Summer is here and we all want to enjoy it to the fullest by making memories and having fun. To help you create your best Summer yet, here are 50 inspiring ways to celebrate summer.
When I’m not sitting behind my computer or at my desk, I’m usually out living my best life – doing something that makes me happy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we truly need to seize the day (or at least the weekend!). By doing things that make you smile, your summer will become the most memorable, joyful, and fulfilling one yet.
Embark on a Road Trip: Create a spontaneous road trip with your closest friends to explore hidden and uncommon destinations, while taking pleasure in the breathtaking views throughout the entire excursion. For example, the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (from the Bay Area through Monterey Bay down to Los Angeles) is a bucket-list road trip worth doing.
Explore New Places: Explore your city or go out further to see what wonders await you. Check out museums, art galleries, and other cultural landmarks to expand your knowledge and appreciation. There’s nothing like playing tourist in your area to make you see things from a fresh perspective.
Indulge in a Dream Getaway: Treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation at a dreamy destination spot, where you can unwind, relax, and revel in the beauty of a new locale. For inspiring ideas on where to go this Summer, check out the I&C Travel Guides on the glamorous French Riviera, the enchanting region of Tuscany, Italy, and the majestic Amalfi Coast in Italy – epic dream vacations that will create memories that last a lifetime.
Savor Dining Out: Enjoy summer cuisine and the warm breeze at charming cafes and restaurants while dining outdoors. Look for restaurants that offer seasonal menus with locally grown foods, for a truly unique and memorable gastronomic experience.
Experience Wine Tasting: Experience the art of wine production by visiting nearby vineyards and wineries, where you can taste a variety of wines and savor their unique flavors. Take a stroll through a lush vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and even get your feet dirty by doing a grape stomp (it’s really fun!). There are so many fun ways to experience wine.
Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day: Indulge in a serene spa day with pampering massages, rejuvenating facials, and calming treatments. There’s nothing like a self-care day to boost your spirits.
Host a Picnic in the Park: Invite your friends and family to join you for a lovely picnic at a beautiful park. Don’t forget to pack delicious snacks, refreshing drinks, and comfortable blankets. Whether you cook from scratch or just bring take-out food, the whole point of a picnic is just to relax, unwind, and have fun.
Dive into Beach Bliss: Enjoy a day at the beach where you can bask under the sun, create sandcastles, and take a refreshing dip in the sparkling water.
Hike in the Woods: Take a scenic hike through the lush forest to connect with nature. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings. If you’re exploring the Monterey Peninsula, I highly suggest driving down to Pfeiffer State Park in Big Sur or heading to Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel, California. Both are a couple of my local faves for hiking!
Tee Off with Golf: Unleash your inner Happy Gilmore! You can either play golf with friends or enroll in lessons to enhance your swing while enjoying the beauty of nature. If you’re anything like me, I’ve learned that not keeping a score is sometimes the best way to just have fun on the course. Not to mention – hot pink golf balls can only lighten your mood!
Embrace Water Sports: You can explore the beauty of lakes, rivers, and oceans by engaging in fun-filled activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. Plus it’s a great way to discover the natural environment and incredible sea life. I’m a huge fan of seeing the seals and birds in their natural habitats.
Go Sightseeing: Explore the iconic landmarks, historic sites, and cultural hotspots in your city to experience it like a tourist. Find the magic that is already around you.
Camp under the Stars: Experience the beauty of nature by going camping in the wilderness. You can create a comfortable tent, gather together around a warm campfire, and enjoy sharing stories with your loved ones.
Attend Outdoor Concerts: Enjoy outdoor concerts and music festivals and immerse yourself in the summer atmosphere. Dance under the sky and stars all night long. I’ve been a long-time live music lover and concert-goer, so one of my favorite annual music festivals in California is Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco. If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend adding it to your festival wishlist. I’ve seen so many talented superstars play there – Janet Jackson, Metallica, The Weeknd, and many more.
Exercise Outdoors: You can either join outdoor fitness classes or practice on your own in a peaceful park, enjoying the calming effect of the gentle breeze, and the boost of fresh oxygen. A few must-have outdoor workout essentials include a yoga mat, fitness bands, and lightweight free weights. For inspiring ideas on outdoor exercises you can do (anywhere), check out the I&C Fitness section for easy-to-follow Barre and Yoga tutorials by fitness experts.
