Top 9 Best Things to Do at the Beach

The sand. The sunshine. The roar of the ocean. These sights and sounds bring many people back to the beach each year for endless hours of relaxation and play.

Going to the beach can be so much fun, but what are some activities to do? This guide lists the top 9 best things to do at the beach.

1. Play Sports

Besides being an Olympic sport, beach volleyball is a great game for any sandy beach. Originating in California in the 1920s, it spread around the world and is now one of the most popular beach activities on the planet.

Beach volleyball is by no means the only sport that’s good for the beach. Badminton, pickup games of football, cricket, and capture the flag are all good options. Players can get in a good workout, make new friends, and impress old ones!

2. Make Sand Art

Children spend hours making sandcastles on the beach. That’s how most of us get acquainted with the ocean and its environment for the first time.

Other forms of sand art exist, though. Sand sculptures have become a major hobby with competitions and festivals around the world. 

With the right-hand tools and a spray bottle, you can build your own masterpiece. Even though sand sculptures don’t last forever, you can photograph them to make postcards or your own personalized gift calendar.

3. Sleep: One of the Best Things to Do at the Beach

There’s nothing better than sleeping on the beach. If you had a long drive to reach the beach and feel fatigued, a nap in the sand is the perfect solution.

Set up your beach umbrella. Dig your toes in the sand. Drift off into a restful snooze, with the ocean breeze fanning you and the scent of the saltwater all around.

Note: If you’re planning to nap, be sure to get far enough under the umbrella to stay covered as the sun’s shadow moves. If you don’t, you may wake up beet red and sunburned.

Always wear sunscreen whether you have an umbrella or not. There are many outdoor tanning lotions and sunscreens to choose from, so pick one that will work for you. Then, don’t forget to use it!

4. Read a Book

Reading is another way to enjoy your beach vacation. Get lost in the plot of a mystery novel, or take along magazines for some light entertainment.

This is the perfect time to satisfy your intellectual cravings. Read that book you’ve been wanting to tackle for months!

Note: It’s risky to take e-readers to the beach because they can become corroded with sand. They’ll also be harder to see in the bright light and the sun. If you’re used to e-readers, instead opt for treating yourself to a traditional paper book.

5. People Watch

People watching is fascinating anywhere, but at the beach, it makes time fly.

It seems like everyone is laughing, playing in the water, or flying kites. The seagulls are trying to steal crabcakes and popcorn off of beach blankets. Surfers are catching waves, and out in the distance, you can see sailboats.

You can watch people surfing or riding the waves on innertubes. It’s a form of endless entertainment!

6. Walk Along the Water’s Edge

It’s always fun to walk along the edge of the water, right as it hits the sand and rolls up the beach. If you’re feeling energetic, you can play “tag” with the waves by trying to stay out of reach.

Take a friend if you can- but if you do want to go solo, it’ll be just as nice. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and clear your mind of stress.

7. Enjoy a Seafood Picnic

Seafood is delicious even if you’re not by the ocean, but that saltwater aroma does add something to the flavor.

So if you can, pack a seafood picnic basket, a checkered blanket, and maybe some wine to take with you to the beach. If you can, buy the seafood near the beach so you know it’s fresh.

Be sure to watch out for opportunistic seagulls who would love to get some free fish or crabcake! They are lightning quick!

8. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

Take your camera and go sit in the sand early, before the sun rises. Catch the rays and deep colors of the sun as it rises and reflects on the water.

Then, come back in the evening and catch the sunset. Start well before the sun sets, so you don’t miss anything. The type of sunset you’ll see will depend on the humidity, season, and air quality at your current location.

You can turn your photos into calendars, postcards, or other photo gifts to give to your friends.

9. Collect Things

You could go to one of the best beaches to visit to find shells or choose an ordinary beach close to your home.

No matter what your choice is, there will be shells, pebbles, driftwood, coins, or other treasures to take home. You could even find something truly historic or valuable.

Finding something valuable takes a bit of luck and persistence, but thousands of these finds happen each year. Your odds will be good if you are methodical and use a metal detector.

About the Beach and More

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article about things to do at the beach! We hope our ideas will spark your creativity and most of all, help you have a good time.

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