Summertime is the best time of year to do something that almost everyone loves to do: go to the beach! There’s just something about the sizzling summer sun, salt air, and refreshing sea breeze that makes us deliriously happy! If you live near a beach you’re likely an old hand at getting ready for some sand-filled fun. However, if you don’t go to the beach that often, knowing what to take along, and where to go, is important. After all, you don’t want to arrive only to find you forget a key beach item.
To help you have the perfect beach day this summer, NSA Storage put together the following guide. In it you’ll find things like a list of beach stuff to take, which beaches are free to use, and more. If that sounds like the summer fun you’re looking for, read on!
What’s the Best Time to Go to the Beach?
When you’re planning a beach day, timing is critical. Arrive too early and it may still be too cold to go in the water. Arrive too late and you might have a hard time finding a spot to park, or to set up your towels and umbrella. Below are some tips to help you plan your fun in the sun:
- Arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 AM if you want to get a good parking spot and beach spot.
- Leave around 5:00 if you want to avoid the “sunset crowd”.
- Go after 4:00 PM if you want to avoid the sun’s most serious rays or enjoy the sunset.
- Remember that, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the sun’s rays are the strongest.
What to Take to the Beach
Use this easy checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything, especially beach necessities.
- At least 1 towel per person, and a couple extras
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- A beach umbrella, sun shade, or pop-up tent
- Beach chairs
- At least 1 beach blanket
- Dry clothes for driving home
- A cooler with snacks and drinks (Check to make sure food is allowed.)
- Beach toys for the kids
- A frisbee or football
- A portable speaker for music
- Some good books
- Water shoes
- A waterproof and sand-proof phone pouch
- Wet wipes
- A garbage bag for cleanup
- Change for parking meters
- A first aid kit
Fun Beach Activities for the Perfect Beach Day
Going to the beach, for some, means a day of relaxing, reading, and enjoying scantily-clad beachgoers. On the other hand, many folks believe the beach is a great place for fun, frivolous, and fantastic activities. Below we’ve listed a few of the best!
Beach Activities that Don’t Require A Lot of Gear
- Build a sand castle
- Long walks along the shore
- Beachcombing for shells
- Playing frisbee or throwing a football
- Body surfing
- Reading a good book
Beach Activities that Do Require Gear
- Beach volleyball
- Surfing
- Boogie boarding
- Snorkeling
- Paddleboarding
The Highest-Rated Beaches in the Continental US
There are thousands of beaches in the United States, and most are perfect for a beach day. However, some are definitely better than others for one reason or another. Below are some of the highest-rated beaches in the country.
- Siesta Key Beach, Florida – Powdery white sand and safe, shallow waters? Yes, please!
- Cape May, New Jersey – This charming beach in the Garden State is loaded with character, amenities, and fun activities.
- Coronado Beach, California – Excellent beach amenities and gentle waves make this beach one of the best.
- Coopers Beach, New York – Clean and scenic, there are always lifeguards on duty at this beloved beach.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – This family-friendly beach has lots of nearby attractions to enjoy.
- Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico – Ideal for families with calm waters and lots of nearby food kiosks.
Where are Free Beaches in the US?
One drawback to some beaches is that, to use them, you need to pay. Sometimes it’s just for parking, but often it’s also for beach access. Below are some states that offer free beaches, and others where you’ll be forced to pay for your beach day.
States Where Beach Access is (Usually) Free
- Florida- Free beach access, parking, and showers at most beaches.
- Hawaii- By law, all beaches in Hawaii are free.
- Michigan- Most lakeside beaches are either free or have a low entry cost.
- Oregon- The entire Oregon coast offers free beach access.
- Texas- Almost all beaches in the Lone Star State are free to use.
States Where Beach Access is Not Free
- New Jersey- Most beaches require that you purchase, and wear, a “beach badge”.
- California- The beaches are mostly free. Parking, however, is not, and can be expensive.
- New York- Most beaches charge both a parking and access fee.
Tip: Check local laws to make sure that the beach you choose is truly free or if there’s a fee. Remember, if there’s a fee, and you don’t pay, you might get a fine.
Staying Comfortable at the Beach
No matter where you go, staying comfortable while at the beach is a must. After all, it’s supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable! To help you and your family stay safe and happy during your next beach day, follow these tips:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Don’t forget lots of snacks and drinks.
- Reapply sunscreen often, especially for smaller kids.
- Bring your own shade! An umbrella, tent, or sun cover are recommended.
- Bring zip-loc bags for wet stuff during the ride home.
- Take a break from the sun during peak hours. (Go shopping, eat, have a drink, etc.)
Store Your Beach Gear with NSA Storage
The best way to have a perfect beach day is to plan ahead. That way, you won’t forget anything that would ruin, upset, or otherwise make an impact on your fun. Hopefully the information provided above will help you to do exactly that!
Also, remember that, no matter which beach you choose, it’s often the simplest memories that are the most powerful. Even if you forget something, it’s likely you’ll still have a magical time!
If you need to rent a storage unit afterwards to store your beach stuff, NSA Storage can help. Or clean, safe, and secure storage units are found near many of America’s great beaches! You can reserve a storage unit online and start using it the same day! Until then, have a wonderful summer and a great time at the beach!
