Family rituals for your beach getaways

Beach getaways don’t need detailed itineraries or over-the-top experiences to be memorable. In fact, it’s often the spontaneous, silly moments that stick with us the most, and over time, these simple joys can turn into cherished family traditions.

So, what’s the secret to an unforgettable vacation? It’s pretty simple: Do more of what makes you happy, and laughter is always at the heart of it.

Here are a few easy, low-effort ideas to turn any beach trip into a family favorite:

Barefoot beach walks at sunrise or sunset

There’s something magical about feeling the sand under your feet while the sky puts on a show of colors. It’s a grounding, connecting experience for everyone—and one of those vacation rituals you’ll want to repeat every time.

Collecting seashells

Go on a little treasure hunt and see who can find the most interesting shapes, colors, or textures. Later, you can use them to decorate, make DIY souvenirs, or start a family collection.

Cloud watching from a beach lounge chair

No planning required—just stretch out, sip on something refreshing, and let your imagination run wild. Spot dinosaurs, dragons, or whatever your minds can dream up in the passing clouds.

Saving a bit of sand in a jar

A small, symbolic way to take a piece of paradise home with you. Bring a jar from home or pick one up at your destination, then label it with the date and place—a tiny keepsake with a big memory inside.

Trying the weirdest thing on the menu

Pick the most unusual dish or drink and give it a go—bonus points if no one at the table has tried it before. Reactions will vary, but that’s part of the fun.

One night with no screens

Unplug and get creative. Play board games, tell spooky stories, stargaze, or talk and laugh together. You might be surprised how much everyone enjoys the break.

Spontaneous photo shoot

Choose a theme—catalog model poses, funny faces, beach jumps—and let the silliness begin. The goal isn’t perfect photos; it’s laughter (and maybe a few hilarious outtakes).

Visit a random spot

Feeling adventurous? Pick a place on the map at random or follow a local recommendation. Whether it’s a market or a surprise zipline adventure, the best memories often come from the unexpected.

Keep a beach getaway journal

Bring a notebook and have each family member jot down one thing a day: A favorite moment, a thought, a joke, a quote, or a drawing. Over the years, it will become a priceless time capsule.

Worst sand sculpture competition

Who can create the weirdest, unidentifiable masterpiece in the sand? The less it makes sense, the better. Bonus points if no one can guess what it’s supposed to be.

Bury someone in the sand

A timeless classic. The twist? The buried person can’t know what the rest of the family is sculpting—will they become a mermaid, a turtle, or something completely unexpected? Natural accessories are encouraged, and obviously, this one calls for lots of photos!

Invent your pool games

Make human pyramids, sing underwater and guess the song, form letters or figures with your bodies, race from one end to the other, or play hide and seek (above water, of course) if the pool is big enough. It may sound a little wild, but that’s what makes it fun.

Big moments create great memories—but it’s the small rituals that often become the most meaningful. Inside jokes, shared laughter, and those “only in our family” traditions are the ones you’ll carry with you forever.

Enjoy your beach getaway and let us know in the comments which family vacation rituals you have!