70 Fun Things to Do at the Beach

Sand, seashore, waves, and water. What could be better than a day or two or a week at the beach? Beaches are brilliant for fun and relaxing days, for adrenaline adventures, for family bonding, for a couples getaway, and more.

If you are planning a beach adventure, these are some great ideas for the best things to do at the beach.

With a little advance planning, you can have days filled with sun and fun at the beach. Your beach adventure doesn’t need to be stressful, expensive or overplanned. These easy beach activities are perfect for kids, teens and adults!

70 Fun Things to Do At The Beach

You may think of the beach as endless days of lounging, relaxing and soaking up a little sunshine. Sounds like the perfect kind of day!

For some of you, a little more action and fun at the beach involves adrenaline adventures, activities to keep children busy, and a few beach toys.

Slather on the sunscreen and let’s dive into some of the best things to do at the beach.

1. Build a Sandcastle

Would you agree that it doesn’t take any effort to teach little kids that a sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles and digging trenches? It just seems instinctive to dig and pile and play in the sand.

Add an extra dimension of fun with sand toys. Start building a castle and you’ll find that everyone is quick to join in the fun.

2. Pack a Picnic for the Beach

According to Better Homes and Gardens, people love picnics. Pack your picnic favorites so you can spend the whole day at the beach. Be sure to include finger foods, drink boxes, snacks, treats, water, and ready-to-eat foods so that it is low-stress and easy cleanup for everyone…mom included.

3. Walk Along the Beach at Sunrise (or Anytime of Day)

There’s something tranquil about an early morning walk along the beach as the sun begins to rise in the sky. Whether you are an early riser or not, you gotta try it at least once.

4. Rent a Beach Cabana

Chris and I rented a beach cabana with a bunch of friends on a cruise beach day. When you divide the cost among a larger group, it makes the total per person cost more manageable. Plus, your cabana often includes drinks and snacks. Enjoy the day relaxing at the beach in comfort.

Enjoy the luxury of having your own private space near the beach, especially if you (or little ones) want to take a nap, read a book, or play some games.

5. Run Along the Beach

Do you like to start your day with an invigorating run? There’s nothing better than the sound of the waves hitting the sand, cool morning air, and a quiet beach to enjoy some exercise.

6. Splurge a Little: Order the Fruit Drink or Smoothie

Hey, if you are renting a cabana or an umbrella and lounger at the beach, splurge a little and order that fruit drink. Let’s be honest, how often do you get to relax and sip a cool drink at the beach?

7. Have a BBQ

Portable barbecues are ideal for enjoying hamburgers and hotdogs and a little fun at the beach. This is especially true if you live close to the beach. Keep supplies on hand so you can just “grab and go” and spend the day playing at the beach.

8. Fly a Kite

One of the best things to do at the beach is to fly a kite. The second best thing? Watch a skilled kite flyer launch their kite at the beach. With a little skill, your kite can soar above the beach, swooping and twirling and floating.

9. Be a Beachcomber and Collect Seashells

One of my favorite things to do at the beach is to collect seashells. My favorite finds over the years are whole sand dollars. The best time to practice your beachcombing skills is first thing in the morning. However, I found the most whole sand dollars one afternoon as I walked along the beach on Coronado Island across the bay from San Diego. Besides sand dollars, you can also find seashells, sea glass, and cool shaped rocks.

1o. Read a Book

Is this your dream? A whole afternoon to read a book with no interruptions and the sound of the surf in the background? Whether you love an actual book or read on your tablet, enjoy a day of no worries.

11. Explore the Boardwalk

Many beaches have a boardwalk featuring shops for beach gear rentals, ice cream, restaurants, clothing, mementos, and sometimes a ferris wheel. Take the wheel for a spin after you enjoy a little window shopping.

12. Bury Someone in the Sand

This is another one of the iconic things to do at the beach. Me? I can’t imagine being covered with sand (claustrophobia anyone?)! If the idea has appeal, just be mindful of the incoming tide.

13. Listen to a Podcast

Spread out your beach blanket, unfurl your towel, or set up your beach lounger and enjoy an afternoon of tranquility. As you do, catch up on your favorite podcasts.

14. Sunbathe

Are there many other things to do at the beach that are more traditional than sunbathing? Just be sure to bring the sunscreen, the aftersun gel, a floppy hat, your sunglasses…and your swimsuit of course!

