24 Best Beach Games For Adults: Entertaining & Challenging!

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

From sports on the sand to sandcastle competitions, there’s something for every level of fitness and creativity – even the ones who don’t like to engage their brain during vacation will want to take part.

To ensure no one is left out, we’ve featured beach games for large groups of adults too, or if you prefer to hang out by the ocean with a close group of friends, some of the following only need two or three players.

A few of our fun beach games for adults can include alcohol, so be sure to check your local beach rules before packing the cooler.

You may also like our BBQ games for adults, boat party games, cocktail party games, tea party games for adults, pool party games, and car games guides.

Beach Party Games Ideas For Adults

Beach Volleyball

This classic game involves two teams trying to volley 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 who is willing to run and jump into the sand on a regular basis.

It is also flexible in its 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 have to be willing to dive into the sand every now and then.

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 is one of the best beach activities for adults who appreciate more leisurely games and friendly socializing, with the activity not requiring 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 is suitable for 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 also features in our Friendsgiving games.

Beach Paddleball

A simple and enjoyable game with minimal equipment required, 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 as opposed to 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 a group of 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 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.

Or let Etsy creators do the work for you!

Check out this instant downloadable beach scavenger hunt list.

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

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

For a pro version to really challenge the group, add on 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 also feature in our guide to the best pool party games for adults.

For more suggestions about this game, check this list.

Beach Charades

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

Players take turns acting out words or phrases without speaking, while their teammates try to guess.

The game can be given a beach theme in two different ways: players can act out the clues using beach items only, 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.

Charades has stood the test of time when it comes to party games for a reason and would make for a great beach party game for adults: it is a fun and engaging game that can bring a whole party together in the name of friendly competition.

Beach Pictionary

Beach Pictionary is a great team-building beach game for adults, involving communication and strategy.

Similar to charades, Beach Pictionary involves drawing as opposed to acting out the clues.

What makes this game perfect for the beach is that 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.

This game is ideal for creative individuals who enjoy drawing, communication skills, and a good challenge.

Beach Limbo

To begin a game of Limbo, all you need to do is 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.

It’s a great choice for those who enjoy flexibility, music, and a bit of friendly competition, and has always been a classic beach activity for adults.

Beach Relay Races

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

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

The traditional method is a simple race in a circular course, with a physical item used 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 that 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.

This kit has everything you need for a traditional relay.

Relay races are one of 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 a beach themed trivia, choose the theme 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 in the evening, yoga is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a calming break from the many hectic activities that tend to come with 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, 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.

Beer pong is a popular choice for socializing and friendly competition, and can become a great adult beach activity with some small tweaks.

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 make sure that the party has plenty of water to got 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 all of 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.

It’s a great choice for those who enjoy strength, teamwork, and a bit of friendly rivalry.

Beach Balloon Pop

On an especially hot day, fill up some water balloons and make your beach game a water activity.

One person throws the water balloon high in the air while their partner tries to catch it without it 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, above all, 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 hand.

The player with the highest score after multiple rounds wins.

It’s a great choice for anyone looking for something low-key and not athletic, hoping for a chance to sit under the umbrella shade while still playing games with your friends.

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 with you to the beach, with Reverse Jenga!

Send teams out to find as many rocks, stones, and shells as they can 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?

This beach game is great for those who don’t have the capacity to pre-plan items before the trip as you just use nature’s offerings.

It is suitable for players who enjoy the challenge of strategy and requires very little level of fitness.

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”, “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 can be just as enjoyable for families or close friends that want to test their knowledge of each other.

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