As fall begins and the leaves start changing over, we all know that the summer heat is finally drawing into a cool, autumn breeze. But as the leaves change and threaten snowfall, that doesn’t mean you have to pack it up and leave your favorite beaches for the winter! There are plenty of activities you can do at the beach during those colder winter months, no matter your location.
15 Things to Do at the Beach in the Winter
1. Beach Volleyball
2. Beach Football
3. Hunt for Treasures
4. Build a Sandcastle
5. Relax in Comfort
6. Draw, Paint, Write, or Photograph
7. Exercise
8. Fly a Kite
9. Have a Bonfire
10. Fish
11. Birdwatch
12. Rockpool
13. Look for Clams or Crabs
14. Surf
15. Sail, Kayak, or Paddleboard
Now that you have that list of activities, read on to find out more about how you can make them your new favorite wintertime beach activity with your friends and family. Just because the water might be cold doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ocean around you!
1. Beach Volleyball
No matter how cold it is outside, you can sidle up to the court and get an old-fashioned game of beach volleyball on. If you’re working with people who know all the rules, make sure you consider the changes between it and indoor volleyball—you’re working with a team of two rather than six, the court is smaller, you’ve got a lighter volleyball, and you can win after two sets rather than three. There are a few differences in how you play the game as well, along with the fact that the weather sometimes necessitates more side changes.
If you’re just going for fun, you don’t have to worry about all that—just get your feet in the sand and set that ball over the net!
2. Beach Football
Beach volleyball isn’t the only sport you can play on the beach—you can also set up your own football field and get to making those runs or play the European way and kick that ball through your own set of goals. The soft sand will make a great landing pad for all those great saves, passes, and catches you make while playing either sport.
3. Hunt for Treasures
While a walk on the beach can still be relaxing and enjoyable, why not up the ante with a treasure hunt? Get your family on the hunt for some seashells, sharks’ teeth, or whatever you want on this activity. You could even search the beach with a metal detector or check out some Geocaches—you can use GPS to find tiny caches people have left behind all around the world.
Seashelling can also fall into this category—if you want a lower-stakes activity while still looking for your own treasure, try casually hunting for seashells as you walk the beach. The best time to look for seashells is usually around low tide—early in the morning or later in the evening—to find shells that other beachgoers haven’t seen yet.
4. Build a Sandcastle
You don’t need your feet wet to get down in the sand and build a sandcastle. Still a family-friendly activity, you can sit and build that sandcastle without ever getting wet. While the sand still needs to be moist to make your royal abode, you can easily bring a bucket to take water from the incoming surf.
You can also turn this into a competition with your family or fellow beachgoers—just make sure you have an impartial judge to pick which one is the best!
5. Relax in Comfort
Even when it’s summertime, people who go to the beach sometimes don’t even touch the water—you can take advantage of the beach without the cold ocean tide forcing you to grab a jacket. Some of those relaxing activities include sunbathing (you don’t need a bikini to take advantage of that Vitamin D!) reading a good book or enjoying a picnic. Whatever you do, just be sure to relax and enjoy a beach that is less busy than it is during the summer months.
6. Draw, Paint, Write, or Photograph
If you’re not the type to just sit back and relax, but rather need something to do while at the beach, consider bringing a notebook or an easel and drawing up your own masterpiece. You can draw inspiration from the world around you to write a poem, or work on the next Great American Novel—you’re in a beautiful, calm location to do so!
Looking to move closer to the beach? Here are 5 reasons why you should.
7. Exercise
When you’re done relaxing on the beach, you can also get active in a way that doesn’t involve a sport. Walking, running, and cycling are all activities you can enjoy on the beach, and you don’t even have to step in the water to work up a sweat. You can even cycle on the beach, as long as there are pathways for the activity. And don’t forget Fido—the family dog is sure to enjoy these activities with you!
8. Fly a Kite
If you can catch a breeze, you can fly a kite on the beach. Depending on the weather conditions of your chosen location, bringing a kite to the beach is always a fun activity, whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or with family. Some places also have kite rentals, so look for that if this is the activity for you.
9. Have a Bonfire
Beach bonfires are a great activity all year round, but there’s something about sitting around the fire on the beach when the temperature drops. Some beaches are zoned for campfires, so check in on that before you build up your fire. Some tips and tricks—bring some warm blankets for when the sun goes down, and don’t forget the s’mores and hot beverages!
10. Fish
While you may not want to get into the cold water, you can still enjoy it! On many beaches, you can head to a designated fishing area and enjoy the wildlife while throwing out a line. You can always throw whatever you catch back or catch your own dinner! It’s also a great family-friendly activity, as you can show your children how to fish in a comfortable area. While you’re fishing, you can also look for other marine life, like eels, stingrays, dolphins, and even sharks.
11. Birdwatch
Enjoying the wildlife isn’t limited to those in the water—you can also relax on the beach and check out the local birds. Depending on your location, you can see all types of birds—seagulls, pelicans, sandpipers, and herons, to name a few. Look up what is indigenous to your local beach so you can learn how to identify them when you’re sitting back and relaxing!
12. Rockpool
If you’re still interested in looking for wildlife, rock pooling is the activity for you. When the tide rolls out, it can leave pockets of water within the rocks on the beach’s edge, and you can investigate all the small creatures that may be living within that pool—but make sure you look, don’t touch!
13. Look for Clams or Crabs
To continue your wildlife search, you can also dig into the sand to look for sand crabs or sand clams! Depending on your location, you can look for these creatures with your friends or family, and then catch and release them back into the wild.
14. Surf
If you’re brave enough to get in into the water, you can still surf during the winter. You’ll definitely need a wetsuit for this activity, as it can keep you warm when you hit the water. There are a few tips and tricks for you if you attempt this. Make sure you can handle the temperature of the water before you head out—if it’s too cold for you, it’s best to stay onshore. Make sure you hydrate with water, stretch before you head out, and use the right board. With cold-weather gear, you’ll be heavier, so you’ll need to make those adjustments when you pick out your surfboard—you’ll also need a heavier, longer, wider board to both keep you afloat and help you manage the offshore winds.
15. Sail, Kayak, or Paddleboard
You don’t have to be in the water to enjoy the water. Getting into a boat and cruising along the cool waters near the beach can be just as relaxing as sitting on that sand, or you can participate in a more strenuous activity by kayaking or paddle boarding. Some areas are better than others for each activity, so make sure you check the weather before heading out. If you haven’t done it before, consider taking some lessons by a trained professional in the area—they’ll help you stay out of that cold water and help you have the most enjoyable experience that you can have!
Depending on where you are, your beaches in winter may not even drop below 60 degrees. Those idyllic locations can still benefit from any of these winter activities, though, because the water will end up much colder. Whether you’re looking for something more active or just looking to relax, the beach is still a fantastic option when the temperatures drop. Remember if you’re attempting any daylight activities that during the winter, the sun sets much earlier in most locations—sometimes as early as 4:30 p.m.—so factor that timing in before you head out for your winter beach activities.
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.