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How to Describe a Beach…Brilliantly
I thought it would be fun to do a post about how to describe a beach in a story,
especially since summer is here! I love doing these “master lists for writers” posts, and I hadn’t done one in a while. Bookmark it or pin it on Pinterest for future reference!
If you’re writing a scene or a story with a beach setting, vivid images and other sensory details can make the reader feel like they’re really there, so use these lists of beach sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and even beach foods! I’ve included a list of beautiful coastal words, too. I hope this helps as you think about how to describe a beach in a story! By the way, if you want some inspiration for a summer story, check out my 50 Summer Writing Prompts.
Beach Sights
white-capped waves
white foam on the shore
footprints in the sand
messages written in the sand
seagrass waving in the wind
other birds, such as pelicans, sandpipers, and spoonbills
sunrises or sunsets reflecting on the water
moonlight reflecting on the water
wooden boardwalks
wooden piers
wooden lifeguard stands
blackened sand from natural oil seeps
large beach umbrellas
lounge chairs
brightly patterned beach towels
flip-flop sandals
large beach hats
plastic buckets and pails
beach balls
seashells, especially in the wet sand near the shore at low tide
smooth stones—sometimes stacked by beachgoers
sea urchins, sea stars, mussels, hermit crabs, and/or small fish in tide pools
clumps of brown seaweed on the sand
large rocks at the shore, crusted with barnacles and shells
bonfires—or the charred remains of them
discarded bottles and cans
sailboats, motorboats, and yachts
oil tankers far offshore
children building sandcastles
people flying kites
dogs chasing balls and Frisbees
paddleboarders
windsurfers
water skiiers
parasailers
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Beach Sounds
I think sounds are such an important part of how to describe a beach, because you hear things there that you don’t hear anywhere else.
lapping or crashing waves
seagull cries
rock, rap, or other music blasting from portable speakers
boat motors
laughing or shouting children
beach volleyball game—the thump of the ball; players calling to one another; players clapping
crunch of a play shovel in the sand
the “thunk” of a coconut dropping to the ground
music from ice cream trucks
Beach Smells
fishy smells
suntan lotion (coconut scent)
decaying algae and seaweed
marijuana smoke, at some beaches
Beach Sensations
sand between toes
hot sand under bare feet
being knocked over (or almost) by a wave
cold water…or warm water
rough stone outcroppings
breeze in one’s hair
sun heating one’s skin
Beach Foods
These are some foods frequently sold at stands and restaurants on boardwalks and near beaches in the U.S.
frozen custard
tacos, especially fish tacos
French fries, straight and curly
soft pretzels
popcorn—butter, cheese, caramel, or “kettle corn” seasoned with sugar and salt
lobster rolls (New England)
funnel cakes
saltwater taffy
fresh lemonade
piña coladas
Beautiful Coastal Words
These are some coastal words that I think are just lovely.
archipelago
bioluminescence
estuary (where the river runs into the sea)
greenling (it’s a fish)
shoal (another word for a school of fish)
spindrift (spray blown off the tops of the waves in a strong wind)
thalassophile (beach lover)
Did you know that “beach reads” are more popular than ever?
A “beach read” is usually a light, fun book with a summer vibe. It doesn’t have to be literally set at the beach…but it doesn’t hurt. A lot of people love being at the beach, and a book can provide a fast, cheap, easy escape to a beautiful place…a virtual vacation.
Books with beach settings aren’t just for summer any more, either. Last December, I saw prominent displays of books with beach settings in more than one Barnes and Noble store…for readers who prefer sand to snow! It’s just another reason to know how to describe a beach.
Do you have any thoughts on how to describe a beach?
Have you ever written a scene set near the ocean—or are you working on one now? Do you have any beach plans this summer—writing-related or not? Let us know all about it in the comments!
And if you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my book Master Lists for Writers , if you haven’t already!
Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!
