It's August and COVID-19 is still out and about, lurking around. Keeping six feet away and wearing face masks is a must nowadays to help curb the spread of the virus. With restrictions in place and not much to do this summer, I've been keeping it safe by sticking to outdoor activities like picnics in the park, and I recently started going back to the beach.
At first, I was side-eyeing beaches in New Jersey but soon realized there are ways to enjoy a much safer trip by the ocean.
Here's how to avoid big beach crowds, plus tips to practice social distancing while there.
1. Choose to attend a less popular beach
If you can, choose the less popular beaches in your area, preferably ones without boardwalks and/or restaurants around. For example, in New Jersey, you won't catch me at Seaside Heights this summer which is a magnet for tourists. Instead, you can find me at Sandy Hook where there's multiple beach areas and no boardwalk or restaurants nearby which in turn means fewer crowds.
2. Arrive early (or late)
Arrive early (before 7 AM) to beat those who want to sleep in. Also, going to the beach late (after peak hours) works best as families start tapering off around sunset. Just beware of times when lifeguards are off duty (usually at 6 p.m.) and proceed with caution if you decide to swim. Going super early or late also works in your favor to avoid the intense sun during the middle of the day.
3. Avoid weekends
Weekend crowds anywhere – at restaurants, food stores, malls - are thee absolute worst, especially during the summer months. If you're only available to go to the beach during the weekend, then try Tip #2.
4. Avoid peak season
This one ties into Tip #3. In addition to weekends, holidays and peak season beach days are just as crazy. Beaches tend to be less crowded after Labor Day weekend when kids are back in school and vacationers are back at work. Crowded beach months are usually in July and August.
5. Sit away from the water
Most people set up their beach area near the ocean for a good view of the waves and easy access to and from the water. Do the opposite. Sit further back and away from the ocean to distance yourself from the crowds near the water. If a section is roped off, sit next to the ropes to ensure no one will be on the other side to you. Not only will you create some space but you’ll also get some extra steps in when you take a dip in the ocean.
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So, obviously more people started coming to the beach after 9 AM... And since I'm not comfortable with groups of people sitting near me (even if it looks like 6ft), I moved from my original spot near the water and I'm way further back now where no one is sitting #StayAway 🚫 https://t.co/cn49OMIisD pic.twitter.com/0SN1dErJNr
— Lanette Espy (@NJLaLa) July 8, 2020
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