Keep Your Cool on the Sand
Bright golden sunshine glitters off the turquoise-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and catches the quartz sparkles in the sugar-white sands.
Bright golden sunshine glitters off the turquoise-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and catches the quartz sparkles in the sugar-white sands. As much as you enjoy raising your face to the sun, eventually you may want a place to cool off. From umbrellas and tents to cold water and fresh fruit, we've listed a few ways you can stay cool during a hot summer day on Alabama's white-sand beaches. Options for keeping cool this summer are as boundless as the waves ebbing onto shore.
Umbrellas are a popular choice for beachgoers, their brightly colored fabric marking your spot in the sand. They're available in a variety of sizes, from smaller ones meant for one or two sun-seekers to larger ones that can shade several people. Make sure to plant your umbrella deep enough in the sand so it doesn't get blown down by the breezes from the Gulf. The best part? Umbrellas are easy to find at souvenior shops and big-box stores in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Sun and wind tents are a good option if you have little ones that need more shade than sun. Pop-up shelters make setup and take-down easy. Others prefer a canopy or four-legged tent for shade. Tents may offer more space for larger groups that want the convenience of carrying one sunshade rather than several umbrellas. Always remember to remove your shelters from the beach after a day in the sun in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Share the Beach asks beachgoers to remove their tents, chairs and beach toys daily to clear the way for mama sea turtles emerging from the Gulf of Mexico to make their nests.
Beach chairs have morphed into recliners with drink holders to chairs that come complete with umbrellas. For the person who likes to travel very light, you can always bring a light-color flat sheet to spread out on the beach. Straw beach mats, available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach souvenir shops, are also an easy and lightweight way to keep you cool at the beach. Don't forget to bring plenty of liquids during your beach days. Water is the number-one way to stay cool, but sports drinks are also a good way to stay hydrated. Add chilled, fresh fruit to your coolers, too, for a light snack and to keep your energy up. You can always take a dip in the Gulf to cool off! Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen with you. If, however, you get a little sunburn, refrigerated aloe vera gel is a soothing remedy to have on hand and is easy to find while doing a little Gulf Shores shopping
