- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAppreciationHealth
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Saturday after the March Equinox
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏖️
Walk in the Sand Day invites everyone to embrace the soothing benefits of a beach stroll every Saturday after the March Equinox. This special day encourages us to connect with nature, de-stress, and enjoy the physical and mental perks of walking barefoot on sandy shores. Grab your towel, find a beach, and let the waves wash your worries away.
Want to sponsor Walk in the Sand Day? Learn how
History of Walk in the Sand Day
Walk in the Sand Day was founded by Patti Jewel in 2012 to celebrate the healthy activity of walking barefoot in the sand. She conceived this day to share the experience and joy of beach walks with the world. Jewel is a beach advocate who goes to the beach for relaxation and mental and physical healing. She has expanded the aim of the day to help people appreciate and protect beautiful beaches all around the world.
She is also a strong supporter and activist in environmental protection, preserving the beaches, and sharing the beauty of these spectacular natural resources. She is the founder of WalkintheSand.com and FloridaSmart.com and has published content about Florida’s beaches for over a decade.
Walking in the sand is a fun way of working out your legs. It allows you to walk slower and enjoy nature while getting a better workout, burning more calories, and enjoying the experience more.
Dry sand areas require extra energy to walk on them. Therefore, you get to exercise more muscles in the legs and feet. The harder sand near the water is perfect for a faster-paced walk. You experience less stress on your feet and joints when compared to walking on pavement since the sand offers more flexibility. In the long run, this helps prevent degenerative conditions like spinal arthritis from progressing.
While the oceans invoked feelings of dread in people before the 18th century, they have now become places of rest and mental refreshment. More and more people visit beaches each year for health and leisure.
Walk in the Sand Day timeline
European elites begin praising the curative qualities of exercise, fresh air, and sea bathing.
The first public beach in the United States opens, with over 45,000 people attending.
Romantic writers and artists add emotion and wonder to the act of strolling along the beach.
One-half of the world’s population lives within 37 miles of an ocean.
Walk in the Sand Day related content
75 Beach House Gifts
Looking for housewarming beach house gifts? You’re just at the right place!
See MoreWalk in the Sand Day FAQs
When is Walk in the Sand Day?
In 2027, Walk in the Sand Day will be observed on Saturday, March 27, marking the ideal moment to kick off your shoes and experience the therapeutic benefits of walking barefoot in the sand. Plan a relaxing day by the water.
What are the health benefits of walking in the sand?
Beyond physical perks, walking barefoot in the sand is known to reduce stress and improve mood by connecting you with nature, a practice often referred to as ‘earthing.’ The gentle massage from the sand can also stimulate nerve endings, promoting relaxation.
How many beaches are there in the United States?
While an exact count is difficult due to varying definitions, coastal and Great Lakes states collectively feature thousands of public and private beaches. From the rocky shores of Maine to the sunny beaches of California, there’s a sandy stretch for nearly every preference across the nation.
Is walking barefoot in the sand better than with shoes?
While walking barefoot provides unique sensory and muscular benefits, wearing appropriate beach shoes can offer protection from sharp objects, hot sand, and certain parasites. The ‘better’ option often depends on the specific beach conditions and individual comfort or health needs.
Walk in the Sand Day Activities
Walk on the beach
There is nothing more calming than walking on the beach. Take a few minutes on this day to unplug and enjoy nature.
Be a change ambassador
Start a movement in your coastal community to bring more awareness about the need for cleaning up your local beaches. Partnering with existing lobby groups will make your work much easier.
Share on social
Post your images and videos of your beach walks on social media. This way, more people will see how beautiful and important our beaches are and appreciate the value of beach walks.
5 Interesting Facts About Beaches
Variety in nature
Every beach in the world has sand that varies in color and coarseness.
A new form of enjoyment
Beaches became popular as tourist attractions during the middle of the 18th century.
The chemical composition of sand
Sandy beaches are mostly made of silica (SiO2) in the form of quartz.
The world's longest beach
Casino Beach in the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach in the world with an estimated length of over 152 miles.
The world’s largest sand island
Fraser Island located in Queensland, Australia is the world’s largest sand island and is a World Heritage Site.
Why We Love Walk in the Sand Day
It boosts our health
Walking on the beach helps to relieve stress, keep us grounded, and work out the muscles. It also helps us stay unplugged as we focus on our environment.
It’s family-friendly
Walking on the beach can be enjoyed with your dog, your partner, or a friend. You can even invite the whole family to join in the experience.
Advocates for environmental protection
Walk in the Sand Day spreads the word about protecting and appreciating the beaches around the world. It brings attention to the problems facing beaches and the need to protect them.
