Don't laugh at those people walking around the beach wearing headphones and waving metal detectors over the sand. People drop jewelry and money all over the beach. Starter metal detectors coast under $100, at the time of publication, and pay for themselves in time. Many beaches are near stores that rent metal detectors if you don't want to buy one. Set the metal detector to beach mode and set off toward the sand. Finding a hidden treasure can be as simple as a walk on the beach.
Boogie boarding offers an alternative to normal swimming. It provides hours of fun and some cost under $20. Surf outfitters near the beach should carry boogie boards and often offer lessons for novice riders. Unlike surfing, riders lie on the board and ride waves on their bellies instead of standing up. The prone riding position makes boogie boarding a good alternative for children and people with balance problems.
Shorelines with even the slightest waves offer the chance to ride the waves on a surfboard. No one should surf on their own the first time, but most beaches with waves worth riding have outfitters that offer lessons. Rental boards keep costs down and let you discover if you want to be a surfer before making a big investment. Internet searches, travel agents, and tourism information centers provide you with surf information.
Combing the beach for seashells is a fun way to pass time at the seashore. Inexpensive books show what animals live in the shells, and allow parents to make recreation fun and educational. Challenge children to find the biggest and prettiest shells and see how much fun they have. Collected shells can be cleaned and kept as free mementos of your trip. Many people like to use the best shells they find to decorate their homes.
