How often do you get to spend a day at the beach? The title may be a bit misleading – we only spent an hour or so ON the beach, walking around and exploring the dunes. However, these days, we are feeling a bit house-bond due to COVID19, so my husband and I decided to simply get into the car and head south towards Galveston Island. After we left, we changed our minds, and chose to drive to Surfside instead.
Gulf of Mexico swimmers 
Day campers at Surfside 
Ship offshore in the Gulf 
Beachgoers at Surfside 
Surfside dunes
It was great to get out of the house and away from our ordinary routines for a day! My husband isn’t a beach person, but I certainly am one! He’s a good sport, though, and he was looking for a good outing that wasn’t super far from home, so it could be a day trip. Surfside is one of the best destinations in our area.
Below is a short video visit at the great beach near Surfside.
The water was blue and clean (no seaweed or trash), and for the most part, people were practicing good social distancing, although some groups were definitely “together.” I desperately wanted to wade in the waves, but decided to enjoy the fresh salty air and breezes and devour it all with my eyes and other senses. We weren’t really prepared for wading – no swimsuits – but we did bring a couple of towels, just in case. The sand was dry, though, so there was no need to use them even for brushing it off our shoes.
One thing I wish we’d brought with us — a couple of beach chairs. I think this one will be a great choice for my husband. He will need a place to sit while I’m playing like a child on the sand or in the water!
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Here are a few more items I consider important for a relaxing day seaside. It can be difficult spending much time on the sand or at the shore without some things to make you comfortable. The Beach Tent Sun Shelter offers shade from the sun, a bit of protection from wind, and a floor surface so you aren’t directly on the sand. Everyone needs a cooler if you’re going to spend much time on the beach. And the last item, the Beach Bag Tote Set – how I wish I’d had that one when we were on the Costa del Sol in Spain a few years ago! I like that it’s packed with the basic items you need for an outing, including 2 microfiber towels, a removable cooler, and space for an assortment of items – all inside the insulated bag. Everything folds down for easy packing if you are en route to a different area or country! There is even outside space for the microfiber towels, leaving more interior space for whatever you want to have with you at the beach. And last, this is something I have needed too many times. I won’t be caught without a great sand blanket the next time I want to spend time on the beach. This one has plenty of space for you and your “stuff” and folds up into a small package so it’s really portable. In my mind, there is nothing worse than going to the beach and not having a few essentials to keep things simple and fun. Don’t you agree?
Wait! I have more photos from our day out. Surfside has a lot of beach. Each beach is a bit different. The one in the gallery below that’s not far from the jetty had less sand, but clean water and some nice gentle waves. A bonus is that it was even less crowded! Sometimes there is real surf at Surfside, but not on the day we were there. People do surf there, but of course it’s not California, or any of the other surfing meccas – unless there is a hurricane rolling in, the surf in the Gulf here is more gentle. I’m not a surfer – never have been! – but I loved exploring the dunes, looking for tiny animals, insects, and the wildflowers making their home there! I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the sign explaining the seaweed that sometimes comes onto the beach or hangs in the water there – and especially the bird acting as a “beach patrol” to prevent folks from parking on the sand!
Gorgeous day on the road 
Surfside not far from the jetty Dunes 
Seaweed Info 
Wildflower on sand dune at Surfside Beach, Texas 
More beach wildflowers 
Beach guardian
Walking on the beach brings back memories of when I was a kid and went to the beaches on the Florida panhandle with my folks. Every summer, we would make a few weekend trips (or longer!) – my dad was a true fan of beaches and water and especially, the gentle waves for riding in a tube. Those are some of my happiest memories and this was like a “refresher course.” I’m planning more trips soon. Next time I will manage to get into that water!
After we left Surfside, we drove on to Galveston Island. Watch for a new article featuring some photos and other cool “stuff” there, coming soon!
What are some of your favorite memories of the beach? Are you a beach person? If not, what’s your favorite destination? Tell us in the comments!
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I can’t wait to hear from you about your own beach adventures!
