Sunday Stills: It’s National #Beach Day—Let’s Go to the Beach!

Why do we go to the beach? To swim or surf, lounge in the sun, play sand volleyball, picnic, throw the ball with your dog? Yes to all! According to National Day Calendar today is #NationalBeachDay

Perhaps for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the end of August marks back to school for kids, end of summer and family vacations.


August 31 is the end of Meteorological Summer. This year Labor Day holiday in the US lands on Monday Sept 7th, marking the last three-day “summer” weekend of the year.

This past week was National Park Week (Aug 22-30) celebrated in the US. I don’t know how I missed this but I am celebrating the last day with a photo of the beach at Lake Tenaya, in Yosemite National Park at the Western edge of Tuolumne Meadows.

Imagine relaxing on a fresh-water alpine lake at 9000 feet elevation.

Lake Tenaya, Yosemite National Park
Lake Tenaya, Yosemite National Park

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes—including you.” – Anne Lamott

Sacramento River Delta Beach Time

windsurf boards on beach
Seven windsurf boards waiting for wind

Late summer camping at the Sacramento River Delta. The mile-wide river was just a few steps up and over the levee.

RV camping

Summer on the river, popular for wind sports and paddle sports, meant windsurf competitions and parties.

Dogs alert for Danger
Gideon and Aero used to look out for me on the water.

The launch made of sandbags is a “beach.”

Mother's Day Kayaking

Let’s See What’s Going on at the Beaches

Lots of people-watching at the beach after a day surfing or swimming.

San diego beaches

People watching and throwing balls with the dog is always a good idea!

Safety protocols for public safety are aways in effect by Professional Lifeguards who watch their zones carefully.

“You can observe a lot by just watching.” – Yogi Berra

Hawaiian Beaches

Black sand, wave paddlers and surfers catch anyone’s eye.

The Big Island’s black sand beaches are beautiful. They are made by millennia of eroded lava.

Hilo Surfers
Hilo, Hawaii Surfers

Sharing for Dan’s Where/What/When We Watch – CFFC, Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday, Kym & Sadje’s Wednesday Quotes: Taking a Break, and Pepper’s One Step at a Time Challenge.

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is simple to join. You have all week to share and link your post. Please use your own original images, whether new or from your archives. Your original images reimagined with AI tools in post-editing are also welcome.

  • Remember to title your blog post a little differently from mine.
  • Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
  • Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
  • Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
  • I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.

If you are participating in the photo challenge, I look forward to seeing how you interpret this week’s theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme.

Please join me again on September 13th for the Monthly Color Challenge (warm colors of apricot and orange). Check out September’s themes HERE.

Special note: I’ll be on a two week break from the blog while we visit Europe October 2 – 14. During this time, Hugh Roberts has graciously agreed to host Sunday Stills on Oct 4 and Oct 11. Please stop by his blog and subscribe to get his posts.

Hugh’s Views and News

Sand
Peaceful beach walk

“The end of labor is to gain leisure.” ~Aristotle

SURF signature

© 2026 Terri Webster Schrandt | secondwindleisure.com. All rights reserved. All content on this blog is protected by copyright and may not be copied, reposted, or reblogged without written permission.


Discover more from Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

91 responses to “Sunday Stills: It’s National #Beach Day—Let’s Go to the Beach!”

  1. Such a variety of beautiful beaches, Terri. I’m used to the beaches in Florida. Mostly flat with white sand depending on which side of the state you’re on. Back in the day, I loved swimming in the ocean. 🏖️🌞

    Like

  2. Gotta love a beach scene and that first one from Yosemite if amazing. 👏

    Like

  3. Hi Terri
    I like your last picture most. It’s like our beach here.
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, KB! That last pic was taken on the beach in La Ventana on the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. thetravelingtaylorsofficial Avatar
    thetravelingtaylorsofficial

    A beach at 9,000 feet is not what my brain pictures when someone says beach day — that Lake Tenaya shot is stunning. And I laughed at the sandbag launch being called a beach, because that is exactly the sort of spot our kids would later insist was the best beach of the whole trip. Gideon and Aero keeping watch over you on the water is such a tender photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Taylors! The alpine lakes in Tuolumne Meadows (Yosemite) are amazing. Glad you liked the dogs watching out for me. Have a great day!

