Anyone who doesn't love to bask in the sun, stop reading this article.
I can't think of anyone who doesn't love a day at the beach...
well, except for those goofy people who like to freeze to death or enjoy swooshing down the hills.
Anyway, the first thing to do after you have decided to go to the beach is pick one that suits your style; if you have kids, you might want to find one that may be a little more "kid friendly", no topless beaches, here.
If you have a dog and want to take Fido with you, there are some beaches that allow dogs as long as they are leashed.
After you've done your beach research, check out your mode of transportation.
Tickle Me Elmo, your wife's bowling ball and your golf clubs from last week's excursion do not need to accompany you on this beach outing.
Another important thing to check before your venture out is your car's general maintenance - check tire pressure, gas gauge, windshield washer fluid level, oil, etc.
Planning a family trip to the beach and then having issues will turn your fun-filled day of pleasure into a headache that no amount of aspirin will fix.
Check the glove compartment (glove box) for maps, first aid kits, etc.
If your day at the beach is quite a long distance away, you should pack some juice boxes and snacks to keep your little ones enjoying their time too.
Playing car games like "I spy" and counting license plates or alphabet games is also helpful in turning the mundane drive into a more pleasurable family experience.
The beach is a great place to get away without having to plan too much ahead of time.
There's not much too pack - bathing suits (if you are not wearing them under your street clothes), an extra pair of clothes so you don't have to stay in wet bathing attire the rest of the day, bottles of water or juice to keep you hydrated, towels, beach chair and of course, the sunscreen and sunglasses.
Most beaches have few or no restrictions on bringing in food, coolers and the like.
If it is a "resort-type" beach, you might want to call ahead and double check.
So much can be done on the beach.
If you like risking your life with the sharks, then by all means, traverse far into the waters.
If it is a local community beach, this won't be a problem unless you're Jaws and then you can show up anywhere.
Seriously, though, if you just think outside of the box, you can take a few empty soup cans with you for your youngsters to put wet sand inside and mold little sand castles.
Beach holidays are great for just lounging in your beach chair on lying on a towel soaking up the rays (don't forget the suntan lotion).
Should your breach holiday put you in relatively crystal-clear waters, bring along your snorkel gear and explore the water for sea creatures.
No matter whether your trip is a few hours away or just a short drive, being fully prepared will make your day at the beach a great success!