1. Swim

Uh, duh. You’re at the beach. The first and best thing to do is swim! I mean, if you go the whole vacation without even dipping a toe into the water, you’re doing it wrong. I love swimming with the waves and floating along with them. Even as much as taking a stroll on the shore line is the one of the best parts of the vacation.

2. Sun Bathe

I like to lay on a beach towel, with a good book, and soak up the sun. Of course with SPF 100+ sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a beach umbrella. You know, to be safe. The warmth of the sun while relaxing is amazing. And it just doesn’t seem as nice anywhere but the beach. Even if you are incapable of tanning or just don’t want to risk getting burned, relaxing on the sand is something everyone can enjoy.

3. Play in the Sand

It may seem childish to play in the sand, but who doesn’t love being a kid? Whether it’s drawing in the sand or building a magnificent castle, it’s a lot fun working on it. Now, most of the sand castles I build look terrible, but the accomplished feeling of finishing that final tower or adding the last seashell is so worth it. And the bragging rights are all yours, even if it doesn’t get a lot of likes on Instagram.

4. Search for Seashells

I do this a lot. I especially love doing it when the waves are rough and never ending. I love a challenge. It’s also when it brings up the most amount of shells. Now I am not picky with my shells. Some people prefer to only get the biggest ones they can, but I take any pretty shell I can get. Especially when afterwards, you can either use them to decorate or just fill a jar with. And going with friends or family is even more fun. Share the frustration of missing the perfect shell or enjoying a laugh when an extra large wave knocks your friend off their feet and face first into the sand. It’s all fun!

5. Sleep

This one may cause a few of you to scratch your head, but I mean, come on! Have you never fallen asleep to the sound of the ocean? If you haven’t, you need to someday. It is the best sleep you can ever get. Unless of course you need absolute darkness and silence to sleep, which then I guess it doesn’t really matter then.

6. Shop

I love shopping by the beach. Or at least window shop. Everything is super overpriced and super tacky – which makes for the best pictures might I add! I enjoy walking into the obnoxiously beach-y themed stores and trying on the most ridiculous things they have. Oversized hats, oddly shaped sunglasses, and strikingly cheesy t-shirts. Combine it all together and you have yourself the best beach photo you could ever take. And the outlet shops are always great to stop by in. Of course, actual shopping is so much fun. Getting to buy a cute sundress that is unreasonably priced and will only be worn twice is worth it while you’re on vacation.

7. Go to the Boardwalk

My favorite. The fun and dangerous rides. The greasy food. Even the uninterested employees make it an unforgettable night. Every beach has its own boardwalk and they’re all unique. The games, the food, the people, and the activities are different everywhere you go yet equally fun. My favorite would have to be Ocean City’s boardwalk by far. At least compared to the ones I’ve visited so far.

8. Eat

With the beach comes seafood restaurants. If you’re not a fan of the stuff or you’re allergic, then you know the struggle of finding food you like without seafood in it. I, being a huge fan of seafood, find the beach restaurants as a gold mine. Nothing beats a coastline restaurant, especially if the fish is freshly caught. For anybody more inland in the United States, you must eat at a seafood restaurant on the beach at least once in your life. It’s indescribable.