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16 thoughts on “ how to describe a beach…brilliantly ”.
Great list of promts Bryn! Yes, I have written a blog about the beach called “My Favourite Place”. Please check it out at naomiplane.com. At the bottom of each scroll is a click to older posts. You will need to click this three times to see it, from Oct.8th, 2020.
Hi Naomi! Oh, nice—I’ll check it out! Hope things are going well with you!
Great post! Helpful as always—thanks!
Aww thank you friend!
Great observations! Here’s a haunting beach scene from a book I wrote that takes place in a dream:
It was in the cool early morning hours that Hannah found herself drawn to the Santa Monica beach in a dream. It was a place she recognized from movies and TV shows, yet despite having lived in Los Angeles her entire life, she had never been there in person. A chill mist hung low to the shore as she walked along the water’s edge, feeling the damp sand beneath her bare feet and the cool wash of waves between her toes. The air was moist and held the tangy smell of salt water and seaweed, and from beyond the gray misty veil came the lonely cry of seagulls and distant crash of waves. Up ahead, the Santa Monica pier slowly emerged as a faint outline against the gloomy sky, its rides and attractions quiet now. And still.
Tom, this is great! I have a lot of memories of the Santa Monica beach. You nailed it!
Thanks Bryn!
Ooooo. Poetic!
Great list Bryn! Here are a few snippets from my sci/fi novel soon to be published.
Rhythmic thunder of the surf permeated their world as a life pulse.
The ocean spread before Leilani till it touched the horizon, mirroring the ever-changing colors of the twilight clouds. Velvet purple water played a counter melody to the lavenders in the heavens.
As they walked down the path, the inland breeze rustled Leilani’s gown. She searched for the sky-creatures native to the scene but saw none. She heard no scream of the silver manu nor did she detect the slightest trill of a scarlet serf diver. Their absence made the scene artificial.
Jessie, I really enjoyed this! 🙂
I’ve been published with three different beach short story romances.
Shoal is also a shallow waterway. Sycamore Shoals, Muscle Shoals, Great Shoals, etc…
Horseshoe crabs are common on the beach in the Mid-Atlantic.
Eating steamed Blue Crabs is common in the Mid-Atlantic.
Fries with malted vinegar.
Oceanside. Bayside.
Pluff mud in the Lowcountry.
Ohhh, these are so good! I love the word “shoal” 🙂
Thiis is how I described a beach in my middle grade novel ‘The Slapstyx’:
They ran on down the slope and round the shoulder of the hill. As the beach was revealed to them in all its glory, they began to think better of their new home; it couldn’t be all bad if it was so near a place like this. The slope ended in two arms of rock embracing a pillow of shingle and a soft quilt of white sand. Beyond that, the beach opened out in a wide bay beaten into a flat golden sheet by great thundering breakers.
The story features a tribe of dirty and dangerous goblins who are helping a greedy businessman to pollute the sea with his disgusting detergent. For anyone who’s interested, the book is available here: http://myBook.to/TheSlapstyx
Great lists. They are going to be kept.
Bryn, Wonderful list. I wish I had found it sooner. I’ll need to revise my novel and use some of these. Thank you for sharing.
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How to Write a Beach Scene
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- At first, focus on the overall atmosphere.
» A. To start your story, describe the weather, the crowd and their activities.
I. Begin with the weather but ease your way into describing what the five senses are experiencing. Describe the feel of the sand between the character’s toes, the brightness of the sun in their eyes, the sounds of the waves, the sounds of children playing in the sand, the taste of the ocean water. Here are some words you can use:
C. Smell: Seaweed/saltwater Feel: Humid sea air Gritty sand Cool water
II. Use metaphors, similes and color to breathe life into your scene. The ocean is an aqua blue, the sand is pale yellow, and the sun is a fierce, hot yellow. The sky is a gorgeous light blue with big, fluffy white clouds. Here are some phrases you can use:
C. Long golden sands with the waves lapping on the shore.
D. First thing that hit him/her was the salty air.
Jonah hadn’t been to the beach since his first semester of college started. It had been a long couple of months but he survived nonetheless. And, instead of going to a frat party to drink himself silly, he wanted to revisit the place where he first fell in love with life. Could it have been the dazzling sand that sparked in the golden sunlight, or the hungry seagulls beating their wings against the ambush of wind.
