10 Things to Do This Summer At the Beach
Happy summer! Heading to the beach? Here are 10 things you should do to make the most of your beach time. Young or old, these add up to a fabulous, memorable summer. What are your beach must-dos?
Build a castle
When was the last time you got down in the sand with a pail and tools and created something? Grab the kids — or just your own pail and shovel — and make a killer sandcastle. And yes, size matters — so go as big as you can. It’s totally worth it. (Don’t forget to take a photo!)
Swim
It might seem obvious, but frankly as you get older it’s easy to skip the swimming. Don’t! Plan for high tide and head down for a good dip. It feels incredible to have your body glide through the water, stroke after stroke.
Take a long beach walk
There’s more to the beach than laying in the sand (yes, really) and getting a tan. Get your family together for a long walk on the beach. It could be leisurely … or maybe you’ll prefer a power walk. Either way, feeling the sand between your toes and checking out the beach homes is a lot of fun.
Collect shells
There are so many great crafts that can be created with shells. Grab a bucket and collect some on your next beach day. Who knows, you might just find a new favorite shell type.
Have a picnic
Cold fried chicken, chilled salads and Twizzlers can make for a fabulous beach picnic. But whatever your picnic favorites are, pack some up and lay out a blanket on the sand. Then enjoy the eating, conversation and relaxation as the waves lap nearby.
Laugh with friends
Some of the most memorial days at the beach are those where my friends and I sit shoulder to shoulder, talking, laughing and enjoying the sun while the kids play nearby. It’s not just relaxing — it’s rejuvenating.
Go out on the water
When I graduated from college, my uncle bought me a dark green kayak. Every summer since then, I have taken that boat out for leisurely rides on the Long Island Sound. There’s something so peaceful about kayaking out in the water and then stopping to enjoy it for a bit. Whether you have something with a motor, something that requires a paddle or something that blows up, being out on the water is not to be missed.
Try a new beach
Wait. What? Look, any of my friends and family can tell you how I am a creature of habit and drawn to the same beach I have played at, laid on and swam at each summer since childhood. Still, sometimes it’s nice for a change. So check out a beach you don’t frequent and see what it’s like. Who knows — you might just find a gem.
Read a great book
Reading and the beach go together like PB and J, dogs and bones, crayons and kids … you get the idea. They just fit. Make sure you pack a good book in your beach bag — you’ll love digging into it while getting cozy in the sand.
Have a lobster roll (or a clam roll, if you aren’t a lobster fan)
It’s not summer without seafood eaten on or near the beach. Hot Connecticut-style lobster rolls are delicious (get a good one!) but sometimes, all I really want is a clam roll, filled with crispy fried clam strips. Mmmm. Either way, these babies are best served from clam shacks right near the beach. When you find one, take advantage.
Category: Beach, Summertime
