Romanticizing Cold Coastal Days
There’s something about winter by the water that feels softer, quieter—like the world is taking a deep breath. The summer crowds are long gone, the salty breeze carries a sharper chill, and the ocean hums in a way that feels just for you. While the beach towns may be hibernating, there’s still magic to be found in the colder months—if you know how to embrace it. Considering we just got about five inches of snow, I’d say I have to start embracing it finally.
So let’s romanticize winter by the water, shall we? Here are a few cozy rituals to make the season feel just as enchanting as summer sunsets and salty skin.
1. Bundled-Up Beach Strolls
There’s nothing quite like an early morning walk when the world is still wrapped in fog, the air crisp and heavy with salt. Layer up in your coziest sweater, grab a warm drink, and wander along the shoreline, letting the sound of the waves replace your morning playlist. Beach towns in the off-season have an eerie, beautiful quietness—like they’re whispering stories meant only for those who stick around.
2. Reading by the Fire (with an Ocean View if possible)
Winter is the perfect excuse to slow down, and what better way than curling up by a fire with a book that transports you? Whether it’s a well-loved beach read (Anything Elin Hilderbrand will give you coastal vibes) or something new, there’s nothing cozier than reading while the wind howls outside and the ocean crashes in the distance. Bonus points for sipping coffee or a glass of wine while you do it.
3. Bringing the Coastal Charm Indoors
Just because it’s too cold for beach days doesn’t mean you can’t bring that feeling inside. Fill your space with flickering candles that smell like cedar and sea salt, drape yourself in a chunky knit blanket, and play your favorite Nancy Meyers playlist that reminds you of sun-bleached summers. The coastal life isn’t just for warm weather—it’s a state of mind.
4. Indulging in a Slow, Cozy Meal
Winter by the water calls for a hearty chowder, fresh sourdough, and a glass of something rich and red. Take the time to cook something that warms you from the inside out—whether it’s a nostalgic family recipe or something new you’ve been meaning to try. Set the table, light a candle, and make dinner an occasion.
5. Watching the Storms Roll In
There’s a special kind of thrill in watching a winter storm over the ocean. The waves turn wild, the sky darkens, and for a moment, nature feels untamed. Whether you’re watching from the window of a seaside inn or bundled up in your car with a coffee, there’s something so grounding about witnessing the power of the sea.
Winter by the water isn’t just a season—it’s a mood, a feeling, a slower way of moving through the world. And maybe, just maybe, it’s a reminder that the beauty of the coast isn’t just in the sun-drenched days of summer, but in the quiet, cozy moments, too.
What’s your favorite way to romanticize the colder months?
