Going to the beach in the winter may not be the vacation that you first think of but, it’s a great idea. During the winter beaches are less crowded due to kids being in school and others not wanting to go to the beach when it’s a little colder out. Since beaches are not as busy during the winter months it is easy to find great deals on flights, hotels, and other traveling expenses.
Unfortunately, depending on the location you choose the water may not be as warm during your winter vacation as it is during the spring and summer months at the beach. Do not worry though there are still plenty of fun things you can find to do at the beach during the winter.
Fun Active Things to Do at The Beach
1. Playing Beach Sports
Beach volleyball, football, frisbee, or other fun beach games are awesome activities to do on the beach in the winter. These games are often more enjoyable during the winter when the temperatures are a little colder.
It is easy to get too hot during the spring or summer months when playing these games to truly enjoy them. However, in the winter the beaches are a little cooler so you can enjoy playing these games longer.
The beaches are less crowded during the winter so you have more room to run around and spread out playing. You will not have to worry about your ball hitting someone or others getting in the way of your games.
2. Beach Yoga
What better way to relax and clear your mind from stress than to do yoga at the beach? Look into the local area or ask around and see if you can find some group yoga classes or practice on your own. Either way, you are sure to feel relaxed and at peace when doing yoga on the beach.
3. Enjoy The Water Without Having to Get Wet
Even if the water is too cold during your vacation to go for a swim it does not mean you cannot enjoy the ocean. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a boat ride to enjoy the ocean waves. You may want to wear a wetsuit just in case you fall in though if you are worried the water is too cold for you.
4. Go For a Swim
It may be a little chilly, but there are ways that you can still go swimming in the ocean. If the water is too cold then you can buy or rent a wetsuit. The wetsuit will allow you to enjoy swimming in the ocean while still keeping you warm.
Some beaches are warmer than others, and even during the winter, the water may be warm enough to go swimming in. Typically, people find that a comfortable swimming temperature is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature the water may take some time to get used to but, you can warm up fast especially if moving around, and can swim comfortably.
Activities For the Whole Family to Enjoy
5. Build a Sandcastle
It is always fun playing in the sand while on the beach. Building sandcastles or doing sand art is a great winter beach activity to do at the beach. Maybe get creative and build a sand version of a snowman or do “sand angels”.
6. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
You can download beach scavenger hunts or you can get creative and create your own scavenger hunt. Your kids will love exploring the beach looking for various items. This can keep kids busy for hours.
It can get everyone in the family up and moving and spending time together and get some time away from technology.
You can even make a map to go with the scavenger hunt and pretend with your kids you are looking for buried treasures.
Have a beach BBQ planned? Find out some tips and tricks here.
7. Seashell Hunting, Painting, and Crafting
Look for various types of beautiful shells. If your kids find some that they like you can paint them or use markers and decorate them. There are various other ways to make jewelry or other keepsakes and souvenirs from your seashells that you find.
Kids will enjoy doing the crafts with the seashells they find as well as scouring the beach looking for different shells. You can make a game out of looking and picking out the shells and see who can find the largest shell.
8. Fly a Kite
Your kids will love flying kites on the beach since the beaches are typically less crowded during the winter. The kids will have more room to run around and fly their kites. You can make your own and design it yourself or you can buy one fairly cheap.
9. Pack a Meal and Enjoy a Picnic on The Beach
9. Pack a Meal and Enjoy a Picnic on The BeachBring a meal and have a picnic on the beach. This will allow you to enjoy the beach longer since you will not have to leave to eat. It is a great way to enjoy the ocean and watch the views. Bring dinner and have a romantic sunset dinner on the beach.
10. Grab a Camera and Take Pictures
When on the beach you can get a camera and take family photos with the beautiful ocean background or just take pictures of the scenery and unique ocean wildlife. You will have the opportunity to take plenty of pictures. When you go home you can always look back on the memories of your winter beach vacation.
Fun Relaxing Activities to Enjoy Your Vacation
11. Have a Bonfire
Hot chocolate and s’mores are not just for ski resorts. There is nothing more peaceful than a campfire on the beach. Curling up with a blanket roasting s’more and drinking hot chocolate all with the sand between your toes is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. Just make sure to check with the specific beach requirements. Some beaches do have restrictions when it comes to bonfires on the beach.
12. Take in All the Gorgeous Views
The views of the beaches are breathtaking during the winter. It does not matter if you choose to watch the sunrise or sunset or just watch the waves hitting the shore during the day. The beach is gorgeous all year round.
There are plenty of ways to explore the breathtaking views of the ocean. Some beaches have options to rent ATVs or ride horseback on the beach. If it is too cold to do one of these or walk you can drive and still enjoy the endless views of the ocean.
13. Sit Down with a Good Book
Reading while listening to the waves roll in on the beach is a great way to relax and unwind. Curl up with a good book and enjoy the sounds of the beach while your mind drifts away in a good book.
14. Look at Wildlife
There will still be plenty of beautiful wildlife out at the beach. Watch for dolphins popping up or explore the shoreline for crabs or turtles.
If you enjoy birds, the beach is a great place to bird-watch. Numerous birds like to hang around the beaches and if you watch carefully, you may even be able to watch one dive into the ocean to catch their meal.
15. Relax, Enjoy Your Vacation You Deserve It
The great thing about the beach is you can enjoy it by simply sitting down and doing nothing. You do not need to do anything to be able to enjoy a vacation at the beach. You can just sit down and not worry about anything else going on in your life. You can just be present with the sand between your toes and listen to the waves rolling in and out.
With dark and dreary winter weather, a vacation is what you need to feel refreshed and relaxed. Get away from the cold and possibly snowy weather and head to the beach.
The beach can be the perfect vacation for you and the whole family during the winter. It may be cooler, but still, it will be warmer than a ski resort. You do not have to worry about driving in snow and ice and can enjoy the endless views while you drive.
Since the beach is not the first place many people think of visiting during the winter months it is not as crowded as it is typically in the spring or summer months. Kids will be in school during the winter months so fewer kids will be on the beach and it can be easier to relax without listening to kids screaming while you are on the beach.
Since many people take summer vacations it can be harder to get the time off from your employer as well. With fewer people wanting to take the time off during the winter it should be easier to get the time off that you need for a vacation.
The beach is the perfect budget-friendly winter vacation. Since the beach is not as popular of a destination for a winter vacation you typically can find great deals on hotels, condos, or Airbnb. Once at the beach you can enjoy the views, relax, and do the most fun beach activities for free.
What are you waiting for? Time to book that winter vacation on the beach.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.