Unlike in so many other places, slightly cooler temperatures in Hong Kong means even better beach weather! But sometimes it can be hard to work out what to do once you get there, and there's only so long you can spend swimming, or ironically building sandcastles.
Plan a better beach trip by including one or more of our top 10 beach activities.
1 Pack a picnic
While we're lucky that there are food vendors at most beaches, you won't always be in the mood for the soup noodles and fried rice many of them specialise in. Pack a more traditional picnic of sandwiches, quiche, cold meats, crudités, fruit ... just don't forget an ice pack to keep things fresh!
2 Unleash your inner Annie
If you hope to follow Annie Leibovitz or Patrick Demarchelier, you should make use of every possible photo op: beaches offer a variety of backgrounds, colours and textures, so grab your DSLR and build your portfolio. It's also just a great place to take snaps with friends for your Instagram feed - #perfectsummer.
3 Dance-off/karaoke wars
Assuming the beach isn't too busy, whip out your battery-run speakers, and throw down your hottest Beyonce-inspired moves, or belt out a bit of Bieber. Just remember to respect other people's right to peace - or invite them to join in!
4 Play beach volleyball!
Or football, or handball or... basketball? (Let us know if you work out how!) You're going to get hot and sweaty, so you may as well get a workout while you're at it. Just remember to hydrate.
5 See how it flies!
Frisbee is a beach classic and one of very few activities that even sports-hating friends will have a go at. It doesn't have to be serious, and if you fall, at least there's soft sand or warm water to break your fall!
6 Let's go fly a kite
The wind at the beach is usually strong enough for kite-flying, so make the most of this old-school activity.
7 Pick up a pooch
You know who loves beaches even more than you do? Dogs! If you don't have pets, offer to bring a neighbour's out for the day. Just make sure you head to a pet-friendly beach; some of the best are Cheung Sha, Pui O and Silvermine Bay in Lantau; Shek O and Stanley on Hong Kong Island; and Dai Long Wan in Sai Kung.
8 Treat yo'self
Make the beach your reward after a hike. Dragon's Back is probably the easiest, ending at Shek O, but there are great hikes to beaches on Lantau, Lamma and in Sai Kung.
9 Catch a wave
Several beaches have facilities where you can rent equipment for surfing, paddle boarding, water rafting ... pick up a new skill, and appreciate the beach in a whole new way.
10 Stay the night
Communing with nature is good for the soul, so plan a family staycation in a tent. Bring a small camping stove, sleeping bags, something for breakfast, and mosquito repellent, then drift off under the stars ...