weekend at the beach

Whether you want to get a workout, chill out, or spend some quality time with friends and family, there are few better places to visit than the beach.

In this post, we’ll take a look at ten of the best activities you can do at the beach. Whether your closest is a powdery stretch of sand lined with palm trees, a smooth and pebbly number, or even a windswept and cold shore, you’ll find at least a couple of things to fill time on your trip. Let’s check them out!

How to work out at the beach

With sun, sea and sand, there are few better places to work out than the beach. Here are some ideas for how to keep fit!

Stand up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the most popular sports in the world right now. Should you have a beach with gentle waves and flat water, get out and paddle. It’s the best place for beginners to learn!

It’s easy enough to get started, but if you do feel you could do with a helping hand, just look out for paddle boarding lessons or tours at your local beach. Once you’ve got the basics under your belt, use your board as a means to get to inaccessible coves and beaches.

If you’re bringing your dog to the beach, he may want to jump on your SUP with you. My dog loves adventuring with me on the water, and he’s at home on the paddleboard. Make sure you wear a life jacket, but also bring one for your dog.

SUP is a gentle and low impact workout, but you’ll still see results when it comes to losing weight and increasing your balance and stability.

Surfing

Some people speculate that SUP was invented in the 1940s by Hawaiians who wanted something to do on the days that there wasn’t enough wind and waves for surfing. Whether or not that’s true, if the conditions are right, give surfing a go!


It’s some of the most fun you can have at the beach, and it’s a full-body workout too. You’ll need upper body strength to paddle out into the surf, while your movements on the board will engage your core.

Swim

Paddleboarding and surfing are both a lot of fun, but what can you do if you don’t have the equipment? It’s simple - go for a swim. It engages muscles throughout your entire body. All you would require is online swimwear for it to get started.

Be sure to check the water conditions before you go in though. Even the strongest swimmers can be fooled by rip tides and currents. Look out for lifeguards and designated swimming areas if you’re unsure.

Go for a run/walk

Not every beach workout involves getting wet. A run or a walk on sand will engage your ligaments, muscles, and tendons more than it would in your local park or on a regular path. This is a great way to spend your day if you’re with the one you love on a secluded beach. And who doesn’t love the feeling of powdery, soft sand between their toes??


How to chill out at the beach

Beaches are just as much an escape from everyday life. Here are three ways to maximise the feeling of being blissed out.

Sunbathe

Sometimes, all you need to do to have a great time at the beach is lay down your towel and feel the sun bronzing your body. If you’re going to do this, make sure you have adequate sun protection. That can be anything from sunscreen (reef safe if you’re going to go for a swim) or a parasol that will keep harmful UV rays at bay.

Read a book

You’ll see lots of people who wouldn’t normally pick up a book engrossed in a thriller at the beach. Reading when surrounded by nature means you’re less distracted and it actually sharpens your brain. One of the best ways to take yourself off to another world!

Yoga

Ask anyone who’s been to Goa, yoga is a wonderful way to turn your back on stress and immerse yourself in the present morning. And did you know you can do yoga on a stand-up paddleboard? SUP yoga increases your circulation, increases your body’s flexibility, and improves your overall mental health. Give it a go!

Beach activities for families

The beach is a popular (and often inexpensive) day out for families. However, when you travel with kids they might not be content with reading a book or sunbathing. Here are some activities to keep them entertained.

Play sports

Now, this one could have gone in the workout session too. Beaches can be looked at as one huge sports field - and as long as you have the right equipment you can get a game going. A few ideas include bringing beach tennis rackets, a soccer ball, or a baseball bat. Some beaches may even already have volleyball courts - all you need is the ball and it’s game on!

Build a sandcastle

Not everyone wants to be running around - if that sounds like your family, engage your creativity and work on this fun construction task together. Should you have enough space, get out the bucket and spade and design your very own fort. Or palace. Once you’ve created your dream building, head off to find some shells or stones for decoration.

Go snorkelling or rock pooling

Are you or your children interested in marine life? A great way to find out more about the beach ecosystem is either snorkelling or rock pooling - depending on where you are. Both of these activities might be the first step in your child’s dream job as a marine biologist… Or it might just be a bit of fun. Either way, it’s a win!