A collection of the most interesting objects I came across on the beach this year. I live close enough to walk to the beach, so I spend a lot of time wandering the shoreline and beachcombing for shells, sea glass, driftwood, and other interesting finds. Along the way I always end up spotting odd and unexpected objects mixed in with the sand and seaweed. Some of them are funny, some feel a little strange, and some are just plain puzzling, but they all make me pause and look twice. I started photographing these unusual beach finds last year (click here to see last year’s post) as a way to document them and remind myself of the stories they might carry. It always makes me wonder where each item came from. Was it left behind after a day at the beach, carried in by the waves from somewhere far away, or pulled out to sea during a storm and returned again? I will probably never know, but the mystery is part of why I love noticing and capturing them. Here are some interesting found objects from my walks on the beach over the past year. My Strangest Beachcombing Finds of 2025 I’ve never found a propeller on the beach before, so this one definitely made the my of strangest things I came across while beachcombing this year. Maybe it came from a small watercraft, although I’d hope they usually use metal instead of plastic. This was probably my weirdest find of the year, a dinosaur mask washed in with the tide. I can’t imagine the story behind how it ended up in the ocean in the first place. This was a new one for me, a lightbulb on the beach. I can’t help wondering about its story and how it ended up here, whether from careless dumping or from storm damage somewhere along the coast. I’m surprised the bulb wasn’t broken even though it looks like it’s been in the water a while. I had no idea what this was at first and ended up doing an image search. I wondered if it was some kind of deep-sea plant, but it turns out it’s an Osage orange (also called a hedge apple) that actually grows on trees, not in the ocean. How it wound up washed onto the beach is still a mystery, especially since I’ve never seen them growing anywhere around here. Related: Best of Beachcombing: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds I did a little research and learned this is a Big Turbo Wheels police truck. I found it in winter, so it had probably been in the water for quite a while before washing ashore. Finding a ball on the beach isn’t unusual. Finding this many in one day is. These four were part of at least thirty sports balls washed up in just the small stretch of beach I walked that day. I still can’t make sense of why so many appeared at once. I found a shocking number of plastic Easter eggs again this year. I’m not sure how they all end up in the ocean, but seeing so many washed up has completely changed how I think about them. Related: 6 Beautiful Beach Sunset Color Palettes This baseball cap brim really took me by surprise. I often see forgotten clothing and stray shoes on the beach, but never just a brim. It must have been in the water a long time for it to separate from the rest of the hat. I really enjoyed gathering these unusual beach finds over the past year. Whenever something unexpected caught my eye while I was walking, I snapped a photo and saved it for this project. I ended up with far more than I could reasonably include here, so this is just a selection of some favorites. I also take part in several organized beach cleanups each year and do many on my own, so a lot of the objects you see in these photos were removed from the shoreline rather than left behind. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Beachcombing Photography of Unusual Found Objects Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this collection of unusual beachcombing finds. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photography: The strangest things I found while beachcombing in 2025 Have you found an unusual object on the beach? Share your strangest beachcombing finds in the comments.

A glimpse into the quiet, natural beauty of the coast once the summer crowds are gone. With fall officially here, I might not be sitting in my beach chair anymore (although there were a few wonderfully warm days this October when I did just that), but I’m still taking frequent walks along the shoreline to soak in everything the coast has to offer. The crowds have disappeared, and the once-busy beach now feels almost deserted, with just the occasional fellow walker passing by. All good things must come to an end, but life on the coast doesn’t stop, it simply changes. While the ocean looks much the same, the seasonal shifts are obvious as soon as I reach our beach path. Walking through the dunes, the grasses that were bright green in summer have begun to fade to brown, and the goldenrods are in full bloom. Anyone familiar with fall on the coast has likely seen these sunny yellow flowers growing among the dune grass, signaling the quiet beauty of the autumn season. Spending time at the beach during October in the Northeast feels like a secret only a few truly know how to appreciate. With fewer people disrupting the landscape, the beach begins to return to its natural rhythm. Shorebirds rest undisturbed on the sand, some stopping briefly on their migration south. Shells and sea treasures are scattered across the beach, untouched. There’s a calmness to it all; a reminder that the coast is always alive, even in its quieter months. I hope you enjoy these snapshots from some of my fall beach walks. Snapshots of Fall at the Beach 1. Nothing says coastal fall more than seaside goldenrod in the dunes. 