      Like

  5. Oh, I forgot. Here’s a little ‘Sandy’ tale set on a beach that I wrote back in 2023. Enjoy!

    https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2023/06/23/flash-fiction-friday-what-lays-beneath/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Hugh, I’ll check it out! I really appreciate your hosting Sunday Stills in a few weeks!

      Like

  6. I love the thought of walking on black sand, something I’ve never seen, Terri. That must have been an amazing moment. I guess all the black sand comes from volcanic activity?

    As you know, I live near the beach, so it’s something I am lucky to have on my doorstep. However, I’m not a lover of getting sand on my skin, so I always walk on the beach wearing shoes. The thought of wet sand between my toes gives me one of those fingernails down a blackboard moments. However, I love walking along the beach (with shoes on), especially during the winter months.

    The photo of Gideon and Aero looking out at the water for you is terrific. What a great shot. Our beach is off-limits to dogs from May through the end of September, so I have to walk them elsewhere during the summer months. But the wait for them is almost over!

    It’s a long bank holiday weekend here in the UK (except in Scotland), so enjoy your long weekend next week with your daughter.

    I’m looking forward to hosting Sunday Stills the first two weeks in October. Thank you for asking me.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Hugh! All those years at various beaches have proven I’m not a fan of sand either. In the Sierras, where the alpine lakes are, the sand is made of granite and bigger grains, rather than the fine sand of typical beaches. It falls off rather than sticks to everything, my kind of sand 😁

      The black sand is fine but not like typical beach sand. I bet you and your dogs are excited to get back to the beach. My dogs just like being with us wherever we go.

      Like

  7. […] week Terri is celebrating National Beach Day. The beach is my go to place. When I needed an escape after […]

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Hi Terri, your beach shots are all fabulous but I think for originality the sandbag beach takes the prize! I had some black sand shots from Iceland’s beaches which I could have used, your Hawaii ones are great. A lovely prompt for the start of our Spring! Enjoy your weekend with your daughter and son-in-law visit. I’ll try to join you again, it’s always fun. Thanks again for your hosting and sharing your range of beach shots.

    I’ve shared three beaches which have surprised me in recent times.

    https://debs-world.com/2026/08/30/three-beaches-that-surprised-me-sundaystills/

    Debbie from debs-world.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debbie! The launch made of sandbags is the welcome steps for water sports. There is grassy areas around it since its the shore of a fresh water river. Something unique for sure. Happy early spring! Here we are so ready for autumn!

      Like

  9. I do like the beach and the water. Love the dog keeping watch. So cute!
    https://mariawijk.wordpress.com/2026/08/31/a-windy-day-by-the-sea/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Maria! Beaches are wonderful places.

      Like

  10. […] Sopot, Poland. For Terri´s Sunday Stills. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Wonderful beaches, Terri

    Liked by 1 person

  12. These are wonderful Terri. The dogs keeping watch is so cute. Do you think they would have jumped in the water to save you if needed?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maybe, little Aero was my personal watch dog.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. […] Sunday Stills: Let’s Go To The #Beach […]

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Love them all but I love the one where the two pups are enjoying the view of the water! Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Nancy! Gideon and Aero were looking at ME paddling away! I didn’t know they were there watching until Hans showed me the picture he took! I miss them so much!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sending you a great big ((hug.))