Enjoy Home Projects: Refresh your home to create the ultimate staycation. From fresh flowers for your living room to travel photography prints for your walls, a few minor enhancements will make your home feel like a beautiful retreat you can relax in.
Capture Memories: Consider pursuing photography or videography as a hobby to capture the essence of summer and create cherished memories. Whether you learn how to improve your photography skills (using your iPhone) or you plan to upgrade your equipment to a point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR or mirrorless camera, enjoy the process of learning skills and developing your artistic talents along the way. Who knows?! It might just inspire you to pursue a venture into content creation (in some way or another).
Channel Your Inner Chef: Try using seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious dishes. You can host a dinner party with a summer theme and amaze your guests. I highly recommend going to the Sur la Table cooking classes if you have a store nearby you. Enjoy the first-hand experience of cooking in a fun and lively group class while learning tips & tricks from a pro chef.
Attend Farmer’s Markets: You can explore nearby farmer’s markets to back local sellers and find fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, and other delicious homemade items.
Unleash Your Creativity: Explore your artistic side by engaging in painting, pottery, or sculpting. Let your imagination run wild and create something beautiful.
Organize a Garden Party: Host a charming garden party in your backyard, complete with blooming flowers, string lights, and delicious treats. It’s a perfect opportunity to gather friends and celebrate the season and enjoy the natural beauty of life.
Take a Bike Ride: Explore your neighborhood or nearby trails on a leisurely bike ride. Feel the wind in your hair as you pedal along and enjoy the scenic views. And, quite frankly – let your inner child just have some fun and play!
Have a Movie Night Under the Stars: Set up a cozy outdoor movie theater in your backyard. Grab some popcorn, blankets, and your favorite films for a magical night under the twinkling sky.
Plan a Staycation: Transform your home into a vacation oasis. Create a spa-like atmosphere, try new recipes, and indulge in self-care activities without ever leaving your house.
Learn a New Water Sport: Challenge yourself by trying a new water sport, such as sailing, surfing, wakeboarding, or water skiing. Embrace the thrill and conquer the waves.
Enjoy Outdoor Performances: Attend open-air concerts, theater performances, or outdoor movie screenings. Immerse yourself in the arts while enjoying the summer weather. For example, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the locals often enjoy watching old movies projected at the Outdoor Forest Theater. Set amidst a (usually) foggy evening amongst the trees, we bundle up in puffer jackets, pack a pizza, and bring a warm blanket to stay cozy on the wood bleachers while watching a flick. It’s truly a unique and memorable experience, especially for families.
Create a Summer Reading List: Curate a list of captivating books to read throughout the summer. Set aside dedicated time to dive into different literary worlds and expand your knowledge. From fictional stories to empowering personal growth books, unleash your imagination this season by expanding your mental horizons. For inspiring book ideas that will boost your mindset, happiness, and wellness – check out the Inspiring Ideas List on Amazon.
Go Fruit Picking: Visit a local orchard or farm and engage in the delightful activity of fruit picking. Fill your basket with ripe berries, apples, or peaches, and savor the fresh flavors.
Host a BBQ Party: Fire up the grill and invite friends over for a fun-filled BBQ party. Enjoy juicy burgers, grilled veggies, and refreshing beverages in the company of good friends.
Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Challenge your balance and core strength with stand-up paddleboarding. Glide across calm waters and soak in the natural beauty around you.
Create a Summer Playlist: Craft a playlist filled with upbeat and uplifting songs that capture the spirit of summer. Let the music set the tone for your sunny adventures.
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Town: Discover the charm of neighboring towns by taking a day trip. Explore local shops, visit landmarks, and try regional cuisine.
Attend Outdoor Fitness Classes: Join outdoor fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, or boot camps. Stay active while enjoying the fresh air and connecting with like-minded individuals.
Capture Sunsets and Sunrises: Wake up early to witness breathtaking sunrises or find a picturesque spot to watch vibrant sunsets. Take photographs to capture the stunning colors and serene moments. No matter where you live (or are traveling), Summer is the perfect excuse to find the most beautiful place you can capture the sunset or sunrise in. It’s worth the effort.
