10 things to do before the summer ends

and a curated full summer day

I’m so excited that autumn is just around the corner and fast approaching. It’s one of my favorite seasons, but before it arrives, I want to make the most of summer and enjoy the present.

I honestly can’t believe it’s already August! How is this year flying by so quickly?

So, I made a list of 10 things to do before summer ends to soak up all those summer moments while we still can. I’ve also put together a curated full summer day based on these ideas! You can either do one thing each day or (mostly) all of them in one day—whatever you fancy!

I hope you enjoy these ideas!

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soak up the sun

While we often think of enjoying the sun on a trip to the beach or while lounging by the pool, it’s just as wonderful to soak up as much sunshine as we can in the little moments of our daily routines.

This could mean enjoying breakfast outside, reading or writing, or even watching a movie on your laptop. So many of the things you enjoy doing indoors can easily be taken outside, allowing you to soak up a little sunshine while you do them.

I live in an area where summers can get exceptionally hot, making it difficult to enjoy being outside when the sun feels scorching. If you live somewhere similar, try soaking up the sunshine when the temperatures are a little milder—either in the morning or later in the evening. Personally, I find these times of day perfect for enjoying all the dreamy summer vibes.

go to a farmers market

One of my favorite ways to enjoy a summer morning is to put on a cute, cozy outfit, grab a tote bag, and head to the farmers market to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables.

It’s a wonderful way to buy produce that’s in season, and there’s something special about knowing it comes directly from local farmers. I also love that it’s a simple way to give back to your community by supporting local businesses and helping an event that has a lasting positive impact continue to thrive.

Going to the farmers market also gives you the chance to meet new people. Chatting with vendors and fellow market-goers can be such a lovely way to start your morning on a positive note.

make a summer drink

If you’ve read my post about romanticizing your summer, you might remember that I included making summer drinks. It’s such a fun activity that I had to add it to this list of things to do before summer ends!

There are so many different kinds of summer drinks you can make, whether you prefer them iced or frozen!

My personal recommendation is to use citrus fruits that remind you of summer, along with seasonal fruits like strawberries, watermelon, mangoes, raspberries, and peaches.

Mixing them with refreshing drinks like lemonade can make them even more delicious. If you’re looking to add a little extra pizzazz, try making a cocktail! Hosting a make-your-own summer cocktail party would be such a fun way to spend a warm afternoon or evening.

style summer outfits

Before the weather turns chilly in the next couple of months and your summer clothes get packed away, put together a few last summer outfits! This is probably my favorite idea on this list because it’s so much fun, and it always makes me feel confident and put together.

I like to start by laying out all the tops and bottoms that I can only wear during the warmer months. Seeing everything in one place makes it so much easier to create new outfit combinations. Then, I look for pieces I wouldn’t normally pair together and experiment to see what works. You might be surprised by how many new outfits you can create with clothes you already own!

Even though summer can be hot, layering can still be a fun way to add interest to your outfits. Try layering a tank top under a short-sleeve tee, or even pairing two tank tops in different colors for a subtle pop of color and texture.

One tip I always recommend is looking at how your favorite clothing brands style their pieces in photoshoots. Free People, for example, does an incredible job of layering and is a great source of outfit inspiration.

trips to the beach or lake

While this might be a little obvious, we have to soak up those last few moments of summer sun by spending time near water—whether that’s a pool, lake, river, or ocean.

What I love about these trips is that you don’t have to get in the water if you don’t want to—just being close to the water captures the feeling of summer. It’s also a wonderful way to decompress and relax.

I know life gets busy, and the best thing about these trips is that you don’t have to spend the whole day there. Even just an hour sitting by the water—reading a book, enjoying lunch, listening to music, or meditating—can be a perfect little escape. These simple trips are a beautiful way to say goodbye to summer.

picnics

If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the remaining days of summer, having a picnic—whether with friends or by yourself—is always a great idea!

If you want to go the traditional route with a blanket, a picnic basket, and homemade food, go for it! It can be such a fun experience, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take photos that you’ll love looking back on later in the year.

If you don’t have the time to plan everything, keep it simple. Pick up sandwiches, sushi, pizza, bagels, or any of your favorite foods, head to a nearby park, and call it a picnic. Some of my favorite summer picnics with friends have been as simple as grabbing takeout and spending a few hours outside. They’re memories I find myself thinking about every summer.

going camping + hiking

For all my outdoorsy lovers, setting aside a few days to go camping or hiking is a wonderful way to end the summer.

If you’re looking for something different to do before the season ends, try exploring a new campsite or hiking trail. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, get some fresh air, and make the most of the longer days while they last.

If camping isn’t really your thing but you still want a taste of the experience, find a spot where you can have a campfire and make s’mores instead! That way, you can enjoy one of the best camping traditions without having to spend the night outdoors.

outdoor movie nights

I included this idea in last year’s post, but it was too good not to mention again! The end of summer is the perfect time to catch a summer blockbuster at an outdoor movie theater.

cred: @luvasconp on pinterest

During this time, you can often find places like museums, community centers, and parks showing movies for free. They usually post their schedules on their websites or social media pages, so you can choose which movie you’d like to see. The best part is that they often show a wide variety of films, ranging from animated movies to classic black-and-white films!

If you’re looking for something a little more retro, a drive-in movie theater would be the perfect choice. It has such nostalgic summer vibes and is a fun experience that feels like a step back in time.

Another fun way to watch a movie outdoors is by using a projector. If you already own one, you can set it up in your backyard and host a cozy movie night. It’s a simple way to create special memories with friends and family that you’ll look back on for years to come.

ice cream dates

One of my favorite summer moments is going out to eat with my family in the evening, stopping by an ice cream shop, and enjoying a cold, sweet treat while strolling through the town square.

This always reminds me of summer days because ice cream is basically summer nostalgia served in a cone (or cup haha). No matter how young or old you are, it’s one of those simple pleasures that you just have to enjoy during the season.

Enough said.

host a dinner party

You can also host an end-of-summer bash! Similar to a Fourth of July party, you can celebrate the season with summery food and refreshing drinks as a final way to enjoy everything summer has to offer.

The type of dinner you host is completely up to you, but for the last days of summer, you could go with a BBQ, seafood, pasta, Mediterranean, or any other summer-inspired menu!

If you’re looking for some dinner inspiration, I included two YouTube videos with great recipes and step-by-step instructions to help you recreate them.

One of my favorite chefs is Meredith Hayden, aka Wishbone Kitchen. I love the way she explains each step and keeps the cooking process approachable and relatable (which is perfect if you’re new to cooking haha). The video below features taco-themed dinner party recipes, making it a great option for a summer party.

If you’re looking for more traditional summer recipes for a dinner party, Martha Stewart has you covered. These 18 recipes are easy to follow, and they’re sure to impress your guests.

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˚⟡˖ ࣪ a full summer day ˚⟡˖ ࣪

1. soak up the sun by eating breakfast outside

2. pick out a summery outfit

3. go to the farmers market

4. picnic for lunch

5. ice cream date

6. host an end of summer dinner party

7. end the night with a summer blockbuster

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