Young adults always look at maximizing their fun activities and do the same when thinking about spending time on the beach. When you are in California or Florida, you can get out and have some fun in the sun. You can take part in many things while you are there such as volleyball and surfing to name a few. It makes me wonder, what are some fun beach activities for young adults in California or Florida?
So what is some beach fun stuff for young adults when visiting California and Florida? In both States, one can do free things like walk the boardwalk, sunbathe, swim and take a bike ride. Some sports that they can enjoy are beach volleyball and kajaking. If going on a date, they can enjoy a candlelight dinner or a sunset cruise and to avoid getting bored can go to a concert on the beach.
There’s a lot of fun at the beach, and each coast offers its own special type of fun. Regardless of which side of the coast they are on, young adults enjoy:
-Spending time at the beach offers plenty of ways to have fun in the sun.
-Young adults love spending time at the beach and prefer to hang out by the ocean or a pool.
-Some young adults spend time baking in the sun while others prefer to be in the water.
-Some young adults like to take pictures or selfies to post on social media websites such as Snapchat and Instagram.
In this article, I’ll look at the best fun activities that young adults can enjoy on the beach and offer ideas matching those activities to the beaches of California and Florida. Additionally, I’ll look at what Erica and Rick, both young adults at 23 years old and 19 years old, plan to do when spending time at the beach.
Stick around and keep reading; you won’t want to miss it!
What Are Some Fun Beach Activities for Young Adults that Are Free or Don’t Cost Too Much
Explore the Boardwalk
Many times I’ve noticed that the excitement happens at the beach boardwalk. You can find all kinds of fun activities there. Additionally, there are cafes, restaurants, and entertainment establishments that you can frequent. You can walk around, look at all the shops, and maybe purchase a few trinkets to remember your trip.
In California – California’s boardwalks are more than just a place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy an ice cream. They’re an experience all their own. Play a game of classic arcade games like Pac-man or Frogger, or try your hand at some Skee-ball at the amusement parks. Play a round of miniature golf or ride one of the many roller coasters. There are also numerous rides that the whole family can enjoy together, like ghost trains and water slides. In addition to all the rides and games, the boardwalks feature a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops selling everything from beach towels to saltwater taffy and ice cream treats.
In Florida – In Florida, the boardwalks are just as big of a tourist attraction as they are in California. Visit Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Clearwater Beach, or Venice Beach and ride one of the many roller coasters or some of the many rides for small children. In addition, the boardwalks often feature arcades and souvenir shops selling beach apparel and souvenirs. While on the boardwalks in Florida, try local specialties such as fried shrimp and key lime pie, or visit one of the many seafood restaurants on the boardwalks to enjoy lunch or dinner on the beach.
Sunbathing
Sunbathing is a great way to relax and take the stress off your everyday life. Be sure to use common sense and avoid over-exposure to the sun for long periods.
All beaches in California and Florida are fine for sunbathing.
Swimming
Swimming at the beach or just jumping waves is fun that almost everyone can enjoy. In the summer, the water temperature on California and Florida beaches can reach 70 degrees or more, making the beaches perfect for swimming in any weather condition.
Swimming can be enjoyed on almost all California and Florida beaches. Be sure to pay attention to beach guidelines and stay in the designated swimming areas with lifeguards.
Take a Bicycle Ride Around the Beach Town
Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to see your destination, especially if you’re visiting a beach town. You can ride along the beach or along the bike path that parallels the beach and explore the town at your own pace. Many cities have bicycle rentals that let you hire bikes for the day for a small fee. There are also plenty of places in town where you can stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Bring your camera to capture the sights as you ride along.
In California – A bicycle ride along the beach is a great way to spend an afternoon in Newport Beach. Newport Beach is a beautiful place to visit, and the beaches are gorgeous. They are known for being some of the best in California. There are plenty of bike rentals along the beach, and you can rent one for as little as an hour or as long as a day. It is a fun way to see the beach, and there are plenty of places to rent bicycles in the area. Be sure to stop and spend some time at the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the breeze blowing off the water. In
In Florida – Florida bicycle paths near the beach are ideal for young adults to enjoy an afternoon bike ride to the beach or for young families to take a leisurely bicycle ride along the coast. North Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida are two popular bicycle paths to cycle on, and there are many scenic routes to take along the way to the beach. Fishing can be done on the beach in Florida and other states. One of the most popular things in Florida is renting a pier, kayak, or canoe and spending the day fishing off the beach.