Listening with both an open heart and ear, Jonah heard the waves crashing against a nearby rock. This rock had been the go-to place for him as a kid. He used to jump off of it and into the water, or sit on it and read his favorite book.
As the memories poured in, Jonah headed over to the rock where he knew a flood of happiness would follow him. The best stress relief wasn’t popping pills or smoking a joint with his buds, nah… it was the peaceful serenity of the beach. The smell of saltwater traveling up his nostrils, releasing a spell-like hypnotic trance on him. Yes, it was the gritty sand against his bare feet, the tall, hard rock positioned appropriately against his butt as he read a book.
But it didn’t end there. The one thing that made Jonah always returned to the beach wasn’t only because of those reasons. It also had to do with the feel— the emotion he got whenever he looked out far into the ocean. He would forget all forms of agony, pain, regret and frustration. A strong since of peace and calm resided over him always. Only the beach made him feel such things.
With the infinite blue sky above promising sunshine, and the big, fluffy white clouds adding a touch of ecstasy.
Though, all of this fantasizing buildup went out his mind the moment he saw Carolyn, the life guard. She was ten years older than him, but ever since Jonah could remember he had a major crush on her. Watching her sexy body climb up in her high chair with the binoculars in one hand and a whistle around her neck, gave Jonah an idea. A devious idea. The other beach goers meant nothing to him; he wanted her to notice him one way or another…. even if it meant fake drowning.
- Something interesting should happen, no doubt.
» A. A bit of mystery and action is always a good thing.
I. Maybe the character moved to another part of the beach and it’s a lot louder or quieter? Or maybe there’s music, dance and a party.
Example 2:
Then it happened. Just like that! No thinking, no pauses: Jonah jumped into the water, screaming. Carolyn looked his way immediately. Running quickly to save him, she blew her whistle for back up and used her binocular to find the fallen body. Jonah saw her every move through his squinted eyes, however he knew in order to make it look realistic, he had to go under water. So he did and in the water below, he pictured Carolyn rescuing him and kissing him…. uh, I mean… doing CPR.
» B. How does the environment affect your character and what’s happening to them? Use the background to emphasize the character’s emotions rather than describing them.
I. Be sure to give vivid imagery. Allow your reader to continue to see what is going on, in order for the scene to have a realistic feel. What I mean by that is, while you’re talking about the drama, mystery or action events that unfold, every so often add in the “normal stuff” that happens around the character. These can easily become a symbolic meaning. Here are a few “normal, symbolic meaning stuff” to give you an idea:
C. Playful seal take a ride in a wave = happiness, childlike mindset, freedom, endless joy
D. A whale surfacing to get a breath can be seen. = revelation, secrets unfold, epic adventure lying ahead
E. Fishermen’s lines hanging off the pier into the water in hopes of catching dinner. = a new start, overwhelming beginnings, hope for the future, determination to improve one’s circumstances
F. The sunlight starting to fade = dreams are lost, stuck in darkness, forbidden love
G. Surfers exit the sea, and build bonfires in the pits and you smell marshmallows burning in the fire. = treasuring the here and now, aspiration ideals about life and upcoming events, finding happiness in the simplest of things
In other words, relate it back to what is going in the story. If your character is talking to a guy she likes, insert a part in your scene about a seal talking a ride in a wave. If your character is feeling miserable and is walking on the beach feeling lonely, insert a part in your scene about them seeing the left overs of children’s sand castles. Come up with your own if you like. Example 3:
Jonah had been knocked out — he really drowned himself without realizing it. The hot and heavy daydream about Carolyn saving him made him forget to come up for air. By the time Jonah work up, he saw seaweed piled in heaps in various spots on the beach. There were no children and broken shells lined the water line which was filled with debris.
