There’s just something about summer that makes me giddy, but it also goes by far too fast. Growing up my countdown to summer would always start right after the holidays and I would anxiously wait until Memorial Day Weekend would come, the anticipation of summer, swimming every day, and no school. By the end of August, I would always start to feel sad that summer was ending and looking back and wishing I had more summer to do more things. Cue: The Summer Bucket List.
I’ve been writing bucket lists since I can remember, I used to make a poster out of them and hang it up in my room so I could cross off the things as I completed them (how type A am I!) plus it was nice to always have a constant reminder of everything I wanted to do. It’s my effort to create special moments that I will remember years later and find the things that I want to create a tradition of doing every summer.
Is it just me or does vacations to new places or trying something you’ve never done before stand out so much more than just your typical day with the same routine. So save this post for when you’re feeling bored or don’t know how to fill your summer day.
- Jump into a swimming pool. For me, there is nothing like the little kid fun of making a splash in a swimming pool, not worried about my hair or smeared mascara. That’s really living life.
- Pick berries at a local farm. Just up North from San Diego is Carlsbad Strawberry fields where you will get to pick strawberries and take them home. There is nothing like fresh berries that feels and tastes like summer. And just wait to have more berries than you could ever eat.
- Have a BBQ. I’m such a fan of grilling, I mean quoted from one of the best movies of all time, “Oh my god, you look like the Fourth of July. Makes me want a hotdog real bad.” AKA screams grilling. And no, I am not the grill master but I can come up with everything to cook on the grill from burgers and hotdogs to ribs to kabobs and pizzas. You have a craving, we can make something happen on the grill.
- Read (+ finish) a book. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when you finish a book. What’s better than laying in a hammock, on the grass, or a towel on the beach and getting lost in a book?
- Create a summer playlist. I’m working on mine right now, and I’ll share it when it’s done, but fill it with songs you love to sing along to, some oldies, some country all the songs that will instantly make you feel good.
- Do a digital detox. For an entire weekend. Nothing says freedom like turning off your phone and not worrying about the latest Instagram post, your work emails, or anything just to be in the moment.
- Take a hike somewhere new. This can be an intensive hike or even just a nature walk – whatever your pace is. Give yourself some adventure and serotonin-boosting exercise all in one.
- Make homemade ice cream. I used to love to do this as a kid, and really what’s better than fresh homemade vanilla with the berries you just picked? Or with the pie, you just made with your fresh berries? Exactly.
- Watch the sunrise. There’s so much beauty in the sunrise, I feel like they don’t get as much credit as sunsets. And maybe that’s because summer days are known to be leisurely and wake up slow, but jumpstart just one of those days with a sunrise. Watch it from a beach, mountain, apartment, wherever you are.
- Go wine tasting. And I don’t mean book a flight to Napa (but that’s not discouraged in the slightest). I guarantee no matter where you are there’s a pop-up wine shop that does tastings somewhere near you. See if they have food, if not – make a picnic and just enjoy the afternoon.
- Plant some herbs. I will be the first to admit, I have no green thumb. I kill succulents. But summer is the perfect time to try! It’s affordable plus if you don’t kill them you will have fresh herbs for cooking all year long.
- Meet up with a group of old friends. You know the friends you love and talk to occasionally but don’t see all the time? Those friends. Life gets in the way, we all get it. Usually, all it takes is one thought/suggestion in a group chat to get the dates flowing. It can be brunch, dinner, or a girls’ night at someone’s house. I have a feeling this will become one of your summer highlights.
- Make s’mores. Sound silly? Yet also very nostalgic? But seriously, who doesn’t love graham crackers, chocolate, and caramelized marshmallows with the smell of a campfire. For a twist, add in a different piece of chocolate like a reeses.
- Go to the farmer’s market. This is by far one of my favorite things to do all year long but especially in the summer when you can sip on a fresh green juice, buy the freshest fruits and veggies, and some flowers. Make it fun and plan your dinner that night based on what veggies look like and call your name there.
- Pack a picnic and take it to a beach or park. Eating outdoors never gets old. Keep it simple with a classic sandwich and chips combo, or this cheese board here for the perfect picnic combo.
- Make a blended cocktail and put an umbrella in it. This will instantly transport you to a tropical island. Cue the pool boy. If you’re like me, there’s no tropical vacation in your future planned… but that doesn’t need to stop you from bringing the piña colada vibes to your poolside/backyard hangs this summer.
- Take a road trip. This has by far been one of the most popular ways of travel this past year and I don’t see that trend slowing down. It doesn’t have to be a long one, even just a day trip close to home someplace will leave you excited.
- Make a scrapbook to commemorate the #BestSummerEver. I’m a huge fan of pictures and looking back at them and remembering that exact day and moment. For any summer scrapbook, make sure you capture both special and fun days but also the days you think are just your typical summer day. At the end of the day, bucket lists are about creating memories.
What’s on your summer bucket list? I’d love to know! Let me know here in the comments.
~ XOXO, the summer lovin’, Amanda // Blonde out of Water