Take a Long Walk on Beach Shoreline
A beach is always a great option if you’re looking for a place to take a long walk. Not only does the ocean provide natural beauty to admire, but most beaches have trails that run parallel to the shoreline. It makes it easy to get your daily exercise without going too far. In addition, many beaches have lifeguards on duty who can help keep you safe while swimming. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are usually areas where you can fish off the pier or in the water. So grab your sunscreen and head to the nearest beach for an enjoyable outdoor day!
In California – A few great places to walk along the shoreline are Huntington Beach State Park (surfers paradise), San Clemente State Beach, and Torrey Pines State Beach. All three beaches have great trails to walk along and are great places to watch the sunset. Many hiking trails in California are paved and wheelchair accessible as well.
In Florida – If you are in Florida, a few wonderful beaches with the focus go for walks on the shoreline are Jupiter beaches, Juno Beach, Palm Beach, and Boca Raton. Besides walking on the beach, there are plenty of other exercise activities you can do on the beach. Walking and jogging are among the most popular activities on the beach. You can also go hiking.
What Does Erica Decide to Do in California at The Beach when Visiting a Friend?
Let’s consider Erica, a 23-year-old marketing assistant. Her friend from college lives in California, so she decided to visit her for spring break. She doesn’t have a big budget for the one-week trip, so she will likely look for some non-expensive things to do at the beach.
She will look for ideas online and make a plan. Erica decides to explore the boardwalk at Venice Beach, go for a swim, and take a boat cruise in the evening. She can’t wait to see her friend again and plans to take lots of photos and post them on social media.
What Are Some Good Beach Sports for Young Adults?
Beach Volleyball
Volleyball is a game that can be played on the beach. It is a fun sport that people of all ages can enjoy. Equipment to start playing volleyball can be purchased for as little as $20.00 per set, so there is no need to purchase expensive equipment to start playing the game. Many small tournaments are held in the summer at beaches across the country, so finding and starting a volleyball team should not be a problem, no matter your location. If you are considering playing volleyball on the beach, wear sunscreen.
In California – A few beaches with volleyball nets and even organized volleyball tournaments are: Pismo State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, and Ventura State Beach offer volleyball areas.
In Florida – A few beaches with volleyball nets and organized volleyball tournaments are: North Palm Beach and Boca Raton have free nets and even have organized tournaments.
Kite Surfing
Kite flying can be a fun sport to do on the beach. Kite surfing uses specialized kites controlled with ropes or harnesses on or in the water and looks like surfing without a board or surfer. The best places to learn kite surfing are in Central America and Hawaii, but there are plenty of beaches where kite surfers can practice the sport while on vacation on either coast.
In California – The beaches of Orange County in Southern California offer kite surfing lessons and opportunities to rent equipment to enjoy on your own or with friends. Other beaches that offer kite surfing are Malibu Beaches, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
In Florida – A handful of beaches in Florida offer kite surfing opportunities, including Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Anna Maria Island. They offer equipment rentals and lessons depending on the location and season.
Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to try water sports. It is a simple setup where you stand on a surfboard-like platform with fins under your feet and a paddle in your hands for power. In most places, paddleboarding can be done on the beach with no special equipment, aside from water shoes, sandals, and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the water and glare.
In California – Paddleboarding can be done anywhere in California, but the best paddleboarding beaches are Santa Cruz, Newport Beach, San Mateo, and La Jolla.
In Florida – Paddleboarding is popular in Florida, but while not as popular as in California, there are still a few great spots to practice the surf game. Florida’s top three paddleboarding beaches are Siesta Key, Key West, and Casey Key Public Beach.
Boogie Boarding
Boogie boarding is a fun and easy water sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It is similar to surfing but does not require a surfboard. Instead, you use a boogie board which is a smaller and more lightweight board.
Boogie boarding is great for those who want to enjoy the waves without paddling out on a surfboard. It is also perfect for beginners as it requires no experience or skill. All you need is some swimming skills, and you will be able to enjoy this activity right away!
