped up toys from Little Lagoon Pass and gave the bag a good shake before loading up.

Verdict: Game changer. Everything came home clean(ish), and it doubled as an easy tote.

5. Carabiner Clip for Keys and Sunglasses

The claim: Clip a sturdy carabiner onto your beach bag to hold keys, sunglasses, or even a small speaker.

Our test: We attached one to a tote during a breezy afternoon in Orange Beach.

Verdict: Surprisingly helpful. No more digging through towels and sunscreen to find your essentials. The carabiner keeps everything handy and off the sand.

Beach Hacks That Failed to Wow Us

• Ziploc Phone Pouch: Great idea, but our photos looked like they were taken through a glass of sweet tea.
• Jellyfish Sting Remedies: Some hacks are best left on the dock. Rubbing meat tenderizer on a sting did not calm anything down, and the age-old idea of peeing on it is a big nope. It can actually trigger more venom release!

Beachballer PSA: If you get zapped in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan, rinse with vinegar or saltwater, gently remove tentacles with tweezers or a card edge, and keep an eye out for serious reactions. Trust us, a cool compress works far better than barbecue spices or bathroom heroics.

Final Splash: Your Ticket to a Smooth Getaway

A day on the Alabama Gulf Coast is already close to perfect, but a few smart hacks can make it even smoother. From fitted sheets to frozen aloe, the right little tricks keep sand where it belongs, soothe sun kissed skin, and corral beach gear with ease.

One last pro move for your trip: book your stay somewhere that makes beach days easy from the start. BEACHBALL PROPERTIES offers vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan that put you steps from the shore or a quick golf cart ride away. Pack your baby powder, your favorite towel, and that newfound hack confidence and you are all set for a trip that feels as breezy as a porch swing on a fall night. So go on Beachballers. Try a hack or two, and then kick back, knowing you have mastered the art of the perfect coastal getaway.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson