From lying out and soaking up the sun on a sizzling summer day to cooling off in the ocean, we all can agree that the beach is the place to be. Whether you’re embarking on a coastal getaway or looking to learn fun trivia about your favorite place, taking an educational trip through this treasure trove of fun beach trivia facts is sure to set the scene for a memorable seaside vacation.
Let’s learn about warm sand and picturesque shorelines through these fun beach facts.
Walking along the beach is a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the scenic views. The world’s longest beach, the Praia do Cassino in Brazil, is 158 miles long. The beach goes from the Rio Grande to the border with Uruguay.
Sand comes from different environments and locations around the world and forms when rocks erode over thousands, or even millions, of years. Both eroded materials and living things can significantly influence sand color. Some coastlines even have black or pink sand!
As a kid, it’s hard to imagine reaching the bottom of a 12-foot swimming pool, let alone the bottom of the ocean — especially when it’s miles deep. On average, the ocean is 2.3 miles deep, which translates to roughly 12,000 feet. The deepest part of the ocean is known as Challenger Deep, which reaches about 36,200 feet below the surface.
Sand buckets and mini shovels are always essential for a day on the beach when building a majestic sandcastle. The current Guinness World Record holder for the largest sandcastle ever built stood 69 feet and 5 inches tall. The sandcastle, constructed in Denmark in July 2021, was built to help boost local tourism.
Oceans make up about 97% of our planet’s water and more than 70% of Earth’s surface. The Pacific Ocean is the world’s largest ocean, covering approximately 63 million square miles. It’s so big that all of the continents could fit into the Pacific Basin! That’s a lot of water and endless beaches to explore with your family.
Given how enormous the world’s oceans are, it’s incredibly challenging to count how many different species call the ocean home. However, scientists estimate that 91% of ocean species remain unclassified, as over 80% of the ocean is unexplored and unmapped.
The ocean is a crucial player in the climate, as it stores solar radiation and redistributes heat and moisture worldwide. Most rainfall on land starts over the sea, so the oceans are also responsible for the water we use daily.
Ocean currents also drive weather patterns outside of equatorial areas. They move warm water and precipitation toward the poles from the equator and move cold water to the tropics from the poles, helping regulate weather and climate around the world.
Since New Jersey’s coastline connects to the Atlantic Ocean, why not explore a few fun facts about one of the five major oceans?
When you take a dip on your vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey, you’re in the world’s second-largest ocean — the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean covers about 20% of Earth’s surface and spans an area of roughly 31 million square miles.
The Atlantic is also the saltiest of the major oceans. Salinity varies across parts of the ocean — the farther from the equator, the less rain an area receives. Less rain often means more sunshine, which causes evaporation that leaves behind saltier water.
Ocean City’s beaches account for nearly 8 miles of beachfront along New Jersey’s coastline. Long ago, Ocean City was known as Peck’s Beach and attracted more fishers and farmers than shoppers and swimmers. Today, ocean enthusiasts and shopping lovers flock to Ocean City for its nearly 2.5-mile-long Boardwalk, filled with attractions for the whole family.
If your family loves game nights, you’ll enjoy knowing that actual streets in Atlantic City inspired the street names in the iconic board game Monopoly.
There are also fascinating animals and natural phenomena in the waters off the New Jersey coast. Common marine life includes bottlenose dolphins and various fish, such as summer flounder and hake. The New Jersey area is also known for its harbor seals, Atlantic octopi, and the colorful lined seahorse.
On your next guided beach walk, keep your eyes peeled for these sea creatures known to make an appearance along New Jersey’s coastal waters:
Maritime forests are shoreline estuaries that support a variety of lifeforms, ranging from trees and grasses to mammals and reptiles. Their location and makeup make them an important part of protecting coasts from storms and erosion. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park’s Maritime Forest Trail is a popular destination to explore barrier ecosystems up close.
Now that you know more about the beaches and oceans of the world, it’s time to experience these wonderful waters yourself! Ocean City is the perfect New Jersey destination to explore the beach wonders you’ve learned about.
From dining and entertainment to shopping and adventure, Ocean City, New Jersey, is a top family destination and your hub for learning and planning your trip to America’s Great Resort. Plan your family beach trip to Ocean City now!
