One of the final and biggest events for high school seniors before their college journey is beach week. From buying a house to planning activities, there is a lot that goes into the planning process.
The location of your beach house sets the tone for the entire trip. Popular destinations include the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, and Virginia Beach, which all have a balance of scenic beauty and fun attractions. Local shops, restaurants, and beaches being close by make it even more convenient. Choosing the right location can also save the group money on transportation.
“For us, the location it’s super important. You also want to make sure you’re going to a place where everyone is going, along with choosing the correct dates,” senior Aditya Kalva said. “It’s also important to choose your house based on your needs, larger groups will require larger houses with maybe more amenities.”
Finding the house is one of the first and most important steps. Seniors should look for AirBNBs that would be big enough to accommodate their group comfortably and maybe even include features such as outdoor seating, a pool, or large kitchens where groups can eat together. Being closer to the beach is much better because you save time and energy. Early booking is a must, as AirBNBs for beach week get taken up months in advance.
“Our group booked a house back in July,” senior Sudarshna Suresh said. “We wanted to make sure that we were able to book a nice house before everything filled up.”
Having a coordinated transportation plan is important for ensuring a smooth trip. For groups within driving distance, they can bring out their own cars. They can even carpool to save money on gas and parking costs. Flying and then splitting the cost of a rental car for destinations farther away can also help save money. Then, once at the beach, consider renting bikes or scooters for ease of mobility, or rely on ride-sharing apps to get into town. Planning ahead ensures everyone arrives on time and avoids the stress of last-minute transportation issues.
“For our group, we’re planning to take 3 cars,” senior Rithvik Amaragani said. “I feel like taking more than that is unnecessary.”
Beach week can be enjoyed by all in almost anything planned, but a little bit of everything usually appeals to everyone. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and snorkeling always tend to be big hits, but bonfires with late-night stargazing remain always casual. Take a look around for attractions within driving distance- boardwalks, amusement parks, or local shops to add variety. Group meals, either dining out or cooking together, can also create special bonding moments. Be sure to schedule downtime to relax and enjoy the beach to keep the trip balanced. A mix of planned activities and those that can be spontaneous best assures that everyone will have something they might enjoy.
“My plans for beach week include going swimming with my friends, trying new recipes, and staying up all night to binge movies,” Suresh said. “We plan to try out all the different restaurants and beach activities.”
Beach week is more than just an escape – it’s a celebration of friendships, milestones, and the end of an unforgettable chapter. With some planning and concentration on main details like housing, transportation, and activities, seniors are going to have a fun and stress-free experience. As one of the last big events before college, beach week is a time to relax, reflect, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
“Our entire group is excited to go,” Kalva said. “It’s an experience that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives.”
