Coastal activities to make the most of your time by the sand and ocean

 

 

Welcome to my post about 25 things to do at the beach (other than sunbathe!). So you know what to expect, here is how the article is structured.

Table of Contents

1. Things To Do At The Beach
2. Exercise
3. Eat picnic or dinner
4. Look for seashells
5. Sandcastles
6. Take Photos
7. Read
8. Grab a Coffee
9. Watch the sunrise
10. Yoga
11. Get Creative
12. Get Married
13. Go Surfing
14. Look for dolphins
15. Work
16. Have a party
17. Fish
18. Clean it up!
19. Play ball games or frisbee
20. Explore the rocks
21. Go Shopping
22. Write Messages in the sand
23. Daydream
24. Go_Nude!
25. Meet Likeminded People
26. Check out the hotties

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them.)

Read Time: 10 Minutes

 

Things To Do At The Beach

There are so many more things to do at the beach than just sunbathe. So, if you are looking for a bit of inspiration to help you live your best beach life then check out this list!

 

1. Exercise

Exercise is one of the best things to do at the beach.

Whether it be running or walking or doing sit ups or star jumps, exercising with an ocean view and an ocean breeze is very invigorating.

Some beaches even have exercise equipment on them which affords you a more vigorous work out.

 

2. Eat picnic or dinner

Whether it be a picnic or something you grabbed from a nearby takeaway one of the best things to do at the beach is to eat.

Romantic picnics on a blanket are always good. Especially against the backdrop of the beach and ocean. As are picnics with a large group of friends.

If you do decide to go with a big group of friends, why not get everyone to make something? That way you have a great selection of food!

The beach is also a great place to have a barbecue as these facilities are often provided free of charge.

If you work near the beach its also a great place to go and have lunch or breakfast before heading into the office.

 

3. Look for seashells

The sand is full of many, many thousands of beautiful seashells. So why not try and find some really impressive ones?

One of the best things to do at the beach is beachcombing. Its amazing how many hours you can spend looking for beautiful selection of seashells. You can also do a fair bit of walking too.

If you are able to take these shells home – on some beaches it is illegal to do so – then you can create some lovely home art by placing the shells and some sand in a display jar or bowl.

You can every make a nice chain with the prettiest ones you can find.

 

 

4. Sandcastles

Small kids and big kids alike love to build sandcastles.

Whether it be a simple one off put down, or an intricate large-scale design, there is something very satisfying about making a sandcastle.

Its also a great way to bond with your kids, nephews or even other mates

So, fill up those buckets and build away. Let the construction fun begin!

 

5. Take Photos

What better place nature setting can there be for taking photos than the beach?

In the age of Smartphones you don’t even need a fancy expensive camera. You can just snap away on your iPhone or Android devices.

Capture memories of the beach by walking along the shoreline and snapping whatever catches your eyes.

The photos you take can be used to create wall art for your home or backgrounds for your electronic device too.

 

6. Read

Whether it be a good book or your favourite magazine reading is one of the best things to do at the beach. It is also very good for your mental health.

Sit yourself under a palm tree or lie back under a shady umbrella and wile away a couple of hours lost in literature.

 

 

7. Grab a Coffee

If you love tea or coffee, then what better place to enjoy one then on the sand?

Relax with some tunes and a beautiful view and savour every last taste of that exquisite java.

Just be sure to take the empty cup back with you when you leave!

 

8. Watch the sunrise

The beach sunrise are is undoubtedly the most beautiful types you can see.

Some of the vistas created by these occurrences are almost simply magnificent. The serenity one feels when viewing them are pretty amazing too.

Find a quiet, isolated spot on the beach and settle in for the wonders of nature to kick in.

It’s a viewing experience that is a million times better than anything you will see on TV.

 

9. Yoga

Yoga has many benefits including improving your strength, balance and flexibility as well reducing stress and providing you with a lift in mood.

Partaking in yoga at the beach arguable enhances these benefits further.

One of the best things to do at the beach, yoga is a great way to start your day, or maybe de-stress after work. And it will leave you feeling refreshed and at peace.

 

 

10. Get Creative

If you love to paint, draw or write then why not head down to the beach to do so?

Getting at one with nature can be a very powerful inspiration. There are so beautiful beach scenes to look at which could seriously stir your creative juices.

Paint or draw a beautiful beach view. Or carry on writing the book or work project you have on the go. Let the beach help you maximise your artistic talents.

 

11. Get Married

Many couple choose to get married at the beach. And why not?

For a start it is such a beautiful setting. The occasion is bound to be a romantic and special. Also, the photos you take should be great too.

A beach destination can also serve as your honeymoon destination. So you can tick two boxes off with the big event!

