Summer is here! It’s time to pack up the car, get the family together, and head to the beach! Although beach days can be fun, they can be stressful if you aren’t a seasoned pro (especially if you have little ones). Don’t worry, we’ve got the best beach hacks for you and your family to have the best summer ever!

Just Throw It In The Bag

First things first; having a good beach bag is essential for a day at the beach! A bag that’s large enough to fit everyone’s needs and that is easy to carry is a must. Some of the best beach bags can be found at local surf shops and souvenir stores. Backpacks also make a great beach bag, just make sure you don’t mind getting a little sand in it!

Protect What You Love

When you’re on the beach, please keep in mind that we all need to make an effort to keep it clean! Put those plastic grocery bags to good use (and out of our oceans) and use them for trash disposal. Most beach public beach accesses on the OBX have garbage cans for disposal of your trash at the end of your beach day. If you want to go a step further and eliminate the need for single-use plastics, bring a recyclable bag to the beach for your trash, dump it at the end of the day, and wipe it out for the next time!

Choose The Right Beach Access

Each family and group that visits the Outer Banks is different and has different needs. Beach accesses up and down the Outer Banks feature beaches that have lifeguards on duty, bathhouses with changing facilities, handicapped parking and wheelchair access, and more. The handy website OBX Beach Access shows beach accesses from Corolla to Hatteras and the features of them all!

Learn About Rip Currents + Ocean Safety

While the beach and the ocean can be fun, it’s also important to be safe. Make sure to be safe while swimming and keep a very close eye on children and pets. Rip currents occur on the Outer Banks and can be very dangerous and can pull you out to sea quickly. If you find yourself in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to shore until you’re no longer being pulled. Whenever red flags are up at the beach, DON’T SWIM. If they’re yellow, exercise extreme caution. Remember, if in doubt, don’t go out!

Have A Kiddie Pool For Babies

If you’re bringing baby to the beach, be sure they have a good space to play! Inflatable kiddie pools are great for babies and toddlers. The pool can be filled up with ocean water for a little play space or left empty for a perfect playpen or nap area. Make sure the area over the kiddie pool or wherever baby plays is well-shaded.

Bring Baby Powder

When leaving the beach at the end of a long day, being covered in sand is guaranteed. Baby powder helps get sand off of the skin with ease! Just sprinkle baby powder on the sandy area and wipe it away. No more sand tracked in the car, in the house, or the bed!

Pack A Fitted Sheet

A fitted sheet in your beach bag can be the difference between the Sahara desert in your sitting area and a sand-free oasis. To keep sand out of your sitting area on the beach, bring a fitted sheet and place coolers, beach bags, and backpacks in the corners of the sheets for a perfect beach setup.

Protect Your Tech

Nothing is a bigger bummer than dropping your phone in the water or getting sand in the speakers and between buttons. Place your smartphone in a ziplock sandwich baggie to avoid spills and sand. By using a sandwich bag, you can still use the touch screen! If you want a longer-lasting solution, Lifeproof cases are amazing.

Freeze Your Drinks

Unnecessary ice packs make lugging your cooler to the beach that much harder. Eliminate the middleman and freeze your drinks! They’ll keep everything else in the cooler cold and when it’s time for a drink of water or juice, the bottle will be thawed out enough!

Be Smart In The Sun

Practicing safe sun care is super important at the beach. Make sure to reapply sunscreen often and wear hats and sunglasses. For more information on sun safety, check out our blog right here! In the event you get sunburned (it happens) turn to apple cider vinegar (ACV). Dilute 1 part ACV with 1 part water in a spray bottle and spray on sunburn. It’ll take the sting and redness out. After, apply aloe or coconut oil to soothe and rehydrate the skin.

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