The Ultimate End Of Summer Bucket List: 11 Things to Do Before Fall Arrives

Read a Book (Or Finish The One You Started)

At the beginning of the season, you probably set a goal to read all the books at the top of every best-sellers list. And how did that work out? Or maybe you actually picked up a book but stopped midway through because the call of other summer activities was just too tempting. Either way, it's time to finish what you started. Pick up that abandoned romance novel or start that sci-fi thriller before your weekends get jam-packed with other things like apple picking or housewarming parties.

Kick it At a Music Festival

No use in lamenting that you missed the opportunity to see your favorite band perform live. Music festivals are the stuff summer Instagram pictures are made of, so get in on the fun. Grab your friends, grab a ticket (or better yet, look for a free concert), and grab a seat. You'll feel better knowing you didn't miss out.

Play Tourist in Your Own City

You don't need to travel to have a great time. Chances are, there are plenty of things and places in your town or neighboring ones that you haven't yet explored. Take a day to try out a new restaurant or see an exhibit at that museum that just opened. Better yet, get an out of town guest to come with you so you can show off how cool your city actually is.

Head to the Beach

This one seems obvious, but how many times have you felt the sand between your toes (or tasted it in the sandwich you brought with you) this year? Probably fewer than you can count on one hand. That means you need to head to the beach ASAP. Don't live anywhere near one? Park it next to any body of water that can lull you into a blissful state of relaxation. Try a lake, a neighbor's pool, or maybe a small stream. While nothing really beats attempting to get the salty air and sand out of your scalp, studies have shown that being around water in general can help you tap into your most calm and creative self.

Nap Outside

Sure, not all of us have the luxury of a hammock at the ready, but sometimes a good nap outdoors on a blanket in the park, a towel on the beach, or in a chair on your porch is just what you need to feel refreshed and recharged. What's the point of summer anyway if you can't bend the rules a bit and eat, drink, and sleep whenever you want? You can thank us later for this great suggestion.

Embark on a Road Trip

Pack your bags, gas up the car, and head out on the road with the windows rolled down the whole way. Summer = carefree days full of sunshine and adventure (or so we like to think), which means journeying somewhere new is always a good call. Drive a few hours or even a few days. No matter how you roll, just make sure you have a really great playlist or podcast to go with it. Were partial to this one.

Chow Down on Seafood

Does anything say summer more than a fresh plate of seafood? Slather it in butter, drizzle on some sauce, or add a dash of spicehowever you like yours served, there's no denying that summer is the best time to get your fix. Even if you're landlocked, find a market or eatery that flies it in from seafood capitals like Maine, Florida, New York, or San Francisco. No summer season can end successfully without at least one bite.

Pick Fresh Fruit or Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables straight from the vine (or earth) are best enjoyed outside on a grill or while sitting on a porch swing. Ripe avocados anyone? Juicy mangos, plums, peaches, and strawberries too? We're getting hungry just thinking about it. Make sure you fill up before they're no longer in season.

Attend an Outdoor Screening of a Film

You've watched your favorite movie 10 times over, but have you experienced it on the big screen yet? With a bag of popcorn in one hand, the grass beneath you, your favorite flick playing in front of you, and the sunset behind you, it'll be the most quintessential summer evening.

Host a Picnic or Grill Out

If you've learned anything from reading this far, it's that here at Birchbox we love talking about food almost as much as we love spilling our beauty secrets. With that in mind, we suggest you plan a picnic outdoors with friends before the cooler temps arrive. All you need is a basket, a blanket, and some delicious grub to fill you up. But if you still haven't indulged in a good 'ol hotdog, corn on the cob, or cheeseburger yet this season, hosting a grill-out is also a route you can go. Ending the summer with a full belly is never not a good idea.

Go for a Bike Ride or on a Hike

Embrace the outdoors whether your feet are on the ground or on a pair of bike pedals. Getting off your phone and out into Mother Nature is the best way to take advantage of the warm weather and longer days. Find a nearby trail to take your bike or walk along it with your best sidekick (dog, significant other, BFF). Save that Netflix binge for when it's below freezing outside.

Enjoy That Final Glass of Rooftop Ros

Snap those last pics of you and your best friend clinking glasses of ros as you watch the sunset from a rooftop. Soon summer's official drink will have to make way for glasses of red wine by the fire.