You've loaded the car, you're pulling out of the driveway with your friends and a bottle of tanning oil for later — IT'S BEACH DAY! Now some people lay out in the sun, some bring games and some just run straight for the water, but all share something in common: they appreciate good friends, great weather and even better memories. Going to the beach with friends is an adventure full of laughs, snacks, sarcastic jokes and, hopefully, no sunburns; however, even if do morph into a lobster after eight hours in the sun, here are eight reasons to appreciate a day at the beach with friends:

1. There's always an interesting car ride.

Whether it's the music, the people or the lack of sleep you got the night before, the car ride is almost the best part of the day. Music choices could range from "Trap Queen," to the "Little Einsteins" theme song. Then there's the coffee stop. You always need breakfast before you head out, and you're going to need to satisfy your fellow Dunkin' lover or a Starbucks addict. Everyone needs coffee or breakfast fix for the morning.

2. Food at the beach.

Since there is pretty much fried food everywhere you look, beach day usually turns into cheat day for those who love to be healthy. Boardwalk pizza is always an excellent choice, and if you find the right spot, you can find a slice that is the size of your head! Besides, there's the people-watching once you get to the food place: the shirtless jocks, the girls in the "too-tight" bikinis and overly excited children. You'll see it all.

3. THE WATER!!

Probably one of the top two reasons to go to the beach is the actual ocean. Even with your feet in the water, it's a cold but refreshing break from the crazy week you've had as it sends a chill up your spine that relaxes your entire body. Just floating over waves or feeling the crash and the salt water on your skin is probably one of the best things I've ever felt. The clearer the water, the more beautiful the ocean looks.

4. Tanning (but also scaring the sh*t out of your friends.)

When that one friend wants to stay and lay out, while the rest want to go play frisbee or KanJam, all of you need to contrive ideas to freak her out. Maybe try standing above her, perhaps she'll be startled. It may not be the best prank you can pull, but it's one out of the many creative ideas that have yet to be imagined. Whatever it is, laying out in the sun to get some color isn't bad, just make sure you're protected from the harsh rays (you don't want skin cancer and all).

5. Beach Hotties ;) (Boys and Girls)

You and your friends cant stop staring at the guys playing volleyball or the girls laying out, resulting in a serious case of the wandering eyes. When you do make that eye contact, it sends a rush through your whole body. You don't know if your dream hottie is directly looking at you, but you get this overwhelming feeling of butterflies. It's frightening, but wonderful, and it's all from one glance from a complete stranger ... one that you'll never see again.

6. Beach GAMES!!

Everyone should know the Holy Quartet of Beach Games: KanJam, Frisbee, paddle ball and volleyball; however, don't limit yourself to those activities Even a football can keep you and your crew entertained for hours. Or charades and acting games, like mocking the actresses and actors of "Baywatch" in the weirdest ways possible. Do whatever makes your beach gang happy: build a beach fort, act like a kid and bring your inner 5-year-old to life again.

7. SLEEP ON THE BEACH!

Yes, it's strange, but falling asleep on the beach is pretty much inevitable and actually very relaxing. Especially if you have someone nice to cuddle up next to you (cue the mushy and disgusting couples "aww" here). A few friends and I went over to the beach a few weeks ago. We all were so exhausted, which prompted us to engage in a snuggle sesh/collective group nap on the sand. Needless to say, it was probably very strange to the people around us, but we had fun.

8. Shopping on the boardwalk!

Mostly this pertains to girls, but we cannot help ourselves when we see that cute black strapless top on the mannequin. Boardwalk boutiques will break your will (and your bank account). As cute as the clothes are, your jaw will drop at that price tag, wishing you had picked up that extra shift at work the day before.

Regardless of all the things I've listed, everyone beach crew has their own beach traditions. People find that perfect spot, lay out in the sun, get thrown in the water, and we wouldn't want it any other way. Relaxing on the beach and having a good time with those who matter most will help you momentarily escape reality.

Remember: Enjoy yourself, splurge a bit on your shopping, indulge a fantasy with the cute shirtless boy in the water, get intense about KanJam, take a nap in the sand, and, most importantly, let go of all the worries and just enjoy!