24 Best Beach Games For Adults Only

Pack up the car, gather your friends, and hit the coastal road as we get into the best beach games for adults!

You can read all of my game guides here.

Or, check out GTQ’s list of adult games.

Beach Party Games Ideas For Adults

Beach Volleyball

This classic game involves two teams volleying a ball over a net without letting it touch the ground.

The teams have three hits to return the ball to the other side, and points are scored when the ball hits the ground on the opponent’s side.

Beach volleyball is a great game for a competitive group, especially one willing to run and jump into the sand regularly.

It is also flexible in size and number of players, with a larger setup allowing for ten players at a time and a more traditional layout with two players on each team.

Spikeball

A fast-paced and energetic game that is quickly becoming one of the most beloved beach ball games for adults, Spikeball involves players taking turns hitting a small ball onto a net.

The opposing team then has up to three touches to return the ball back onto the net, and the back-and-forth continues.

Spikeball is best enjoyed by those who love quick reflexes, strategic plays, and dynamic movements.

And just like volleyball, you must be willing to dive into the sand occasionally.

Beach Bocce

A more relaxing and strategic game, Beach Bocce, involves throwing balls as close as possible to a target ball, the pallino.

Players take turns trying to get their balls closest to the pallino, earning points for each successful throw.

Beach Bocce does not require nearly as much athleticism and general exertion as games like volleyball, but just as much joy!

Kan Jam

Kan Jam is a fun and engaging disc-throwing game that requires two teams of two players.

The objective is to score points by throwing a flying disc toward a goal while the opposing team tries to deflect or intercept it.

The most common means of scoring is to throw the frisbee into the top of the trash can, either with the physical assistance of your teammate or by yourself.

Additionally, there is a small slot in the side of the trash can, and if you are able to get the frisbee through that slot, your team instantly wins the game.

Kan Jam is perfect for active individuals who enjoy precision, teamwork, and a bit of competitive banter.

Beach Frisbee Golf

Combining frisbee and golf, this game challenges players to complete a course in as few throws as possible.

Instead of hitting a ball, players throw a frisbee towards a target, oftentimes a pole or basket.

The player who completes the course with the fewest throws wins, with the same scoring system as traditional golf.

This game suits those who love frisbee, outdoor adventures, and a mix of strategy and skill.

It should be emphasized that beaches tend to get especially windy at times, and a game such as frisbee golf is best played on days when there is minimal wind, so you will need to check the forecast before you set out to play.

Love golf? Check out our Golf Trivia!

Cornhole

A laid-back yet entertaining game, cornhole has quickly emerged as the quintessential beach-town activity and one of the best beach games for adults.

Players aim to get their bags onto the slanted board, and will earn even more points by getting the bean bags into small holes on the board.

Whether played casually with friends or in a more competitive setting, cornhole appeals to those who enjoy socializing, precision throwing, and a friendly atmosphere.

Buy your own Cornhole boards and kits at Walmart and Amazon.

This activity is also featured in our Friendsgiving games.

Beach Paddleball

A simple and enjoyable game with minimal equipment required, a beach paddle ball is an easy way to get the most out of your day at the beach.

Players hit the ball back and forth to each other using wooden paddles, keeping the ball in the air for as long as possible.

You can also make the game more interesting by splitting up into teams, either playing defense or seeing which team can last longer before their ball hits the sand.

It’s a fantastic choice for individuals who appreciate low-intensity activities with the option for teamwork instead of competition, along with a simple beach workout.

Sandcastle Competition

Unleash your creativity and sculpt your wildest sandcastle dreams in a creative twist on a classic beach activity.

Gather friends or family members and see who can build the most impressive sandcastle within a set time limit.

To make the game more interesting, you can have certain engineering or architectural objectives, such as requiring competitors to make a castle that can withstand five waves or stand on a weak foundation.

This game is perfect for imaginative individuals who enjoy artistic expression or really just anyone who ever liked digging in the sand.

Judges can give points for specific impressive items such as moats and turrets.

Beach Scavenger Hunt

If you are looking for an activity that can involve a large group of people with varying interests and skills, a beach scavenger hunt for adults is a great option.

Create a list of items commonly found at the beach, such as seashells, a sand dollar, a piece of driftwood, or a colorful beach towel.

Divide players into teams and give them the list, or make it even more challenging by providing clues without listing the items they need to find.

The team that finds and collects all the items first wins.

For a pro version to challenge the group, add the ultimate challenge of making sense out of the collected items.

This could be a word, a movie, a song, a place, etc!

A scavenger hunt is a perfect team-building beach game for adults, facilitating teamwork and creative thinking.

Scavenger hunts are also featured in our guide to the best pool party games for adults.

Beach Charades

Gather the party together and put a beach twist on the classic party game of charades.

Players act out words or phrases without speaking while their teammates try to guess.

The game can be given a beach theme in two ways: players can act out the clues using only beach items, such as seashells, chairs, and umbrellas.

In a similar sense, the game can be made into a beach theme by making all of the words or phrases beach-themed.

Beach Pictionary

Like charades, Beach Pictionary involves drawing instead of acting out the clues.

This game is perfect for the beach because the biggest sketchpad you could possibly need is right under your feet!

Each player takes turns picking a beach-themed word or phrase and tries to draw it in the sand while their teammates guess what it is.

Obviously, players are not permitted to spell out the words in the sand.

