Planning the perfect seaside holiday feels like a tricky puzzle at first. Most of us know that familiar feeling of scrolling through endless beach photos, trying to pick just the right spot.
After seeing the charm of Seaside, Florida – which Travel & Leisure named the world’s best beach for families – it’s clear what makes a coastal break truly magical. Our handy guide will walk you through choosing your ideal beach spot, packing the right bits and bobs, and making the most of your time by the sea.
Fancy some sun, sand and simple planning? Let’s sort it out together.
We know the perfect beach spot lies somewhere between our dreams and our wallets. The right seaside spot must match our holiday dates, travel budget, and weather patterns – from the sunny shores of Thailand to the cosy beaches of Cornwall.
Popular beach destinations around the world
Beautiful beaches around the world offer unique experiences for every type of traveller. Our team has explored countless coastal gems to bring you the most amazing seaside spots.
Factors to consider when selecting your location
Picking the right seaside spot makes all the difference for a perfect beach holiday. Our team has gathered key factors to help you choose your ideal coastal destination.
A well-packed beach bag makes the difference between a perfect day and a miserable one at the seaside. We’ve tested hundreds of beach items over the years, and we’ll share our top picks for your next coastal holiday – from the must-have sun protection gear to the often-forgotten bits that’ll save your day.
Clothing and accessories
We need to pack smart for our seaside holiday. Our beach bags must hold two swimsuits per person to rotate between wet and dry options. Light, breezy cover-ups work well for quick trips to beachfront cafes.
Casual wear fills most of our suitcase space, but we tuck in one formal outfit for special dinners. A light jacket guards against cool evening breezes.
Our feet need proper care at the beach, so we pack both flip-flops and sturdy sandals. Beach-ready accessories include wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses for eye safety.
Workout clothes come in handy for morning beach walks or yoga sessions. We always bring rash guards to protect our skin during long hours of swimming and water sports.
Beach-specific gear and gadgets
Our beach trips call for smart packing of essential gear. A waterproof phone case ranks high on the must-bring list, keeping our devices safe from sand and splashes. The right beach blanket makes a huge difference – we prefer ones with sand-resistant features and corner stakes for windy days.
A portable speaker adds fun to our seaside moments, while a dry/wet bag keeps our belongings organised and protected.
The right gadgets make beach time more enjoyable and stress-free. Our beach toolkit always includes a power bank for keeping devices charged throughout the day. A waterproof camera case lets us capture amazing underwater shots without worry.
Beach shoes protect our feet from hot sand and sharp shells, while a good quality sunhat and UV-protective sunglasses shield us from harsh rays. These items form the backbone of our beach comfort kit.
Modern beach gear has evolved to meet specific needs at the seaside. Luxury resorts often provide basic items like chairs and umbrellas, but personal gadgets make the experience better.
We pack multi-pocket beach bags for easy storage of sunscreen, water bottles, and beach toys. A compact fan helps on still, hot days, while quick-dry microfibre towels save space in our bags and dry faster than regular ones.
We found amazing places to stay near the beach that match every budget and style. From posh hotels with ocean views to cosy beach cottages perfect for families, the options will make your seaside holiday truly special.
Luxury resorts
Luxury resorts stand as perfect havens for seaside holidays. Our recent stays at premium coastal hotels showed us the true meaning of beach luxury. These resorts offer amazing extras like water sports gear and portable coolers for beach trips.
Most high-end properties give guests access to private beaches and top-notch service.
The best part about these oceanfront resorts lies in their special touches. Places like “Little Feet” pamper guests with three swimming pools and six tennis courts. They also provide fitness centres and free bikes for exploring the area.
Each room comes with basic items like soap, shampoo, and kitchen supplies. These thoughtful details make beach holidays feel extra special.
Budget-friendly rentals
Beach rentals offer great value for money without losing comfort. We love places like Little Feet cottage that mix budget-friendly rates with handy features. The cottage comes with modern touches like a two-burner stove, flat-screen TVs, and a washer-dryer combo.
Free Wi-Fi keeps us connected while saving on data costs.
Our favourite part about budget rentals is the personal touch they offer. A friendly cottage host greets us upon arrival, and we get round-the-clock support for any needs. These perks make affordable seaside stays feel just as special as pricey resorts.
The mix of home comforts and helpful service creates perfect beach memories without breaking the bank.
The seaside offers endless fun beyond just lounging on the sand – we love trying new water sports like paddleboarding or taking a sunset yoga class right by the waves. Our favourite spots near the ocean mix relaxation with adventure, from peaceful morning walks collecting seashells to thrilling afternoon surf lessons with local experts.
Relaxation and wellness activities
Our private beach access offers a perfect spot for morning yoga and meditation. We love spreading our mats on the soft sand while listening to gentle waves. The peaceful setting creates an ideal space for deep breathing exercises and stress relief.
