Summer Edit
creative things to do on the beach + favorite poetry book
I’ve been living in Southern California for almost five years now. We find ourselves at the beach at least once, if not twice, every week—it’s truly one of my favorite things to do. This is why we live in the most expensive state… we pay for the sunshine, the ocean, the beauty that SoCal generously offers.
I’ve spent countless hours by the sea—alone with my thoughts, with friends, chasing the kids along the shoreline, walks with the dog, beach combing for shells and rocks. The beach has become like a second home. Packing up is second nature by now; I can have the bags filled, snacks prepped, and towels rolled in minutes. I keep our beach essentials tucked right by the door for easy grab-and-go—because when the ocean calls, you want to be ready.
I thought it’d be fun (and helpful) to gather all my favorite beach things in one place for you—a little ShopMy curated list of tried-and-true essentials: soft towels, comfy flip flops, sunscreens I can’t live with out, one piece swimsuits, a good hat, a roomy bag... and even my favorite poetry books to read. These are pieces I love, use often, or have my eye on for the next seaside afternoon.
Whether you’re planning a full beach day or just sneaking away for an hour of salty air, I hope this list inspires you to make the most of it—with both practicality and beauty in mind. And if you’re a content creator needing a little beach inspiration—I’ve got you covered there, too.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the Uni Body Serum — I’m already on my third bottle! The Ischia Sunset scent is absolutely dreamy, especially after a long day at the beach. It feels so cooling and refreshing on the skin. I have a discount code for you if you’d like to try it too just click on the link.
In my cart right now: this sunrise floral sarong from Monday Swimwear. It’s just so pretty—the color, the floral pattern, everything about it feels like summer. I don’t usually wear sarongs, but I’m thinking it might be time to add one to my closet.
These elevated jelly flip flops by Christopher Esber would be perfect for the beach. For less expensive flip flops. Get these Tkees beachbum ones.
A pair of chic sunnies of course. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Authentic Vintage 90s Tortoise Oval Sunglasses.
I’ve been using the Tula sunscreen and I must say I absolutely love it! It feels light, not greasy at all—and gives the prettiest glow.
I love an oversized linen boyfriend shirt. I have several thrifted ones I tend to crab. This one from Vitamin A is perfect to throw on over a swimsuit.
Living in Southern California means it’s pretty much always sweater weather. The moment the sun sets, the air turns crisp—and I love having a cozy cardigan on hand just in case. Thrifting one? Even better. But this Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan is such a good find—cute, well-made, and perfectly slouchy.
Let’s talk about the perfect beach bag — whether it’s a roomy tote or a classic straw basket. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle. If you’re a mom, chances are you’re carrying multiple bags (speaking from experience here!). Just yesterday, I took three of my kids to the beach and ended up with a cooler bag packed with snacks and drinks and a straw bag for all the other essentials.
A large beach blanket is a must to spread out comfortably. You cant go wrong with 100% cotton Beach Blanket from Business and Pleasure.
If you’re looking for an upgraded new striped beach towel check out this organic towel from Parachute. this one from Piglet in bed. and this one from Sezane.
Beach Hat Options-You have the wave terry bucket hat in coffee color from Lack of Color. I personally have the Peace baseball cap in brown from Natalie Borton Designs. I also have the Lake washed bucket hat in sand from Free People. I think the hand woven natural stripe reef bucket hat is darling.
Carry all Beach Bag is a great & inexpensive option.
Creative Things to do at the Beach
beach journaling or poetry writing
watercolor or sketching by the shore
seashell and pebble foraging
curated beach still life photography
mini beach picnic styling
found object collage
postcard or letter writing
take photos in action on your film camera
make sand art
capture the perfect sunset photo
via pinterest
My favorite Poetry Book
This one is my favorite. It feels like a quiet conversation with my soul. Her words are tender and lyrical—like moonlight poured onto paper. She writes the way I think in my most honest moments: dreamy, sacred, curious.
It’s poetry that makes room for mystery.
For wonder.
For pause.
It’s the kind of book you don’t rush through.
You sit with it.
Letting the lines sink in like dusk fading into night.
And the themes—womanhood, creativity, faith, longing—they feel like she wrote them while sitting on the seashore as me, heart open, pen in hand.
Maybe that’s why.
Because I see pieces of myself there.
And it gently reminds me to keep blooming, even in the dark.
I’d be so honored to have you join me on this creative journey. Subscribe to catch all the little dreamy details I don’t share anywhere else—behind-the-scenes peeks, thoughts, and inspiration straight from my abode to yours.
As a thank you, you’ll also receive 15% off your first purchase from my Etsy shop, Olga’s Abode.
Let’s stay connected.
Thank you for being here.
Warmly,
Olga