There’s something magical about the beach: the sun on your skin, the sand between your toes, and the laughter of friends and family echoing across the shoreline. And while lounging under an umbrella is great, beach games are what really turn an ordinary day at the shore into an unforgettable memory.

As of December 2024, these five beach games dominate coastlines worldwide, from sun-kissed beaches in California to sandy stretches in Australia. Whether you're competitive or just in it for fun, here's how to play each game step by step.

🥇1. Spikeball

Why it's #1: Fast-paced, competitive, and wildly addictive, Spikeball has become a beach essential. It’s like volleyball meets four square, but played in a circle around a small trampoline-like net.

👥 Players: 4 (2 vs. 2)

🧩 Equipment: Spikeball set (net + ball)

📝 How to Play:

1. Set up the net on flat sand, ensuring it's tight and bouncy.

2. Teams stand opposite each other, each pair 180° apart around the net.

3. Serve by bouncing the ball off the net to the opposing team. They have up to 3 touches (bump, set, spike style) to return it.

4. The ball must bounce off the net back toward the other team.

5. If the ball hits the rim, double bounces on the net, or isn’t returned in 3 touches, it's a point to the other team.

6. First team to 21 wins, must win by 2.

🏖️ Tip: Play barefoot for better agility and traction in the sand.

🥈2. Beach Paddleball (Frescobol)

Why it's hot: This co-op game isn’t about winning—it’s about keeping the ball in the air. Frescobol is a Brazilian-born beach game that’s all rhythm and flow.

👥 Players: 2 (or more for a challenge)

🧩 Equipment: 2 wooden paddles, 1 rubber ball

📝 How to Play:

1. Stand about 10-15 feet apart.

2. Use paddles to hit the ball back and forth to keep it from hitting the sand.

3. There's no scoring—just a collaborative effort to maintain a rally.

4. Add challenges like “only hit forehand” or “use non-dominant hand” to spice things up.

🏖️ Tip: Use a light rubber ball that bounces well on the paddle and sand.

🥉3. Beach Volleyball

Why it’s still elite: A classic that never goes out of style. With professional tours, Olympic exposure, and pure fun, it’s the ultimate beach team sport.

👥 Players: 4 or more (2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, or 6 vs. 6)

🧩 Equipment: Volleyball, beach net

📝 How to Play:

1. Set up the net at standard beach height (around 2.43 m for men, 2.24 m for women).

2. Serve the ball over the net. The other team gets up to 3 touches to return it (bump, set, spike).

3. Teams rally until one fails to return the ball legally.

4. Scoring: Rally scoring to 21. Win by 2 points.

5. Rotate serve after every point won on your serve.

🏖️ Tip: Play early or late in the day to avoid peak heat and crowds.

🏅4. Beach Bocce Ball

Why it’s trending again: An old-school favourite with a Mediterranean flair, Bocce Ball is making a major comeback thanks to its blend of strategy, skill, and laid-back beach vibes. It’s easy to learn and fun for all ages.

👥 Players: 2 to 8 (1v1 or teams)

🧩 Equipment: 8 bocce balls (4 per team) and one pallino (small target ball)

📝 How to Play:

1. Toss the pallino (the small white ball) across the sand.

2. Teams take turns throwing their bocce balls, trying to get closest to the pallino.

3. Players can knock opponents' balls away or strategically block access to the pallino.

4. After all balls are thrown, the team with the closest ball gets points for each ball closer than the opponent's closest ball.

5. First to 13 points wins (or choose your winning score for longer games).

🏖️ Tip: Smooth, firm sand works best. To make it more competitive, use obstacles like driftwood or seaweed.

🎖️5. Kubb (Viking Chess)

Why it's trending: Strategy meets lawn game meets Scandinavian cool. Kubb has found a cult beach following in 2024, with its unique blend of chess-like planning and throwing skills.

👥 Players: 2–12 (split into two teams)

🧩 Equipment: 1 King block, 10 Kubb blocks, 6 batons (wooden throwing sticks)

📝 How to Play:

1. Set up two rows of 5 Kubb blocks (baseline to baseline), with the King block in the center.

2. Teams throw batons from behind their baseline to knock over the opposing Kubbs.

3. Knocked-over Kubbs are thrown into your side of the field and stand up as “field Kubbs”.

4. You must knock over all field Kubbs before hitting the backline ones.

5. Once all Kubbs are down, try to knock over the King block to win.

6. BUT—if you hit the King early, your team instantly loses.

🏖️ Tip: Draw the field in the sand for visibility and adjust spacing for player skill level.

🏄 Bonus: Beach Game Tips

• Hydration is key! Don’t get so caught up in playing that you forget to drink water.

• Mix competitive and casual games to include everyone in the group.

• Use sunscreen and reapply often, especially when you’re sweating and running.

• Bring a Bluetooth speaker and start a playlist—it adds great energy to any match.

🌊Final Word

From high-flying dives in Spikeball to graceful team rallies in Bocce, beach games offer the perfect blend of movement, social fun, and an unbeatable ocean backdrop. With these five in your beach day arsenal, you’re guaranteed laughs, sand in your hair, and maybe a few bragging rights.

So grab your gear, rally your crew, and let the games begin. 🏖️☀️ See you at the beach!