2. Signs of the leaves turning while walking up the sandy path to the beach. Related: Fall on the Coast Mood Board & Color Palette 3. There’s nothing quite like the view of the ocean in New England in the fall. 4. Seagulls and other sea birds are able to rest undisturbed by people. 5. The shoreline is scattered with untouched beach treasures waiting to be discovered. Related: Photo Journal: A Winter Beach Walk Fall along the northeastern coast has its own special rhythm. It’s a time of transition between the full energy of summer and the stillness of winter, when most people find it too cold to visit. Living near the beach means I get to experience all of its seasons and appreciate the subtle changes each one brings. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Fall Beach Photo Journal to Refer Back To Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can refer back to the fall beach photographs in this photo journal. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photo Journal: Snapshots of Fall at the Beach in New England Which fall beach photo from this selection is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A photo journal of the coastal landscape in January in the Northeast. January brought numerous snowstorms, and I couldn’t keep myself from taking a winter beach walk despite how cold it was. Blanketed in snow, the beach is peaceful and also mysterious. It felt so far from summer days, but also served as a quiet reminder that the ocean’s beauty doesn’t depend on warmth or summer crowds. The beach is beautiful in all seasons. Despite the below-freezing temperatures, I bundled up and headed down the path to the beach, trudging through the snow. But I wasn’t the first one to step onto the beach after the storm, for in front of me was a collection of deer prints — signs of life across the vacant landscape. It was so cold that the water had frozen in the more shallow areas, and waves were freezing as they lapped the shore. With the wind chill, the temperature must’ve felt in the single digits. Despite my hands going numb, I was able to snap some photos with the help of touchscreen gloves. The beach in winter feels both familiar and unexpected. Here are some snapshots from a winter beach walk that I took after a snowstorm in January. Winter beach walk photos 1. My first view of the beach as I reached the top of the beach path. The sea looked extra blue against the snow. 2. Looking across the frozen water of a more shallow inlet to a snow-covered beach. The water is frozen in a beautiful blue. 3. A close-up of more icy frozen water. I can’t remember the last time that I saw the water freeze like this. Related: How to Make the Most of Winter When You’re a Summer Person 4. It was so cool to see the waves freezing as they reached the snow on the beach. The tide was coming in. 5. It was interesting to see how the snow had gathered on the beach grass. Related: Best of Beachcombing: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds Winter at the beach is something that most people don’t have the opportunity to see. Unless you live near the coast, chances are you aren’t making a trip to the beach during the winter months, instead visiting during the warm summer months when you can enjoy the best of what the beach has to offer. There’s beauty to be found at the beach any time of year, including in the middle of January after a snowstorm. Although almost guaranteed to be empty, the beach in winter shows us that there is still life and movement all around. With deer tracks in the snow, seagulls flying overhead, and the never-ending coming and going of the waves, it almost feels as if this quiet season allows the coastline to restore itself after working so hard to bring us joy during the rest of the year. I hope you’ve enjoyed my winter beach walk photo journal and that it offers a new perspective and appreciation for the coastal landscape during the coldest season. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Winter Beach Walk Photo Journal to Refer Back To Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this winter beach walk photo journal. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Instagram and on Pinterest for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photo Journal: A Winter Beach Walk Which of these winter beach photos is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The best brands and stores for UPF clothing and apparel. Table of Contents: If you’re going to be spending time outside in the sun, whether at the beach or working in your garden, it’s a good idea to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. These skin-damaging rays can cause skin cancer, sunburn, skin aging, and wrinkles. In addition to using sunscreen when you’re outside, you can wear sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Sun-protective clothing isn’t just any clothing, it’s clothing made from fabrics that effectively shield the sun’s rays from reaching your skin. Over the past few weeks I decided to stock up on some new UPF clothes, so now I’m all set for this upcoming spring, summer, and fall on the coast. I’ve been wearing UPF clothing for years, though not as consistently as I should have. After a skin cancer diagnosis, I’m committed to taking sun safety more seriously and plan to make wearing UPF clothes a regular part of my routine this year. For anyone else who wants to learn about wearing sun protective clothing and where you can find the best UPF clothing and apparel, I’ve put together this guide. What is Ultraviolet Protection Factor and UPF Clothing? Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating that measures the amount of UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) radiation from the sun that is able to penetrate clothing and reach your skin. A UPF rating of 50 means that it will block 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, allowing 2% of UV transmission. This is about the equivalent of wearing SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen. UPF clothing is one of the most effective forms of protection against skin cancer and sun damage 1. You can read more about the different UPF ratings in the Frequently Asked Questions section near the bottom of this page. While it’s true that regular clothing can offer some sun protection, the amount of protection varies greatly and isn’t as reliable or sure as UPF clothing, which is tested. UPF clothing will be labeled as such on the item’s hang tag or product page on a website. Linen and 100% cotton offer less protection than mixed or synthetic fabrics. For example, a white t-shirt only has a UPF rating of approximately 7. Linen, while comfortable and breathable in the heat, is loosely woven and offers a UPF of about 5, which is hardly any sun protection.  UPF clothing works best with a looser fit, because if the fabric gets stretched it will provide less UV protection since light will be able to get through the fibers. UPF clothing relies on the fibers staying together in a tight weave to block the sunlight from reaching your skin. When shopping for sun-protective clothing, you can feel even more confident about your purchase if you see the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation on a product, although not all will show this seal since brands choose if they want to include it or not, so not having it doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t a good product. UPF clothing is usually more expensive than regular clothing, but don’t let that stop you because let me tell you what’s even more expensive than UPF clothing: getting skin cancer. And skin cancer will cost you a lot more than money (pain, suffering, time, scarring, and you could even lose your life if you don’t catch it early). So be safe when you’re outdoors and take precautions to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with a combination of UPF clothing and SPF on areas of skin that aren’t covered by UPF clothing. These are the best brands and stores for UPF clothing and apparel to stay safe in the sun! The Best Stores for UPF Clothing & Apparel Use this list as a guide to finding the best UPF clothing and apparel from these stores and brands to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation when you’re outdoors. Always check each individual product page or hang tag to confirm the clothing or apparel item has your desired level of UPF sun protection. Columbia Columbia has a variety of UPF sun-protection clothing for women, men, and kids, including UPF shirts, dresses, pants, shorts, and hats for your outdoor adventures. L.L.Bean New England’s classic clothing and outdoor recreation company has a line of sun-protective clothing. The SunSmart® line offers UPF 50+ sun protection on a wide range of items for men, women, and kids, including UPF shirts, hats, swimwear, pants, shorts, jackets, beach coverups, and more. Cabana Life All of Cabana Life’s fabrics are UPF50+. They have bright, patterned, and preppy-style clothing, swimwear, and beach resort wear, and are based out of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. While they focus mainly on women’s clothing, there are some limited options for kids and men. REI This outdoor recreation company has a large selection of sun-protective fabric UPF apparel and clothing intended for any kind of activity you can think of, including hiking, watersports, running, cycling, fishing, yoga, and more, for men, women, and kids. They sell their own clothing brand as well as other brands. Related: The Best Sunscreen for Your Beach Days, According to Reviewers Coolibar A leader in UPF clothing for women, men, kids, and babies. All of their fabrics are UPF 50+ and go through extensive testing. I own and love many of their items and feel safe and protected while wearing them, but it’s worth noting that the spending threshold to qualify for free shipping is quite high, they charge for return shipping, and many customer reviews state how poor their experience with Coolibar’s customer service is. Purchasing this brand through Amazon might be less of a hassle than buying direct from their website, unless you know you’re definitely going to keep an item.  Eddie Bauer Eddie Bauer is an outdoor adventure apparel company that has been in business for over 100 years. They have a versatile selection of women’s, […]

