There are few experiences quite like visiting the beach. Sitting in beach chairs, enjoying picnics, swimming, camping, and soaking up the sun rays can be deeply relaxing. Unsurprisingly, beaches are synonymous with summer. But do people go to the beach in winter? The short answer is yes! Let’s take a deeper look into why people may want to do a winter beach trip.
Is it Good to Go to the Beach in Winter?
Although the weather might be a little cooler, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of the coast and find winter beach activities to do. There are plenty of perks to visiting the beach in winter, such as:
- Fewer crowds, as only the locals are around
- Cheaper prices at many hotels and other accommodations in beach towns
- You can get into seaside restaurants a lot quicker than in the summertime
- You can bring your furry friend with you since the beach is technically closed
The sun might be setting sooner, and the water might be a little chilly, but you can still do beach activities with the correct preparations. Bring sweatshirts, jackets, and blankets, and your winter beach vacation can be just as fun as when it’s 80 degrees.
What Is the Beach Like Winter?
Beaches are usually quiet in the winter, as it is the off season. Of course, come peak season, it can be challenging to enjoy the beach because you feel like you have no personal space.
You will get the opposite feeling at the beach in winter, as practically nobody will be there. It is especially true if you visit somewhere cold, such as in the Northeast states. A beach in winter is the perfect escape from everyday life, while the silence really allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
In the winter, beach temperatures in southern states tend to be in the 60s, while temperatures in the north hover in the 20s and 30s. Either way, temperatures are much lower than in spring and summer, leaving a little chill in the air.
The cold, fresh beach air can feel invigorating and relaxing. Coldness can offer your body some benefits, including:
- Better sleep
- Fat burning
- Inflammation reduction
- Increased creativeness
What Happens to the Beach Winter?
In the winter, beaches look much the same as they do in the summer. One potential cosmetic difference is the chance of snow if you visit after a winter storm. However, away from land, some subtle changes occur in the ocean when the season changes to winter.
Ocean water at beaches tends to be rougher compared to summer waters. The ocean’s currents become much stronger in the winter, and the wind tends to pick up in speed as well. Along with this extra turbulence both in and outside the ocean, you’ll notice the waves are higher than usual and crash with more force.
How Do You Enjoy the Beach in the Winter?
Having the answer to the question, “do people go to the beach in winter?” is one thing. But what could you do once you get there? You could always grab your beach gear and swim, but remember some spots don’t have lifeguards in the winter, especially in colder states.
You also might feel like an ice cube if you go swimming in those cold beach waters. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things you can do on your winter beach vacation.
Have a Beach Picnic
Make a delicious homemade meal, or pick up some take-out and bring it to the beach. Then, set up a blanket to watch the crashing waves and gaze at the beautiful winter sunset over the beach.
If the beach allows it, you could bring a portable grill to cook your meal on the beach. There’s nothing better than fresh, hot food and stunning views.
Make a Campfire if the Beach Allows It
You may need to check the beach’s guidelines to ensure you don’t break any laws. If campfires are allowed, build a little fire pit on the beach and make some s’mores. Have fun and enjoy a gooey dessert while warming up by the fire on a cool winter night. This would be a great suggestion for a friend that’s wondering do people go to the beach in winter.
Stargaze at the Beach
Just relax, sit in the sand, and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing while watching the stars above you. If it’s cold, bring some blankets and sweatshirts to stay warm. Since the sun sets early in the winter, you could do this as early as five or six o’clock at night. The clear beach skies are the perfect place for this.
Collect Sea Glass and Shells
Most beaches have plenty of washed-up shells and sea glass in the sand and tide pools just waiting to get picked up. Use winter weather to take a quiet walk in the sand and collect these little treasures with a bar or jar.
You could make jewelry with them later. Or, bring jewelry-making materials with you and create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings on the sand.
Soak Up the Winter Sun
We tend to get less sunlight in the winter due to the short daylight hours and spending less time outdoors. Getting outside, going to the beach, and sunbathing in winter can help you increase your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that we need, as it can provide the following health benefits:
- Boosted serotonin levels
- Increase bone health
- Aid in treating skin conditions
- Fight diseases
- Support your immune system
Simply being in the sun for half an hour at the beach can provide you with 8,000 to 50,000 IUs of vitamin D.
Conclusion
Do people go to the beach in winter? Absolutely! Don’t let the colder air stop you from enjoying a beach vacation. You can still enjoy your beach activities in the off season. You’ll just need a little more clothing. So, grab a sweatshirt, get out into that salty beach air, and enjoy the sound of the birds and the waves crashing on your winter trip.