15. Dig A Hole and Fill it With Seawater

One of my daughters’ favorite things to do a the beach is to dig and carve rivers in the sand. If you are building your ditches close enough to the water, they will fill with water as the waves come in (just don’t get too close). Or bring a bucket or two and fill up your castle moat with water without fear of the waves ruining your hard work.

Beach Adventure

16. Be a People Watcher

No doubt you can have an interesting afternoon just watching the people, the couples, and the families at the beach.

17. Look for Dolphins

I always look for dolphins and whales while sitting at the beach. I haven’t seen them from the shore, but you can be sure I’ll keep looking because other people said they have. I have seen dolphins as my husband and I kayaked in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego.

18. Make a Sand Angel

Coming from Colorado, I have definitely made a snow angel before, but have you ever created a sand angel? You may need a little help standing to keep your design smooth.

19. Create a Travel Bucket List

While you are daydreaming at the beach, think about all of the other places around the world where you would enjoy relaxing at the beach, hiking to amazing lakes, or exploring along the coast.

20. Write Messages in the Sand

Some of the favorite love notes from my “business-traveler” husband are the quick notes he writes in the sand and then takes a picture of to send to me.

21. Play Croquet

Do you love a competitive game of croquet with friends. If you live close to the beach, a croquet set is another great “grab and go” item for your beach bag or bin that adds to the fun of your afternoon beach adventure.

22. Play Tic-Tac-Toe in the Sand

No supplies are needed for this fun game. Use your finger or a stick to draw in the sand.

23. Find a Souvenir at a Beach Side Shop

My girls have always loved shopping for that one souvenir that reminds them of their favorite days at the beach. Usually they like to choose a t-shirt or sweatshirt that can be worn year round so the memories can live on.

24. Make New Friends

My youngest daughter is always one to make friends, especially at the beach, Maybe that is because she is at least four years younger than her sisters and they don’t always want to do what she wants to do. Kristen even made friends with a girl named “Princess” at Anawangin Cove in the Philippines!

Say “hi” to your next door towel neighbor and it might just be the beginning of a brand new friendship.

25. Be a Birdwatcher

My mother-in-law is a birdwatcher. She spots new species wherever she goes. Me? I see the sea gulls at the beach. If you love to bird watch, bring your binoculars and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing at the beach.

26. Bring a Coloring Book and Crayons

If you are enjoying a family day of fun at the beach, you may have younger children who need a little time out of the sun. Add crayons and a coloring book or notepad to a beach bag for kids and let them enjoy a little relaxing downtime as well.

Fun at The Beach

27. Play Frisbee

A frisbee is small enough to slip into your “grab and go” beach bag or even your luggage. Brush up on your frisbee skills, teach your kids, or if you’re like me, learn how to throw a frisbee so that someone else can actually catch it!

28. Explore for Lost Treasure with a Metal Detector

My dad used to have a metal detector that he would spend a couple of hours using at a local park. We didn’t live anywhere near a beach in Southern Alberta, but the thrill of the hunt kept my dad coming back again and again. He found many coins, some jewelry, and a whole lot of metal soda bottle lids!

I’m pretty sure I could spend a happy afternoon searching for my own treasure at the beach!

29. Listen to Some Tunes

Don’t forget to bring your phone so that you can listen to some of your favorite songs. Create a Spotify list of your favorite beach songs and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing, have a dance party with friends, or add some ambiance to your beach barbecue!

30. Explore Tide Pools

You never know what you’ll find as you hop from rock to rock at low tide. Some of my favorite discoveries were brilliant orange, purple and red starfish. While I don’t recommend touching the starfish, if you do happen to pick one up, be sure to put it back in the water!

31. Play with a Beach Ball

A beach ball is easy enough to pack but offers a whole lot of fun for little kids and big kids at heart.

32. Have a Stone Stacking Contest

Some beaches have more stones than others to make a stone stacking contest possible. You have to pick just the right stones that are worn smooth and flat.

33. Create a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt might require a little advance planning (or you can create one on the fly). It is among the fun things to do at the beach that might be enjoyed even more if everyone was treated to an ice cream cone once it is all done.

34. Celebrate the 4th of July or Other Occasions

A beach adventure is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions with family. Consider a barbecue at the beach for the 4th of July where you can stick around to watch fireworks, celebrate a birthday, or even observe Mother’s day or Father’s Day.