Photo © Stars & Anchor An introduction to the world of beachcombing. Table of Contents: I’ve lived in coastal areas all of my life, so I’ve been beachcombing practically since I could walk. It’s always been one of my favorite activities. Here I’m answering some common questions like, “what is beachcombing?” and “what is a beachcomber?” I’m also sharing important tips for responsible beachcombing and shelling, and a bit about my personal beachcombing philosophy and what I do with my beachcombing finds. What is beachcombing? First of all, what is beachcombing? Beachcombing means searching (“combing”) and exploring the intertidal zone of the beach to see what natural and man-made objects of interest you can discover. The intertidal zone is the area of the shoreline between where the water peaks at high tide and where it reaches at low tide. You can even make discoveries higher up on the dry sand, though less frequently. You can enjoy discovering things while beachcombing without necessarily needing to take anything. The fun is in the search and in learning about the coastline and its many creatures. What can you find while beachcombing? Some common items to find while beachcombing are seashells, rocks, seaweed, mermaid’s purses (the egg cases of skates and rays), crabs, jellyfish, driftwood, snails, sea glass, sea sponges, fossils, and manmade debris. You can see the most interesting manmade items I found while beachcombing last year in this post. Photo © Stars & Anchor Why do people like beachcombing? Beachcombing combines relaxation, exploration, and discovery in an enjoyable way. The thrill of searching for unique finds while enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach, like the peaceful rhythm of the waves, makes it a perfect activity for unwinding and satisfying curiosity. Beachcombing also offers a connection to nature, the ocean, and a way to learn more about marine life and coastal ecosystems. Beachcombing appeals to many people, being perfect for going on adventures solo or taking group walks. Its universal appeal lies in being equally engaging for kids and adults, making it a way to have family-friendly fun for all ages. What is a beachcomber? Now that you know what beachcombing is, you can probably guess that a beachcomber is someone who goes beachcombing, meaning a person who walks along the beach looking for interesting and unique items. You can be a casual beachcomber, such as someone who decides to look at what the sea is washing onto the shore while on a beach vacation, or you can be a dedicated beachcomber, such as someone who is passionate about discovering and learning about what’s on the beach and does so frequently. Beachcombing can be a fun and inexpensive hobby for anyone who lives near the coast. It’s an activity enjoyed by families, nature enthusiasts, retirees, and collectors, making it an appealing hobby for all ages, as anyone can be a beachcomber, young or old. What is the difference between beachcombing and shelling? Beachcombing and shelling are similar beach activities. Beachcombing is a broader activity that involves searching the shoreline for numerous items including shells, rocks, driftwood, sea glass, and other natural or manmade items, whereas shelling is a specific type of beachcombing that focuses exclusively on looking for seashells. Beachcombing attracts people who appreciate the diversity of what they’ll find along the shoreline, and shelling attracts shell enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty and variety of shells. Related: 21 Expert Tips for Shelling in Florida Photo © Stars & Anchor Tips for responsible beachcombing and shelling A little about my beachcombing philosophy and what I do with my finds Even though I’m a frequent beachcomber, I leave behind the majority of cool things that I find. I frequently take pictures of items I come across and like, but leave them on the beach. This is because I try to be conscious of maintaining the beach ecosystem, and not taking excessively. I’m more likely to take sea glass and beach pottery since these are man-made items that don’t naturally exist at the beach, and are actually litter, even though they’re desirable to beachcombers like me! I’m more likely to leave shells, driftwood, and rocks, because they naturally belong there, and shells can serve as homes for sea creatures like hermit crabs.  Sometimes, I’ll take home shells or other natural finds so I can research and identify them, photograph them, and then return them to the beach. I like learning about them and cataloging them with a photograph, but don’t have the space or desire to store so many items in my home indefinitely. Living in walking distance to the beach makes this an easy process. Of course, any shell I take is first thoroughly checked to be sure it’s empty without any creatures inside. I keep some items if a shell or rock feels really special to me. I’m trying to have one really good example of every kind of shell on the beach, so I’m constantly swapping them out if I find a better one. I use some of my beachcombing discoveries as coastal decor around my beach house. I try to do this in moderation, which still feels like plenty because deciding to keep a few special shells here and there adds up over a lifetime of beachcombing. If I ever decide I don’t want something anymore, I return it to the beach instead of putting it in the trash or storing it hidden away where it won’t be enjoyed.  I believe you can have fun beachcombing and enjoying some of your finds while being respectful to coastal wildlife, the beach environment and ecosystem. Related: Best of Beachcombing: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds of the Year Beachcombing is one of those activities that’s equal parts relaxing and exciting. You get to wander the shoreline, soaking in the peaceful sound of the waves while keeping an eye out for little treasures that have washed up. It’s a great mix of slowing down and feeling a little thrill […]

