Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Nikole

Who says the beach is only for summer? Winter at the beach offers a whole new kind of beauty and peace that you won’t find in the busier, warmer months.

Here’s why you should consider hitting the shore when the temperature drops, and how to make the most of it:

• • • Watch the Sunset/Sunrise
    • Play Beach Volleyball or Other Beach Games
    • Go Fishing
    • Go Shopping
    • Grab a Hot Coffee
    • Enjoy a Walk on the Beach
    • Go Surfing
    • Attend a Polar Plunge
    • Start a Bonfire
    • Find a Hotel with Heated Pools
    • Fly a Kite
    • Build a Sandcastle
    • Tour a Lighthouse
    • Black Friday Shopping
    • Get a Metal Detector
    • Explore Nature
    • Take a Ferry Ride
    • Attend a Seasonal Event
    • Search for Shells
    • Photography, Writing, Drawing
    • Relax and Meditate

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Why Even Go to the Beach in the Winter Months

There are so many perks to going to the beach in the winter. I love the beach during the winter now more than I love going in the summer.

Some may think there is nothing to do during the cold months but with a little creativity you will find the best activities.

Less Crowded

One of the biggest advantages of visiting the beach during winter is the lack of crowds. You can stroll along the shore without bumping into other people, and claim your own quiet spot to relax.

Campgrounds and hotels are also less crowded. I love soaking in the hot tub when there aren’t a bunch of kids or adults screaming in my ear.

Cheaper Everything

Wintertime beach trips are not only peaceful but also budget-friendly! Hotel rates are lower, restaurant prices can drop, and even the little shops along the shore offer sales on souvenirs and gifts.

We find that campsites are almost half the price of the summer months. Camping may seem cold, but you only need a heater or a zero-degree sleeping bag. We use this Amazon heater when we go to electric sites. When we go free camping we use the gas Buddy Heater, also from Amazon.

Better Sunsets

Winter sunsets at the beach are often more vibrant and breathtaking than in the summer, at least in my experience.

Plus, fewer people around means it’s the perfect time to cozy up with your partner and enjoy the view together.

For this reason, I consider winter months at the beach to create the most romantic atmosphere.

Provides a Relief from Dull Days

When the winter blues start creeping in, nothing beats a refreshing change of scenery.

A trip to the beach, even on a chilly day, is a welcome escape from the gray and mundane.

How to Prepare for a Cold Day on the Beach

Cold-day beach activities are a challenge if you don’t prepare properly. I have walked down the beach a few miles in the cold without wearing the proper attire… I regretted that!

Wear Warm Clothes

Layer up! A windbreaker jacket, waterproof shoes, and wool socks are your best friends. On especially cold days, don’t forget a hat and scarf.

If you’re planning to surf or boogie board, a wetsuit is a must.

Some days are just too cold to go out on the beach. We went to OBX in North Carolina when it dipped below freezing and our windbreakers were still not enough. Some days are best spent away from the ocean.

Prepare for Some Shops to Be Closed

Many beachside shops close or reduce their hours in winter. It’s a good idea to check ahead or visit early.

Bring a Warm Coffee or Tea

Packing a thermos of hot tea or coffee is key to keeping warm while you stroll along the chilly shoreline.

A warm sip can make a world of difference. Chilly mornings make a warm sip of coffee the best treat!

Get Hand Warmers

Tuck some hand warmers, like these rechargeable ones, into your pockets or gloves for extra coziness while you’re out by the water. You can also buy some warmers for your feet if they get cold like mine.

What to Do at the Beach in the Winter

There is plenty to do at the beach during the winter even if it is too windy and cold to spend time by the ocean. Let’s look at all the awesome activities you can participate in.

Watch the Sunset/Sunrise

Winter sunrises and sunsets are stunning and are one of the best beach activities to do in the winter.

Grab a blanket, sit back, and enjoy nature’s most colorful show. Don’t forget your cup of coffee and to snuggle up next to your partner.

Try these Hotkoko blankets for extra warmth on the beach. They come in several cute colors and can be used as a sweater, a blanket, or a picnic.

Play Beach Volleyball or Other Beach Games

Why not get a game of volleyball going? Or toss a football around?

The cool air keeps you from overheating, making it perfect for some friendly competition.

There are plenty of beach games you can participate in and your kids will be entertained for hours.

Try Spike Ball or Tidal Ball for some friendly beach competitions.

Go Fishing

Winter beach trips aren’t complete without casting a line. Try fishing off piers, docks, or nearby inlets.

