Summertime is the best time of year to do something that almost everyone loves to do: go to the beach! There’s just something about the sizzling summer sun, salt air, and refreshing sea breeze that makes us deliriously happy! If you live near a beach you’re likely an old hand at getting ready for some sand-filled fun. However, if you don’t go to the beach that often, knowing what to take along, and where to go, is important. After all, you don’t want to arrive only to find you forget a key beach item.

To help you have the perfect beach day this summer, NSA Storage put together the following guide. In it you’ll find things like a list of beach stuff to take, which beaches are free to use, and more. If that sounds like the summer fun you’re looking for, read on!

What’s the Best Time to Go to the Beach?

When you’re planning a beach day, timing is critical. Arrive too early and it may still be too cold to go in the water. Arrive too late and you might have a hard time finding a spot to park, or to set up your towels and umbrella. Below are some tips to help you plan your fun in the sun:

• Arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 AM if you want to get a good parking spot and beach spot.
• Leave around 5:00 if you want to avoid the “sunset crowd”.
• Go after 4:00 PM if you want to avoid the sun’s most serious rays or enjoy the sunset.
• Remember that, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the sun’s rays are the strongest.

What to Take to the Beach

Use this easy checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything, especially beach necessities.

• At least 1 towel per person, and a couple extras
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock
• A beach umbrella, sun shade, or pop-up tent
• Beach chairs
• At least 1 beach blanket
• Dry clothes for driving home
• A cooler with snacks and drinks (Check to make sure food is allowed.)
• Beach toys for the kids
• A frisbee or football
• A portable speaker for music
• Some good books
• Water shoes
• A waterproof and sand-proof phone pouch
• Wet wipes
• A garbage bag for cleanup
• Change for parking meters
• A first aid kit

Fun Beach Activities for the Perfect Beach Day

Going to the beach, for some, means a day of relaxing, reading, and enjoying scantily-clad beachgoers. On the other hand, many folks believe the beach is a great place for fun, frivolous, and fantastic activities. Below we’ve listed a few of the best!

Beach Activities that Don’t Require A Lot of Gear

• Build a sand castle
• Long walks along the shore
• Beachcombing for shells
• Playing frisbee or throwing a football
• Body surfing
• Reading a good book

Beach Activities that Do Require Gear

• Beach volleyball 
• Surfing
• Boogie boarding
• Snorkeling
• Paddleboarding

The Highest-Rated Beaches in the Continental US

There are thousands of beaches in the United States, and most are perfect for a beach day. However, some are definitely better than others for one reason or another. Below are some of the highest-rated beaches in the country.

• Siesta Key Beach, Florida – Powdery white sand and safe, shallow waters? Yes, please!
• Cape May, New Jersey – This charming beach in the Garden State is loaded with character, amenities, and fun activities.
• Coronado Beach, California – Excellent beach amenities and gentle waves make this beach one of the best.
• Coopers Beach, New York – Clean and scenic, there are always lifeguards on duty at this beloved beach.
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – This family-friendly beach has lots of nearby attractions to enjoy.
• Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico – Ideal for families with calm waters and lots of nearby food kiosks.

Where are Free Beaches in the US?

One drawback to some beaches is that, to use them, you need to pay. Sometimes it’s just for parking, but often it’s also for beach access. Below are some states that offer free beaches, and others where you’ll be forced to pay for your beach day.

States Where Beach Access is (Usually) Free

• Florida- Free beach access, parking, and showers at most beaches. 
• Hawaii- By law, all beaches in Hawaii are free.
• Michigan- Most lakeside beaches are either free or have a low entry cost.
• Oregon- The entire Oregon coast offers free beach access.
• Texas- Almost all beaches in the Lone Star State are free to use.

States Where Beach Access is Not Free

• New Jersey- Most beaches require that you purchase, and wear, a “beach badge”.
• California- The beaches are mostly free. Parking, however, is not, and can be expensive. 
• New York- Most beaches charge both a parking and access fee.

Tip: Check local laws to make sure that the beach you choose is truly free or if there’s a fee. Remember, if there’s a fee, and you don’t pay, you might get a fine.

Staying Comfortable at the Beach

No matter where you go, staying comfortable while at the beach is a must. After all, it’s supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable! To help you and your family stay safe and happy during your next beach day, follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Don’t forget lots of snacks and drinks.
• Reapply sunscreen often, especially for smaller kids.
• Bring your own shade! An umbrella, tent, or sun cover are recommended.
• Bring zip-loc bags for wet stuff during the ride home.
• Take a break from the sun during peak hours. (Go shopping, eat, have a drink, etc.)

Store Your Beach Gear with NSA Storage

The best way to have a perfect beach day is to plan ahead. That way, you won’t forget anything that would ruin, upset, or otherwise make an impact on your fun. Hopefully the information provided above will help you to do exactly that!

Also, remember that, no matter which beach you choose, it’s often the simplest memories that are the most powerful. Even if you forget something, it’s likely you’ll still have a magical time!