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Wonderful!
    I love the Hawaiian surfers, but the doggies on the beach, the best!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dawn! Yep those dogs were nervous for me, I’m sure!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. I like your beachy-keen pictures Terri. You make everything look so fun. I can’t remember the last time I was at a beach. We have a lot of water in Michigan and I guess the closest beach for me would be at Belle Isle in Detroit. On very hot days, they have a quota and will shut down the bridge for people driving/walking across. I like the photo of Gideon and Aero looking for you on the water. Since I don’t have any beach photos to share, I went for the sky instead of the water. I have some Osprey shots, but something new – a couple of women flying big kites, something I’ve never seen anyone doing at this park or any parks. The one woman was adamant I should not include her in the shots (playing hooky from work that day???), so I didn’t, but I didn’t include the other woman either, who was more accommodating and also more skilled at maneuvering her kite around. Wednesday I have my Sparrow on the Cup Plant (which I mentioned before) as my contribution to Flower Hour.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Linda! Can you tell we spent a LOT of time at various beaches in my life? My little Aero did not like the water, but he always watched for me when I went out on the kayak or paddleboard.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, a lot of time Terri. Aero was waiting for you to return whereas Brodie sat alongside you on the paddleboard.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. You sure make a day at the beach look fun! Do you miss your sunny California beaches? Ours over here are a bit colder. 🙂 I’m sharing Seattle’s own Alki Beach today. Alki Beach and Lincoln Park – Cats and Trails and Garden Tales

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I grew up not far from San Diego beaches, Susanne. I had a boogie board and loved riding the waves. I would take my daughters when they were young (I must have pics of them at Pismo Beach somewhere). Once I met Hans, we spent every weekend from mid April to mi September at the delta. About 10 years, wonderful times and memories. I almost shared my Alki Beach pics from last year.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Such wonderful memories! How nice to go to a beach with soft sand and warm water! Pretty hard to find here locally! 🙂 Still, there’s another kind of beauty in the rugged beaches on Puget Sound, and Alki Beach is special.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. So… You know your friend is a veritable beach bum when you read, on a lifeguard tower, “The Schrandt Family Beach This Way”.  Great prompt, great timing. Your photographs are stunning but I’ve a clear-cut fav – Gideon and Aero – it’s priceless! You can almost hear them thinking C’mon Mum, where are you? Lovely post, Terri! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aww, thank you, Pam! I didn’t know Hans had taken that pic of the dogs guarding me at the time. It is a precious pic for sure! Isn’t that image of the Schrandt Pier hilarious? Our state Farm agent made calendars one year with our names on each month’s image.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m really liking your State Farm agent!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. […] Sunday Stills: It’s National #Beach Day—Let’s Go to the Beach! […]

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Hi Terri, it’s not beach time yet for us but we are well into spring. Your pictures are lovely and happy ones.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie! I remember that you shared an image a long time ago of one of your fondant creations–I believe it had a beach scene?

      Like

      1. Oh yes, I remember that one now 😃

        Like


  21. People never expect beaches in the Canadian prairies but we have literally thousands of them with beautiful sand and gorgeous lakes.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I would imagine, Bernie. Beaches aren’t just at the ocean or seashore.

      Like

  22. What a delightful celebration of National Beach Day! 🌊🏖️ Your post beautifully reminds us that a beach is so much more than a place to swim or bask in the sun—it is a place to pause, reconnect with nature, play, explore, and simply breathe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well said, Vijay, thank you so much!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. These are great photos for CFFC. I love Gideon and Aero watching out over the water.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dan! I miss those two dogs! Brodie also watches us when we go out on the water. A personal life-dog! 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s so cool.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Great selection Terri. Got to love that beach at Yosemite! Not sure what’s going to happen at Punulu’u. The county leased the land for the park, but have been unable to negotiate a new lease with the current owner. They have to allow shoreline access, but who knows how easy they’ll make it. Worrying times there unfortunately. Here’s mine this week: https://grahamsisland.com/2026/08/30/lifes-a-beach-4/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Graham! Those high alpine lakes are so spectacular. Hopefully they figure out the access at Punulu’u. That was a great beach area!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I think the owner wants to put up a bunch homes there so she’s not really interested in accommodating the county. It’s a pity because it’s really the only decent beach access along that stretch of coast.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That’s truly sad. All about the dollar!

