🏖️ 15 Things To Do At The Beach With Your BFF
✈️ The Smart Traveler's Toolkit
Whether you're heading to the beaches of Thailand or exploring cobblestone streets in Prague, these are the 5 travel essentials that seasoned globetrotters and travel editors universally recommend — the gear that makes every trip smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable.
🧳 Away The Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
The single most recommended carry-on in the travel world right now. Travel editors and frequent flyers rely on its durable polycarbonate shell, 360° spinner wheels, and built-in compression system to maximize packing space while gliding effortlessly through any airport terminal.
🎒 Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
The go-to daypack that professional travel bloggers and adventure guides swear by for city explorations and shore excursions. Its lightweight, breathable mesh back panel keeps you cool in tropical heat, while the 20L capacity fits everything you need — camera, water bottle, sunscreen, and souvenirs — without weighing you down.
📦 Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set
The packing organization system that experts credit with fitting 30% more into any suitcase. These translucent, color-coded cubes separate tops, bottoms, and accessories so you spend zero time digging through your bag — universally recommended by professional packers and minimalist travel coaches worldwide.
🎧 Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The undisputed king of travel headphones that flight attendants and business travelers universally recommend. The industry-leading noise cancellation erases engine roar, crying babies, and airport chaos — giving you 30 hours of blissful silence for long-haul flights, road trips, and train journeys.
🔋 Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
The portable power bank that travel photographers and digital nomads rely on to keep devices charged through full-day excursions without hunting for outlets. With enough capacity to charge a phone 6+ times over, it's the non-negotiable lifeline for capturing every sunset, navigating unfamiliar cities, and staying connected abroad.
Staring at the ocean, wondering what to do besides just… exist? Your usual beach day might need a little glow-up.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you and your bestie covered with some seriously fun ideas.
1. Chic Beach Picnic
- Best For: Foodies, Instagrammers
- Vibe: Boho-luxe
- Why it works: Elevates basic snacking into an event.
Forget sad sandwiches. Pack a spread of artisanal cheeses, fresh berries, and a baguette. Don’t forget a cute cooler bag, perhaps a pastel pink one, to keep everything perfectly chilled. It’s all about the aesthetic, darling.
Pro Tip: Bring a small, portable speaker for some chilled lo-fi beats.
2. DIY Seashell Jewelry
- Best For: Creative souls, souvenir lovers
- Vibe: Natural artisan
- Why it works: Turns beach treasures into wearable art.
Hunt for unique shells, maybe some tiny iridescent ones or perfectly smooth, white pieces. Pack a small kit with thin wire, pliers, and some simple beads. You can make matching necklaces or delicate anklets right there on the sand.
Pro Tip: Look for shells with natural holes or bring a tiny drill bit (if you’re really committed).
3. Sunrise Yoga Flow
- Best For: Early birds, wellness enthusiasts
- Vibe: Serene, mindful
- Why it works: Starts your day with peace and good vibes.
Wake up before the sun, grab your favorite yoga mats (maybe matching ones, obvs), and find a quiet spot. The sound of the waves is the ultimate soundtrack for your downward dog. Plus, the morning light is chef’s kiss for photos.
Pro Tip: Pack a light cardigan for the pre-sunrise chill.
4. Floating Lounger Chill Session
- Best For: Relaxation queens, sun worshippers
- Vibe: Luxurious laziness
- Why it works: Takes your lounging literally onto the water.
Invest in a couple of those ridiculously comfortable floating loungers, the ones that look like mini inflatable sofas. Drift gently near the shore, maybe with a waterproof book or a fruity drink in hand. Just try not to fall asleep and float away.
Pro Tip: Opt for vibrant, eye-catching colors like tropical orange or electric blue for maximum visibility and style points.
5. Competitive Sandcastle Building
- Best For: Competitive spirits, inner architects
- Vibe: Playful rivalry
- Why it works: Unleashes your inner child with a constructive twist.
This isn’t just any sandcastle; this is a masterpiece. Bring proper tools – spades, buckets, maybe even a small trowel or sculpting knife. Decide on a theme, like a mythical creature or a famous landmark, and let the games begin. Loser buys ice cream.
Pro Tip: Mix water into your sand before building to get that perfect, sturdy consistency.
6. Beachfront Bonfire & S’mores
- Best For: Evening adventurers, sweet tooths
- Vibe: Rustic comfort
- Why it works: Classic campfire fun with an ocean backdrop.
Check local regulations first, but if allowed, a beach bonfire is peak cozy. Pack a bag of gourmet marshmallows, fancy chocolate bars (think dark chocolate with sea salt), and sturdy graham crackers. Don’t forget extra blankets for snuggling.
Pro Tip: Bring a small, portable fire pit if open fires aren’t permitted but contained ones are.
