14 Coastal Grandma Ways I'm Taking Care of Myself This Summer

Breezy self-care that is gentle, soothing and back to basics.

I recommend enjoying this on the Substack app or computer—perhaps with a chilled glass of something zesty or an iced tea in hand, soft tunes playing in the background. Press play on the playlist below and settle on in.

While the trend may be a few years old (as far as trends go at least), the coastal grandma aesthetic is one I hope sticks around for the long run—and becomes more accessible to everyone. You don’t need to live by the sea or be a grandma to embrace cozy, intentionally relaxed, sun-dappled days filled with contentment. Days that end under a cloud of linen sheets, with a good book in hand, before the sun has officially set.

Here are 14 ways to lean into the coastal grandmother vibe to do just that:

Hydrate:
Coastal grandmothers always have a reusable water bottle within reach (most likely tucked into a woven bag). Enjoy your H2O with or without ice, add slices of lemon, cucumber, or fresh mint leaves. Drink up and repeat!

Focus on easy, breezy meals:
Save those complex, oven-intensive meals for slow winter days. Summer is for colorful cold noodle bowls, sliced salted tomatoes on toast with lemony tofu ricotta and basil leaves, bean and veggie salads (eat with bread, chips, or a spoon), fresh rainbow spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce, pesto-slathered sandwiches on baguettes, smoothie bowls topped with coconut and chia pudding, and anything plucked from the garden, sliced, and grilled.

Walk:
Coastal grandmas never underestimate the power of an old fashioned walk. Go on a leisurely morning stroll before the temperature rises. Walk to the library, the ice cream shop, or the corner store for a pop. Walk to hear the birds, to share a conversation with a friend, or simply to feel the endorphins rise.

Make time for reading:
Find time to read throughout the day as a form of meditation and self-care. Meander through the library and bring home a stack that entices you to put down your phone. Visit your local indie bookstore for fresh new summer titles, or pop into a thrift store or Little Free Library to discover a previously loved book. Curl up in a wicker chair with a cold ginger beer in a stemmed glass and savor the simple joy of turning pages. Here are some summer reading recs for inspiration.

Go to bed while it’s still light out:
Coastal grandmas understand the value of high-quality rest. Pull on your crisp striped pajamas and crawl into bed while the sun still lingers in the sky. Relish the pleasure of a full night’s sleep and a well-rested body. This summer, we’re bringing bedtime back.

Eat lots of fresh veg:
Summer is peak produce season and coastal grandmas find nourishment in the rainbow. Shopping your backyard or windowsill garden, or heading to the farmer’s market, is far more enjoyable than the over-air-conditioned grocery store. Pick up a veggie you've never tried and find a way to enjoy it. Grill kale leaves with lemon and sea salt, freeze watermelon slabs for a chilly treat, make veggie kabobs on repeat, bake a tart and sweet berry pie.

Have evening cocktail hour:
Pour something bubbly, slice some fresh veg to serve on a platter, fill a bowl with sweet red cherries, and lay out crackers, cheese, or an easy savory dip with crinkle chips. Gather to celebrate the sun’s descent with nourishing snacks and a moment of stillness. Could this count as dinner? Absolutely.

Slow content consumption:
Coastal grandmas approach leisure time intentionally and slowly. Books, Substack, thoughtful YouTube channels, and comfort movies or shows are the name of the game. Explore movies and books that capture the coastal grandma essence.

Daily sun protection:
Every coastal grandma knows that the best skincare is sun protection! Make SPF part of your daily routine, keep a refillable bottle of sunscreen in your tote, and stash a tube of SPF lip balm in your purse. Don your wide-brim hat and step confidently into the sunshine.

Pilates (or movement of choice):
Low-impact movement at the start of the day makes a world of difference mentally and physically at any age. With four kids eight and under at home, having an hour to stretch and reconnect with my body is non-negotiable. Whatever fills your cup—Pilates, yoga, dance, a walk—prioritize it this summer.

Open the windows:
Let the fresh air in as often as you can. Slowly reduce reliance on A/C—it’s better for your health and the planet. Nothing feels more coastal grandma than a warm breeze drifting through your home.

Cultivate contentment:
Wrap your arms snuggly around the life you're currently living. Lean into gratitude. Appreciate the small, quiet moments and make them beautiful. Coastal grandmas know that time is precious and life is short.

Limit news consumption:
Summer’s climate and world news can feel overwhelming. For emotional self-care, limit your intake to 1) primarily local news and 2) need-to-know stories from reliable, non-inflammatory sources. Disable push notifications (or do as I do and remove the apps and email from your device entirely) and make news consumption intentional, not mindless or anxiety-inducing.

Embrace ease:
Ease isn’t just about a breezy linen ensemble. A coastal grandma keeps her calendar light, knowing the value of letting a day unfold naturally. If it’s hot and sunny, head to the water. If you need rest, stay in and play games by the fan or visit a museum. Keep a few go-to activities in your back pocket—but don’t pressure yourself to do it all. Make summer a season of ease.

Want to embrace the vibe even more? Check out this lovely post from

Lauren Kretzer

for ways to have a “Nancy Meyers Summer”.

In the comments: What will you be prioritizing to take care of yourself with gentleness and ease this summer?

You don’t need to online shop or stay up into the wee hours of the night on Pinterest (remember: a coastal grandma values her sleep!) to fulfill your coastal grandma aspirations. If the vibe is ease and effortless, then use what you’ve got, and go back to what you know: nourishment, hydration, sleep, and the things that fill your cup. Exhale and soften.

xo,