It seems as though summer came early this year and I know most of us couldn’t be more excited. Summertime is that time of the year when you have fewer responsibilities, more time to hang out with friends, and more opportunities for adventure. Pictures of people at the beach have already started clouding my timelines on social media, and I have to admit I’ve already been to the beach myself since I finished school for the summer. While I was there, I was taking in everything I could and compiled a list of ideas for people to keep in mind the next time they think about spending the day in the salty air.

1. Soak in the Sun

This might seem like an obvious one, as I’m sure many of these may be, but some people can get lost in plans they may have. So, take some time to just sit back and soak in the sun. Gain a tan, just relax, and don’t forget the sunscreen! We don’t want you to be getting burned and dealing with peeling, hot and sensitive skin (not to mention longer lasting effects!).

2. Listen to Music

Whether you’re listening to the music coming through your headphones, listening to a local band playing at the beach, or are listening to other people’s music from around you or as they’re walking by, listen to it! A beach day isn’t complete without having a summer playlist to accompany you; put some summer jams on there and you’ll be sure to be having a good time.

3. Walk the Boardwalk

If you’re at a beach that has a boardwalk, take the time to walk it at least once. There is such a different feeling walking the boardwalk and maneuvering past people than there is walking past people on the beach. On the boardwalk you’re able to catch snippets of conversations and hear people laughing so much closer to you; you’re able to be with others without being with them. Many boardwalks have shops that you can go into and buy clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and so much more. Even if you don’t have the money to spend on any of them or simply don’t want to spend money on them, going into the shops and looking at all of it is enough fun in itself.

4. FOOD

You can’t spend a day at the beach without eating and drinking. Honestly, you shouldn’t go all day, any day without eating food and drinking fluids, so the beach is no different. Make sure that you have a lot of snacks to tie you over in between meals, whether you’re packing them or plan on buying them at concessions. If you’re going to be buying food, have plenty of money in case you need an emergency drink or meal. If you’re packing food, have excess so that you have options and extra if it’s necessary.

5. Take a Dip

There are so many excuses for hopping into the water on a hot day, so why not use one of them? If you like to surf, then go surf. If you like to body-board, then body-board. If you like to swim, then go ahead and do it. Even if you just want to walk ankle deep along the edge, by all means go for it. On a hot and sunny day there’s no reason not to go in the water at some point in the day.

6. Play Games

I’m sure there are activities planned out before you even get to the beach about what you’re going to do, but these ones are a few conventional ideas if you ever get lost. Bring a Frisbee or a football with you, always; you never know when you might be throwing that thing across the sand. Make a baseball diamond in the sand, or any sports field for that matter, and play a game. Invite others at the beach to play with you; maybe you’ll make some new friends. Get some water and try your hand at building a sand castle. Have a race from one end of the board walk to the next and have an ice cream cone as the trophy. There’s plenty to do, so don’t ever feel lost.

7. Look for Sea Glass

Personally, this has quickly become one of my new hobbies every time I go to the beach. It’s so cool to have a jar sitting at home waiting for new, little pieces to be added to the collection. You may not find some every time you go, but it’s worth a scan of the sand.

8. People Watch

You can never go wrong with people watching. For me, it makes me happy to see others having a good time, so I like to people watch a lot when at the beach. Engage your senses, listen to laughing and playful screaming, watch people enjoy each others company, simply just enjoy watching.

9. Talk with Friends

If you’re at the beach with your friends, take some time to just talk. Talk about what’s been going on in each others lives since you all last met up. Talk about other people you know and how well they’re doing and what path they’ve decided to go on (side note: don’t ever talk down on someone, always bring people up in a positive light). Talk about future plans you want to make this summer, possibly even more beach days.

10. Watch the Sunrise/Sunset

Depending on if you’re an early riser or more of a night person, and depending on your location, see if you can catch a sunrise or a sunset. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget about, and once you see one you’ll want to see all of them. Trust me.