A photo journal of my favorite beach finds in 2024. Yesterday I shared the strangest things I found while beachcombing in 2024, and today I thought it would be fun to share my favorite beachcombing finds of 2024. This includes my favorite shells, sea glass, driftwood, and beach pottery that I found this year. I walk on the beach year-round, mostly in late spring, summer, and early fall, but also on some winter days that aren’t too cold. Something that entertains me on my walks is beachcombing, which means scanning the beach for interesting or special items. You never know what you’re going to find, which makes every time different and full of possibilities! When beachcombing, I don’t bring home everything cool that I come across; I frequently take pictures of items I find but leave them as I found them on the beach. I try to be conscious of maintaining the beach ecosystem, and only keep something if it feels really special. I can still enjoy the thrill of the hunt without having to remove every item from the beach. I can enjoy beach finds without needing to keep them all, and can remember them with a photograph. Here are my favorite beachcombing finds of the year. My favorite beachcombing discoveries in 2024 Some shells, a piece of sea glass, and a sand dollar that I found on a beach walk in June. This sand dollar was the only one I found in 2024. I ended up leaving most of these items on the beach after taking this photo, but I loved how many shells had orange and peachy hues. These are my favorite pieces of sea glass that I found at various beaches in the Northeast this year, as well as some cool pieces of driftwood. Some of this sea glass I like because of the unique bottle pieces, and some because of the colors. Some interesting and cool shells I found while shelling on our annual trip to Florida. I love how the shells in Florida are so colorful and different compared to the shells I find in New England and on other beaches along the East Coast. Related: 21 Expert Tips for Shelling in Florida I found this grouping of shells, including a channeled whelk shell, moon snail shells, and a knobbed whelk shell, on the beach after a storm. Even though this was one of my favorite finds of the year, I didn’t take any of them with me, choosing to leave them as-is on the beach. All of these shells could potentially make a home for a hermit crab, and since I already have a couple of these kinds of shells, I don’t feel the need to take more, unless I were to find an absolutely perfect shell that was empty. These are my favorite pieces of beach pottery that I found this year, especially the blue and white piece in the lower right corner. I’ve gotten more selective in my beach pottery collecting because many of the pieces I’ve been finding are too large and don’t feel display-worthy. Related: 61 Fun Holidays for Beach, Ocean, and Coastal Lovers All Year Long I like beachcombing because it gives me the motivation to get frequent outdoor exercise and gives me something to do while I walk. I also get to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the beach, which brings me so much joy. I’m a coastal lover through and through. While I didn’t find anything at the beach in 2024 that I feel is an epic beachcombing find, I still enjoyed the thrill of the search and especially my time spent along the shore. One of the reasons I chose to live within walking distance to the beach was the chance to enjoy it often. I’m looking forward to seeing what I find in the coming year! Save This Photo Journal to Refer Back To Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this photo journal. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photo Journal: The Best of Beachcombing Which is your favorite photo from this beachcombing photo journal? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A photo journal of unusual found objects on the beach. I live in walking distance to the beach, so I’ve spent countless days this year walking along the shoreline beachcombing, meaning I look for interesting shells, sea glass, driftwood, and other items along the water’s edge. And while I look for these items, I inevitably come across some strange, unusual, and weird objects, too. This year I started a beach photography project of found objects as a way to document all of these unusual beachcombing finds. Some are funny, some are mysterious, some are a little sad, but they’re all unexpected and leave questions unanswered. I wasn’t expecting to find any of these items as I walked along the beach, and probably will never see some of these types of items again. Finding these unusual and weird items on the beach always gets me thinking about how they got there in the first place. Was a child playing with a toy on the beach, and forgot it there? Or was it washed ashore from a far away place? Was an item something that was thrown in the garbage that somehow made its way into the water, or was it ripped from someone’s home during a hurricane or storm surge? I’ll never have the answers, but will always wonder about them. Here are the most unexpected and unusual items I found while beachcombing this year. My Strangest Beachcombing Finds of 2024 One of my strangest finds at the beach is this blue statue, which through some internet researching I’ve learned is a Ganesha statue. It doesn’t seem like it would be used as a beach toy, so I wonder how it got here? It was sitting in the shallow water near the beginning of a tide pool, and is missing a piece of its trunk. This battery-operated tea light candle was sitting here on the beach, as if it were placed there, although I’m pretty sure it came in with high tide. I kind of wish I had checked to see if it still worked, though I doubt it would have. This