“What, where am I?” Jonah said. Carolyn hovered over him. “Did I go to hell?” Jonah stood up. “There’s no way because you’re here. Tell me, what happened, Carolyn?”
- Identify the main purpose of this scene. Don’t let it linger on without meaning.
» A. Connect all that you can in this scene with your plot. Enhance the characters, bring in new revelations, and/or establish a long-lasting setting that will take place throughout the entire novel.
I. What significant thing happens during this scene? Is it someone that your character meets? Something they find? What important event unfolds and how does your character handle it? II. What is the next step? If the scene’s purpose was for your character to meet someone, then are they going to leave the beach and go somewhere else to have a more serious, maybe private conversation? If not, the beach can be their go to area where they meet in secret, far, far away from the rest of the world. III. Does the ocean or animals on the beach have any relevance? Or does this scene on pertain around human beings and their behaviors toward one another? Animals can potentially save your character if they are about to drown. Animals can be in danger and your character tries to help them, and, in the process, they meet the love of their life or a true friend that wants to help this animal too. Hint: it could be the lifeguard.
Example 4:
Carolyn spoke with such elegance. This was the first time Jonah heard her speak. “Your heart stopped beating and I had to do CPR on you. The ambulance is on its way so hang in there, okay.”
“Wait, Carolyn,” Jonah tried to speak as best as he could, “before they take me away, I want to say I love you so very much.”
» B. Exit the scene in style, and leave hints about if the character will return or not.
I. One of the best ways to finish a beach scene is to show how the scenery, setting and/or environment took effect on your character. For instance, did your character have more peace after visiting the beach or feel anger. Then, connect it back to your plot. Whatever trials and tribulations your character faced throughout the book, take from your simple beach scene and incorporate into the story.
Let’s say at the beach your character finally learned how to swim. Then maybe later on in your book have the character save someone who is about to drown, or join a swimming competition. Another example is if your character met someone. Maybe that special someone can later be of importance to your protagonist
II. What is the most important image/memory that both the character and reader should take from this scene? It could be as small as the walk on the beach to as big as learning how to swim, finally. You decide. And, with that image/memory, have your character reminisce about their time on the way back home. Give them a short dialogue or monologue, saying how their time was well spent. (Unless, of course, they had a miserable time at the beach).
Example 5:
Carolyn giggled. “I know,” she said, “before you woke up you were mumbling to yourself. I know everything. All about your crush, all about your fake drowning attempt.”
“And you’re not mad at me?”
Carolyn shrugged. “I was. But I guess I forgave you.”
Jonah closed his eyes and smiled. “See, this is why I love you. I don’t know you very well but your awesome personality shines through.”
“Don’t be corny,” Carolyn said.
“No, I’m being serious. When the ambulance comes to take me away, will I be able to see you again?”
Carolyn nodded. “Of course. You can always find me here.”
“Right, I almost forgot. Silly me. You’re a life guard.”
Carolyn turned red. “Um,” she said softly, “not just a life guard.” She pointed down. “I’m also a mermaid. The ocean is my home.”
Jonah looked down at the large, purple fin he had been resting on. Surprised to see that it was real and in no way a trick, he fainted once again. This time, he had a very vivid dream that only he will ever know about.
** !You might have to scroll down the textbox with your mouse!
Jonah hadn’t been to the beach since his first semester of college started. It had been a long couple of months but he survived nonetheless. And, instead of going to a frat party to drink himself silly, he wanted to revisit the place where he first fell in love with life. Could it have been the dazzling sand that sparked in the golden sunlight, or the hungry seagulls beating their wings against the ambush of wind. Listening with both an open heart and ear, Jonah heard the waves crashing against a nearby rock. This rock had been the go-to place for him as a kid. He used to jump off of it and into the water, or sit on it and read his favorite book.
