Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with the great outdoors and with yourself. Having busy friends doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. Get out of your comfort zone and try these fun things to do alone in summer!
Going on solo dates, romanticizing life and embracing experiences by yourself are all mainstream now. No one is going to say anything or judge you. So, why not pack in the fun?
If you are a huge fan of solo activities or just getting started, check out these ideas for free solo dates and birthday dates to go by yourself.
Things to do alone in summer outside
1. Find a pool
Where is the closest poolside lounge or bar? Any boutique hotels have day passes to their poolside cabanas and bars? Find a spot that fits your vibe where you can sip on refreshing cocktails, soak up the sun, read a book, and enjoy a leisurely swim.
2. Sunbathe anywhere
You don’t need a pool to enjoy the sunshine. You could sunbathe in your own backyard or even at your local park. But, don’t forget to protect your skin and stay hydrated.
3. Enjoy a solo picnic
If you’re heading to the park, pack a couple picnic essentials too. Take a basket with snacks and treats, a fun book, blanket of course, and some drinks to enjoy the warm day amongst the greenery.
4. Head to the beach
I love the beach! The scenery is so beautiful, the crashing waves are soothing and going for a swim is incredibly grounding and invigorating. You could even get a workout in swimming or running along the shore.
There really are so many things to do alone in summer at the beach. Collect shells, corals or rocks, sun bathe, build a sandcastle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, or read. Oh, the options are endless!
5. Grab a drink
Head to your favorite bar and grab a drink solo. Look for karaoke or trivia nights, live band performances and enjoy the good vibes. Make new friends and hit the dance floor too!
It’s also important to drink responsibly, be alert of your surroundings, and have a designated friend that knows your location and whereabouts.
6. Go out to dinner
If the bar scene isn’t your thing, how about making a reservation at your favorite restaurant and going out for dinner. As a foodie, this is one of my favorite solo activities to do. Good food, great service, and a nice ambience are a recipe for a great night.
7. Get coffee
With the weather hot out, how about grabbing an iced coffee and a cookie? Take a booth in the coffee shop, get comfortable and people-watch everyone going about their busy day. If you like, you could even get some work done while there.
8. Go for a run
I’m not saying to train for a marathon or anything, but a simple run around the neighborhood or in the park would be pretty fun. You could admire the beauty all around you, the birds and the city sounds all while moving your body, burning calories and enjoying runners’ high.
9. Or a hike
For even more adventure, how about exploring and hiking nature trails close by? Hike to gorgeous expansive lookouts or find hidden waterfalls. Walk around national parks looking for birds or maybe even bears.
10. Drive!
If physical exercise doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, how about going for a drive. It could be a spontaneous road trip or a pre-planned drive you’ve always wanted to do. Take advantage of the weather and go exploring, find some unique sights and enjoy the views to get there.
11. Try photography as a hobby
Being out and about in nature, how about getting creative with the camera? Learn about the golden ratio and perspectives, capture stunning summer sceneries and fast moving subjects, take portraits of every day people, and immerse yourself in seeing what you wouldn’t normally see before.
12. Star gaze
One of my favorite types of photography is astrophotography. It always blows my mind when capturing the night sky and seeing all the tiny specks of light. If this sounds like something you’d love, why not try star gazing and astrophotography as solo activities.
Do some research for your city to see if there are any star gazing enthusiasts and groups close by. A clear night’s sky in summer can be perfect for developing this hobby.
13. Enjoy the sunrise or sunset
If star gazing at night isn’t your thing, how about enjoying our special star (the Sun) as it rises and sets? Find a great viewpoint, pack some snacks and take in the stunning color changes of dawn or dusk.
14. Garden
Summertime is perfect for planting your favorite veggies and herbs. Grow your own food like tomatoes, sweet peppers, beans and berries. Pick rosemary, basil, chives, and parsley right off your plants. Brew your fresh lavender, chamomile and butterfly pea flowers.
Nothing beats fresh, organic food that you’ve grown yourself. Share the excess if you have any or learn to dehydrate, can, and preserve the extras. Side note: gardening really helps your wellbeing and mental health (here’s the source)!
15. Sign up for a class
Joining a new class can be daunting while forcing you to step out of your comfort zone. But it can expand your circle, teach you something new, and help you build confidence. The class can be for just about anything – yoga, meditation, pilates, dance, pottery, art, language, anything!
16. Walking tour
Look for walking tours or bike tours in your area and sign up! Join fellow strangers as you explore a new space and learn something new. While this isn’t something you’re doing alone, it’ll still be fun with people you don’t know.
17. Solo trip
Vacationing solo can be incredibly fun! You move at your own pace and do what you want when you want. Visit somewhere new, unwind, immerse yourself in the culture, go to the spa, have fun on local tours, and live your best life!
18. Attend a show
What type of shows do you love? Concerts or comedy shows? Art exhibits or garden shows? Whatever you fancy, there is sure to be a show for you to attend and experience on your own during the summer. It could even be sitting in the town square and listening to someone singing or busking.
19. Be a sloth
One of the best things to do alone in summer is to do nothing. It can be the hardest thing if you are wired to be constantly busy all the time. With hustle culture and girl bossing, we have forgotten that life is also about resting in between the getting things done.
So, give yourself permission to stop, to rest, to be a sloth. And just enjoy the moment with your own thoughts.
20. Get creative
Creativity feeds the soul in so many ways! Try painting, coloring, drawing, crocheting, sewing, baking, cooking, or anything where you are using your hands to try something new or something different. These are all certainly wonderful things to do alone in summer that really tickle your right brain in beautiful ways.
Those are my ideas! Which ones are you definitely going to try? Whatever you decide, be sure to enjoy the sunshine and build new connections when you can.