colorful beaded bracelet makes me a little sad, thinking a child made it and then lost it while swimming. It had washed in with the tide, so who knows how long it was in the water for. This army man toy came to rest in a clump of debris on the beach, including a seagull feather. Related: Best of Beachcombing 2024: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds One of my more mysterious beachcombing finds this year is this still-wet, burned page from a children’s chapter book, which after searching online I believe is Pearl the Magical Unicorn. Why did someone burn it, do they dislike the book that much? Or are they mad at the person who gifted them this book? We’ll never know. This water squirt gun came to rest in this interesting position on the sand after high tide brought it ashore. Something I was surprised about while beachcombing throughout the year was the amount of plastic Easter eggs that washed ashore. Sometimes they were in half like this one, and sometimes they were whole. Where are they coming from, and how come so many have ended up in the ocean? Related: 6 Beautiful Beach Sunset Color Palettes A magenta glass stone that reminds me of the glass stones used when playing Mancala. It makes me wonder why it washed up on the beach by itself. This toy was sitting on the water’s edge and had just come in with the tide. I’m sure a child was sad to lose this, which from some internet research I discovered is a Disney Palace Pet named Berry. This was discovered in the off-season, so I don’t think a child had forgotten it at the beach recently. Last but not least, one of the strangest things I found at the beach this year is this DVD case with what I believe is a homemade cover. Through a Google Images search I’ve discovered this is Hindu god Hanuman carrying Dronagiri mountain. I’m left with so many questions as to how this ended up in the water and washed up on the beach, and regret for not opening the case to see if the DVD was still inside. This photography project of found objects on the beach was fun to collect throughout the year. Every time I was beachcombing and came across something odd, I’d get out my camera, and file these photos into a folder on my phone. I have more, but I decided to limit this post to ten photos. I’m planning to continue this project in 2025, so check back if you’ve enjoyed this beach photography collection. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Beachcombing Photography of Unusual Found Objects Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this collection of unusual beachcombing finds. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. The Strangest Things I’ve Found Beachcombing: a photo journal of unusual found objects on the beach Have you found anything unusual on the beach? Which of these unusual found objects is your favorite? Share your beachcombing finds and thoughts in the comments.

The dos and don’ts of keeping your dog safe and happy at the beach. Table of Contents: Taking your dog to the beach can be a fun way for you and your dog to get exercise and fresh air together, as well as enjoy the sights and smells of the coastline. You can run in the sand, play fetch with a ball or frisbee, or splash around together in the water. But the beach can also be dangerous for dogs without first taking some precautions and knowing what to look out for. In this list, I’m covering the dos and don’ts to consider if you want to bring your dog to the beach, to help keep you and your pup happy and safe along the shore. I live in walking distance to the beach, so I’m very familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of bringing my dog to the beach. While it’s usually a fun and exciting outing, there are definitely more things to be aware of and to look out for than when we go for a walk around the neighborhood or go to a local park. If you’ve recently moved near the coast or are visiting the beach on vacation, check out these ways to keep your dog safe and happy when you bring them to the beach. Can I Bring My Dog to the Beach? Yes, if dogs are allowed at that specific beach! Most beach rules can be found online, so look on the beach website for this information regarding bringing your dog to the beach: Dos: Tips & Safety When Bringing Your Dog to the Beach These are things you should do or keep in mind when you bring your dog to the beach in order to have a fun and safe time for everyone. Do choose a dog-friendly beach, and know before you go Before you head out, make sure the beach you’re planning to go to actually allows dogs. It would be a bummer to get there and have to turn around. Find out the dates, times, and leash requirements when bringing your dog to the beach. Do avoid going during the hottest part of the day Dogs can easily get heat stroke, especially on sunny, hot days. The beach has strong sun, so avoid bringing your dog to the beach during the hottest part of the day, which is usually the middle of the day. It’s best to stick to the mornings and evenings during hot months, and check the temperature before you go. Signs of a dog overheating: excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, and drooling. If you notice these signs and suspect heat stroke, try to cool your dog immediately — move them to the shade, give them water, put on the air conditioning in the car and head to the vet because this is a medical emergency. Do bring plenty of water and a water bowl Make sure you have plenty of water with you, since your dog will get thirsty from running around. A collapsible