A Little Beachy Summer Escape
National Beach Day (August 30th) is a fun excuse to lean into one of the best parts of summer; a beach day. And really, anytime is a good time for one. You don’t need a trip to the coast to create that easy, breezy feeling at home, just a summery drink, a cozy spot outside, and a few beachy activities.
1. Set the Mood for a Beach Day at Home
Start with atmosphere.
Outdoor Ideas:
- spread out a beach towel or beach blanket
- set up a beach umbrella
- sit by a pool (small soaking pool works great), sprinkler, mister, or any kind of running water
- add a chair, a side table, and your beach-day essentials
- play beach ambiance or a summery playlist
- light a coastal candle
- open the windows if you can
- add a few coastal touches like woven textures, beach blankets, or seashells
2. Make a Beachy Drink
Give the day a signature drink. Try something tropical or use butterfly pea flowers to give your drinks a festive blue color.
Drink Ideas
- Butterfly Pea Flower Blue Latte
- fruit-infused sparkling water
- iced tea with tropical fruit
3. Put Together Easy Beachy Snacks
Keep food easy and fun. Take your plate poolside, or set the table with a casual nautical theme.
Food Ideas
- a tropical fruit plate
- popsicles or sorbet
- a blue smoothie bowl
- chips and guacamole
- a beachy snack board with fruit and salty snacks
- shrimp cocktail
- fish and chips
- a simple summer salad
4. Beachy Activities and Hobbies
A beach day shouldn’t feel like a packed itinerary, but instead a chance to slow down and enjoy a few simple, summery activities.
Activity Ideas
- Read or journal in or near the water
- make a summer bucket list (or a summer memory page)
- sketch, color, or paint a beach scene
- do a beachy craft
- take an evening walk near water
- have a beach themed movie night
5. Enjoy a Beach Read or Watch
Looking to watch, read, or listen to a something with a little beach day vibes?
Watch
- a beachy movie (Muppet Treasure Island, The Goonies, Jaws, etc.)
- travel shows
- TV series or episodes that take place on the beach or at a resort
Read
- a novel or beach read
- a coastal magazine
- a travel memoir
6. Local Beachy Outings
Beach Day doesn’t have to stay at home. If you’re in the mood for a little outing, there are plenty of local places that can still bring in those sunny, coastal summer vibes even if you don’t live near the ocean.
- Visit a lake with a sandy beach for the closest thing to a classic beach-day setup without heading to the coast. Pack towels, snacks, and a good book, and settle in for the afternoon.
- Spend the day at the community pool with all your beach-day essentials—sunscreen, a beach bag, flip flops, and something cold to drink.
- Grab lunch at a seafood restaurant for a little coastal flavor. Fish tacos, shrimp baskets, lobster rolls, or anything with a seaside feel fits right in.
- Stop by a beachy patio restaurant or tropical café for a frozen drink, a summery lunch, or just a snack in the sunshine.
- Plan an ice cream or snow cone stop after swimming or spending time outside. It’s simple, but it definitely adds to the beach-day feeling.
- Take a walk around a marina, boardwalk, or lakeside trail if you have one nearby. Boats, water views, and a breezy stroll all feel very on-theme.
- Pack a beach-inspired picnic and head to a park with water nearby, or any sunny spot with enough room to spread out a blanket and relax.
- Pick up a beach read from a local bookstore before heading to the pool, the lake, or your picnic spot. It’s a fun little add-on if you want to make the whole day feel more themed.
- Visit a splash pad, water park, or lazy river if you’re celebrating with kids or just want to lean into the playful side of Beach Day.
Make it a Full Beach Day
One of the nicest things about a Beach Day theme is that it doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel special.
A Simple Beach Day at Home Example:
- Set up your beach spot
- Make your beachy drink
- Put on a summery playlist
- Bring out a few snacks
- Add one or two activities, like a craft, beach read, or swim
- End the day with a themed movie night or evening walk
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