Go Shopping

Shopping is always a fun activity to do at the beach during the winter months. You can get a break from the cold and warm up while you shop for souvenirs and goodies.

Make sure to go early, as some shops may close before sunset, especially in smaller towns.

Grab a Hot Coffee

Warm up in a nearby cafe with a hot coffee or cocoa after your beach stroll.

Coffee is a morning must, Coffee on a cold morning will surely warm you up before doing other winter activities. Try seasonal coffees with pumpkin or peppermint for a festive feeling.

Enjoy a Walk on the Beach

Walking, jogging, or even yoga by the shore is a great way to stay active. I’ve seen people brave enough to swim in wetsuits too!

Exercising not only warms you up but boosts endorphins and gets you ready to take on the day.

Go Surfing

Winter swells can be great for surfing. Just don’t forget your wetsuit to keep warm!

If you aren’t keen on surfing in the cold, then find a place to watch others surf. It’s equally as fun to watch surfing as it is actually surfing.

Attend a Polar Plunge

Some places host Polar Plunge events where brave souls jump into freezing water. Some events will plunge in groups and offer hot beverages when you are done. Other events will host a 5k and polar plunge where you plunge at the end of your race.

I almost tried it in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, but I chickened out!

Start a Bonfire

While many public beaches don’t allow fires, campgrounds or private resorts often host beach bonfires, perfect for warming up while you roast marshmallows.

Find a Hotel with Heated Pools

A lot of beach hotels, especially in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, keep their pools heated through winter, so you can enjoy a swim even when it’s cold out.

Some hotels or campgrounds offer lazy rivers, pools, and hot tubs that are heated.

Fly a Kite

Winter’s coastal winds are perfect for kite flying, and it’s one of the most peaceful beach activities. You can either find a kite on Amazon, like this 3D Octopus kite, before your planned winter beach trip or you can find a kite shop near the beach.

Most shops like Walmart or Dollargeneral carry kites near the beach.

Build a Sandcastle

Who says you can only build sandcastles in the summer? Pack some molds and let your creativity flow.

You can also get a remote-controlled excavator and dump truck set to help with building your castle.

Tour a Lighthouse

While many lighthouses in North Carolina close in the winter, their gift shops and museums often remain open for visitors. We visited a few lighthouses in the winter and it was still an amazing experience viewing them from the ground.

You will still learn about the lighthouse and its history, you just won’t get to climb to the top.

Black Friday Shopping

If you visit around Black Friday, popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach North Carolina, or Charleston South Carolina have some fantastic deals. I’ve scored everything from cheap clothes to a $10 food processor!

Get a Metal Detector

Metal detecting on the beach can be a fun, relaxing hobby—even if you don’t find treasure, it’s a great way to pass the time.

It’s always exciting to hear the beeping of the detector and anticipate what’s under the sand.

Try this Bounty Hunter metal detector to help you find your next treasure.

Explore Nature

Winter beaches are great for exploring rock pools, hunting for crabs, or spotting dolphins. Local nature preserves are also wonderful places to visit in the off-season.

Visiting Oak Island in North Carolina? Read our post about great hiking areas at Oak Island where you can explore nature.

Or are you traveling to Hawaii? Find the best nature areas in our post about Hiking trails in Oahu.

Take a Ferry Ride

Ferry services often continue through the winter, giving you a chance to explore nearby islands with fewer tourists around.

Ferry boats can take you to nearby islands to explore lighthouses, or to historical sites where you can learn of the surrounding area and it’s history.

Attend a Seasonal Event

Beaches often host unique seasonal events like Christmas light displays, holiday parades, pumpkin patches, and festivals. All you need to do is look up your local area and search for seasonal events.

Search for Shells

Winter storms can wash up some beautiful shells, making it the perfect time for collecting—just make sure it’s allowed at your location. Some areas protect certain species so learn about what you can and can’t take with you.

Photography, Writing, Drawing

Winter beaches bring out the creative side in everyone. Whether you’re a photographer, writer, or artist, the peaceful scenery is perfect for inspiration.

Bring your laptop to a quiet spot in a nearby park and write a creative short story or bring your easel and let your imagination flow.

Relax and Meditate

The quiet of a winter beach is ideal for relaxing and clearing your mind. Bring a blanket and lie down, or take in the tranquility with some meditation or yoga.

In Conclusion

There are plenty of activities you can participate in during the winter at the beach, you just need to be a bit more creative. Winter beach trips can be just as fun and magical as those in the summer, so bundle up and get ready for a whole new experience by the sea!