College student shares her favorite activities for families in Seaside
Having grown up visiting Seaside over the past eight years, I’ve seen how this charming coastal town provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families like mine to reconnect and create lasting memories – and now, I’m sharing my favorite activities for families.
The town’s charm lies not only in its scenery, including pristine beaches and picturesque hiking trails, but also in the strong sense of community.
Seaside encourages connections among visitors, whether in local sports competitions or outdoor movies at the amphitheater. These family-friendly activities have become the root of our unforgettable vacation experiences and bring us back each and every year.
As a student at New York University who visits my family’s home in Grayton Beach every summer, it’s a must to start every trip by visiting the emerald-green waters and sugar-sand beaches. It’s my priority, and the best way to wind down after long semesters of work and cold winters.
The beach serves as a natural playground for me and my cousins to compete. We see who builds the best sandcastles and play games of spikeball. At night, we have thrilling adventures, catching the last rays of the sun setting, followed by crab hunting in the moonlight. Even with the simplicity of each activity, every beach day is filled with laughter and potential sunburns that have become a quintessential part of my family’s experiences.
Beyond the sunny shores of the beach, my family, friends and I typically find that our agendas begin with venturing out in the wee hours of the early mornings to get our caffeine fix at Black Bear Bread Co. and Amavida Coffee Roasters. We start with their famous blueberry scones and delicious cinnamon rolls, which have always been too hard to pass up – even when I’ve tried.
These local spots have taken up a permanent residency on my itinerary each and every year, and their addictive tastes give me the perfect opportunity to support local businesses while indulging in my sweet tooth.
We follow up breakfast with a day of checking out the eclectic mix of boutiques, looking at the unique clothing in Cabana by The SEASIDE Style®, and the crafts at the Art of Simple.
This activity has become one of my favorites every year, because we always have success when it comes to finding memorable souvenirs that serve as mementos of our time spent in Seaside.
This past summer, my friends and I loved seeing the new bikini sets drop at local shop Ophelia Swimwear, which created a fun toile print highlighting 30A. The set quickly became the best souvenir I gifted many friends we hosted this past summer.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities that allow my family and me to get away from the electronic world and reconnect with nature. Over the years, we’ve loved exploring Seaside’s bike-friendly culture that offers a unique way to see the town’s iconic spots, including the Seaside Post Office.
By renting bikes and cruising through the charming streets, my family is able to take in the town’s beauty at a leisurely pace, as if we are seeing the unique architecture of each house lining the streets for the first time. Our traditional evening walks and bike rides are my favorite way to embrace the essence of the town’s quaint and welcoming atmosphere.
While we love to relax, that doesn’t stop us from incorporating a sense of competition. Pickleball at Seaside Tennis has always been a fun way to meet visitors or locals and even compete against other families, which later creates a bond that deepens our sense of community.
Seaside is a family paradise that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether lounging on the beach, biking through town, or exploring local shops and nature trails, every activity contributes to an unforgettable family vacation that makes coming back every year unforgettable.
