15 Tips for Planning Your Best Day at the Beach

By noaa.gov.

Days spent at the beach create a lifetime of memories: building sand castles, swimming, boating, or even just listening to the waves crash while reading a great book.

At NOAA, we tend to take things an extra step further when we go to the beach. Whether it’s tracking marine debris in citizen science apps, listening to ocean-themed podcasts in the car, or identifying critters in the tide, we want to share our beach tips to help you have the best beach days this summer.

Jump to:

1. Share the shore with marine life

2. Appreciate the small things

3. Think twice when you choose souvenirs

4. Fish are friends and food

5. Headed offshore? NOAA has a ‘boatload’ of resources

6. If you can’t beat debris, track it

7. Explore buoy data around the world

8. Get to know the sand between your toes (it might be fish poop!)

9. Phenomena at the beach

10. Check beach advisories

11. Risky rip currents: Learn what to do if you’re caught in one

12. Chart the tides and keep an eye on the time

13. It’s getting hot (and humid) in here

14. Check the UV index

15. Wear reef safe sunscreen


Fun at the beach

Three young students kneel on a large rock and inspect the marine life within the tidepool.
1. Share the shore with marine life

Going to the beach can be a great way to see fascinating wildlife, whether from the shore, through a snorkeling mask, or on a boat. Prepare for your visit by looking up what types of marine wildlife can be spotted in your area and by taking the wildlife pledge from the NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries. By taking the pledge, you will find out how to keep yourself and the marine animals around you safe.

Read more at noaa.gov.