What to Do at the Beach When It Rains?
If you are wondering about what to do at the beach when it rains, I will give you some ideas in this article. There are numerous activities such as walking, jogging, building sandcastles, or playing beach games that do not require wall-to-wall sunshine and can be fully enjoyed even when it is drizzling.
In case the rain gets too heavy, there are still indoor things to do to turn a bad weather day into a memorable experience. Book yourself a spa day, try out a seaside restaurant, or see some art in a local museum. Don’t let rain ruin your well-deserved vacation!
Best Things To Do At The Beach When It Rains
Take a Coastal Walk
Walking on the beach has several benefits. It is not only a great way of exercising your body but also to clear the mind. Yet, most people think about going for a coastal walk only when the weather is good, which is a mistake! In fact, walking on the beach when it is raining is more soothing than doing it on a perfect sunny day. You can breathe cleaner air and walk around without being disturbed by crowds.
What if your companion decides to stay inside? Do it anyway! A long coastal walk on a rainy day is one of the best things to do at the beach alone; some me-time in nature helps reconnect with yourself.
Just get a raincoat to keep you dry and enjoy the most peaceful coastal sights you can experience only on rainy days when most people avoid going outdoors. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the sand; you might find some cool shells, sea glass, and great treasures that are harder to spot on a busy sunny day!
Play Beach Games
If you don’t mind some gentle rain, there are plenty of beach games you can play while being a little bit wet. Beach volleyball, Frisbee, and other fun beach games let you enjoy a rainy day at the beach.
Just avoid any games or sports that require you to use metal racquets or equipment that could pose lightning risks if the weather takes a sudden turn before you get inside.
Go Snorkeling or Diving
You’ll need to use a little personal judgment with this one. Can you actually go scuba diving or snorkeling in the rain? Yes, being underwater in the rain is fine as long as the weather conditions are relatively calm.
While these watersports, you’re going to get wet anyway no matter if the weather is sunny or rainy, so don’t let a little rain deter you from exploring the wonders of the sea.
The neat thing about this is that the rain will only impact the top layer of the ocean. That means that the experience might not be too different! Be sure to check local weather conditions to make sure you’re not diving into stormy waters because of impending winds!
Go for a Light Swim
Like snorkeling, swimming is something that you can generally do safely in the rain as long as the weather is mild. Lightning and waterspouts are realistic dangers at the beach when it rains. You can enter the water only if you’re dealing with a summer sprinkle, but any water activity should be avoided if there is heavy rain.
Also, check local weather advisories before making a decision and know beach flags and signs! You must follow any “no swimming” warnings posted by lifeguards or beach officials.
Build Sandcastles
No, it doesn’t need to be a bright, sunny day in order for it to be a perfect day to build sandcastles on the beach. In fact, an overcast day can work to your advantage. Cooler, cloudier days are actually better for building sandcastles compared to sunnier, hotter days.
The reason why is that cool sand holds moisture better. Slightly moist sand actually has better stability than dry sand. That means that building giant sandcastles is secretly one of the best things to do at the beach when it rains.
Clean Up The Beach
If having fun on the beach is off the menu because gloomy skies have sent everyone else inside during a rainy day at the beach, you can still turn your day into something productive. An overcast day can actually be a perfect day for a beach clean-up because the sun won’t be beating down on you quite as strongly.
The items needed for a beach clean-up include trash bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, and a trash grabber. By removing trash from the beach, you will do your part to preserve the natural environment.
Indoor Activity Ideas When There Is Rain On Your Beach Vacation
Book a Spa Day
If you’re wondering what things to do when there is rain on a beach vacation, the answer might be to do as close to nothing as humanly possible. A spa day is the perfect way to get there!
The fact that you’ve already taken time off to enjoy a beach holiday means that you have plenty of time for some pampering. If you’re in a resort area or popular vacation spot, you can take advantage of the fact that there are probably some great local spas in the area. In fact, going for a spa day is one of my favorite ways to relax when it rains.
Explore Seaside Restaurants
A rainy day at the beach can suddenly feel brighter when you find a great eatery. Seaside restaurants in coastal towns and cities are often full of local lore and culture.
In fact, you can often learn all you need to know about a spot just by talking to the wait staff. A restaurant menu can also tell a story of an area’s traditions.
If you’re a seafood lover, make a point of finding all of the best local seafood restaurants where you can settle into a table or booth for a while without feeling rushed as the rain pours down.
Enjoy a Lazy Afternoon of Board Games
Plan a wholesome and competitive afternoon with some fun board games while you wait out the rain. Most vacation rental homes these days supply board games for guests.
If you’re staying in a hotel near the beach, you can always call the front desk to see if they have board games for guests to use. Getting rained out can be the perfect excuse to enjoy a relaxing time being huddled with the people you care about!
Visit Some Local Amusement Spots
Wondering what you can do on a rainy day when going to the beach isn’t safe? Most coastal towns have fun indoor amusement spots.
If you’re staying at a hotel, you can even ask the front desk if they have any coupons or vouchers for local indoor attractions available for guests.
Spend the day having fun inside while bowling, rollerblading, playing laser tag, shooting pool, going wild at an arcade, doing an escape room, enjoying indoor golf, or watching an interesting movie at a local cinema. If this is not a family trip but you are traveling with your friends, you can also consider looking for a nearby casino!
Visit Local Art Galleries and Museums
If you’re the type of person who usually only focuses on sunbathing and water sports during a beach vacation, a rainy beach day may finally give you a reason to check out some local cultural spots. Many coastal towns have incredible art galleries showing off talent from local artists.
You may also find galleries and studios selling prints, pottery, and jewelry you can bring back home as souvenirs. Additionally, you may be overlooking a gem of a local museum that tells the tales of the area’s ancient seafarers or original settlers!
Cook a Locally Sourced Feast
If you’re staying in a rental home or condo with a kitchen, you can turn a rainy beach vacation into a memorable culinary experience. Visit local markets to collect locally grown and regionally sourced items to prepare some big homemade meals for your travel group. Discovering how local foods taste different from foods back home can be a great way to truly experience the place you’re visiting.
Find a Shopping Center or Outlet Mall
If you don’t want to feel like you’re stuck inside all day, do a quick search online for any shopping centers, malls, or outlets in the surrounding area. Even outdoor malls and outlets are good for rainy days because they’re mostly covered.
Shopping is one of the best rainy day beach activities for passing the time without feeling like you have to just “sit around” waiting for the rain to stop.
Conclusion
Don’t let your beach vacation get ruined by rain! There are plenty of things to do at the beach when it rains. While most people envision sunny skies when planning a beach getaway, I think that there’s something magical about gray, moody skies over a coastal landscape. Lots of activities can still be done in light rain such as taking a long walk on the coast, playing beach games, collecting shells, or even swimming. Additionally, unexpected weather changes can even inspire you to explore places you never would have visited, read that book you’ve packed but otherwise wouldn’t have time to read it, or enjoy a spa day you’ve dreamt of for so long! It’s time to get creative!
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