Sand angels are snow angels’ dirty cousins, but they’re warmer, so there’s that.

You don’t need hot summer days to enjoy some fun at the beach, but you do need some imagination and a carefree attitude — also, acceptance of subsequent baths.

The ocean doesn’t go south for the winter, so visit it!

This post is part of UpTake’s Friday Family Series. If you would like to see your family vacation photo here please submit it via the contact link in the sidebar, subject line: Family Photo.

Photo:  Whit Honea

Do you always feel like someone is watching you? Don’t worry, Rockwell, it’s just this seal. Or the Navy Seals, it depends on what you’ve been up to.

See, now the idea of this seal watching you doesn’t seem nearly as creepy! You’re welcome.

Actually, this seal was spotted (Get it? That’s a spotted seal joke! For free!) off the shores of Iceland — most likely by an avid golfer.

This photo is a Wordless Wednesday entry with words. Also, water. Go figure.

Photo: cheesy42 via Flickr

Every year the beaches of California host a number of events, but few are as amazing or family friendly as sand castle competitions and festivals. They can be found from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and they feature sand sculptures that will leave you oohing and ahhing. Also, covered in sand.

If you’re visiting California make sure to ask your hotel concierge about sand castle events in the area. It’s a great, and usually free (except for parking), way to spend the day on the beach — and you can’t beat that.

And that’s not all. There are also jokes. Apparently.

This post is a very wordy Wordless Wednesday entry.

Photo: dsearls via Flickr

This isn’t your father’s sinkhole — unless your father was Jacques Cousteau. What? I have no idea who reads this.

The Great Blue Hole, which Cousteau proclaimed as one of the best scuba diving locations in the world, puts the deep in “deep blue sea.” Also, blue.

Located off the coast of Belize within the Lighthouse Reef, the circular hole is nearly 1000 feet across and over 400 feet deep. Analysis of stalactites taken from submerged caves indicate that the formation was created above sea level back in, and this is a highly technical term, “the day.”

The clear water is home to sharks, several fish and numerous scuba divers. Trips from Belize City are an all-day affair and include dives along the reef as well as one unforgettable drop into the big blue polka dot.

In addition to the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, Belize also offers hundreds of ancient Maya sites, untouched jungles and tropical rain forests — not to mention first class spas, dining and museums. Fun fact! Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.

For the record, I’ve never been to Belize, but it’s officially on my bucket list.

Photo: Wikipedia