water bowl is easy and convenient to bring along. It’s also good to have extra water in case your dog needs an emergency rinse-off, like from being stung by a jellyfish or getting sand in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Do bring toys If your dog goes wild for a ball or frisbee, it can be fun to play on the beach. Do provide shade If you’re going to be at the beach for longer than just a quick walk or play session, you’ll need to provide your dog with shade from an umbrella or a tent. Dogs can overheat and dehydrate quickly in the sun and it will become a dangerous situation. Also consider bringing a cooling mat for your dog to rest on in the shade, but never take your dog to the beach if it’s too hot out. Do put a collar on your dog For your dog’s safety, they should never be outside without a collar. Not only does a collar help your dog to be reunited with you if they were to get lost by having your contact information on the tag, it also gives you a way to hold on to your dog if you need to. When bringing your dog to the beach, you could even have have them wear a GPS tracking collar or an AirTag (which is only useful if someone with an iPhone is within a certain distance) for added protection if they run off. Do consider using a long line If your dog doesn’t have perfect recall, I don’t recommend letting them off-leash even if leashes aren’t required. Dogs can get super excited at the beach and take off, especially when seeing something they want to chase, like sea gulls. How would you catch up to your dog if they bolted down the beach? Instead, consider using a long line leash, so your dog can still run around but you’re able to control how far. Do have your dog wear a dog life jacket If your dog isn’t a strong swimmer, is a new swimmer, or you just want added safety, put them in a dog life jacket. You should also never leave them unattended in the water, because rip currents can be strong and invisible. Do keep your dog from eating anything Eating sand isn’t good for dogs, and can block their intestines, requiring emergency surgery. Also look out for your dog eating seaweed (they can get seaweed poisoning) or shells with dead creatures in them. My dog has eaten small amounts of all of these things, and all resulted in sickness, so I can’t imagine if a dog ate a larger amount. Do put dog-safe sunscreen on your dog, if needed Dogs with short fur, white or light colored coats can get a sunburn or skin cancer, just like humans. Look into using a dog-safe sunscreen, at the minimum on their nose and ears, if your dog meets this description. Make […]

Coconut perfume can bring a nostalgic tropical escape to your everyday life. Table of Contents: Coconut is one of those scents that instantly transports me to summer. It’s like spraying on a piece of a beach vacation. The creamy, tropical sweetness reminds me of sunny days with my feet in the sand, with a mix of sunscreen and ocean air. Even when I’m not anywhere near the beach, one spritz of a coconut perfume surrounds me with that laid-back, carefree, tropical beach vibe. What I love about coconut fragrances is how they’re so nostalgic, yet current. They can feel warm and cozy, or light and playful, depending on the day. For me, coconut-scented perfume is a must-have for when I want to channel tropical relaxation. Plus, there’s something about the way it captures the essence of sunshine and happiness that always puts me in a better mood. If you love rich, fresh natural scents or something laid-back and beachy, coconut is a perfect addition to your fragrance collection. It’s not just a scent, it’s an escape. Every time I wear a coconut perfume, I feel like I’m stepping into a mini vacation, even if I’m just running errands. Here are coconut perfumes that can remind you of your favorite beach vacation. 6 Coconut Perfumes That Smell Amazing These are some of my favorite coconut perfumes, and they’re all top-rated coconut fragrances. You can use this as a guide to discover your new favorite perfume. You can sample these in a local store or order a test size if you don’t want to wait. Coconut perfume can be used as a standalone fragrance, or layered with other scents, like citrus or vanilla. If You Like Coconut, You’ll Also Like: The Best Coconut Beauty Products That Will Remind You of Beach Vacations All Year Long Who Will Like Coconut Perfume The scent of coconut will most appeal to: When to Wear Coconut Perfume Suggestions for when to wear a coconut fragrance: Related: How to Get Rid of Melasma and Dark Spots: 24 Products You Need to Know About Save These Coconut Perfume Recommendations for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to this roundup of the best coconut perfume fragrances. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Coconut perfumes that smell like a beach vacation Coconut perfume is a great beachy fragrance for anyone who loves the beach and tropical island vacations. Its warm, creamy scent is perfect for summer and warm-weather days, or can instantly transport you to a beachside paradise, no matter where you are or what season it is. If you’re craving the vibes of a carefree beach day, coconut perfume is a luxury worth indulging in. The tropical, beachy scent of coconut will always give me nostalgia for summer, my favorite tropical vacations, and beachy vibes. If you’re a beach girl, coconut girl, or surfer girl, coconut is a perfect scent to consider adding to your fragrance collection. Do you have a favorite coconut fragrance? Share your thoughts in the comments.