As the memories poured in, Jonah headed over to the rock where he knew a flood of happiness would follow him. The best stress relief wasn’t popping pills or smoking a joint with his buds, nah… it was the peaceful serenity of the beach. The smell of saltwater traveling up his nostrils, releasing a spell-like hypnotic trance on him. Yes, it was the gritty sand against his bare feet, the tall, hard rock positioned appropriately against his butt as he read a book. But it didn’t end there. The one thing that made Jonah always returned to the beach wasn’t only because of those reasons. It also had to do with the feel— the emotion he got whenever he looked out far into the ocean. He would forget all forms of agony, pain, regret and frustration. A strong since of peace and calm resided over him always. Only the beach made him feel such things. With the infinite blue sky above promising sunshine, and the big, fluffy white clouds adding a touch of ecstasy.
Though, all of this fantasizing buildup went out his mind the moment he saw Carolyn, the life guard. She was ten years older than him, but ever since Jonah could remember he had a major crush on her. Watching her sexy body climb up in her high chair with the binoculars in one hand and a whistle around her neck, gave Jonah an idea. A devious idea. The other beach goers meant nothing to him; he wanted her to notice him one way or another…. even if it meant fake drowning. Then it happened. Just like that! No thinking, no pauses: Jonah jumped into the water, screaming. Carolyn looked his way immediately. Running quickly to save him, she blew her whistle for back up and used her binocular to find the fallen body. Jonah saw her every move through his squinted eyes, however he knew in order to make it look realistic, he had to go under water. So he did and in the water below, he pictured Carolyn rescuing him and kissing him…. uh, I mean… doing CPR. Jonah had been knocked out — he really drowned himself without realizing it. The hot and heavy daydream about Carolyn saving him made him forget to come up for air. By the time Jonah work up, he saw seaweed piled in heaps in various spots on the beach. There were no children and broken shells lined the water line which was filled with debris.
Carolyn spoke with such elegance. This was the first time Jonah heard her speak. “Your heart stopped beating and I had to do CPR on you.The ambulance is on its way so hang in there, okay.”
Carolyn giggled. “I know,” she said, “before you woke up you were mumbling to yourself. I know everything. All about your crush, all about your fake drowning attempt.”
Jonah looked down at the large, purple fin he had been resting on. Surprised to see that it was real and in no way a trick, he fainted once again. This time, he had a very vivid dream that only he will ever should know about.
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7 thoughts on “ How to Write a Beach Scene ”
this really helped my grades thank’s
You’re welcome Claudia. Spread the word, fellow writer! 🙂
This is good but sadly not what I need rn
Hello :P, can you give us an idea of what you were looking for?
This helped me a lot . Thank you . can you help me with the picture description please
i love this website it helped me so much
This is a really good website, thank you!
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10 Words to Describe Sand on a Beach
By A.W. Naves
There is nothing like a beautiful beach to create a relaxing setting in your novel. If you’re looking for ways to create some memorable visual images in the minds of your readers, the following 10 words to describe sand on a beach will help you.
Gold-like, bright : having a yellowish-brown color.
“The golden sand of the beach was a beautiful contrast to the blue water.”
“She posed next to a golden sandcastle glistening in the sun.”
How It Adds Description
The word “golden” adds a sense of warmth and richness to a scene about sand on a beach. It makes the beach look more inviting and magical, evoking feelings of joy and happiness. The golden sand of a beach can set a romantic or peaceful scene. It can also give an illusion of wealth such as in a novel where a character is seeking treasure on the dunes.
Granular, gravelly ; having rough-edged texture.
“The coarse sand scratched at my feet as I walked.”
“It was nearly impossible to build sandcastles that would stay upright with such coarse sand.”