You can do Boogie Boarding in California and Florida on every beach with waves. Be sure to avoid using the beach areas marked for surfing as this is mostly not allowed.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great sport for young adults. It can be done year-round, but especially during the colder months of spring and fall when you don’t always want to get in the water. Kayaking uses a small boat with a flat bottom and one or two narrow hulls. To propel it forward, you sit on a raised seat that leans back toward the stern of the boat. You use the paddle to get the boat moving and propel it forward through the water. Kayaks are incredibly popular with the young and old alike as they require no specialized training or experience and are easy to set up and take down.
In California – Some of the best beaches for kayaking are Bodega Bay and Oceanside Harbor in Bodega Bay, California, and Mystic Beach in Santa Cruz, California.
In Florida – Kayaking is very popular in Florida, and there are plenty of great spots to practice the sport. Some of the best places to kayak are Pier Park in Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, and Palm Island State Park in Fort Myers Beach.
Surfing
There is so much to write about the sport of surfing. Its popularity is evident on both the West and East coasts of the US and has a worldwide following. The sport was started in the early 1900s in Hawaii by missionaries who taught the locals how to surf, standing up on the large waves coming from the Pacific Ocean. Today, surfing has become an advanced sport, with surfers traveling worldwide to surf the biggest waves they can find.
In California – Surfing is one of the most enjoyable things to do if you visit California and there are many beaches and lakes where you can practice the sport. Some of the best beaches for surfing are Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, Ocean Beach in San Francisco, Rincon in Monterey, and Venice Beach in Los Angeles.
In Florida – Believe it or not, some beaches have waves in Florida, although they are not nearly as large or strong as on the West Coast. Siesta Key Beach and the world-famous Clearwater Beach are the best beaches for surfing in Florida.
Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a great way to exercise and enjoy the sunshine. It involves teams of seven players throwing a Frisbee to a fellow team member and running with it back to their end zone. The objective is to get as many points as possible by passing the disc to your teammates and running it to the end zone without being tagged by the opposing team. Frisbee is a great sport to play at the beach and can be played with a friend, with a group of your friends, or with the whole family. All you need is a Frisbee and another person to play with.
Frisbee and Ultimate Frisbee can be played on any beach or beach park in California and Florida.
What Does Rick Decide To Do on His Trip To Florida?
Rick is a 19-year-old young college student who travels frequently and likes to do different activities. He lives near a beach in California and is interested in trying something fun and different when he goes to Florida. During the weekend, he plans to visit a friend who lives in Florida and stay with him for the weekend.
Rick loves to spend time on the beach and wants to try something new and fun. As Rick researches his options in Florida, he will decide which activity he and his friends can engage in together, such as jet skiing or surfing. He will most likely choose to go surfing to compare how it is in Florida.
Outdoor Beach Games Young Adults Can Play
Best Games for the Beach
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy fun beach games with friends and family. Sometimes simply enjoying a day at the beach can be exhausting, so taking breaks to relax and enjoy a few fun games is a great way to spend an afternoon in the warm sun. Beach games and outdoor activities can be a fun way to spend time at the beach with friends or family or just yourself on a quiet day by yourself. These games can be done by all ages and are suitable for being played by the young and weary at heart.
These beach games listed below can be played on any beach or beach park in California or Florida.
Frisbee Golf
Frisbee Golf, also known as disc golf, is a game that involves throwing a disc at a target. The game’s object is to complete the course in as few throws as possible. There are many different Frisbee golf types, but all involve throwing a disc at a target. Some courses are designed for beginners, while others are more difficult for experienced players. Amazon is a great place to buy supplies for this game.
Bocce
Bocce ball is a simple yet fun game that all ages can enjoy. The game’s ultimate goal is to get your ball closer to the target ball than your opponent’s, but there are many ways to score points. It is played with two teams of two to four players, accumulating scores on the opponent’s ball. It is very simple to play and can be enjoyed by people of any age or skill level. Bocce ball is inexpensive and fun for all ages and skill levels to play at or on the beach itself! (If on the beach, ensure your eyes are protected from the sun!).
