There’s something both exhilarating and peaceful about spending time at the beach alone. With the endless expanse of sand and water, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only person in the world. This feeling of solitude can be a great opportunity to reset and recharge.
Spending time alone at the beach gives you an opportunity to simply relax and do nothing or enjoy the many activities the beach has to offer. Here are a few suggestions for things to do at the beach when you are by yourself.
- Swimming
- Go kayaking
- Surfing
- Stand up paddleboarding
- Play with your pet
- Bodyboarding
- Read books / magazines
- Meditate
- Yoga
- Float on an inflatable
- Take in the view
- Enjoy special art and exhibitions such as sculptures by the sea
- Shop at beach markets
- Catch up on a podcast / audio book
- Walk along the ocean floor
- Explore surrounding world with binoculars
- Paint or draw the beach
1. Swimming
Swimming is great for everyone – no matter what age, height, size or fitness level you are.
You can swim just for the enjoyment of feeling water on your body or you may want to use it as a workout.
You don’t have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy it.
Make sure you know your limits – if you haven’t been to the beach before and it is a surf beach, swim between the flags.
If jumping over waves is not your thing, find a calm beach or look for rock pools usually located at either end of the beach.
2. Kayaking
A great activity to enjoy by yourself is kayaking. It is great for increasing upper body and core strength, it improves your heart health and increases your endurance.
There are several types of kayaks – sit on top kayaks, recreational kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing kayaks, whitewater kayaks, tandem kayaks, touring kayaks and others.
Don’t have a kayak? You can hire one for a reasonable price from a summer sports hire store.
Want to find out more about kayaking? Check out Above House website
3. Surfing
Surfing requires commitment. It’s not something most people pick up in an hour. The good news is many beaches have surfing lessons, so book a lesson and at least learn the basics and safety. You can then hire a surf board and practice to your heart’s content.
Surfing lessons are great if you are on holidays and have plenty of time on your hands.
Just a word of warning, surfing is addictive – once you’ve mastered the skill, you won’t be able to stay away. This is because when you are surfing a lot of hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released, making you want more.
4. Stand Up (or Sit Down) Paddleboarding (SUP)
Standup Paddleboarding is a safe sport and if you have a good balance, you can generally pick it up relatively easily. Before you buy a SUP board, you may want to hire one first. Standup Paddleboarding is not only fun, but can be a great workout and increase your core strength.
Standup Paddleboards don’t have to take up a lot of space in your garage, as you can buy an inflatable board.
When we were in Hawaii, I saw a few locals strap a chair to their standup paddleboard and cruise the calm waters. I guess you can keep going for long periods of time and if you get tired, simply sit down and keep going.
5. Play with your Pet
If you have a pet, why not bring them to the beach. Some beaches are pet friendly and allow your furr baby to run around freely. Other beaches require you to have your pet on a leash, so be sure to check out the rules.
Don’t forget to bring some shade for them and also plenty of water. And you if have a pet life jacket, bring it too.
6. Bodyboarding
If surfing seems too hard and you still want to enjoy riding waves, then body boarding is a great alternative.
Bodyboarding strengthens your arms and helps you develop leg muscles. It also boosts coordination skills. Bodyboarding is said to be exercise without even realizing you are exercising because it is so enjoyable.
I remember being in Hawaii and my son was bodyboarding on Waikiki beach. I walked up to the pier so I could watch him catch waves. As I sat there I saw an older couple carrying a rose. When Jordan caught the wave in they threw the rose to him and told me it was for their friend who had died recently.
Although Jordan didn’t hear what they said he knew what to do …he paddled out and threw the rose further in the ocean… so it could be carried out … it was such a touching moment.
Body boards are available from Kmart, BigW, The Surfboard Warehouse, Surf Dive N Ski and many other online stores.
7. Read Books / Magazines
So you bought a book last year and haven’t had a chance to get past the first chapter. Why not plan a day at the beach with your favourite book or magazine. Just make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and even a beach umbrella or cabana. Then turn off your mobile phone and relax. Spend a few hours on the beach and you will feel like you’ve had a holiday.
