10 Tips for Going to the Beach During Covid-19

Summer for our family always includes trips to the beach to build sand castles, go boogie boarding, read, and play games in the sand. Last summer we thought we might miss out our summer tradition, but we made it. We hadn’t gone ANYWHERE all summer, so it was a hard decision to make. With a little planning, we spent an amazing day at the beach and can’t wait to go again this summer.

Here are 10 tips for going to the beach during Covid-19:

GET THERE EARLY

The early bird gets the worm…as well as the best beach spot. They may be limiting the number of people allowed in, so it’s a good idea to get there before the crowds.

STAY 6-FEET APART

By now you know…6-feet apart is the new norm, and at the beach I would suggest WAY more than that. No one wants people sitting close to them (even when there’s not a pandemic going on…lol), so make sure you are far enough away that everyone feels comfortable. You also want to be respectful and stay away when you are playing games, going on walks, and collecting shells around others.

WEAR A MASK WHERE SUGGESTED

At our beach, you have to wear a mask in the parking lot, bathroom area, near the food trucks, and on the boardwalk that leads to the beach. Just do it. Don’t be that person that’s trying to prove a point. If you don’t care about your health, then do it for the people around you. It’s the least we can all do.

HAND SANITIZER

Make sure you bring hand sanitizer with you. I personally carry it with me at all times, but now I’ve added one to my beach bag. You never know when you’ll need it.

BRING FOOD AND DRINKS

Bringing your own food and beverages will ensure you don’t have to stop at stores or go to the concession stand.

CALL AHEAD OR LOOK ON THE WEBSITE FOR NEW RULES

Things are changing weekly, so it’s always best to see what safety precautions are happening before you drive there. If you are out-of-state, pay close attention to those rules because some states have different rules.

CHECK TIMES THEY ARE OPEN/CLOSED

Some beaches are closing earlier than they used to.

CHECK ON PARKING

Many beaches are limiting their parking. Some are only allowing 50% capacity and spacing out cars in their lots. You also may not be allowed to park i=on the streets like in the past.

RESERVATIONS

Some beaches, especially state parks, may require you to make online reservations. You don’t want to show up to find out you had to reserve a spot, so check before you go.

PICK THE RIGHT BEACH

All beaches are different and have their own rules. Be picky about which one you go to and choose the one that’s right for your family. I personally look for one that limits the number of people allowed in, has plenty of room to spread out, requires people to wear a mask in shared areas, and one where everyone feels comfortable.

And here’s an extra tip…

BR PREPARED TO CHANGE YOUR PLANS

Hey…life is nuts right now and it may not run the way you want it to. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable in certain situations and leave. If people are too close…move your spot. If you still don’t feel comfortable then you may want to call it a day. No big deal. Don’t let it ruin your day. Remember that this will all be over some day and our lives will feel normal again.