Share your beach trip tips with me

Despite living in a state known for its beaches, I seldom get to the coast. It’s 2+ hours away and in recent years just the gas money has been prohibitive. My husband is only willing/able to go when the variables of weather, work, health and mood align so that’s been a limiting factor too.

However, we made it to the beach yesterday and a good time was had by all, so we may be going more. I was struck by how inexperienced I am at this particular form of day trip. We’ve got three boys 12, 9 and 5. The older two are pretty good swimmers, the 5 year old we stay close to. Any tips for marshalling/moving stuff, keeping cellphone and car keys safe, sand removal, whatever wisdom you have to share with me from your many years of going to the beach would be very welcome.

Thanks!

look for a beach with facilities, like a path going up and down and taps/showers to rinse the sand of feet. Also, you should be able to park your car nearby soyou can easily store or retrieve stuff there.
An cheap inflatable matress doubles as bed, relaxing in the water, and roughhousing in the water. Take several.

The full inventory:

Chairs, blanket, towels, beach bag with sundries, small radio, beach umbrella, beach snacks, boogie boards.

In the car: A brush to clean sand off yer feet.

Optionals: Games. Binoculars.

There is no riddle here. I have a beach place right at the sand, and there is no shortage of stuff to lug when you have kids.

KIDS WORK: This is where each person carries their load or the best load they can. Kid wants a boogie board? Kid carries it. Kids wants a towel? Kid carries it over shoulder.

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Sunscreen the kids before you leave, or on the way there. It works better if you apply it a while before hitting the sun or the water, it’s more comfortable to put on without sand getting in your sensitive spots, and they don’t have the chance to run into the water while you’re trying to rub the lotion on their skin.

Bring lots to drink. Twice as much as you think you need.

Learn about the tides, and be aware of what they’re doing while you’re at the beach. Otherwise you risk finding that the ocean has claimed all your possessions while you were taking a walk.

If there are life guards at the beach, don’t be shy about asking them how the currents are…they’d rather give you advice, typically, than have to save someone.

At my local beach, they fly flags on all the life guard stations for the conditions. Green, Yellow, and Red indicate good, bad, and rip currenty conditions. Purple means dangerous sea life - typically jelly fish in my area.

-D/a

For sand removal, my wife uses baby powder (i.e. rub your sandy legs and feet with baby powder) on herself and the kids. I refuse to because I have my pride dammit.

I usually shower before even leaving home. It’s easier to apply sunblock when wet. And sunblock takes a while to start working. When I first arrive at the beach, I apply some more.

Towards the end of summer I’m a little more relaxed about it, as I have a good dark tan.

I would leave the radio behind, as it can be a little annoying to others. But bring a couple of good books or magazines.

Kick the sand out of your sandals when you get to the parking lot.