        Like

  25. […] This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Beaches.’ See more responses here. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  26. So many fabulous beaches, Terri 😍 They are all beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cathy! The San Diego beaches were interesting people-watching places.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Wow that black beach in Hawaii is amazing. I am not sure I would say the same about the “sandbag” beach! Bernie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Bernie! That’s probably the best black sand beach in Hawaii. Yeah, the sandbags are a stretch. Its the windsport launch, but there was grass area with old windsurf boards made into benches people could sit on.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Love lots about this post, but the Anne LaMott quote is right at the top.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, indeed, thank you, Jacqui!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Lisa. Your comment came up anonymous. But your link gave it away 😁

      Like

  29. The Yosemitie shot is a beauty, Terri, but there are all kinds of beaches, as you so beautifully illustrate. Have a wonderful week xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jo! Lake Tenaya is a gorgeou lake and surrounded by those granite cliffs. And pine trees. That would be my idea of Heaven!

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Since I’m closer to a Great Lake than an ocean I have to say my favorite beaches are on Lake Michiganm, particularly at Sleeping Bear National Park, in northern lower Michigan. Can’t beat that white sand, blue skies and turquoise water!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Any kind of water with a beachfront is Heaven to me. Sounds amazing!

      Like

  31. Ohh a trip to Europe. How fun!!! I will definitely hit up Hughes blog to join in. These beach photos are great. Your post about NP week reminded me, I need to buy an America the Beautiful Pass because we are heading to AZ in October for about 10 days.

    https://troyerslovinglife.blogspot.com/2026/08/taking-in-life-around-me.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh definitely get your pass, Kirstin! You can buy it at the entrance to any NP. Are you close to one where you are? Remember when I bought mine at Fort Vancouver when we were with Marsha? So simple! OmG there are so many NPs in Arizona. If you go to the Grand Canyon, get there early, like 9am, or you’ll sit in a long line! This time last year, we visited Yellowstone and because we had the pass, there was a fast lane for entry.

      Like

  32. Terri, the beach is my happy place! I enjoyed all of your beautiful beach photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Beth! Beaches are amazing and so different depending on what water they’re near.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I love the Hawaii pictures!!

    Like

    1. Thank you, Marina! The Big Island is amazing to see!

      Like

  34. Fabulous gallery of beach photos, Terri! 💖 Thanks for the memories of San Diego. 🙂 That last image of the surfers in Hawaii really pops!

    https://thedogladysden.com/beaches-sundaystills-photography/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debbie! I must have a ton of pics of San Diego beaches and Sacramento Delta shots. The Hilo, Hi pic was made into a large canvas print for a wall in our house. It was amazing to watch them navigate the lava rock!

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Beautiful and relaxing Terri!

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Superb vistas, Terri. All your images are magical and meaningful. I grew up with a deep love for being by the ocean, which always comes to mind when I see images like these. It is very much appreciated. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Suzette! You lived in the Caribbean right? I bet those beaches are incredible!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, Terri, I grew up in the Caribbean. Several of the beaches are white sand. Totally awesome!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Wouldn’t it be cool to layer that white sand with the black sand of Hawaii in a jar or vase?

        Liked by 1 person

      3. That is a great idea!

        Liked by 1 person

  37. […] Terri’s Sunday Stills – 30 August 2026:  where Terri’s theme is: “Celebrating National […]

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Excellent beach photos, Terri!! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

      1. You are welcome. ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

What is YOUR perspective? Please include your name if WP identifies you as “anonymous.

About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

SundayStills_blogbanner
flower hour badge

Top Posts and Pages

Recent Articles

Current Photo Challenges

Wednesday Quotes graphic
CFFC badge
last on the card banner

Blogs I Enjoy Visiting


Enchanting Essex
Enchanting Essex
Stories and photographs of my adventures in beautiful Essex County, south-west Ontario.

Suzette B's Blog
Suzette B’s Blog
Inspiration and Spirituality **Award Free**

Marsha Ingrao         Always Write
Marsha Ingrao Always Write
Having fun blogging with friends

Hugh's Views & News  
Hugh’s Views & News  
WordPress & Blogging tips, flash fiction, photography, and lots more!

Through Brazilian Eyes
Through Brazilian Eyes
Nature and Travel Through Brazilian Eyes

Two Trails One Road
Two Trails One Road
Life is an Adventure

WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY
WALKIN’, WRITIN’, WIT & WHIMSY
Strolling around SE Michigan & sending joy in the journey.

Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life