You can still make the most of your beach vacation with these fun rainy day activities. When you planned your beach vacation you were probably envisioning sunny days, sandcastles, and endless ocean views. But when the rain causes your beach plans to be put on hold, it’s easy to feel like the day is ruined. Fortunately, a rainy day at the beach doesn’t have to mean a boring day.  I’m no stranger to rainy beach days. One particular time during a beach vacation, we found ourselves faced with an unexpected all-day downpour that completely disrupted our plans for a sunny day at the beach. Instead of letting the rain spoil our trip, we stumbled upon a charming coastal art museum. We ended up spending hours there, captivated by the exhibits and the cozy atmosphere. Even now, years later, we still reminisce about that day. If it hadn’t rained, we would have never discovered this hidden gem that became one of the highlights of our trip! Coastal towns and their surrounding areas are full of hidden gems and activities that can keep you entertained, whether you’re a family with kids, traveling with teens, or enjoying an adults-only getaway with friends or your partner. From exploring local culture to trying new restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when the weather isn’t cooperating. Families can embrace indoor activities like visiting aquariums or creating beach-themed crafts, while teens might enjoy the thrill of indoor sports or arcade games. If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, rainy days offer the perfect opportunity to unwind with a wine tasting, take a food tour, or pamper yourselves with a spa day. No matter your travel style, rainy days during a beach vacation can become just as memorable as the sunniest ones. Here’s a list of creative and enjoyable activities to make sure your vacation remains full of fun, even when the clouds roll in. To make the most of your rainy day, you’ll likely want to choose a variety of activities from this list to keep everyone entertained. I suggest mixing things up with a combination of activities both inside and outside of your hotel or rental accommodations, so you can enjoy a change of scenery and avoid feeling cooped up if the rain lasts all day. These rainy day activities can help make your beach vacation memorable, even if the weather isn’t cooperating! Table of Contents: Things to Do at the Beach When It Rains: Out and About If you find yourself caught in unexpected rain during your beach vacation, this list of rainy day activities will help turn a gloomy day into an opportunity for fun. 1. Ride indoor boardwalk amusement park rides Enjoy the fun and exciting rides and games at the indoor section of a beach amusement park. 2. Visit a local museum, such as a maritime museum, lighthouse museum, historical society museum, or art museum Explore local history and culture with a visit to a nearby museum. 3. Go art gallery hopping Discover unique works of art at local galleries and maybe find a new favorite piece to bring home. 4. Go shopping for souvenirs Hunt for the perfect beach souvenirs and gifts while shopping in town. 5. Go to a local bookstore Enjoy the endless possibilities of browsing a bookstore, and grab some books, activity books, puzzles, or games to help keep everyone entertained. 6. Visit a local library Check out the local library for kids’ activities like story time, crafts, or even movie screenings. While you won’t be able to check out any books unless you’re a local with a library card, you should be able to enjoy a full experience while in the library. 7. Go bowling Enjoy a few rounds of bowling for some indoor fun for all ages. 8. Go to an aquarium, nature center, or interpretive center Get up close with sea creatures at the aquarium or explore wildlife at a nature center. 9. Visit a local science center Let curiosity run wild at a science center with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. 10. Play indoor mini golf Enjoy a round of indoor mini golf, perfect for a fun escape from the rain. 11. Go to a water park If there aren’t thunderstorms in the forecast and the water park is open, don’t let the rain stop you because you’ll be getting wet anyway! If you’re lucky enough to have an indoor water park nearby, that’s even better. 12. Go to the movies Load up on movie snacks and watch something exciting on the big screen. 13. Go to a trampoline park Bounce your way to fun and get out some energy at a nearby trampoline park. 14. Eat a meal at a seafood restaurant Spend part of your rainy beach day enjoying delicious local seafood at a restaurant with a coastal vibe. 15. Create your own local food tour You can approach a food tour in numerous ways. Here are some ideas, but feel free to come up with your own: you can stop at numerous restaurants for one appetizer at each; you can get an appetizer at one restaurant, an entree at a second restaurant, and dessert at a third; or you can select one specific food item, such as a lobster roll, or slices of pizza, and share them at numerous locations so you can rank who has the “best” in that beach town. 16. Get ice cream cones Stay cool and enjoy an ice cream cone at a local shop. 17. Go to a candy shop or bakery Indulge your sweet tooth with delicious treats from a local candy shop or bakery. 18. Go to an arcade Head to an arcade for some classic games and friendly competition. 19. Challenge yourselves to an escape room Test your problem-solving skills with an exciting escape room experience, where you’ll need to solve a series of puzzles in order to escape the room in a certain amount of time. 20. Sign […]