Happy Summer! Let’s make this a beachy summer!
There are SIX different beaches in Charleston, and it is my 2020 Summer Goal to swim in all six of them. We went to two of them in 2019, but this year we will go to all six. And yes, I will make a post for each of them!
Confession: I don’t actually live in the heart of Charleston, we live in a suburb a few miles away. So unfortunately, we can’t just decide on a whim to head across town and dip our toes in the sand. Well, maybe we can. We just need to plan ahead and have out beach bag ready! Which is exactly what we’ll do. Preparing for a beachy summer is the best way to make it actually happen. No excuses.
Being a transplant into the area, the beach is very overwhelming. For locals who grew up here, they know the beach areas like the back of their hands. They know where to park, the best times to go, where to eat. They are legitimate beach experts, and I am… not. But I am good at making it happen anyway. Thanks to my beachy organization and preparations, I have been committed to going to the beach at least once per week, and doing it solo parenting! After some careful planning, I am now pretty confident that we will have a beachy summer.
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When Should You Go To the Beach?
Most people think that the beach is a weekend trip. Which is can be. But that is when everyone, especially those with weekday jobs, will go to the beach. Not us. We also avoid mid-day. Of course everyone will have their own favorite time, and theyre valid. But we prefer to go to the beach on weekdays, our of prime time.
Weekdays
Tourists are inevitable (well, except during covid-19, when SC is on a travel ban. But let’s ignore that for the sake of evergreen content). Most locals, or distant locals, plan for the beach as a weekend trip. They will come out early, beach it up, grab lunch, then beach some more. They spend the whole day in the sun. That is, probably, because they have to work and the kids have school. Choosing to hit the beach on the weekday will avoid that crowd.
Early, or Late
Could I be any more vague? Most people show up to the beach around around 11 and leave by 1. You will want to avoid that time frame, especially if you’re avoiding crowds. But also, that is the hottest time of the day! Getting to the beach early, before 10am, will not only guarentee parking and a good spot on the beach, but you’ll be able to leave satisfied with your beach time before it gets too hot.
Otherwise, plan to go late. Most of the day beach goers will clear out by 4pm, so that is the best time to filter in. Locals who work on weekdays will just be getting out of work, so there could potentially be a slow time in that gap. Move in, secure a spot, and enjoy the waves as sunset approaches. But be safe, don’t swim after dark.
What to Wear on a Beach Day
Comfort is key on beach day. Wear something that can easily be pulled on or off, possibly in a car (if there are not changing rooms available.) I always bring a separate outfit for afterwards (and extra panties), but there’s nothing that says you can’t change back into your initial outfit. Consider the fact that you will still be wet, so cotton will take longer to dry.
Denim Shorts are easy to slip over a one piece, for a quick outfit without a shirt needed. They absorb moisture though, so make sure you’ve driedย as much as possible before slipping them on Or, add a kimono as well. A tank dress is the easiest to throw over a suit after a long day. Tank dresses are my favorite beach day outfit, both before and after the beach
My Beach Wardrobe for this Season:
The sand will be hot! Don’t forget to wear sandals, even if you plan to be barefoot in the water. Choose sandals that are easy to rinse off, and won’t collect sand in the crevices. Although I generally preach against wearing slides, because they are terrible for the longevity of your foot health, they are perfect for the beach. (Looking for more shoe suggestions? Check out this post) Just make sure your beach shoes are exclusively your beach shoes, and you don’t wear them full time. Your toes will thank you.
Beach Essentials
Wagon. Parking is impossible on a good day, so assume you will be parking at a distance. Who’s going to make six trips from the car with all the goods? Invest in a wide wheeled wagon to carry your stuff across the sand. Make sure you choose a wagon with wide wheels, designed for sand. Your stroller won’t work. Your road wagon won’t work. Invest in a good wagon now, instead of wishing you had.
Tent. You can’t go to the beach without a tent. Unless you plan on renting a cabana, you’re going to burn up. Perhaps those who live closer are able to commit to a shorter time on the beach, and don’t need one. But we live an hour away, and 2/3 of our family is pasty af. They need shade. There are so many options- canopy, half tents, large umbrellas. It’s totally up to you which you choose, but you will absolutely regret going without some shade.
Keep your Beach Bag packed!
The quickest way to get to the beach is to have your beach bag ready. Pack it in advance, and keep it packed with the essentials. Then you only need to add your suits and towels the day of (or night before) your beach trip.
Beach Bag: There are so many beach bag options out there, but my favorite is to use a soft cooler. Seriously! I bought mine from Aldi, for cold foods when shopping. But it makes the best beach bag, because it is waterproof. Plus it sits upright, and the zipper keeps stuff from falling out.
Sunscreen, obviously. Stock up, and keep multiple on hand, so you never go without and risk needing to buy some at the beach for premium costs. We always try to choose a sustainable option, for coral protectionsย Pro Tip: Set timers on your phone to reapply every 2 hours!
Sand toys. You never want to shower up at the beach without a shovel and pail, but my favorite sand toy (for both kids and adults) is a skeleton mold. It is absoliutely hilarious to build a sand skeleton, and is bound to get some fun comments as well. Snag yours, here.
Extra Towel. After you dry off, you go to the car. Are you going to sit on your wet towel? Keep a few in the car.
Carry in, carry out. Bring a trash bag! If you don’t want to use a reusable trash bag, invest in doggy poop bags to pick up and hold trash that you find or make.
My Beach Essentials:
Always shower off!
Growing up going to the “beach” in a lake did not prepare me for the oceanic beach. Yall, you will get sand everywhere, including inย there.ย Do not wait to shower until you get home, or there will be serious irritation. The sand floats in the water, and wiggles its way into your suit. Even if you can’t change back into street clothes before you leave, you will want to rinse off before throwing on a kimono or shorts over your suit. It’s crazy how much sand can accumulate in all the nooks and cranies.
We absolutely love beach days, and can’t wait to explore every one of them. Whether we are lounging in the sand, jumping in the waves, or searching for seashells- there is fun to be had every single time. There is absolutely no reason not to enjoy the beach!
What is your favorite Charleston Beach? Or, if you don’t live local, what is your favorite beach where you life? Let me know in the comments below.
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