Your date on the beach doesn’t have to be a sunset in Hawaii for it to be romantic and adventurous. No matter what coast you’re close to, you can have a fantastic date in the sun and sand.

Beach Sports

There’s a lot of water at the beach – so play in it! Anything from snorkeling to sailing is available. Is your sweetie an awesome surfer? Ask them for lessons! Have you both wanted to try parasailing but never got around to trying it? Sign up for instruction! Check out beaches near you to see what rentals and classes are available. If you don’t want to get in the water, practically any beach you go to has a volleyball net or basketball court. A little competitiveness might be just what your date night needs. For a more casual sand sport, take a football or flying discs with you.

Citylife

One of the great things about beaches is that each one has shops and restaurants that you’d never find in your own city. Beach cities can be just as fun as the sand. Keep an eye out for beach city events, such as art walks, concerts, or pirate reenactments. Explore local shops and restaurants for one-of-a-kind products and dishes.

Stroll Down Boardwalks and Piers

Beach boardwalks and piers usually hold some sort of entertainment or shopping. Anything from arcades to museum exhibits to ice cream parlors to amusement parks are available for you and your date to explore. Piers are the best places to view the ocean, and are also good places to go fishing if you don’t have a boat. Boardwalks and piers are also the best places to stroll while holding hands… so keep that in mind!

Child’s Play

Why should kids have all the real fun? All those fun things you did at the beach as a kid are still permitted while you’re an adult. The beach is perfect for flying kites, digging holes, or make s’mores at the fire pits. Build a sand castle, with or without tools. Build a sand dragon and village to go with it. Don’t know anything about castles? Build a sand mansion with a 2 car garage.

Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of things to find on the beach. Use the list provided or create your own!

If You Don’t Live Close to a Beach

There are other ways to enjoy the thrills of the beach, even if you don’t live near the coast.

Outdoor Beach Party

Lay out an oversized beach blanket or a few beach towels in the backyard. Make daiquiris or lemonade and set up a picnic basket with seafood, or fresh-off-the-grill hamburgers. Set up a volleyball net or– if your yard is big enough– play flying discs. If you really want to do something memorable, pick up a couple of grass skirts from a local party store and try your hips at the hula. Fill up a kiddie pool or large storage container with sand. Dig your toes in it, try making a sand castle, or hide gifts for your sweetheart to find. Now you have a fantastic “beach picnic” even though you’re not anywhere close to the ocean. Indoor

Beach Dinner

Fill your kitchen with beach scented candles. If you want, you can even turn the heater up so it feels like beach temperatures. Decorate the table with seashells and mini umbrellas that you put in drinks. (Available at all party stores.) Look on the web for restaurants near the beach and then make your own meal inspired by the menu. Fill a couple of storage containers with sand and put them at you and your sweetheart’s feet. Now you can dig your toes in the sand while you eat!

The beach is wonderful inspiration for romance, no matter where you’re physically located. Let the beauty of the sea and sand spark your creative juices for your next date night.