8. Meditate
What better place to meditate than at the beach, with the ocean as your background sound. Meditation helps you gain new perspective on stressful situations, increases self awareness, allows you to focus on the present moment and increases imagination and creativity. And best of all it’s free.
9. Yoga at the Beach
Find a quiet peaceful spot at the beach and enjoy your own yoga session. If you are only new to the practice, you may be able to find some yoga beach classes.
Yoga helps to increase your flexibility, muscle strength and tone. It improves your energy and vitality and may help with weight reduction.
10. Float on an Inflatable
This is one of my favourite ways to relax at the beach. You can find adult size inflatables at Kmart, Big W and many online stores. Best beaches for floating are calm beaches, but if you find yourself on a beach with waves, swim past where the waves break and you should be able to calmly float. Make sure, however, that you are swimming between the flags in case there are currents.
11. Take in the View
There is so much to look at on the beach. You can be still and simply enjoy the view around you – children playing, boats floating on the water or you can go exploring tidal pools, collecting driftwood or seashells for an art / craft project.
12. Enjoy Beachside Art Show, Festival or Exhibition
At certain times of the year beachside councils put on special art shows, events and exhibitions. In Sydney one of the most popular is Sculptures by the Sea, which runs between Bondi and Tamarama Beach, usually in October / November.
On the northern side of Sydney, Manly hosts festivals such as Manly Jazz Festival, Octoberfest, Manly Arts Festival and Taste of Manly.
Check out your local council website or Facebook group for upcoming events.
13. Shop at Beach Markets
So you’ve spent the morning relaxing at the beach, now is time for some retail therapy. Most popular beaches have weekly beach markets, which sell fashion, jewellery, sunglasses, candles, accessories, pictures, hand made goods, food and so much more.
Be sure to check the opening times, as some markets close early in the afternoon. Some beach markets in NSW include:
Manly Beach Market
Bondi Beach Market
Palm Beach Market
Avoca Beach Market
Terrigal Beachside Market
Shelly Beach Market
Corrigan Beach Market
14. Catch up on a Podcast / Audio Book
If you are busy during the week and don’t have time to listen to your favourite podcast or audio book, why not bring it to the beach. You can go for a walk and enjoy a bit of exercise while you listen or bring your favourite beach chair and umbrella and relax.
Make sure you put on plenty of sunscreen in case you get so relaxed that you fall asleep.
15. Walk Along the Ocean Floor
You can explore the ocean without getting into a boat. Just walk along the ocean floor and explore sea life beneath your feet! You may also want to have a snorkel and mask so you can see what it is you are walking on top of. If the beach you are on has sharp rocks or corals, make sure you wear water socks or aqua shoes to protect your feet.
16. Explore Surrounding World with Binoculars
There’s always something worth seeing at the beach. Look for animals including seals, dolphins, whales or seabirds or check out what others are having for lunch; but no matter how you slice it- binoculars will come in handy, when exploring the world around you.
17. Paint or Draw at the Beach
If you’re looking for a creative way to relax and de-stress, consider painting or drawing the beach. The sound of waves crashing against the shore, the smell of salt in the air, and the feel of sand between your toes can all be captured on paper (or canvas). And who knows? Maybe you’ll create a masterpiece that captures the beauty of summertime in your neck of the woods.
Going to the beach on your own can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Why not plan a special day at the beach by being a little prepared so you can take advantage of all that the beach has to offer.
Even if you have a planned to catch up with family or friends at the beach, head down a little earlier for some “me” time.
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Ivana Katz is a Sydney based website designer and travel blogger. Having her own business has given her the freedom to explore the world. She believes travel is the best teacher and her passion for adventure, writing and photography has taken her and her son to some amazing places, including Hawaii, Canada, Fiji, Greece and Czech Republic. Ivana’s favourite thing about travelling is learning, discovering hidden gems and creating memories. She loves nothing more than inspiring other women to chase their dreams and explore the world with their families and friends.
