23 Useful Tips for Going to the Beach Alone & Having the BEST Time
Going to the beach alone? Read on for FAQ and tips!
Going to the beach alone might sound odd if you’ve never done it before, but it’s not as unusual as it seems. In fact, I’d say going to the beach alone is one of the more natural solo activities to try!
As a solo female traveler, I’ve done a lot of things alone that I never thought I could. I’ve eaten out alone, traveled to foreign countries alone, lived alone and yes even gone to the beach by myself.
23 Tips for Going to the Beach Alone and Loving It
Of course, you might have some questions if this is your first time going to the beach alone. This guide will help prepare you to have the best possible time.
Is it weird to go to the beach alone?
No, going to the beach alone is not weird. It’s an opportunity to spend time with yourself, to enjoy your own company and to unwind.
As someone who has often gone out to restaurants alone, I can assure you that going to the beach alone is far less unusual. Think of it like going for a walk alone, just taking in the sights and sounds around you.
What do you do when you go to the beach alone?
Anything you want! That’s the beauty of doing anything alone — you’re in charge. You can read, sunbathe, simply watch the waves crash or so much more (read on for more ideas).
What should I bring to the beach by myself?
You’ll want to pack lighter than you would if you were going to the beach with a group because you’ll be carrying everything yourself.
I give more tips of exactly what to bring to the beach by yourself later on in this guide but some items to consider include: food, activities, a towel or beach chair, sunscreen (read on for more specifics).
Essential Tips for Going to the Beach Alone
Let’s get into the top 23 tips to prepare yourself for going to the beach alone:
Mindset Tips for Going to the Beach Alone
A big part of doing things alone is overcoming the mental blocks that keep us scared or worried when trying something new.
If you’re concerned about whether it is weird to go to the beach alone or feeling anxious about it, here are some mindset tips to help:
1. Zoom out to the big picture
None of us makes it out of this journey of life alive. I know, I know — morbid. But it’s the truth and it’s a truth that can remind us what really matters. In the end, all our concerns about what other people might think of us are for nothing.
So many of our fears keep us from doing the things we want, if we let them, and they’re meant to be overcome. You are here now, living life. Time is passing with every moment. Do the things you want to do, do the things that scare you.
2. Keep your ‘why’ front and center
Why are you considering going to the beach alone in the first place? Is it because you want to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone?
Is it because you love the beach, have free time to go and no one to go with you? Whatever your reason is for going to the beach alone, use that to anchor yourself.
3. Be whoever you want to be
Whenever I’m doing anything solo is when I have the most ‘main character energy.’ The cool thing about doing anything alone is that no one around you knows you. So, be whoever you want to be.
Instead of worrying what other people will think about you when they see you going to the beach alone, imagine them thinking exactly what you want them to be thinking about you.
Maybe you want them to think you’re mysterious, or confident, or someone who loves their own company and is always going to the beach alone. Embody the version of yourself you most want to be.
4. Remember that nobody cares
For as much time as we spend worrying about what other people think about us, the reality is that people are more preoccupied with themselves than with anyone else.
As much time as you’re spending about what people will think of you, is how much time other people are spending thinking about their own selves. Not you.
Besides, even if someone is focusing on you they’re not the ones who have to live with your decisions. You are. So if going to the beach alone is what you want to do, don’t let the worry of what other people might think about it stop you.
Tips for What to do When Going to the Beach Alone
When you go to the beach with other people, you know you’ll spend some time chatting, some time playing around and some time in silence.
You also might not put much thought into planning how you’ll spend your time when you go to the beach with other people because you know it also depends on what the others in your group want to do.
You might even be worried about getting bored when going to the beach alone. The beauty of it is, if you’re alone you can leave whenever you want!
Going to the beach alone is an opportunity for you to make all the decisions and do exactly what you want to do at all times. Need some ideas?
5. People watch
How often do you stop to observe the people around you in your daily life? We tend to be wrapped up in our phones, rushing past each other.
Take some time to people watch when you’re at the beach alone, taking in the sights and sounds of people around you.
6. Meditate
Going to the beach alone is a great chance to turn your mind off for a bit and de-stress. Focus in on the sound of the waves crashing and let all your other thoughts go.
Breathe in deeply, and simply enjoy existing. Enjoy being instead of doing.
