Beach Bums – A Day at the Beach
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This summer has been the hottest I can ever remember in Southwestern Ontario. With multiple days at a time over 40 Celsius (that’s 104 Fahrenheit) we are getting plenty of time to get out and enjoy the sun. This past weekend’s forecast was as hot and humid as ever, so we decided to take advantage of a relaxing day at the beach.
While a trip to the ocean can only be taken advantage of on a week’s vacation, we are fortunate to live in an area surrounded by literally thousands of lakes, and as a result we can enjoy a day at the beach for only a few hours drive. For our beach date we headed north (ironically) to Wasaga Beach.
The busy beach strip
One of my favourite things about a day at the beach is that the only goal of the day is to keep cool and have fun. Whether it’s playing beach volleyball, swimming in the lake (or ocean), building a sand castle, people watching or just walking along the water (my favourite!), spending time in the sand and sun is a perfect distraction from your worries.
After dealing with parking – a nightmare on a busy Saturday – we spent some time walking around before cooling off in the lake and then heading to a patio for some appetizers and cold drinks. They say that time flies when you’re having fun, but it seems that everything moves slower at the beach. It’s great to sit there and debate whether you should go swimming or just get another Sangria. As we walked back along the strip we stopped in some of the shops for quick look and then headed home for an evening BBQ.
Our day at the beach was a relaxing change from our suburban life and a great way to spend a Saturday!
Heading home after a long day of relaxing
Pro Tips:
- Wear lots of suntan lotion and keep reapplying – it’s a long day! This is especially true on overcast days – even though you can’t necessarily see the sun, it’s still there!
- Arrive early – unless you know of a secluded area, beaches can get very busy on hot days. Arrive early to ensure you find the perfect spot on the sand.
- If you are heading to a popular spot, bring extra cash – parking, drinks, snacks and vendors can all add up.
- Invite a friend! Beach dates are great fun with just your partner, your whole family, or with a group of friends!
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From Adam:
Any date that has me focused on staying cool and relaxed is a great idea!
I love the beach for all the same reasons most of us do and our day at Wasaga was no exception. The one thing I was surprised about was the cost of all the little things that added up. It is very common in touristy areas, but can be frustrating for what you get nonetheless.
This is also one of those dates that can go really poorly if you aren't prepared. Make sure you have cash, sunscreen, an umbrella for shade and anything else you might want on hand so that you can roll with whatever the day throws at you.
If you're properly prepared for a day in the sun however, this date is a great one.
I don’t think I’ve actually been on a date to the beach before!
It’s so much fun! And you can turn it into whatever kind of date you want – romantic: walk along the beach holding hands; athletic: play beach volleyball; fun: play in the waves – it’s totally up to you and your date
Visiting from over at SITS…I love the idea of traveling to Canada. It’s one of the few places I haven’t been to in North America and I rarely read/hear about the coastline there! Wasaga Beach looks fun and high-energy. What’s the weather like up there in the early Fall? The summer looks too hot for us spoiled coastal California dwellers
Canada is amazing – you should definitely put us on your bucket list! Fall is the perfect time to visit – it’s so beautiful with all of the leaves changing colours. Just remember to bring a sweater, it can get a little crisp in the fall.
Very cute website! You have great date ideas. I might have to borrow a few! Although I am in California so I will have to stick with the general date ideas
Visiting from SITS.
We have several lakes with sandy beaches here in central Pennsylvania, too. But I never think to go there as a date with my husband. We always reserve beach trips for Lake Erie or the Atlantic! Thanks for the great idea!
It’s amazing how much fun you can have in your own backyard! Before we started Never a Dull Date I would never have thought to go to the beach as a date either. Some of our best dates have been things in our area that we never got around to trying (like the Niagara Ice Wine Festival) and now I’m so happy that we have!
Stopping by from SITS. I wish there was a beach nearby for this kind of date! Fun!
I love going to the beach with my son, it’s a great way to spend the morning. We have a season pass and so it more than paid for itself. We bring lunch and water and he wears himself out in the water, so I know he will nap well.
Sounds like a lovely day!
{{ stopping by from SITS }}
I LOVE the beach! To me it’s the most relaxing and romantic place to be.
I live on an island (so many beaches!) but it’s something I don’t get to do often now that I’m without a car. Still it’s my favorite thing to do, especially with my boyfriend, and is the one thing I’d like to get to do one more time before this summer is over.
Stopping by from SITS! I live in sunny Southern California, so I’ll have to try the beach date if my hubby and I can ever find a sitter for a day. I was looking at some of your other ideas, though, and I really like the picnic idea! I can see why it’d be a fav of yours, too!
Have a great day!
Great idea. We just got back from a weeklong trip to the beach, and I realized while we were there that we could easily do more daylong trips to closer ones near our house. Also agreed that being prepared is a must. I, for one, must have access to somewhere cooler as I hate it when I get too hot! A place to duck out of the sun is essential. Happy SITS day!
Happy SITS Day! I absolutely love this blog idea! Not only because it’s awesome and original, but b/c I need ideas!
What an awesome date! I LOVE the beach and so does my hubby!!!
As a southern california girl I have been to many beaches, and it never gets old! definitely a great date. That beach strip looks so cute and fun!
Adam is right that things tend to be pricier by the beaches though
food, drinks, last minute sunscreen, etc. but planning ahead can eliminate those costs and keep it a very cheap date!
visiting from SITS – looking forward to checking out more of your date ideas!
I and my partner are both beach bums. We would often go to the beach when the weather is fine and we need time away from the corporate world. It’s really refreshing being there.