Cornhole
Cornhole is a popular game that can be played outdoors at the beach or in the park. The game is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is played between two teams consisting of two players each, but additional players can be added to play three on 3 or 4 on four teams. Each game consists of two teams, with one throwing their bag at a target and attempting to get as many beanbag “corns” into their bag as possible while also trying to prevent the other team from scoring any corns.
Hacky sack
Hackysack is played with two teams who aim for one end of the goal or the other to kick or throw the sack back and forth without letting it touch the ground or bounce off the ground. Hackysack can be made from a fabric bag or a soccer ball and kicked or bounced around on the ground (no hands) or in the air (with hands). Hackysack is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
What Are Some Fun Things to Do on A Date at The Beach?
What Can You Do at The Beach with Your Girlfriend
Have a Candlelight Dinner
Candlelight dinners are a great way to set the mood for a romantic evening. It is the perfect thing for young adults who are dating. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate you with a special dinner for two. Order some wine and dessert and experience a romantic night at the beach!
In California – Some of the most romantic beaches to have a candlelight dinner are Malibu Point, Malibu State Beach, Dockweiler State Beach, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Hermosa Beach, and of course, Laguna!
In Florida – Some of the most romantic beaches to have a candlelight dinner are New Smyrna Beach, South Beach, Daytona Beach Pier, South Beach Pier, Cocoa Beach Pier, and Destin.
Experience the Nightlife
Having fun at the beach scene at night can be a lot of fun. You can experience all sorts of fun, from nightclubs to carnivals to bars! Many nightclubs have special romantic nights with dim lighting and beautiful oceanfront views.
In California – Beaches in California with great nightlife are Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Malibu Beach, Mission Beach, San Diego, Laguna Beach, and La Jolla.
In Florida – Beaches in Florida to experience the nightlife are South Beach, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Clearwater Beach, Miami Beach, and Destin.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Looking for a romantic way to spend an evening that is out of the ordinary? Taking a sunset cruise can be super romantic and a lot of fun! Cruises can offer dinner and dancing with live entertainment.
In California – California beaches that offer a sunset cruise are Newport Beach and Dana Point Harbor. Also, check out Catalina Island if you want a romantic excursion.
In Florida – Florida beaches that offer a sunset cruise are Marco Island and Key West. Also, check out Amelia Island if you want a romantic excursion. There are also sunset cruises at Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg Pier.
How Do You Stay Entertained at The Beach
The beach has lots of things to enjoy, but what if you don’t want to play beach games or sports? Here are a few ideas of how young adults can stay entertained without playing sports or water activities on the beach.
Go to A Beach Cafe that Has Live Music
Live music has a way of energizing the ambiance of a beach scene. Finding a place on the beach with a beautiful view and live music adds a layer to the overall experience!
In California – Beach boardwalks that have live music are Huntington Beach and Venice Boardwalks. Or check out live music at Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica Pier. Also, check out live music at Miami Beach and Panama City Beach.
In Florida – Florida beaches that offer live music are Clearwater Beach and West Palm Beach. Or check out live music at Key West or the Florida Keys.
Go to A Beach Concert
If you’re looking for a fun evening, consider going to a beach concert. You need to check the internet for the concerts or get hold of a local newspaper. The cool thing about beach concerts is that many are free!
In California – Beach concerts sometimes happen on Venice Beach and Huntington Beach. Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Palisades Beach (often free concerts).
In Florida – Florida beaches that offer free concerts are Fort Myers Beach and Miami Beach. Clearwater Beach also sometimes hosts free concerts, as does the West Palm Beach waterfront.
Beach Trip Ideas for Young Adults
Taking a short beach trip, either for one day or a long weekend, can be lots of fun for young adults. The options in California and Florida are many. Here are a few ideas from each State:
In California – A beach trip to these beaches in California is perfect for young adults: Coronado Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Santa Barbara Beach are a few amazing places to visit in California that young adults will love! In Florida –
In Florida – A beach trip to Clearwater Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach, and Miami Beach is worth experiencing.
Final Thoughts
So there you have some ideas for beach fun when you are in California and Florida. I’ve covered some great ideas for the young at heart and shared some things you can do when you are on vacation. These are great ideas to add to a good plan and will help you take action for your vacation activities.
