Your Coastal Grandmother Summer Bucket List Starts Here

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been craving a slower summer—the kind filled with easy mornings, simple meals, long walks by the water, and soft clothes you never want to take off. I call it a coastal grandmother summer, and honestly, it’s my favorite way to live this time of year. I’ve stayed in some sweet little towns over the years—Newburyport, Nantucket, Camden and Bar Harbor, Maine—and every time I visit, I leave inspired to bring that peaceful seaside feeling home. So I made this list as a little reminder to enjoy the season. Nothing fancy or over-the-top—just feel-good ideas to help make the most of summer. Your Coastal Grandmother Summer Bucket List Starts Here!

Your Coastal Grandmother Summer Bucket List Starts Here

1. Host a low-key lunch outside

Nothing complicated. Just some pasta salad, lemon water in a hand-painted pitcher, and a little music playing while you set the table with cotton-linen blend napkins. It’s about the mood, not the menu.

2. Step outside with your coffee in the morning

Even for five minutes—it changes the whole day. I’ve been wearing this striped robe with my favorite cozy sandals and sitting out on the porch before the day gets busy.

3. Start that summer reading list

It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Pick up something light and happy. Right now I’m reading Funny Story and love it!

4. Bake something nostalgic

Lately, I’ve been making fluffy blueberry pancakes on slow mornings. This blue pan makes even the simplest recipe feel special, and my house smells amazing for hours after.

5. Wear something a little cute—even to run errands

I’ve been loving white wide-leg jeans with a striped tee, oversized sunglasses, and calling it a day. It just makes me feel a little more put together.

6. Visit a farmer’s market and pick up something fresh

Flowers, fruit, a crusty loaf of bread—whatever looks good. I usually bring a woven market tote and find a few things to brighten up the kitchen.

7. Add one small coastal touch to your home

I swapped in a blue and white pillow and added a rattan bread basket to the coffee table. Little things, but they make the space feel so light and fresh.

8. Make rainy days feel special too

When it rains, I pull out my fisherman cardigan, light this seaside candle, and put on a good playlist while I bake or read. Sometimes I even use the time to organize a drawer that’s been driving me nuts—with a hot cup of tea nearby, of course.

9. Plan a simple picnic

You don’t need much—just a blanket, some snacks, and maybe a little rosé. We’ve done it in the backyard, on the beach, even in the trunk of the car when it started to rain.

10. Go for a drive with the windows down

Play some music you love, stop for iced coffee or ice cream, and take the long way home. It always lifts my mood.

11. Wind down the day slowly

After dinner, I light a candle, turn on some music, and curl up with a book or a show I’ve been meaning to watch. These quiet evenings are what I look forward to most.

You don’t need a beach house to have a peaceful summer. A few thoughtful touches, some slower days, and a good pair of pajamas can go a long way.

I’ll be sharing more simple summer ideas like these every day on Beautifully Seaside—along with coastal outfits, home finds, and things I’m loving lately. Hope you’ll stop by again soon for three new posts every day!

What’s one thing on your summer bucket list? I’d love to hear!