There’s something special about visiting North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I recently returned from a trip to check in on my folks, and each evening after the day’s work, I found myself drawn to the shore. The peaceful sound of the waves and the salty breeze provided the perfect backdrop for ending my day with a leisurely stroll.
Walking on the beach is not just a simple activity—it’s a gentle escape that rejuvenates the soul.
There’s an undeniable allure to the way the sand shifts beneath your feet, the sight of seashells scattered along the shoreline, and the constant yet comforting sound of waves rolling in and out. This simple walk connects you to nature in a profound way, allowing you to reset from the fast pace of everyday life.
One of the things that makes a beach walk so special is the treasure hunt for shells.
Each shell holds a story: its journey, the waters it traveled through, and the unique marks that shaped its surface. As I strolled along the beach, I was captivated by the variety of shells I found—some delicate and small, others robust and patterned, each one a little masterpiece. Collecting shells always brings a sense of calm and wonder, a reminder that the simplest things often carry the most beauty. It’s like discovering a hidden world that has always been there, waiting for us to pay attention.
These shells are not just beautiful souvenirs of a beach walk; they carry with them a sense of serenity. Holding a shell up to my ear, I could almost hear the ocean’s whispering reminder to slow down. For me, the act of collecting shells during my evening strolls felt like a form of meditation—a chance to focus on the present and enjoy life’s small wonders.
Beyond the beauty of the shells, there are so many physical and mental benefits to walking on the beach.
The sand provides natural resistance, making each step a mini workout, while the fresh air and sound of the waves do wonders for reducing stress and improving mood. Walking barefoot is particularly therapeutic—it’s a practice known as “earthing,” which is said to help balance energy, reduce inflammation, and even improve sleep. Personally, I’ve always felt more grounded, relaxed, and in tune with myself after a walk on the sand, as if I’m shedding layers of stress with each step.
Every walk felt like a chance to breathe in the salty air, watch the sun dip below the horizon, and let the day’s worries wash away with the tide. In those moments, it was just me, the vast sky, and the gentle rhythm of the sea—a reminder that there’s always room for moments of peace, even amidst a busy life.
My recent visit to North Myrtle Beach reminded me of the beauty that simplicity holds in the charm of a shell, the rhythm of a walk, and the healing power of nature. No matter where our journeys take us, I hope we all find time for these leisurely strolls, these simple escapes—they return us, in the end, to our happy place.
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.