If you need to rent a storage unit afterwards to store your beach stuff, NSA Storage can help. Or clean, safe, and secure storage units are found near many of America’s great beaches! You can reserve a storage unit online and start using it the same day! Until then, have a wonderful summer and a great time at the beach! 

The post How to Have a Perfect Beach Day this Summer appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Summer is the perfect time for all sorts of fun activities, and one of the most fun is an outdoor movie! There’s truly something magical about watching a movie outdoors, under the stars and, if you’re lucky, a full moon. Of course, setting up an outdoor movie takes a little bit of effort and planning. You’ll need specialized equipment, as well as plenty of seating. The right snacks can also turn a fun movie night into one that’s exceptional.

Not sure what you need or how to set up everything? If yes, the information below is perfect! It’s the best tips and hacks for how to set up an outdoor movie night, brought to you by NSA Storage! Discover how to delight your friends and family this summer with a movie under the stars, below!

Outdoor Movie Equipment Checklist

Setting up an outdoor movie isn’t extremely difficult but does take some specialized equipment. Luckily, most items are either reusable, or easy to rent. They include:

1. A Projector

By far the most important piece of equipment you’ll need, be sure your projector is at least 2000 lumens. This will ensure that you have a bright, clear picture once the sun sets. Also, be sure the projector you choose can connect to the device you’re using.

2. A Movie Screen

Large outdoor movie screens can, unfortunately, be quite expensive. You can buy one, of course, but you can also hang a large, white sheet instead; just hang it on one of your home’s walls or a clothesline. Projecting onto one of your home’s walls also works, although it’s best if that wall is painted white. Whatever you choose, make sure your screen is smooth and wrinkle-free so the picture is perfect.

3. Speakers

Most projectors have built-in speakers but, unfortunately, they don’t produce a lot of volume. Better to have a portable Bluetooth speaker available or several plug-in external speakers. That way, everyone will be able to hear the movie.

4. A Media Player

Whatever movie you choose, you’ll need a device to play it. It could be your laptop, a streaming device (Roku, Fire TV Stick, Google TV Streamer, etc.) or a DVD player. Whatever you choose, it will need to have a connector or dongle that connects to your projector.

5. Power Cords

Last but not least, you’ll need several power strips or extension cords to connect everything to a power source. Make sure you keep them organized to prevent trips and falls. Also, some duct tape to tape cords down in high-traffic walking areas is a good idea.

The Best Snacks for an Outdoor Movie

Many folks would argue that a movie is only as good as the snacks being served. From simple popcorn to a full-blown meal, below are a few food and snack suggestions for your outdoor movie night:

• S’Mores– If you’re setting up a fire pit, S’mores are a great choice. You’ll need marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars, plus someone to watch the kids while they make them.
• A Popcorn Bar– Popcorn is the ultimate movie night snack. To take yours up a notch, set up a popcorn bar with toppings like cheese powder, caramel, pretzels, chocolate sauce, M&Ms, etc.
• A Drink Station– You can offer soda, lemonade and other nonalcoholic beverages if your movie night includes children. For the adults, you can also set up the same station with adult beverages.
• Simple Movie Night Dinner Options– Serving a full-blown meal to your guests at your movie night is a lot of work. Better to give them some simple options like hotdogs, premade sandwiches, or sliders. You can make things ahead of time and keep them warm so that you don’t miss anything once the movie starts.
• Prepackaged Snacks– For a movie night with mostly kids, prepackaged snacks are great. Chips, juice boxes, ice cream bars, and other snacks are easy to serve and clean up.

How To Set Up Seating to Keep Guests Comfy

An outdoor movie night is just that; outdoors. That means you’ll need some type of seating to keep everyone comfy while they watch. One of the easiest methods is to use folding camp chairs and loungers. You can also use bean bag chairs, blankets and pills, and picnic tables.

Be sure to arrange chairs with high backs towards the back so they don’t block the screen. Also, citronella candles and bug spray should be on hand to keep pests away.

Outdoor Movie Night Decorations and Special Touches

There’s no denying that an outdoor movie Is already a lot of fun. To take yours to the next level, however, feel free to add these special touches and decorations:

• String Lights– These add charm and also help everyone move around without tripping.
• A Fire Pit– Even in summer, it can get chilly at night. A fire pit will keep everybody warm and comfy. A portable heater also works in a pinch.
• Decorations– Flags, movie posters and other decorations can make your outdoor movie space more inviting and magical.

Store Your Equipment with NSA Storage

There’s no denying that an outdoor movie night is exciting and fun for everyone. Indeed, it’s a lot more fun than you might expect! The tips and hacks provided today will help you create a movie night that’s exciting and memorable for everyone!

If you throw an annual movie night in summer, renting a storage unit from NSA Storage could be very helpful. It will give you the extra space you need to store chairs, blankets, gear and other movie night essentials. You can easily reserve a storage unit online to store all of your gear and any other summer essentials. Until that time, have a great summer and we’ll see you at the movies!

