The beach is a happy place for tons of people, myself included. I go to the beach at least three times each year, but most people are lucky to get to the ocean once in the summer. Now that you're thinking about the salty air and the sand between your toes, here are eight solid reasons you should hop in the car and head to the nearest beach!

You can't remember the last time you took a vacation

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If you can't remember your last vacation, you've been working your butt off! Hard work deserves a reward, and what better reward than a trip to the sand and sea? And if you're in this position, you could probably use the calming atmosphere that the beach can provide.

You've never been to the beach

Josie Murray

Going to the beach can be a lot of fun, and if you've never been, you DEFINITELY need a trip. You can find some pretty one-of-a-kind shells on the beach, among other things. Once you go to the beach, you'll want to go back all the time. Honestly, if I could live at the beach, I totally would.

You want to go sightseeing or exploring

Ocracoke Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Josie Murray

Exploring the beach can lead you to some pretty cool stuff you wouldn't typically see, and most beaches have some sort of historical story. My family usually goes to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for our beach vacations, and the lighthouses there have some pretty cool history. You could also find some pretty cute boutique style shops on the beach and get some one of a kind souvenirs if that's more your thing.

You want to take your friends and/or family on a trip

Josie Murray

Family time is always a bonus, especially if your family lives a good distance from you. Some of my favorite memories have been made at the beach with friends and family around. Plus, the relaxing atmosphere adds to the fun you can have!

You need a break from the screens and some human interaction

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We easily get wrapped up in work and school, and the time we spend on our screens outside of that is way too much. The beach is a great way to skip the screens, especially if you're worried about getting sand and water in your devices like I am.

You are celebrating (even if it's just a small achievement)

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Both of my parents have August birthdays, so that's when we celebrate with friends and family. Every now and then though, we do celebrate the end of school, holidays, and work achievements while we're down at the beach. It's a fun way to celebrate our hard work or another trip around the sun with the people we love.

You need to de-stress

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The sound of the waves is one of my personal favorite things about going to the beach. The white noise of the ocean can really allow you to relax and soak up the sun! Bonus points if you get to see the sunrises, sunsets, and do a little stargazing away from the light pollution in bigger cities.

Do you really need a reason? It's the freaking beach!

Josie Murray

If the previous seven reasons didn't convince you, I'm not sure what will. Nonetheless, everyone needs a beach trip every now and then.

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and I'm not sure about you, but I definitely want to get my toes back in the sand before I head back to the life of a college student. And if you're not really a beach type of person, the mountains are another great option.