PHOTO: Avila Beach, California. (photo via Flickr/Flickinpicks)
Wrong Beach
The goal is to match each activity to the beach. Want to walk your dog? Find a dog-friendly beach. Want a quiet escape from the world? Don't stay at a busy beach resort.
Personal Space
There's a bubble of personal space that should not be invaded, and it's bigger at the beach than almost anywhere else. As a rule, your stuff (towels, bags, gear, chairs, umbrellas, children) should be at least a foot or more from a stranger's stuff at all times where possible.
Snorkel Where?
Don't assume that just because there is water there will be colorful fish to see. The best places to snorkel are rarely at smooth sandy beaches. Fish prefer rocks and crevices to hide in.
Snorkel How?
I recently saw a family wading around at the beach with snorkels and no masks. Consider taking a snorkeling course through your local scuba shop before you go on vacation.
You Wore That?
Unless you are a supermodel, you will have a better time at the beach wearing clothes that are fashionable but provide protection from the elements. Companies like Body Glove have complete lines of board shorts, rashguards, capris, and wetsuits that cover and protect.
Chair Hog!
You haven't read a hardback book in years but bought one for your trip just to make your beach chair look lived in? Yes, that makes you a chair hog.
If your entire vacation schedule revolves around getting and keeping the perfect beach chair, maybe it's time you took up a different beach activity.
READ MORE:10 Best Beaches in America Outside of Florida
Unwanted DJ
Nobody wants to hear your playlist thirteen times over. Get headphones, or better yet, listen to the sounds of nature and people enjoying a day at the beach.
PDA
Unless you are certain that nobody is sharing the beach with you, get a room.
Pack Mule
If it takes you three trips from the parking lot to get all your stuff in place, you may be overthinking the day. Towels, sunscreen, coverups, and maybe snacks and drinks if none are available close by-that's about it in most cases.
Sunscreens Are Not Equal
Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. If you will be swimming at a beach near reefs, look for products that don't contain oxybenzone, butylparaben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidine camphor.
The Environmental Working Group provides detailed information on sunscreens.
Cleaning Up
Resorts and some public beaches usually offer a rinse shower, but a better option is to take your own. Recycle two-liter plastic drink bottles by filling them with water and leaving them in the sun at your vehicle for the perfect warm rinse when you are ready to leave.
Not the Keys!
Be sure to take along a non-chipped valet key for your vehicle, or bring the key along in a waterproof pouch when you swim. This is particularly important if you are driving a rental.
Be Cooler
You don't have to have a cooler that includes a blender, like the crowd-funded Coolest, but a cooler that keeps your beverages cooler longer on the hot sand could be the difference between a good day and a great day at the beach.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