 

12. Go Surfing

Surfing is very popular past time all round the world. Beaches are usually full of surfers trying to catch that next wave.

If you are not a surfer then why not take some lessons? Its so much fun and you might find a new passion! Here are some tips for how to surf safely.

Other water sports you might try are kayaking, water-skiing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing or jet-skiing.

 

 

13. Look for dolphins

Some beaches in Australia, and in many other places around the world, provide chance to see dolphins. You can do this either via a paid tour, or if you are really lucky you can spot them directly from the shoreline!

Do a little bit of research to see if there is a beach near you that offers this experience.

Be sure to go to the beach regularly and at the optimum times when they are most prevalent.

 

14. Work

We all get bogged down and hit roadblocks with our work sometimes. When this happens its often a good idea to take yourself to the beach.

The fresh air and change of scenery can work wonders with your brain. To the point where you become productive again.

So why not grab your laptop or notepad and head down to your beach office.

See for yourself how easy it is to strategise or problem solve down there.

 

15. Have a party

The beach is a lovely place to have a party.

Whether it be a birthday, engagement or even just a social ‘let’s get together’ occasion a good time is always guaranteed at the beach.

So invite your friends, grab a table or pitch up a marquee and let the good times roll.

Just be sure to clean up after yourselves when you leave!

 

 

16. Fish

Fishing is relaxing. And the beach can be very relaxing. So, it makes sense to go fishing on the beach!

Even if you don’t catch anything you are fishing in a beautiful spot where you can retune yourself with nature.

If you do catch something, then your dinner is sorted. So, it is definitely a win win experience!

Here are some tips for fishing in Queensland

 

17. Clean it up!

The Clean Up Australia campaign started on 8th November 1989. Its one of many initiatives around the world designed to clean and preserve the environment.

Every time you go to the beach, or if you specifically go to the beach to do so, you can make a small difference to the local environment by removing and depositing any rubbish you see on it to the bin. There are many benefits in doing this including the safety of animals both on land and in the ocean.

According to Clean Up Australia some 94% of all rubbish they have collected in parks, beaches and other public areas since 1990 was from packaging.

So, every little bit you pick up would help.

 

18. Play ball games or frisbee

The beach is the perfect place to play ball games like catch, cricket, football or bat and ball. Similarly frisbee is so much fun too.

There is a lot of space to play around in and it’s a great way to entertain kids or even your dog!

Where possible include the ocean to heighten the fun!

 

 

19. Explore the rocks

Most beaches have either a headland or rocks near them. These provide excellent areas for exploration.

It’s amazing the natural features that can be seen around these places. The foliage or the patterns and colours on display are stunning.

If your beach has some rocks or a headland near them go and check them out. You might be very impressed with what you find.

 

20. Go Shopping

As many beaches are in beach towns, or resort areas, so it follows that many shops are located near them.

These beach towns or resort areas can have some lovely boutique and independent shops that are well worth poking around in. Many of these are actually on or just off the beach.

Check out the ones near you next time you head to the beach and see what delights you might find.

 

21. Write Messages in the sand

One of the most fun things to do at the beach is spread some love and positivity by writing messages in the sand. You’ve often no doubt seen declarations of love such as’ Debbie 4 Carl’. So why not put out to the universe how much you love your partner.

Alternatively, just write an inspirational quote along the lines of ‘beach more, worry less’.

You never know who might get a lift from seeing this!

 

 

22. Daydream

We all need to dream. Dreaming is what sustains us during the hum drum of daily live. Dreaming is also an escape too.

Why not head to the beach for a couple of hours and dream about what you want to do with your life.

Plan a trip. Mentally plot your path to work success. Plan out how you’ll spend that lottery jackpot. Imagine yourself scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final. Or walking down the catwalks of Paris and Milan.

Let your mind wander to wherever it wants to go. And enjoy the journey while you do so.

 

23. Go Nude!

If you are game to let it all hang out, one of the most liberating things to do at the beach is nude sunbathing. There are plenty of nudist beaches around Australia and the world in which you can do so.

A quick Google search or phone call to your local nudist club would reveal where your nearest one is.

Proponents of beach nudism often relate how liberating shedding your clothes in public can be.

So why not try it out once to see for yourself whether this is true.

Just be sure to put on plenty of sun cream all over your body!

 

24. Meet Likeminded People

If you love the beach, there is no better place to meet likeminded people than on the beach.

There are lots of ways to meet people at the beach, including in the form of clubs or also recreational activities.

You can browse the internet or contact your local library to show you what upcoming social gatherings or meet-ups are scheduled for your local beach.

 

25. Check out the hotties

Hunky blokes in shorts and six packs. Sexy women in skimpy bikinis. There really aren’t that many other better things to do at the beach then check out the hotties!

Just be discreet in how you do it though!