What Can You Do at the Beach?

If you think that spending time at the beach is limited to just swimming, there's a lot more that you're missing out on! Here are some of the most fun things that you can do at the Emerald Coast beaches besides just going swimming or tanning.

Look for Dolphins
There are more than thirty different species of dolphins, it’s the bottle-nosed dolphin that you’re most likely to spot along the shores of the Emerald Coast.
Dolphins are typically sighted in bays, tidal lakes, and open ocean beaches where the water depth reaches at least 8 to 10 feet (although they’re often seen chasing mullet here through the pristine bay and Gulf waters of 2 feet or less!). Make sure you have your phone ready to take some memorable photos!

Play Frisbee
Frisbee is a classic beach game that people never get tired of enjoying together. There's only one prop needed, and it's very easy (and cheap) to get. There are also more advanced versions like Frisbee golf, Ultimate Frisbee, and Aerobie, but the basic version will do just fine.

Have a Picnic
There are always a lot of food vendors near popular beaches, but sometimes it's nice to pack yourself a picnic with fancy cheeses and fresh fruits and go indulge at the beach. If you're going with a big group, make it a fun (and delicious) potluck where everyone can contribute an easy dish—a variety of foods makes for a great beach picnic.

Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the most relaxing things that you can do at the beach and something people have been doing for centuries. It's something that you can focus on or just leave in the backdrop—your choice. The best part is you might catch your dinner!

Bike down the boardwalk.
With the beach breeze cooling you off, you won’t get overheated biking along this scenic walk. Don’t own bikes? Rent them! Coastal Cruiser offers great quality bike rentals, as well as surfboards and longboards, scooters and Kayaks.

Read
A beach vacation is supposed to be completely relaxing. Park yourself under a shady umbrella, enjoy the warm breeze, and read some magazines or indulge in a cheap novel. There may never be enough time during your regular schedule to flip through a book or magazine, so take advantage of the opportunity you have at the beach.

Write poetry
The beach has been inspiring poems and songs for centuries so you might as well join the tribe of people who like to write when they’re by the water. You are unlimited to what you want to write; start that novel you’ve always wanted to, start keeping a diary on your trip, start a blog – seriously, the options when it comes to writing are endless.

Paddleboard
You can paddleboard on either the bay or the beach – it’s up to you and how adventurous you want to be. Paddleboard Rental actually offers paddleboard yoga, where you actually do yoga while paddleboarding, talk about a tranquil water experience!

Have a Bonfire Party
Bonfires are a ton of fun. Make sure that your specific beach allows for fires, though. Many of them don't. For the ones that do, it's a lot of fun to have a nice fire going on a cool night. You can hold a gathering where friends and family come together to play music, have good conversation, dance, roast marshmallows, and just have a great time.
Find a beach where fires are allowed, and enjoy the wonders of bonfires on the beach.
Check out this company that sets up Bonfires

You can write them big or small. Say anything you want and then take a picture that will last forever. These pictures can be made into unique postcards to send to the folks back home.

Build a sandcastle
From the simplest design to the most elaborate, sandcastles help you pass the time at the beach while doing something really creative and fun.

Watch the Sunset
You could also watch the sunrise if you get there early enough. This activity is a favorite for many at the beach, as it should be, because it's such a breathtaking sight to see—you'll never tire of it. Take in the day (or morning) and reflect on what you've accomplished.

Celebrate a Holiday or Special Occasion
People often go to the beach to watch Fourth of July fireworks or to celebrate a honeymoon. There's nothing like the crashing waves and the sand between your toes to ring in a special occasion.

Look for seashells
You can stroll the beach looking for seashells and colored glass. Take the best ones home with you and make jewelry or art with them so that you can always remember the fun that you had at the beach.

Daydream
You're sitting around at the beach with no commitments for the time being (at least, that's how it ideally should be) and nothing demanding your attention. That's a great time to just hang out and daydream a little bit. Envision what you want your life to look like in five or ten years, where you wish you could travel, or what you would do if you won the lottery. Let your mind and fantasies carry you away in the best way possible.

Relax
You don't have to daydream or take pictures or do anything really. You can just sit there and relax. Breathe, meditate, take a nap. Just be and relax. You're on vacation, after all!

Build a Sandcastle
This is a classic beach activity for kids and adults alike. From the simplest design to the most elaborate, sandcastles help you pass the time at the beach while doing something really creative and fun. Try Googling sandcastles for some inspiring ideas!

The truth of the matter is that going to the beach is going to be fun, no matter what you do there. You're getting away from real life for a bit and you'll hopefully enjoy a scenic travel destination. It's just nice to know that there are plenty of things to do besides suntan and swim while you're there!