Beach Limbo

To begin a game of Limbo, you only need to set up a limbo stick using a long pole, pool noodle, or a pre-made kit.

Players take turns bending backward and passing under the stick without touching it.

After each round, you gradually lower the stick, thus making the task that much more difficult.

The player who can go the lowest without touching the stick wins.

Beach Relay Races

Set up a relay race if you have lots of space on the beach and everyone’s itching for an especially athletic activity.

Organize relay races in the sand, with teams competing to complete a set course.

The traditional method is a simple race on a circular course, with a physical item as the relay, handed off from the first racer to the second in each team.

There are also plenty of alternatives that make relay races more interesting or provide options for people who may not be willing to run full speed on their vacation.

The race could involve jumping through hoops, crawling under a rope, or filling a bucket with water using a cup, as long as there are teams that work through a course one team member at a time.

Relay races are among the best beach games for adults, involving teamwork, athleticism, and some exhilarating beach fun.

Beach Trivia

Test your knowledge of beach-related facts and trivia by playing a beach-themed trivia game.

Prepare a list of questions, all related to the beach or the beach town you are in, and divide players into teams.

To maintain order and provide some humor, an emcee can host the game while the teams compete to see who can come up with the most correct answers.

Trivia is a great choice for larger groups, especially with varying levels of athleticism, as it is a game that requires no activity, and if you are not as competitive, you can act more like a spectator than a full participant.

Alternatively, if you don’t like the sound of beach-themed trivia, choose the theme that can be whatever you think will test your group the most!

Here’s our complete summer trivia challenge, which has five rounds.

Other ideas may include movies, TV, music, sports, or even facts about the friends around you.

Check out our trivia catalog.

We also have this nifty article on quiz round ideas, so you can really impress!

Beach Yoga

Gather a group of friends and enjoy a relaxing yoga session on the beach.

Follow a yoga instructor’s guidance or use a yoga app to guide you through poses and stretches, all on the beach facing the ocean.

Beach yoga is commonly done in the morning when the beach is entirely silent and the summer heat has not yet set it.

Whether done in the morning, mid-day, or evening, yoga is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a calming break from the many hectic activities that tend to accompany beach trips.

Let’s see your tree poses!

Beach Frisbee Relay

Divide players into teams and set up a course in the sand for a modern twist on the old-fashioned relay.

Each team member takes turns throwing a frisbee to the next teammate, who must catch it before advancing to the next station, in the same fashion as a relay race.

The team that completes the course first wins.

Perfect for frisbee enthusiasts or anyone looking for a fun twist on relay races, the frisbee relay is a great way to burn a sweat and have some fun in the sand.

Beach Pong

Put a beach twist on the classic party game of beer pong.

Set up cups in a triangular formation on a table in the sand and take turns throwing ping pong balls to land in the opponent’s cups, in the same format as red cups on a plastic table.

Players must drink the contents of a cup if a ball successfully lands in it, which could obviously contain any beverage of your liking, alcoholic or non.

Truth or Drink

If beach rules allow, fill each player’s cup with a drink of choice and ask them individually, Truth or Drink?’

If a player chooses truth, they must spill a true fact or story about themselves, prompted by the game’s host.

If they want to avoid telling the truth, they take a drink – one finger, three fingers, or chug!

Just be careful in the midday sun and ensure the party has plenty of water to go along with this beach game before things get messy!

We have a list of truth or drink questions here.

For another layer to the game, add dares – Truth, Dare, or Drink.

Beach Tug of War

Divide players into two teams and use a rope to engage in a classic game of tug of war.

Dig deep into the sand for stability and pull with all your might, avenging the memories of slipping into the mud in elementary school.

The team that manages to pull the other team across a designated line wins, ending in a massive tumble into the sand for both the losers and winners.

Beach Balloon Pop

One person throws the water balloon high in the air while their partner tries to catch it without the balloon bursting.

Each successful catch earns a point, and the team with the most points wins.

This game is a perfect beach party activity for adults, requiring coordination, a bit of athleticism, and a generous sense of humor.

Beach Uno Tournament

Organize a friendly competition of the classic card game Uno on the beach.

Players take turns matching cards by color or number, trying to be the first to empty their hands.

The player with the highest score after multiple rounds wins.

Beach Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth area on the beach with props and costumes.

Encourage your friends to dress up and take fun and silly pictures.

Set challenges for players to style themselves or the other team as characters from books, TV, movies, or podcasts.

It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy creativity, capturing memories, and embracing their playful side.

As a bonus, you will have hilarious pictures that you can use to remember your beach trip forever.

Reverse Jenga

Avoid bringing a stack of blocks to the beach with Reverse Jenga!

Send teams out to find as many rocks, stones, and shells as possible and award points for the highest number.

The game’s host starts off proceedings by placing a sturdy, flat rock on the sand, creating the base of the Reverse Jenga tower.

Then, players for each team add their chosen rocks, stones, and shells to the tower, trying to avoid it tumbling down!

How high can it go?

Beach Ice Breakers

Start off a beach gathering with fun icebreaker games to get everyone mingling.

Games like Two Truths and a Lie, Human Bingo, and This or That can help people get to know each other better in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

This game is usually reserved for groups of new people getting to know each other for the first time, but it can be just as enjoyable for families or close friends who want to test their knowledge of each other.

Did we miss any of your fave beach games for adults? Tell us in the comments below, we love to hear from you.