How to Plan the Perfect Day at the Beach

There is nothing quite like the feeling of the cold water on your toes and the warm sun on your skin. With summer finally here, you may be already thinking about your next beach day. As much as I would like for a trip to the beach being something very spontaneous, I do find that it generally goes more smoothly if I’m prepared for it. It’s not difficult to plan the perfect day at the beach. And it definitely makes the experience even better.

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HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT DAY AT THE BEACH

Check the Weather

While everyone has their own opinion when it comes to the perfect beach weather, it’s typically preferred that it be sunny and warm. (I actually like slightly cooler and overcast. It’s okay. You can think I’m weird for that). It is a good idea to ensure that there isn’t much wind or rain in the forecast.

Pack a Picnic

Sometimes there are limited places to get a good meal at the beach or in the surrounding area so it’s a good idea to pack a delicious picnic to take with you. Don’t forget to bring bottles of water to ensure you stay hydrated but good news, the bottles, if frozen can also act as built in ice packs for your food. Pack things like a fruits, crackers and things that don’t require utensils to minimize the fuss. This post on packing the perfect beach picnic as well as this one on great road trip food ideas can both be really helpful in planning your picnic.

Items You Might Want for Your Beach Day:

Campela Baby Beach Tent Beach Shelter Beach Cabana pop up Beach Shade pop up Sun Shelter pop up. Portable Great Tent for the Beach!Mad Grit Insane Deal! 9 X 10 Large Travel Beach Blanket – Largest & Most Portable Beach Blanket That Fits Your Whole Family. Quick Drying, Sand Proof, Lightweight – Best Outdoor Picnic Throw IBEET Beach Mesh Tote Bag, Beach Necessaries Children Toys Stay Away from Sand for the Beach Pool Boat, Perfect for Holding Toys Balls, Blue AMMSUN Beach Umbrella Hanging Hook,4-prongs Plastic Umbrellas Hook Hanging for Towels/Camera/Sunglasses/Bags,Fit for Beach,Camping Trips (Blue)Fast Dry Beach Towels Compact – Light Blue, Extra Large 78×35 – fast drying towel for traveling, beach towel set Dejaroo Mesh Beach Bag – Toy Tote Bag – Large Lightweight Market, Grocery & Picnic Tote with Oversized Pockets INTEX Inflatable Beach Ball Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Umbrella, 8-foot Canopy, Turquoise Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 45, 3 Fl. Oz, Pack Of 2 Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Sweat And Water Resistant, 3.0 Fl. Oz Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner Spray, 4 oz Spray Bottle, 1 Count, Detangler, UV Protection, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Color Safe Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion, 6 oz Tube, 1 Count, Hypoallergenic, Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter, Gluten Free, Vegan Sun Bum Coconut Sunscreen Lip Balm, SPF 30, 0.15 oz Stick, 1 Count, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Vegan Womens and Mens Water Shoes Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Socks for Beach Swim Surf Yoga Exercise (TW.Green, L)OLD NAVY Flip Flop Sandals for Woman, Great for Beach Casual Wear (10, Black)O2COOL Deluxe Misting Fan, Handheld Misting Fan, Battery Operated Fan, Water Spray Fan, Mini Portable Desk Fan, Personal Cooling Fan for Outdoor, Fine Mist Sprayer, Purple evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray, 10.1 oz.Click N’ Play 18 Piece Beach sand Toy Set, Bucket, Shovels, Rakes, Sand Wheel, Watering Can, Molds,

Bring the Essentials

On top of bringing a picnic, there are a few beach essentials that will help to make your day better. Don’t forget things like a giant beach umbrella to give you place to get some reprieve from the hot rays of the sun, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes, and a towel or blanket to relax on. When we take Walter with us, we’ll be bringing along a child’s beach shelter with sun protection in it. Some beaches have little in the way of shade around. The umbrella alone just isn’t good enough when it comes to his delicate skin.

I include a spray on, leave in conditioner for my hair too. It helps protect it from the heat and shields my hair colour from fading. And I bring along some after sun skin cream or aloe gel. I love to start soothing and rehydrating my skin right in the car on the drive home! It is also a good idea to ensure that you bring a change of clothes just in case. Don’t forget the flip flops for walking on the beach.

We always bring some books (or our Kindles) to read (is there anything better than losing yourself in a novel while lying on the beach?) too. Spray bottles of water (with our without little fans attached!) are a great way of keeping everyone cooled off – especially for those reluctant to go for a swim in the lake or ocean.

And of course, bring along some sand pails and shovels (family sandcastle building contest anyone?) An inflatable beach ball takes up little space and can provide hours of fun. Don’t forget the baby powder! It’s a great way of getting the sand off everyone before getting in the car.

Relax

Once you have prepared the perfect day at the beach, it is time to relax. Settle in on the beach and take a second to enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the waves. It is important to spend your day at the beach appreciating your surroundings and taking the time to enjoy yourself.

Spending the day at the beach is a fantastic way to enjoy any beautiful summer day. Just take a little time to get prepared so you can put your worries to one side and relax.

MORE IDEAS FOR A GREAT DAY AT THE BEACH:

Want to take your lunch along with you? Here’s how to plan the ultimate beach picnic.

Make sure you’re ready for a day outside with these important tips on staying safe in the heat.

And don’t forget to keep your skin protected from the sun.

Can’t go to the beach? Bring the beach to you with these fun beach themed recipes and crafts.