Many guests join us at sunrise for group meditation sessions, making the most of our exclusive beach entry codes.
Beach walks rank high among our favourite wellness activities at the seaside. The three swimming pools at Little Feet provide excellent options for low-impact water exercises and aqua aerobics.
We often mix pool activities with tennis matches at the six available courts, creating a balanced fitness routine. The on-site fitness centre adds more choices to our wellness programme, from cardio workouts to strength training.
Our beach-based relaxation includes guided mindfulness sessions along the pedestrian trails. These paths wind through the new urbanism design, connecting wellness spots throughout the community.
We recommend booking massage treatments in beachfront cabanas, where sea breezes and wave sounds create natural therapy. The combination of fitness facilities and natural settings helps us maintain both physical and mental wellness during our stay.
Water sports and adventure options
The beach calls us to play! Water sports gear waits at many luxury villas and premium hotels near the coast. We love paddling through gentle waves on kayaks or testing our balance on stand-up paddleboards.
Snorkeling lets us peek at colourful fish swimming below, while jet skiing adds thrills to our seaside fun.
Nature beckons us to explore beyond the waves too. The Conservation Park spreads across 2,300 acres with 24 miles of trails perfect for hiking and cycling. St. Andrews State Park offers five different ecological areas within its 1,200 acres.
These parks give us chances to spot local wildlife and snap amazing photos of coastal scenes. A mix of calm and exciting activities makes our beach holiday complete.
A safe and eco-friendly holiday needs proper planning and smart choices. We must pack reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and eco-friendly beach bags to protect our oceans while keeping ourselves safe from the sun’s rays.
Sun safety and hydration
The scorching sun at the beach needs our full attention. We must apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every two hours. Our beach bag should contain a wide-brimmed sunhat and UV-protective sunglasses to shield our eyes and face.
The peak sun hours between 10 am and 4 pm pose the highest risk, making proper sun-protective clothing vital for our safety.
Staying hydrated remains crucial during our seaside adventures. We need to drink water before feeling thirsty, as thirst signals our body is already dehydrated. Our cooler should stock plenty of water bottles, fresh fruits, and electrolyte drinks.
Sports drinks help replace the minerals we lose through sweat while playing beach volleyball or swimming in the salty water.
The beach environment demands extra care for our skin and overall health. We pack reusable water bottles and fill them with ice-cold water throughout the day. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics offer better protection from harmful UV rays.
Regular breaks under a beach umbrella or shaded area give our bodies time to cool down and prevent heat exhaustion.
Sustainable travel practices
We must protect our beautiful beaches for future generations through smart travel choices. Our eco-friendly beach trips start with simple steps like using reef-safe sunscreen and carrying reusable water bottles.
Local shops near seaside spots often sell sustainable beach gear, which helps cut down on plastic waste and supports small businesses.
Beach cleanup efforts make a real difference to coastal environments. We pick up any litter we spot during our walks and join local beach cleaning groups whenever possible. Many seaside towns now offer special bins for recycling beach waste, making it easier to sort our rubbish properly.
Our focus on light, airy clothing choices not only keeps us comfortable but also reduces the need for excessive washing and drying.
Responsible tourism means respecting local wildlife and their habitats. We stay on marked paths to protect delicate dune systems and keep a safe distance from sea creatures. Many coastal areas have rules about where to walk and swim – these guidelines help preserve the natural beauty of beach environments.
Taking public transport to beach destinations or sharing rides with friends cuts down our carbon footprint while saving money on parking fees.
A perfect seaside trip needs smart planning and the right gear. Our guide helps you pick the best beach spots and pack all the needed items. Beach safety and eco-friendly habits make trips better for everyone.
Fun beach sports and quiet rest times create lasting memories by the sea. These tips will help you plan your next coastal break with less stress and more joy.
Pack these seaside vacation essentials: sunscreen with high UV protection, toiletries like body wash and dental hygiene items, proper identification, travel documents, comfy sleepwear, and a sturdy backpack for beach activities.
Look for off-season deals at all-inclusive beach resorts, split costs with friends, cook meals instead of eating out, and book seaside vacation rentals early. Family-friendly beach towns often offer better rates than luxury oceanfront resorts.
Popular beach vacation activities include building sandcastles, swimming, shell collecting, and visiting must-see coastal attractions. Many tropical beach vacations offer guided tours perfect for beach vacation with kids.
Many beach vacation with pets options exist, but check local rules first. Some seaside vacation rentals welcome pets, while others don’t. Always bring proper pet care items and respect beach rules.
Pick based on your needs – couples might prefer quiet beach vacation for couples spots with private beaches, while families need beach vacation with friends options offering more activities and safety features.
Always use proper ultraviolet protection factor sunscreen, watch for UVB rays exposure, bring basic first aid supplies, and follow local beach safety guidelines. Keep valuable personal care items secure and stay aware of weather conditions.
