While I love summer for the break from school, there is another reason why I look forward to it all year: the beach. Since I was little, I’ve always had a love for the beach that just seems to get stronger every year. Every aspect of the beach is perfect to me, so I consider myself a beach bum.

Official position or not, I know my one true position is meant to be on a towel in the hot sun with my toes in the sand. As a beach bum, I know these to be true:

1. Summer is the best season of the year

2. Whenever decorating has to be done, it is beach themed

3. I have more bathing suits than actual clothes

4. I wish there was a perfume that smelled just like sunscreen

5. I love the way the water makes my hair more perfect than any product

6. The beach is my happy place

7. I’d rather go to the beach than anywhere else

8. Even in the winter, a trip to the beach is a must

9. Going to the beach isn’t an outing, it’s a routine

10. I have beach withdrawals if I don’t go at least once a week in the summer

11. I’d take swimming in the ocean over swimming in a pool any day

12. I don’t care if I go alone, because I love it so much and I’ll have a great day regardless

13. My car always has sand in it

14. I never unpack my beach bag because I’ll just need to repack it anyways really soon

15. I don’t even try to tan, I just go to the beach so often that I get about 10 shades darker

16. My favorite car rides are after the beach with the windows down and the music loud

17. Whenever I make plans in the summer, I suggest a beach trip

18. I get to the beach around 8:30 in the morning and don’t leave until sunset

19. I only care that I have money for gas and parking

20. The waves are the most calming sound

21. I have a constant sunburn on my cheeks and shoulders

22. Beach vacations are better than any other vacation

23. I actually really do like long walks on the beach

24. I always pick up shells and rocks even though I have a huge collection at home

25. There is no better place to be