It’s that time of the year again – Memorial Day Weekend means summer has started at the Jersey Shore! The beaches are open, the weather is cooperating, landlords are preparing their homes for their summer tenants, and the small business owners are ready for the influx of customers!
So, you’re preparing for a day at the beach. What do you bring? For some, just a towel is enough. But for most, a little preparation makes your day at the beach that much more enjoyable. There’s nothing worse than arriving at the beach, finding your perfect spot, and then realizing that you forgot essential items. It happens to the best of us – but here’s a list to make it a bit easier for you.
Umbrella: Take a break from the sunlight (and reduce risk of sunburn!) under the shade of an umbrella.
Blanket: Bring a big beach blanket to lay on in addition to the towels you will use to dry off.
Chairs: It’s always nice to have a chair to sit on, to keep yourself propped up off the sand. And if the mood strikes, you can place the chair at the foot of the ocean so the ocean waves flow up and cool your feet.
Beach Towels: A good supply of towels for drying off, lying on, and cleaning the sand off before you leave the beach is crucial in order to avoid tracking sand everywhere.
Sunscreen: Choose an SPF that’s right for your skin type.
Flip Flops: Anyone who’s ever attempted to make a barefoot trek from the boardwalk to their destination spot on the beach when the sand is super hot knows the importance of a good pair of flip flops. Shoes or sneakers won’t do, as they tend to fill with sand and make the trek that much more difficult.
Sunglasses: A good pair of sunglasses will not only shield your eyes from the bright sun, but they’ll make you look cool too!
Hat: A good hat will protect your head from sunburn and give your face a little extra protection from too much sun exposure.
Water: When sitting in the sun, the amount of water required in order to stay hydrated rises. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink so you can avoid the exhaustion and headaches brought on from dehydration.
Radio or iPod: Music always adds a little something special to your time at the beach.
Book or Magazine: There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach with a good novel.
Binoculars: For those moments when someone points into the distance and says “What’s that?” or “Are those dolphins?” ~ Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to reach for your binoculars and check out the sights?
Other Entertainment: Frisbees, footballs, kites, pails and shovels, boogie boards, and any other items that make for an enjoyable beach day for you!
First Aid Kit: You will be amazed at how handy this may prove to be.
Jug of water: Keep a jug of water in the trunk. You can wash off your feet and legs before you leave, keeping the sand out of the car.
Extra Clothes: A dry change of clothes may prove invaluable not only to protect the interior of the car, but for the comfort of the semi-wet individuals that will be hopping in.
So the next time you go to the beach, make a checklist – then go enjoy the sand between your toes!
