Heading to the shore this summer? Check out these beach hacks, secrets, and tips from a native Floridian. All the beach ideas to make your day in the sand and sun extra special!
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 provided all the rest. However, as I got older and continued this tradition with my kids, I picked up a few Beach Life Hacks along the way that I couldn’t do without now!
We blended two of our favorite posts Life Hacks and Beach Tips into one new post with unique ideas. These beach hacks will show you how to keep your drinks cold, what snacks are best for feeding hungry bellies in the heat, and the best way to keep the sand off of you by the end of the day. We’ve also included some of our umbrella tips and beauty ideas for the beach to enjoy the salty air at your best!
Enjoy your fun in the sun with our beach hacks!
Take a look at these two beach friendly foods – Strawberry Salsa Recipe and Seasoned Oyster Cracker Recipe.
Beach Games PDF
Need ideas for the beach to keep the kids entertained? Before you head on your family beach vacation, make sure to download and print these family friendly beach games to play with kids, adults, youth, teens and more.
You’ll only need resources you can easily find at or bring to the beach to play these games, like beach towels, shells, balls, water bottles and more. Download our Beach Games Directions with a supply list so you are well equipped to have a great time on your next beach vacation! 17 games are included to ensure your day is full of tons of fun!
Beach Trip Life Hacks
First, make sure you have the right cart or be prepared for a number of trips down to the shore. Because of it’s wide wheels and it’s ability to collapse, this is the best beach cart.
Some kids have endless fun on their own at the beach… and some need a little extra encouragement to last all day. Busy a bored kid with this printable Beach Scavenger Hunt! Pin to Pinterest.
Speaking of staving off boredom, save these beach games to play when you get there. Everyone in the family can get in on the fun! Also print our Beach Games Directions PDF with supply list!
This might be the absolute best of these beach hacks! This hack was originally seen in our Beach Tips, but it’s worth 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 in their own outdoor tub. This gives you clean kids (i.e., 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!
Prep your hair for your day of sun the beach way, or use this beauty hack for the beach any time you want! This DIY sea salt spray will make your hair look effortlessly wavy, the way it does after a long day by the ocean. It’s so easy, and you probably have all the ingredients at home already. (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
Ever struggled to get your umbrella firmly planted in the sand? You need this trick. There are two tools you want for your umbrella to help it stay up all day long. First, you want an Umbrella Sand Anchor. This will help keep your umbrella stable, even with the sea breeze. Once your umbrella is up, back extra sand around the stand. Then wet it. Then pack more. The wet it…. and so on. You’ll also want this Hanging Hook Set. This keeps all of your stuff off the ground and out of the sand! Great for keys, sunglasses, phones, or any other items you need to protect.
This aloe cooling cube recipe is THE best way to relieve sunburnt skin!
Rain happens. But you don’t have to let a rainy day at the beach spoil your fun! While you’re at home waiting for the storm to pass, 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
Never lose your keys or risk your phone getting wet again! Keep the essentials safe in a recycled plastic jar. (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
While you’re freezing your water bottles to keep your food chilled, freeze your Capri Suns too. They’ll turn into the perfect slushies for the kids (and adults) and the perfect treat to enjoy on a hot day.
It’s easy to buy shovels, kites, float, and sandcastle buckets at the beach, but if you want to save money, I recommend buying those items from The Dollar Tree and bringing them with you to the beach. Stores at the beach are known for marking up their items. If you are not traveling by car, consider shipping your toys (from Amazon) to your beach house door!
Don’t want to spend at all? Use kitchen supplies you already have to create your own beach toys! 1.) Dish scrub brush 2.) Kitchen strainer 3.) Tupperware containers 4.) Cookie cutters 5.) Water pitcher 6.) Tub toys 7.) Kitchen Funnel | Raising Whasians
No matter how old my kids get, they’ve never not collected shells at the beach. We told you in our Beach Tips Post that mesh laundry bags are good for beach toys, but did you know they’re the perfect shell container too? I suggest one with a zipper. Keep the bag zipped and wash your shells out in the outdoor sink or shower. Once again, Once again, shop The Dollar Tree. | I Love Shelling
Beach carts are fun, but why spend extra if you’ve got a sled you can use? Yes, you read that right! Drag your heavier essentials through the sand on a regular winter sled. (Source)
Pack more food than you think you’ll need and thank me later. The sun, sand, and wind kick up an appetite, every time. Chips and cookies are great, but fruit is even more refreshing on a hot summer’s day. Try things like watermelon, grapes, and clementines/oranges. Tip: freeze your grapes! | 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 (most) sand from blowing on your blanket. Anchor down the four corners with heavy objects like your cooler and beach bag. | Team Johnson
I have been trying to not share this idea with you again, but what can I say — it’s seriously one of the most magical beach hacks I’ve got. When your body is covered with sand, apply baby powder. It takes it right off. Works every time! Don’t want to break out the baby powder? Check out this sand removing mitt I found on Amazon! Such a neat tool.
Don’t get sand all over your drink. While it’s a nice reminder that you’re not at the office, it gets everywhere when you go to take a sip. Grab a drink spike!
Don’t forget a thing on your beach trip! Grab this free printable beach packing list!
Want even more beach ideas? Check out 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? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