7. Sunbathe
Being in the sun can feel soothing. Take some time to feel the sun on your skin but be sure to practice safe sun!
8. Journal
There’s something so alluring about the idea of writing at the beach. Bring your favorite pen and journal with you and do some free-writing. A great place to start if you’re not sure what to write about? Write about your experience of going to the beach alone!
What were your worries? What does it feel like to actually be at the beach alone? What do you notice all around you? Has anything changed within you as a result of this experience so far?
9. Have a picnic
Treat yourself to a solo beach picnic with all your favorite snacks and foods! Pack up your picnic with love and care for the person who will be enjoying it — you. Activities like this are another great way to get to know and love yourself.
Focus on foods you’ll enjoy and foods that will nourish you. Enjoy the picnic with your beautiful beach view and savor the moment.
10. Read
Have some books you’ve been meaning to catch up on? Bring them to the beach. Reading at the beach is a great way to pass the time, and to make progress on your reading material.
As someone who travels alone a lot I personally recommend a kindle (this is the one I have) because it is much more lightweight than carrying books around.
11. Listen to a podcast
Bring along your headphones and spend some time listening to a podcast, an audiobook or even your favorite music.
12. Exercise
Another great way to spend time at the beach alone is to do some light exercise. You could do yoga or simply walk along the beach while keeping an eye on your belongings.
13. Go swimming
If you enjoy swimming at the beach, yes it’s possible to swim even when you’re going to the beach alone. However, it’s important to take more safety precautions than you would when going to the beach with other people.
I do not recommend ever going swimming completely alone, with no one else around you. In fact, as a solo traveler I recommend avoiding super secluded areas in general. If you plan to swim, swim where other people are also swimming nearby and could help you in case anything were to go wrong.
14. Take pictures
Document your day alone at the beach by taking pictures. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to enjoy capturing some great shots of the sand, the sea and the sky.
15. Bring an activity book
Bringing along an adult coloring book to help you relax, a crossword puzzle book or a sudoku book to keep your mind engaged and yourself a bit busy is a good way to combat any potential boredom you might be worried about.
Tips for What to Bring When Going to the Beach Alone
Start with your typical beach packing list, which will likely cover the essentials. Here are some items to especially considering bringing when going to the beach alone:
16. Microfiber towel
When going to the beach alone, you’ll want to pack light enough so that you can easily carry your stuff around. I recommend a microfiber towel like the one because it’s super lightweight, folds up really small and dries quickly.
17. Portable sun umbrella
Set yourself up to enjoy your solo beach day in true comfort by bringing along a portable beach umbrella to create your own shade wherever you decide to set up camp.
You can stick this one directly into the sand. Or, if you’re bringing along a beach chair you can latch this umbrella onto it.
18. Tripod
Want to take pictures of yourself at the beach? I use this smartphone tripod to capture photos of myself when I’m out and about. Read my guide for how to take photos of yourself for more tips.
19. Power bank for phone battery
You don’t want to be caught out alone with a dead phone — you never know when you might need to make a call, look something up or hail an Uber.
I swear by this smartphone charging power bank so I can keep my phone charged at all times.
20. Spray-on sunscreen
When you’re in charge of your own sunscreen application, the spray-on ones make life a lot easier. Get this reef-safe, chemical-free sunscreen and remember to reapply as needed.
21. Sunglasses
Quality sunglasses are key to protecting your eyes when you’re spending a day outside. Look for pairs that have 100% UV protection, like this one.
22. Dry bag
Wondering what to do with all your stuff if you want to go swimming when you’re at the beach alone? Plan to take it with you.
Grab a dry-bag like this one or a smaller dry pouch to pack your valuables in and keep them dry when you bring them with you into the water. Sure, it may not be the most glamorous idea but it lets you still get in a swim without having your stuff stolen.
23. Snacks and water
Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, in an insulated bottle that will keep your water cold. And, of course, plenty of snacks.
Conclusion: Going to the Beach Alone
Going to the beach alone can be a liberating, empowering and relaxing way to spend your day. If you’ve never done it before, it can seem weird at first since it’s something new you’re trying.
Follow these tips and give going to the beach alone a chance!
Ready to do even more things alone? Check out one of these solo travel guides for inspiration:
