Ahh the beach. People dream about it, wish for it and plan vacations to go to it. However, there are a select few of us who are lucky enough to live so close to the beach that we don't have to plan to go. For us, beach trips are part of our everyday lives and we wouldn't know what to do without it.

1. When you don't know what to do, you go to the beach.

Making plans in the summer with friends when no one could decide where to go or what to do was easy. You always just ended up at the beach.

2. The beach isn't just for summertime.

Going to the beach is a year round experience for those of us who live near the beach. Especially if there's a hurricane, all of those brave enough to face the ocean will be there taking pictures.

3. You rationalize any clothing purchases if they can double as a beach cover up.

Yeah that dress might be $40 but you can wear it to the beach over your bathing suit so really you're getting more use out of it. Sold.

4. You know night time is the best time to be at the beach.

Dinner on the beach followed by a fire with s'mores? Count me in!

5. You had a field trip to the beach.

It's hard to understand that some kids didn't go and take water measurements, samples and build sandcastles on middle school field trips. But for you, it was always the best day of the school year.

6. Sand is everywhere.

In your car, house, shoes and clothes. You've just accepted it at this point that you will never be able to clean off all the sand.

7. Beach chairs fill your garage.

Where most people store their cars, buckets of off season clothes and other miscellaneous items, your garage is filled with things for the beach. From beach chairs to buckets to boogie boards you've got it all.

8. You have to avoid the polar plunge.

If you live near the beach it is a given that someone is going to try to convince you to jump into the freezing ocean on New Year's Day. Props to you if you're brave enough to do it, I'll be inside by the heater.

9. You're suspicious of seafood when you aren't near the beach.

When the seafood at home is the best and freshest you'll ever eat, it's hard to get yourself to try it anywhere else. Sorry McDonald's in Des Moines, Iowa, but I do not want to try your fish fillet.

10. You will always think that your beach is the best.

It doesn't matter what your beach looks like or how cold the water it. The Caribbean may be nice, but it just doesn't feel like home.