Beach Life Hacks – Secrets from a Floridian

Beach Life Hacks – beach secrets and tips from a native Floridian.

Beach Life Hacks

Being raised in the panhandle of Florida, the beach was always an hour away. Every weekend my parents and I would make the trek and enjoy a few sunsets on the coast before heading back home for the daily grind of Monday. All I really cared about was having a towel and a suit, the ocean had the rest, but as I got older and continued this tradition with my kids, I picked up a few Beach Life Hacks along the way.

We blended two of our favorite posts Life Hacks and Beach Tips into one new post with unique ideas. Learn how to keep your drinks cold, what snacks are best for feeding hungry bellies and one to keep the sand off of you by the end of the day. See some umbrella accessories that we couldn’t live without and learn the best way to let down your hair and embrace the salty air!

Enjoy the beach!

Take a look at these two beach friendly foods – Strawberry Salsa Recipe and Seasoned Oyster Cracker Recipe.

It’s not hard to get bored at the beach… okay, well it isn’t for some. Busy a bored kit with this printable Beach Scavenger Hunt too! Pin to Pinterest.

Speaking of bored, save these beach games to play when you get there. Make sure to get involved mom and dad!

Listen closely, okay read carefully. This hack was originally seen in our Beach Tips but if you are not a beach local, it might have gotten lost so we are sharing again. Carry a Rubbermaid Bin to the beach with all your toys, towels, and accessories. If you are in a quieter section of the beach, fill up the bucket and leave this bin by the showers, uncovered. The sun will warm the water. At the end of your beach day, bring the kids up to the bucket and wash them with soap their own outdoor tub. This gives you clean kids (with no sand) before putting them in the car! Before your car ride home, put all your dirty clothing and toys in the bin. You are welcome!

They say beach hair don’t care because it’s true. Except sea spray, sun, sand and wind to have your hair all over the place. Embrace the hair with product like this homemade sea spray. (I see my typo – please “multiply” as needed!)

• 1 c warm water (warm dissolves the sea salt)
• 1 tsp sea salt (we like this brand)
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp conditioner (white conditioner is best!)
• optional: 4 drops lime essential oil

An inflatable baby pool and umbrella will keep your baby cool and shaded on the sand. | Little and Lovely

Umbrellas don’t stay if you don’t know the tricks. There are two tools you want for your umbrella. First, you want an Umbrella Sand Anchor. This will help keep your umbrella sturdy in the ground. Once your umbrella is up, back extra sand around the stand. Then wet it. Then pack more. The wet it…. and so on. You also want Hanging Hook Set. This keeps things off the ground. Great for keys, sunglasses, a phone case or a small item that needs to dry.

This aloe cooling cube recipe will help alleviate pain from a sunburn!

Rain happens. Don’t let a rainy day at the beach spoil your fun. While going to the movies are great, sometimes it best to lay low at home and watch the rain pass over the ocean. At home, have fun making these Sea Shell Creatures. Make your own play-doh from ingredients at home or buy some and get crafty. | Crafts by Amanda

Don’t loose your keys at the bottom of the bag or get your phone wet with this waterproof jar hack! (Source unknown)

Chill your beach cooler with frozen water bottles instead of ice packs. As the day goes on, the ice will thaw and you’ll have another round of refreshing drinks. | Kitchn

In addition to freezing water bottles, freeze your Capri Suns too. This makes a slushy for the kidos (and adults) and helps cool them off.

Buy ahead. It’s easy to buy shovels, kites, float, and sandcastle buckets at the beach, but if you want to save money but ahead and travel to your beach destination with your beach accessories already in hand. I recommend The Dollar Tree. If you are not traveling by car, consider shipping your toys (from Amazon) to your beach house door.

Don’t want to buy – pack these things for the beach. 1.) Dish scrub brush 2.) Kitchen strainer 3.) Tupperware containers 4.) Cookie cutters 5.) Water pitcher 6.) Tub toys 7.) Kitchen Funnel | Raising Whasians

If the beach is new to you, I promise your kids are going to want to collect shells. Just trust me. Every time we go, and we are veterans to the shore, my kid still collect shells. We told you in our Beach Tips Post that mesh laundry bags are good for beach toys. Well guess what. They are also good for collecting shells. I suggest one with a zipper. Keep the bag zipped and wash your shells out in the outdoor sink or shower. Once again, shop The Dollar Tree. | I Love Shelling

Beach carts are fun, but did you know that something used in the snow might be your best friend. Use a sled to pull a moderately loaded cart. (Source)

So go ahead and pack extra food. More than you normally each. The sun, sand and wind kick up an appetite, every time. While chips and cookies never bring complaints and always offer a filling snack, I find my kids are more willing to eat fruit (ironically) we we are outside on a hot day. Try things like watermelon, grapes, and clementines/oranges. | Vegan Haven

Did you know a fitted sheet might be one of the best things you could carry to the beach. Don’t worry, we aren’t asking you to fold it. In fact, laying it out, upside down, will help keep sand from blowing on your blanket. Okay, let’s be honest. Sand will be everywhere. | Team Johnson

I have been trying to not share this idea with you again, but I have to because it’s magical. When your body is covered with sand, apply baby powder. It will take it right off. Works every time!

Another solution to removing sand is a sand removing mit found on Amazon.

The beach is incredibly exciting. Having sand on your cool beverage just reminds you that you are no longer at your desk in an office with four walls. However, sand on your drink gets old. Grab a drink spike!

Forget nothing with this free printable beach packing list!

See our original post, over 40 Beach tips and hacks! Pin to Pinterest.

Also take a look at our life hacks (which also inspired this post)! Make life easy and efficient. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Get inspired these with Back to School Ideas.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



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