Set Up a Backyard Water Park: Beat the heat by transforming your backyard into a water park. Slip and slide, splash in a kiddie pool, and have a blast with water balloons.
Create a Summer Scrapbook: Collect mementos, ticket stubs, and photographs from your summer adventures to create a scrapbook. It’s a wonderful way to preserve cherished memories.
Visit Botanical Gardens: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by visiting local botanical gardens. Marvel at the vibrant blooms and find inspiration in the meticulously designed landscapes.
Have a DIY Ice Cream Party: Make your ice cream flavors and invite friends over for a DIY ice cream party. Experiment with unique toppings and enjoy a cool treat together. There’s nothing like churning your own ice cream to feel like you’ve truly earned the indulgence.
Start a Garden: Embrace your green thumb and start a garden. Grow your herbs, vegetables, or flowers, and experience the joy of nurturing and harvesting your produce. Head to a nearby plant nursery and get expert tips on which plants will thrive in your setting. It also helps to bring photos of your patio or yard, so they can guide you on how to care for your garden best.
Join Outdoor Fitness Challenges: Sign up for outdoor fitness challenges, such as charity runs, bike races, or obstacle courses. Push your limits, support a cause, and have fun while staying active. Go for the gold by upping your game in a sport, winning a medal, or just proving to yourself how far you can go when you set the intention to do so.
Try Outdoor Painting: Set up your easel in a park or by a scenic spot and indulge in outdoor painting. Capture the beauty of nature on canvas and let your artistic talents shine. Tell your inner critic to take a backseat, while you give yourself the freedom (and fun) to try your hand at something new, even if you’re not the next Monet.
42. Explore Farmers’ Markets: Visit local farmers’ markets to discover fresh, seasonal produce, homemade treats, and unique artisanal goods. Support local farmers and artisans while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
43. Take a Yoga Retreat: Escape to a yoga retreat in a serene location, where you can immerse yourself in daily yoga sessions, meditation, and wellness activities. Refresh your mind, body, and soul.
44. Enjoy Outdoor Photography: Grab your camera and explore nature’s wonders. Capture stunning landscapes, colorful flora, and captivating wildlife. Let your photography skills blossom along with the summer blooms.
45. Elevate Your Summer Style: Organize a fashion swap party with your friends, where you can exchange clothes, accessories, and style tips. Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and have a blast in the process. To help you elevate your summer style (while saving money), Fashion Forward Box is the best budget-friendly women’s clothing rental service that offers a free 30-day trial, so you can have fun discovering and wearing new fashion trends and looks. Enjoy unlimited rentals from popular brands like Ann Taylor, ASTR The Label, French Connection, Vince Camuto, BB Dakota, English Factory, Express, and more.
46. Attend Outdoor Art Festivals: Explore outdoor art festivals and exhibitions in your area. Admire the work of talented artists, interact with creators, and find unique pieces to decorate your home. For example, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the town (which is filled with art galleries and museums, and has been a long-time haven for artists and creative types), hosts an annual Art Festival. It’s a novel way to learn more about the process (directly from the artists), but also to discover different styles of artwork and sculptures that you enjoy.
47. Discover Hidden Trails: Embark on a quest to find hidden trails in your region. Lace up your hiking boots and venture off the beaten path to uncover hidden natural gems.
48. Plan a Camping Trip with Friends: Gather a group of friends and plan a camping trip. Pitch tents, roast marshmallows over a campfire, share stories and create unforgettable memories.
49. Take a Stargazing Adventure: Find a secluded spot away from city lights and spend an evening stargazing. Learn about constellations, make wishes upon shooting stars, and embrace the vastness of the universe.
50. Embrace Mindfulness in Nature: Disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or simply sit in stillness, appreciating the peacefulness that surrounds you.
Make the most of this summer season by enjoying various activities that interest you. You can choose to relax at a spa, participate in outdoor adventure or explore different cultures. Embrace the warm weather and joyful atmosphere around you. This summer can be an opportunity to discover more about yourself, connect with others, and celebrate life. It all starts with an idea.
For more inspiring ideas and tips on how to live your best life now, follow Inspirations & Celebrations on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
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