35. Book a Day Cruise

Chris and I love to book day trips that take off from the beach. We’ve snorkeled in Costa Rica, swam with fays in the Caribbean, taken a dinner cruise, and enjoyed whale watching in Washington state. What is your favorite kind of day cruise?

36. Look for Cool Shaped Rocks

The ocean shapes and polishes rocks in the waves. Search for a perfectly round rock, a heart-shaped rock, or the coolest shapes as you treasure hunt along the coast.

Capture Insta-Worthy Moments at the Beach

37. Take Underwater Pictures as You Snorkel

I learned to snorkel a couple of years ago, and it opened up a whole new world under the water. The colorful fish are amazing along with the coral and underwater plants. I highly recommend this full face snorkel mask. It makes breathing underwater so much easier.

38. Get Up Early to Photograph the Sunrise

Whether you have your camera phone or a DSLR, you are sure to get some amazing shots of the sunrise.

39. Take a Selfie

Posting to Instagram? Don’t forget to take a selfie of your day at the beach. You may want to check out these awesome I’m Loving the Beach Quotes for Instagram.

40. Photograph the Setting Sun

41. Plan a Family Photoshoot at the Beach

If you are like me, you take lots of photos when you travel. Photos of your kids. Photos of delectable desserts. Photos of the beach. A selfie in front of a famous landmark. A family selfie as you travel.

How do you capture epic photos of family, friends or you traveling solo that you’ll want to download, hang on your walls or give as gifts?

Schedule a vacation photoshoot. (Even better? Schedule a BEACH photoshoot!)

Find Your Zen at the Beach

42. Do Yoga

Don’t forget to pack your yoga mat, a beach towel or blanket.

43. Enjoy a Massage

My husband is awesome about scheduling couples massages while we are at the beach or on a couples getaway. It is a great way to work out your stress and just relax and enjoy your beach adventure.

44. Daydream

You don’t have to do anything at the beach beyond daydreaming and enjoying your day.

45. Set Some Goals

If you have a little time to yourself as your kids play or if you are enjoying a couples getaway, spend a little time setting some goals. Just be sure that those goals include more beach days!

46. Write Poetry

Sometimes words come to mind and you just have to pull out a notebook or journal and write them down.

47. Spot Shapes in the Clouds

This goes along with spending a relaxing day daydreaming. Create a cool game with your kids, special someone, or friend and find the shapes in the clouds as they lazily float by.

48. Catch up On Journaling

This is one of the things I would do if I had some downtime at the beach. You can use pen and paper or bring a tablet with a keyboard to catch up on your journaling.

49. Meditate

It’s easy to meditate while at the beach, especially on a quiet day when the sound of the waves and the birds are all that you hear.

Things to Do at The Beach At Night

50. Sing Songs Around a Bonfire

Bring your guitar or simply sing acapella around a bonfire at the beach. It is a great way to bring an end to a brilliant day of doing fun things at the beach.

51. Camp on the Beach

Plan to spend the night? Whether you are camping out under the stars or setting up a tent, you’ll enjoy the white noise of the waves breaking on the sand. Stay up late, tell stories and laugh among family and friends to make memories that will last forever.

Note * Check to make sure camping on the beach is allowed and get a permit if necessary.

52. Be a Stargazer

If you are camping at the beach or staying late to enjoy the sunset, stick around to witness the massive amount of stars in the night sky.

53. Build a Fire and Roast Marshmallows at the Beach

Celebrate your inner child and roast marshmallows for some fun at the beach.

54. Watch the Sunset at the Beach

I love to sit on the shore and watch the amazing colors that splash across the sky with a sunset. Stay till the last moment to enjoy your beach adventure to the fullest.

Adrenaline Adventures at The Beach

55. Join a Game of Beach Volleyball

Ready for a little friendly competition? Start a game of volleyball or join a game already in progress. It’s a great way to get a little exercise without realizing that you are exercising!

56. Rent a Jet Ski

Do you love the thrill of high speeds and a beach adventure? If yes, you will definitely love renting a jet ski or signing up for a tour! Viator offers some great tours around the world. Check to see if there is one available if you happen to be staying in overwater bungalows in Tahiti.

57. Workout

Plan a workout at the beach to begin your day with a little jogging, power walking, yoga, pilates, or strength training using your own body weight.