The word “coarse” provides a sense of the texture and consistency of the sand. It means that it is rough and has a rough-edged texture. This can affect the sensory experience of the characters in the scene and give a sense of how the sand feels beneath their feet. It can show that they are in harsh conditions, a less traveled area or a poorly maintained location along the shore.
3. Shimmering
Gleaming, shining ; producing a sheen.
“The shimmering sand spanned for miles as it reflected light back from the brutal sun.”
“The sand was shimmering like diamonds scattered on the beach.”
The word “shimmering” adds description to a scene about sand on a beach by adding a sense of beauty and magic to the environment. It creates a visual image of the sand reflecting light and creating a sparkly or shining effect. This adds to the atmosphere of the scene, making it more memorable and impactful.
Chalky, dusty ; having a fine, dry texture.
“The powdery sand was so soft that it felt like I was walking on clouds.”
“I left a trail of powdery sand behind me as I walked up the walkway to the tiki bar.”
The word “powdery” conveys a sense of softness and delicacy to the sand. It creates an image in the reader’s mind of the sand being finely textured, like flour or talcum powder. This description can evoke a feeling of comfort and relaxation, making the beach feel like a peaceful, tranquil place.
Speckled, multi-colored ; having distinct colors or shades.
“The mottled sand had a mix of dark and light browns that made it look like a work of art.”
“The sand was mottled with different shades and hues blending together.”
The word “mottled” adds visual detail and depth to a scene about sand on a beach by describing the pattern of blotches or spots of different colors or shades. It can be used to represent the protagonist’s journey, where they are faced with different challenges that leave their mark, adding to their own mottled past.
Harsh, rough ; having a grainy texture.
“The gritty sand was hard on my feet as I attempted to walk barefoot along the shore.”
“The sand was gritty near the waterline but settled into a finer grain further off shore.”
The word “gritty” creates a sensory experience for the reader and helps them visualize the sand as being scratchy and uncomfortable. It can convey a sense of roughness, struggle, or difficulty in a character’s situation, adding nuance to the story. As a representation of a character, it can imply that they possess the same rough surfaces as the sand beneath their feet.
Calm, peaceful ; unbroken in appearance.
“The sand beneath me was serene , allowing me to drift off to sleep in my hammock.”
“The serene sand was a perfect contrast to the noisy waves.”
The word “serene” creates a visual and emotional image of a tranquil and relaxing environment. This can help to set the mood for a particular scene, creating a contrast between the chaos and turmoil of other parts of the story. If a character is in crisis, the serene sand on the beach may represent inner peace or a moment of respite.
Pewter, grey ; having a metallic color.
“The sand was silvery as it caught the light that escaped the clouds.”
“The silvery sand made the beach look like a mirror reflecting the sky.”
The word “silvery” creates an impression of a shimmering, lustrous, and metallic surface. The use of this adjective can evoke a feeling of elegance, glamour, and magic in the reader’s mind. You may expect a silvery beach to lead to something grand or mystical, such as a long-forgotten castle or unexpected doorway.
9. Burnished
Glossy, shiny ; having a smooth polished surface.
“The sand was burnished to a high gloss .
“The burnished sand was like a glassy lake, reflecting the sky.”
The word “burnished” adds a touch of glamour to the setting. This could be used to enhance a romantic or whimsical moment in a novel, such as a beach proposal or a dreamy beach walk. A small patch of burnished sand amid otherwise unremarkable grains can evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.
10. Stygian
Lightless, dark ; black or shaded.
“The obsidian sand on the beach was rare and exotic, unlike any other sand I’ve seen.”
“I picked up a piece of obsidian sand and marveled at its glossy, smooth texture.”
The word “stygian” adds a sense of ominousness or foreboding to a scene. It can be used to describe something dark, gloomy, or sinister, setting the tone for a tense or dangerous situation. A character may encounter stygian sand in a place that is unknown, creating suspense as they enter another leg of a journey.