There are so many fun things to do at the beach! You could have a beach picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Or, if you’re feeling active, you could go for a swim or run along the shoreline.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day soaking up some sunshine or a fun filled adventure with your friends, here are some exciting activities that you can do at the beach.
Beach Kit Must Haves
Before we get started into all of the fun things to do at the beach, make sure that you’re safely prepared with these beach kit must haves.
Sunscreen
One of the most essential elements that you need to bring to the beach pertains to sun safety.
Since you will be outdoors and exposed to the sun for a lengthy amount of time, ensure that you have sunscreen handy.
From body to sunscreen based lip balms, remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. (To help you remember, create alarms within two hour increments)
Water
While outdoors, it’s easy to get dehydrated without realizing it.
To combat dehydration, make sure to bring plenty of water and hydrate throughout your time at the beach.
Here are some simple ways to keep your water cold while at the beach:
- Freeze water bottles the night before and they will naturally melt
- Place your water bottles in a cooler filled with ice
- Add ice cold water to an insulated bottle
In addition to sunscreen and water, below are some other things that you can pack for the beach:
- Towels
- Extra pair of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimsuit
- Sandals/flip flops
- Materials for the activities/games that you plan on doing
Fun Things to do at the Beach
1. Have a Beach Picnic
Having a picnic is a fun way to spruce up your beach outing. As you enjoy a beautiful scenery with delicious foods.
In setting up a beach picnic, all you need is a picnic blanket, weights, food, and optional decorative pieces.
To learn more on how to plan a picnic, check out the post: How to Plan a Picnic With Friends
2. Build Sandcastles
Get your hands messy and build sandcastles at the beach.
To test who has the best building skills, you can host a sandcastle building competition.
Here are some contest categories that you can use to measure who the winner will be:
- Biggest sandcastle
- Tallest sandcastle
- Most creative sandcastle
- Funniest sandcastle
3. Collect Seashells
Another fun thing to do at the beach is collect seashells, sea glass, and other sea treasures.
The only tools needed for this activity are a keen eye and patience.
In finding the best seashells, take the following into account:
- Go to the beach when the tides are low (usually in the early mornings)
- Go a few feet into the ocean
- Search in between piles of seaweed
- Do not take shells with living organisms still inside of it
4. Fly a Kite
A breezy day at the beach is the perfect time to fly a kite.
You can DIY your own kite from scratch or purchase a kite making kit for easier assembly.
5. Have a Beach Photoshoot
Whether you’re going for a serene or playful tone, a photoshoot at the beach is a fantastic idea. As the ocean and sand provides a beautiful backdrop for stunning photos.
You can take pictures in casual outfits, swimsuits or even dress up in an elegant outfit for a more glamorous look.
Whether you’re taking silly pictures or taking advantage of the colorful sunset, a beach photoshoot is a great way to capture great memories at the beach.
6. Play Sand Pictionary
Sand Pictionary is the same thing as regular Pictionary. However, instead of drawing on paper or on a board, you’re drawing in the sand.
You can use a stick or your toes to draw various items in the sand and have others guess what the item is.
7. Play Tic Tac Toe in the Sand
Whether you’re x or o, play a fun round of tic tac toe in the sand.
All you need is a simple stick to draw on the sand and get the game started.
8. Have a Beach BBQ
Grilled food, beautiful atmosphere, and amazing people are the best ingredients for a beach BBQ.
Prior to your BBQ, check your local beach’s guidelines to ensure that you’re grilling in the appropriate area of the beach.
9. Play Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a fun way to get active while enjoying the sun and sand.
Some beaches already have volleyball nets on site and all you need to bring is a ball.
However, if your beach does not provide a net, you can easily bring your own and assemble it for an epic volleyball match.
10. Relax at the Beach
From laying on a beach towel to lounging on a chair, bask in the simplicity of chilling and relaxing at the beach.
You can read a book, listen to music, or just chat with friends/family.
All in all, relax and indulge your senses. As you hear the active ocean waves, smell the salty air, feel the crisp ocean breeze, and sink your toes into the warm sand.
11. Get in the Water
Whether you’re looking for a quick cool down or swimming session, have fun getting in the water.
You may also like: Fun Ways to Cool Off on Hot Summer Days
12. Walk Along the Shoreline
Walking along the beach shoreline is an awesome way to unwind and connect with nature.
Let your senses roam free as your feet connect with the moist sand underneath.
Quiet your mind to hear the majestic waves serenade your ears.
Lastly, feel the soft whisper of the wind pass by as you continue walking along the shore.
13. Surf
If you’re an avid surfer, going to a beach that has a great environment for surfing is amazing.
Take advantage of strong waves and enjoy the thrill of riding them out.
14. Have a Beach Clean Up
If you’re looking for a fun thing to do at the beach that also produces an impact, then consider a beach clean up.
It’s a great way to spend some time in the sun while helping the environment. All you need is a group of friends, garbage bags/buckets, gloves, and trash pickers to get started with your beach clean up.
15. Complete a Beach Workout
From running to beach yoga, exercising at the beach is a fun way to get active and requires little to no extra materials.