58. Play and Swim

If you plan to play or swim in the ocean, you may wish to bring goggles! I remember the sting of salty water in my eyes the first time I played in the ocean on Cocoa Beach in Florida.

59. Learn the Art of Boogie Boarding

Boogie boards are so much fun at the beach, and even better, you can often find them at the nearest Dollar Store. Enjoy a fun afternoon of learning to catch a wave and surf on in to the beach.

60. Take a Surfing Class

If you’re ready to UP your surf game, try taking surfing lessons at the beach.

61. Learn to Windsurf

62. Discover the Magic of Snorkeling

Grab your favorite snorkel mask and enjoy a lazy day of snorkeling. Chris taught me how to snorkel in St. Johns at Trunk Bay. I will admit, I am much better at it now and this full face mask makes it so much easier.

63. Try Paddleboarding

I have never been on a paddleboard before our trip to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon and Spa. Crazy, I know, because we live next to a lake. BUT, I reasoned, I’d rather try paddleboarding (using the free equipment provided by the Hilton Moorea) in the crystal clear and warm waters of this lagoon than at home in a cold lake!

Bonus? Neither Chris nor I fell off our boards! You could say I’m a pro now—unless you get too close to me.

64. Kayak

Fancy a kayak tour in a transparent kayak? Check Viator for a variety of tours around the world.

>> Tour: Moorea Lagoon Tour by Transparent Kayak with Viator

65. Horseback Riding

Is this your dream? Many of these adrenaline adventures are offered as tours on Viator. Click the box below to search your destination and book YOUR tour.

66. Book a 4×4 Tour

A day or two filled with fun things to do at the beach will create memories that we can remember forever. A 4×4 tour will get your heart rate pumping.

67. Become a Certified SCUBA Diver

SCUBA certification classes teach you the effects of increased water pressure and safe diving practices. Once certified, you will want to find opportunities to dive frequently. This is crucial to maintaining your SCUBA diving skills, remember the safety procedures, and add to your confidence in the water.

68. Go for a Hike

While not all beaches offer opportunities for hiking, you’ll definitely find opportunities along the Pacific Coast in the United States. Do a little research prior to your arrival to see scout out the nearby trails. You might find AllTrails to be a helpful resource.

Last Things to Do At The Beach

69. Pack Up Your Beach Bag

After a day of fun at the beach, it will be time to shake the sand from your towel, pack up your picnic fixings, gather all of the beach toys, and pack up your beach bag. You’ll likely drag sleepy kids to the car or the beach rental and reminisce over your fun beach adventure.

70. Leave No Trace

Just as you learn to leave no trace in the mountains as you hike, it is important to practice picking up after yourself and your group after a memorable day at the beach as well. Pick up all of your garbage, your broken sand buckets, and retrieve all of your beach gear. Leave the beach a little better than you found it.

Pack Your Beach Bag

Here is a beach packing list for when you are planning a beachside getaway as a couple or for a family beach vacation. Your tropical vacation packing list is essential for enjoying days of sun, fun, and relaxation.

This is your “day at the beach checklist” with ideas for exactly what you should plan for your tropical vacation packing list when traveling to the Islands of Tahiti—or pretty much any hot, humid, and sunny beach destination!

>> Related: My #1 Favorite Crossbody Bag for Travel

Beach Bag Essentials

If you are lucky enough to live close to a beach, prepare a beach bag or bin that you can grab and go for your beach adventure. A little advance planning makes for some fun and spontaneous outings at the beach.

Your beach bag essentials may include:

• Hat or Visor
• Waterproof Sunscreen
• Face Sunscreen
• Long sleeve rash guard or lightweight shirt/jacket
• Sunglasses
• Beach Towels
• Beach Blanket
• Swimsuit
• Water bottles
• Dry clothes to change into
• Beach chair (if you live close enough or if your vacation rental has one)
• Sun umbrella or sun shelter
• First aid kit
• Buckets, shovels and beach toys for the children
• Beach balls, kite or croquet set
• Smart phone
• Picnic lunch and snacks

Discover more of my beach favorites by clicking on my Amazon Favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts on 70 Fun Things to Do at The Beach

You deserve a break every now and then; the beach is one of the perfect destinations for having fun, just relaxing, and making memories with family ad friends.

Spread out your beach blanket, close your eyes, and let the relaxation beach vibe flow. Don’t be surprised when your worries and distractions slowly melt away.

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