As summer approaches, it is time to wear sunscreen and prepare to soak up the sun.

Something fun to do over the break is to plan a day at the beach. Florida is known for its beaches and its palm trees. Beaches close to Robinson are Picnic Island and Davis Island Beach. My personal favorite to camp out at for the day is Indian Rocks Beach. Eventually, venture down to Madeira Beach, visit a favorite for any Floridian and go to “John’s Pass.” 

1. Picnic Island: It is a secluded area in Tampa and is relatively close to Robinson. It is also pretty grassy and has a decent park for little ones.
2. Davis Island Beach: On the way to the end of the island where the beach lies, you pass all the shops and restaurants such as “Island Bistro & Bar” and “Farrell’s on the Island.”
3. Indian Rocks Beach: I grew up around Indian Rocks and just love the energy and area. A favorite of mine to visit is the classic “Surf Style” shops located what feels like every two miles apart and eat at “Villa Grace.”
4. Madeira Beach: Madeira Beach has the famous “John’s Pass” boardwalk which consists of little shops and restaurants such as “Bubba Gumps,” “DeLosa’s Pizza,” and my favorite ice cream shop to visit, “Kilwins.”

When at the beach, you need to plan before spending the day in the heat. It would help if you thought about eating, drinking and what you will be doing—some things I suggest while at the beach are playing classic beach games. Games to bring to the beach are limbo, beach frisbee, beach volleyball, or any tools for building sandcastles for the little ones tagging alongside on the trip.

Personally, in my beach bag, I keep an extra bathing suit, my cover-up, flip flops or my Birkenstocks. I also keep multiple kinds of sunscreen (lotion or spray.) To keep on deck are tons of ways to hold hair back, such as claw clips, hair ties and a hat is always in there. Food and drink-wise, I suggest having a cooler of some sort with you to keep cold foods and drinks at the appropriate temperature of your choosing. Things I like to throw into the cooler are when we stop by Publix beforehand and get Publix subs and any Gatorade, Powerade, or bottled water and put it in.

To top it off, you need music before heading to the shore. Making the perfect playlist is essential to having the perfect beach day since it sets the tone for the day and you have something to jam to while tanning or playing in the sand. Artists like Mac DeMarco, Dayglow, Harry Styles, ROLEMODEL and a personal favorite, Jimmy Buffet fall into good artists to listen to while in the sand.