Here are 10 things to do on the beach. After checking these off the list you will have a good grounding and can confidently say you “know” the beach. Many can be done here on Destin, Florida’s Emerald Coast, but a few will have to be done elsewhere.  I have traveled to hundreds of beaches from Mexico, to Colombia, both Pacific and Atlantic sides, throughout Central America, all over the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and every beach on the Eastern Seaboard from Key West, Florida to Maine.

These will not be in any kind of order. First off I have found the Emerald Coast of Florida, especially Destin, to have the finest sand out of most of this world’s beaches, making it one of the most beautiful.  For some local beach facts visit this link.

1. Join or just check out a sandcastle competition and see just what can be done with a creative mind and sand.  Destin has one at edge water resort around the 4th of July.  Some of the bigger competitions are on the East and West coasts.  Also fun to do is take a sand sculpting class. Visit here for more info and booking.

2. Find a group and volunteer for a turtle watch.  Help the Momma keep the nest safe and help the babies make it to the sea.  Only one in 1000 will survive; they can use some help.  If you are really serious about this click the link and I will point you in the right direction.

3. If you are physically able get in the surf go for it, take a lesson if you have to.  Use a surfboard, paddle board, kayak, boogie board, anything that will get you out there.  The waves don’t have to be big, just enough to push you along.  This experience will get you in balance with the ocean leaving you with an intimate experience you will not forget.

4. Get off the path and  ask a local to show you how to get into a coconut.  Open it yourself, drink the juice and taste the flesh inside.

5. Camp on the beach. Get the family together, pack the cooler, and get out there. Be sure to look at the local laws about this; not all of Florida’s beaches will allow this.

6. Find a comfy place in the sand and watch the full sunset.  This can be done so many ways.  Grab your loved one, a blanket, put some wine in a plastic container and go sit and enjoy.

7. Spend at least one hour alone on the beach.  Read a book, meditate, or don’t have any kind of agenda.  This will let you see really how therapeutic the beach and ocean really are.

8. Put a mask and snorkel on your head and see the life in the water that is enjoying the beach beneath the waves

9. Go for a long walk under a full moon.  Bring a light or give it to the kids to chase crabs.

10. One of my favorites is to eat a candlelight dinner with my toes in the sand. A few places offer this or you can bring your own picnic style. The best toes in the sand on the Gulf Coast is to be found at the BeachWalk Cafe. Reserve a table here.

Find one thing of your own that you love and add it to the list. Most of the fun will be finding new things you love about the beach. Make your own sand-bucket list and start checking things off.   Enjoy!!