7. Oceanfront Board Game Battle
- Best For: Game lovers, shade seekers
- Vibe: Intellectual play
- Why it works: Offers a fun alternative to constant sun exposure.
Choose a compact, sand-friendly board game or a deck of cards. Maybe something like Uno or a travel-sized Catan. Set up under a large umbrella or pop-up tent to avoid glare and keep the game pieces from flying away. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone.
Pro Tip: Use a small, flat piece of wood or a sturdy tray as your game surface to prevent sand infiltration.
8. Professional Beach Photoshoot
- Best For: Memory makers, selfie queens
- Vibe: Glamorous, editorial
- Why it works: Creates stunning, lasting keepsakes of your friendship.
Bring a change of outfits – think flowy maxi dresses or matching swimsuits. Experiment with different props like oversized sun hats or a cute beach bag. Play with golden hour lighting for that dreamy, soft glow. You’re basically supermodels.
Pro Tip: Use a tripod with a remote shutter for perfect, non-blurry shots without needing a stranger’s help.
9. DIY Spa Day with Sand Scrubs
- Best For: Pampering pals, eco-conscious
- Vibe: Relaxing, natural beauty
- Why it works: Uses natural elements for a refreshing treat.
Mix some fine beach sand with a little coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil like lavender or peppermint. Gently exfoliate your hands and feet. The ocean salt is already working wonders on your hair, so why not your skin too?
Pro Tip: Bring a small spray bottle with rosewater to mist your face after your mini scrub for extra hydration.
10. Trash Cleanup Challenge
- Best For: Environmentally conscious, do-gooders
- Vibe: Responsible, impactful
- Why it works: Gives back to nature while you hang out.
Grab some sturdy gloves and a couple of reusable bags. Dedicate an hour to picking up litter along the shoreline. It’s a small act that makes a huge difference, and you’ll feel awesome about it. Plus, you get some steps in.
Pro Tip: Make it a competition: who can find the most unique piece of trash wins bragging rights.
11. Underwater Photography Adventure
- Best For: Adventurous spirits, tech lovers
- Vibe: Exploratory, vibrant
- Why it works: Captures a hidden world of beauty.
If you have a waterproof camera or a phone with a great underwater case, dive in! Capture the vibrant marine life or just some cool abstract shots of light refracting through the water. It’s a whole new perspective.
Pro Tip: Practice holding your breath and staying still for clearer, less blurry shots of fish.
12. Acoustic Jam Session
- Best For: Music lovers, performers
- Vibe: Bohemian, chill
- Why it works: Creates a memorable, melodic atmosphere.
If one of you plays a portable instrument like a ukulele or a travel guitar, bring it along! Serenade the waves or just strum some feel-good tunes. It’s a great way to unwind and share your musical talents.
Pro Tip: Check for wind conditions; a strong breeze can make playing difficult or damage instruments.
13. Stargazing & Constellation Spotting
- Best For: Romantics, curious minds
- Vibe: Magical, awe-inspiring
- Why it works: Connects you to the cosmos in a peaceful setting.
Stay late after the sun sets. Find a spot away from city lights, lay down a blanket, and just look up. Download a star-gazing app to identify constellations like Orion or the Big Dipper. It’s surprisingly peaceful.
Pro Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars for a closer look at distant stars and planets.
14. Message in a Bottle Craft
- Best For: Sentimentalists, dreamers
- Vibe: Whimsical, hopeful
- Why it works: A fun, nostalgic way to send wishes out to the world.
Bring a clean, empty glass bottle with a cork stopper. Write a sweet message, a funny inside joke, or even a future wish for your friendship on a rolled-up piece of parchment paper. Toss it gently into the ocean (make sure it’s biodegradable!).
Pro Tip: Use a waterproof pen to ensure your message survives its journey.
15. Beach Read Book Club
- Best For: Bookworms, quiet moments
- Vibe: Relaxed, intellectual
- Why it works: Combines reading with the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Pick a fun, lighthearted beach read beforehand – maybe a rom-com or a thrilling mystery. Find a comfy spot under an umbrella, read a few chapters, then discuss your thoughts. It’s like a sophisticated book club, but with way better scenery.
Pro Tip: Bring a sturdy clip or clothespin to keep your pages from flapping in the breeze.
Our Top Recommended Finds
- A stylish, oversized beach blanket: Essential for lounging and picnics, providing comfort and a great aesthetic for all your activities.
- A reliable waterproof dry bag: Keeps phones, keys, and snacks safe from sand and splashes, a true peace of mind item for any beach adventure.
- A portable Bluetooth speaker: Sets the mood for any activity, from sunrise yoga flows to chill picnic vibes.
Which of these will you try first?
So, ditch the doomscrolling and grab your bestie! The beach is calling for some serious memory-making, and you’re officially equipped with 15 epic ideas.
Which adventure are you diving into first with your favorite human?