The post How To Set Up an Outdoor Movie Night appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Summer brings sunshine and warm, pleasant days, which is why we all love the season so much. On the other hand, with that sunshine often comes a lot of heat and humidity. The good news is that, when the summer temps start rising, you can always cool off with fun water activities! Whether you live near an ocean or lake, have a pool, or just a garden hose, water-filled activities are perfect!

If you’re not sure which summer activity is the best choice for you and your family, read on. We’ve got a list of the best water activities for summer, brought to you by NSA Storage! Dive in, cool down, and discover the best water activities for fantastic summer fun, below! 

Which Water Activities are Right for Your Family?

There are quite a few summer activities that involve water. Figuring out which one is best for you and your family isn’t difficult but depends on several factors. If you’re not sure, consider the tips below when making your choice;

• For Families with Toddlers– Splash pads and small pools are the best. At the beach or lake, stick to shallow areas.
• For Families with Children– Group-friendly water activities like tubing and snorkeling are a great choice.
• For Thrill Seekers– Water parks and boat activities like skiing are great for thrill seekers.
• For Fitness Minded Folks– Swimming in a pool, surfing and kayaking are all great water workouts.
• For Pure Relaxation– Choose a pool float, fishing, or building sandcastles at the beach.

Best Summer Water Activities for Little Kids

Small children love water activities but they need to be safe and secure while enjoying them. Some of the best water activities for small children include:

1. Playing in a Sprinkler

• Running through a sprinkler is easy but oh-so-much fun!
• It’s a cheap and easy way to cool off quickly.
• For toddlers and kids under six years old.

2. Water Balloons

• Water balloons are easy and cheap summer fun.
• You can play several different games with water balloons including racing, tossing, and catching them.
• If possible, purchase biodegradable balloons to protect the environment.

3. A Mini Pool

• Tiny pools are great for supervised summer fun in the water.
• Easy to set up, take down, or move.
• Be sure to stay close while your little ones are swimming.

4. Water Blasters

• Easy and fun to use.
• Everyone loves water blasters!
• It’s a great way to get the kids running around and using up all their excess energy!

Fun Water Activities for the Pool

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, there are all sorts of water activities you can enjoy in summer! Below are some of the best:

• Swimming Races– Fun for kids and adults.
• Treasure Hunting– Toss things into the pool, let them sink, and then try to recover them first!
• Pool Volleyball– Playing in a pool makes volleyball even more challenging.
• Marco Polo– The classic summer pool game!
• Water Aerobics– For older folks and those who like staying in shape, water aerobics in your pool are a great choice.

Top Beach and Lake Water Activities

If you don’t have a pool, living near a lake or beach is the next best thing! There’s definitely no shortage of water activities to choose from, including the following:

• Surfing– Surfing is perfect for teens and adults. It does require a surfboard, of course, and a good bit of patience. Once you learn, however, surfing is one of the all-time great summer water activities!
• Kayaking– Kayaking, whether in the lake or the ocean, is not only fun but also a great workout! Kayaking is also an activity you can enjoy alone or with a group.
• Snorkeling– Clear, blue water is the perfect spot for snorkeling. If you have access, the sight of sea life underwater can be spectacular.
• Body surfing– No surfboard? No problem! Just keep your body stiff and ride a big wave onto the beach! (Strong swimmers only!)
• Swimming or Floating– Just swimming or floating in a lake or pool is enough fun for some people.

Best Water Activities for Summer with a Boat

If you own your own boat, consider yourself lucky! Boats take water activities in summer to a new, more exciting level! For example, if you own a boat you can:

• Go water skiing, wakeboarding, or knee boarding. These activities are for more experienced swimmers and require a well fitting life jacket. (A powerful boat engine is also a must.)
• Pulling a tube or other inflatable. What fun to bounce your family and friends all over the place! Plus, there’s no experience or skill needed.
• Fish to your heart’s delight. Not only is fishing relaxing and fun, you might just catch some dinner!
• Have a picnic on the boat. Food just seems to taste better when you’re out on the water.
• Go crabbing, clamming, or lobstering. Crabbing, especially, is a real thrill, especially when you catch a big one! 
• Take a relaxing boat ride. The sun in your face, sea air in your nostrils, and wind whipping your hair is truly enjoyable.

Safety Tips for Water-Filled Fun

Summer water activities are fun, no doubt, but many also come with a high risk level. For that reason, no matter where you’re enjoying some summer splashing, follow these important safety tips:

• Always use life jackets in or around deep water. This is especially true for children who don’t swim or aren’t strong swimmers yet.
• Stay hydrated. You’d be surprised to learn how much you sweat (and thus lose water) even when playing in the water.
• Always check the depth of the water before diving or jumping in.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply it regularly.
• No matter the water’s depth, always keep a close watch on your kids.

Store Your Water Activity Gear with NSA Storage

Summer and water activities go together like apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Once summer ends, though, you’ll need a space to store all your summer gear and sports equipment. That’s where NSA Storage can help! Our clean, safe, and secure storage units are perfect for storing your summer stuff!

You can reserve a storage unit online or in person at your nearest NSA Storage location. Until then, have a fantastic summer and enjoy yourself out on the water!

The post Best Water Activities for the Summer appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.