1. Hobbies & Games

12 Ways to Have Beach Fun With Your Hobby or Pastime

If Your Vacation Takes You to the Shore, Take Your Hobby With You

From , former About.com Guide

Have beach fun with your favorite hobby or pastime during your vacation. This guide includes a list of 12 ways to incorporate your hobby or pastime into your ocean activities this summer.

From projects you can do while sitting seaside, to winning a beach vacation or capturing your favorite ocean memories, let us help you get the most out of your time by the sea. 

1. Take the Best Beach Pictures

© Troy McKaskle

You are finally taking that amazing beach vacation you've been planning for months, so make sure you capture those memories by taking gorgeous photos.

From keeping your camera safe from the water and sand, to taking that artful shot of the rolling waves, we'll make sure you come home with frame-worthy photos of your exotic getaway.

2. Work on Summer Needlepoint Patterns on the Beach

© Cheryl C. Fall

The beach is the perfect place to work on your summer needlepoint projects. You've got great light, plenty of time and the perfect inspirational backdrop to get you in the stitching mood.

Check out these free, summer-inspired needlepoint patterns to work on during your flight, on the boat or even lounging on a recliner by the water.

3. Visit Exotic Beaches on a Free Cruise

© Audrey Johnson

There's nothing more fun than a beach vacation, except maybe a free beach vacation. Check out these sweepstakes for your chance to win an exotic ocean cruise, a domestic getaway or even an international holiday.

Maybe you can even find some other activities on this list of beach fun to take with you on your ocean liner adventure.

4. Make Beach Themed Miniature Projects

© Lesley Shepherd

Making a beach-themed miniature project is a great way to capture your vacation memories for years to come.

Can't make it to the shore this summer? You can also get creative and use your new miniature scene to get yourself to the ocean in spirit, and at least get your mind off your other responsibilities for a while.

5. Free Beach-Themed Cross-Stitch Charts

© Connie G. Barwick

Get your home ready for summer by decorating with beach-themed cross-stitch patterns. This free list has patterns for all kinds of ocean memories.

You can also take your favorite free patterns with you on your vacation so that you have something to do while you work on that summer tan.

6. How to Paint a Sea Landscape

© Marion Boddy-Evans

Painting the ocean landscape is a great way to capture the beauty and magic of your holiday by the sea. But getting those waves to look just right can be a challenge.

Here are some tips for painting an ocean masterpiece that you can enjoy long after your summer getaway comes to an end.

7. 10 Free Beach Jewelry Patterns

© Tammy Powley

Want to update your beach accessories just in time for summer? These free summer jewelry patterns will help you create the perfect beach accessories to look your best in that new bikini.

These pieces are also great projects to work on while you lay by the pool, or stroll the deck of your cruise ship. You can even look for shells to incorporate into your jewelry while you walk along the sandy shores.

8. Free Sewing Patterns for the Beach and Summer Fun

© Debbie Colgrove

From a beach wrap to a sun hat to a canvas tote to carry all your ocean supplies, there are plenty of sewing projects you can work on to prepare for your summer trip.

These patterns are also great for trips to the pool, care packages for kids at summer camp, and even as summer gifts for friends and family members with summer vacation plans.

9. Take Your Model Trains on Your Beach Vacation

© Ryan C Kunkle

Just because you are going on a beach vacation, that doesn't mean you have to leave your passion for model trains at home.

Learn about how you can incorporate your hobby into your beach vacation, and you'll be able to combine your passion for trains with a relaxing getaway to build the perfect dream vacation.

10. Make Sand Candles to Remember Your Ocean Getaway

© David Fisher

Trying to find an out-of-the box way to capture your beach vacation memories? Make a sand candle using the soft white sand from your exotic ocean trip.

Not only will these candles make great conversation starters, they can also be thoughtful gifts and mementos for loved ones who couldn't come with you this season.

11. Enjoy Rubber Stamping While on a Beach Vacation

© Kate Pullen

Rubber stamping is a wonderful way to send personalized greeting cards and postcards home from your getaway by the sea.

Here are some ideas for how you can incorporate your passion for rubber stamping into your vacation, and some tips for using rubber stamping techniques to commemorate your trip when you get home.

12. 5 Shore Birds to Look For on Vacation

© Melissa Mayntz

The beach is a great place for birding. There are plenty of shore birds you can spot while sitting on the sand, or even from the deck of a cruise ship or walking along a pier.

Just keep in mind that the beach is home for many species of birds, so use caution and remember a few beach bird safety tips to keep the experience enjoyable for both you and the birds.

 

 

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