How to Make the Most of Your Beach Vacation

Planning a beach vacation? Here are a few simple tips to make the most of your time there!

 

There is something extra special about a beach vacation. Every time our family goes on a beach holiday, I find myself thinking we should do this more often.

Whether vacationing at the lake or the ocean, here are a few things that we find always makes our beach trips a little more special.

 

Our Family’s Best Beach Vacation Tips

DISCLOSURE: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through any Amazon links in this post, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Find Accommodations Right on the Beach.

We prefer to stay on the water. There is something so calming about being able to look out over the water whenever you want. It’s just not the same to be near the beach or a short drive from the beach. I want to be able to see the beach, hear the waves crashing, and feel the beach breezes.

Also, we prefer our waterfront accommodations to have a balcony overlooking the water. I’m always surprised with how much use our balconies get during our beach vacations. Even my three children love to sit out on the balcony.

RELATED:  Tips for Booking a Beach Vacation Rental – Momma To Go

 

Build a Sandcastle

There’s something magical about a sandcastle. Even the most dilapidated, sad-looking sandcastles have a fairytale-like feel to them. Not only do sandcastles spark imagination and creativity, but they are a fantastic way to create fun family memories.  We try to build at least one sandcastle each beach vacation.

YOU MAY LIKE:  5-in-1 Sandcastle Building Set

 

Play in the Surf

Take full advantage of the sun and waves by taking some time to play in the waves a bit. Whether body surfing, playing a game of catch or just jumping waves along the shore, the water is where the fun is at.

 

Swim in the Pool

While we like to “play” in the surf, our family prefers to swim in pools. Most waterfront accommodations offer pools, and some even offer hot tubs and lazy rivers. We take full advantage of all of these amenities when they are available.

 

Watch a Sunset/Sunrise Over the Water

Is there anything better than watching the sun rise or set over the water? We try to catch as many sunrises (or sunsets) as we can during our beach vacations. (This is another instance when that balcony overlooking the water comes in handy.)

 

Enjoy Long Walks on the Beach

Few things are more calming than a walk on the beach. We especially enjoy beach walks right after the tide recedes; you can find all sorts of interesting things strewn along the shores once the tide recedes.

I also enjoy walking the beach during the twilight hours of the evening as the sky is changing colors. Beautiful!

 

Look for Shells or Pretty Rocks

Looking for shells and/or pretty rocks along the beach shores is fun for all ages. You can do this at any time but you will discover the best finds in early morning or right after the tide recedes.

When vacationing along the shores of Lake Michigan, we especially enjoy looking for Petoskey Stones – a fossilized ancient coral that can only be found in a few select areas of the world.

When looking for shells in Florida, we have found this book helpful in identifying our beachcombing finds.

 

Prepare for Your Beach Vacation

One key to ensuring that your beach vacation is the amazing experience you want it to be is to be prepared. Nothing spoils a beach vacation quite like a bad sunburn or missing comfort necessities.

Here’s a quick checklist of items to bring with you:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Beach attire (swimsuit, swimsuit coverup, sun hat, etc)
• Beach chair/blanket
• Towels
• Beverages (cooler, water bottle, etc.)
• Beach Toys (at the very least pails and shovels)
• Maybe a reading book

 

What Are Your Best Beach Vacation Tips?

So I’ve shared my best beach vacation tips with you. What are your best beach vacation tips?

• What do you bring on beach vacations?
• How do you prepare for a waterfront vacation?
• What sort of accommodations do you prefer for beach vacations?
• What travel tips did I fail to mention?

 

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:       

• Universal Orlando Vacation Tips
• Visiting Hilton Head Island with Small Children
• 10 Things for Your Michigan Summer Bucket List
• Easy Ways to Save Money During Family Vacations
• Lake Michigan Beaches During Winter