21 Profitable Beach Business Ideas for a Sunny Future

So you live near a beach. Lucky you! You can go swimming or walk barefoot in the sand any time you like. Even better, you could also start a business and make your living while taking in the sun and sea.

Among the possibilities are a food truck, photo booth, and boat or jet ski rental. You could also set up a glamping site or even a hotel, if you have a significant capital. Check out our below list of brilliant beach business ideas to kickstart your entrepreneurial thinking, and good luck!

1. Hotel

The US hotel industry expects an annual growth rate of 3.82% by 2028, so if you’re interested in hospitality and helping people enjoy their time away from home, now is the perfect time to ride this wave.

Opening a hotel near the beach can be very rewarding, but it will require hard work and a considerable investment. The most crucial element, of course, will be the hotel building itself. Assuming you do not plan to build a new hotel, which would likely cost millions of dollars, you’ll need to either buy an established hotel or find a building that can be purchased and converted into a hotel relatively easily. Once that’s done, you’ll want to launch a strong marketing campaign to attract your first guests. 

2. Bed and Breakfast

Even in the era of Airbnb, many Americans still prefer to stay the original “B & B,” a bed and breakfast, and enjoy the unique hospitality, personal service and homemade meals. When starting a B & B, it’s important to know the latest trends in the industry. For example, many guests prefer a facility that offers live entertainment or is located close to tourist attractions. It’s also to your advantage to research the market and see what features and services are being offered by the competition. Be innovative in coming up with ways to differentiate your business. Running a bed and breakfast is not easy, but it can be very rewarding if you play your cards right.

3. Food Truck

Who doesn’t love food trucks? They seem to be everywhere these days, at parks and street fairs, music festivals, beaches, private parties and community events.

The first step, of course, will be settling on a menu. The possibilities are endless, from burritos to barbecue, from burgers to sausages, and from smoothies and milkshakes to pad thai and pizza. You could even go seasonal, and offer frozen desserts in summer and gourmet soups in winter, and be able to draw a crowd year-round. The next major hurdle will be acquiring the necessary licenses and permits, which are absolutely crucial for any food-related business. 

Last but not least, you will need the food truck itself. It’s sure to be a significant investment, but you might be able to find a reasonably priced used truck to keep costs low. With a little luck, soon enough you’ll be up and running and making a nice return on that investment.

4. Ice Cream Business

Did you know that the average American consumes nearly half a pound of ice cream per week? People really do scream for ice cream, and that craving is not going away anytime soon, which is why it’s always a good time to start an ice cream business. 

There are a few key steps to getting started the right way. You’ll need to find the highest-quality ingredients, outfit your kitchen with the right equipment and come up with a few inventive, appealing flavors. And you’ll also need to meet the licensing and safety requirements for food products. But once you’ve got that down, you can offer your goods online, do a bit of marketing and start selling to ice cream lovers around the country, and around the world. Soon enough you’ll be opening enough stores to challenge Ben & Jerry.

5. Restaurant

Starting a restaurant near the beach has several advantages. Firstly, the scenic location attracts tourists and locals looking for dining options with a view, increasing customer traffic. Secondly, the relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere by the beach can improve the dining experience, making it more enjoyable for guests. Beachgoers often seek convenient food options, providing a steady flow of customers. Lastly, the beach setting offers unique marketing opportunities and thematic dining experiences that can set your restaurant apart from others.

There are many other key steps to consider. First, it’s important to decide what type of restaurant you want to open. Do you want to serve classic American fare, or maybe Italian? Do you want to do casual or fine dining? What about a family-style restaurant? Next, it’s a good idea to research the competition in your area and come up with a plan to set yourself apart. Starting a restaurant can be tough, but if you’re prepared for the challenges ahead, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

6. Jet Ski Rental

Do you like having fun out on the water? Well, so does everybody else! That’s why starting a jet ski business is almost always a great idea.

Getting there will require a significant investment. You’ll need to spend about $25,000 to get your first few jet skis, plus a rental facility on the water and permits and licensing fees. Of course, you’ll also need to live near an appealing body of water, and preferably one that’s accessible and enjoyable for more than a few months of the year. Finally, you will definitely want to get good insurance, because jet skis are almost as dangerous as they are enjoyable. 

Once that’s all settled, just start advertising on local outlets and events, posting on relevant social media groups and online vacation platforms. You’ll have your first few customers in no time, and soon be cruising toward success.

7. Tour Business

Beach areas are rich with natural beauty and often have unique local cultures and histories to explore, making them ideal for guided tours. Visitors are typically eager to learn about the area and experience local attractions.

Beach destinations are popular among tourists, ensuring high foot traffic and greater opportunities for bookings. Offering specialized tours, like sunset walks, glass bottom boat tours, historical tours, or ecological tours, can further attract different tourists groups.

Before you can start operating, you should pick a niche, choose your target demographics, and understand the competition. You should also familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that tour operators, travel agencies and other tourism-related businesses must follow.

8. Charter Boat

The global yacht charter market was estimated to be worth $7.64 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $12.70 billion by the end of 2032.

As a new charter boat business owner, it’s to your advantage to understand the market and prepare a business plan. You will have to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, boat payments and maintenance when you set your rates. It’s also important to acquire the necessary supplies and equipment. Your business plan would have to identify your target market, possible destinations, and a list of the services you will offer. Aside from fishing, you could offer parasailing and jet ski activities. Once your business is up and running, you’ll be making good money in no time.

9. Sunglasses Business

Who doesn’t love a cool pair of shades? It’s a great way to make a fashion statement, see the world more clearly and protect against the sun’s harmful rays. You don’t need any prior experience or knowledge to start your own sunglasses business and get in on this hip and happening trend and make good money. 

But you will need to do some real legwork. First and foremost, you’ll want to design two or three appealing pairs of sunglasses to serve as your primary products at launch. It’s a good idea to research existing sunglasses leaders and check out the latest fashion magazines to see which styles are selling best. Big is back, for one thing.

Next you’ll need to decide if you want to open a sunglasses shop, operate a sunglasses stand (probably somewhere near the beach), a la Sunglass Hut, or sell your products online (to boost profit during the off-season). Finally, you’ll need to partner with a reliable manufacturer and launch a stylish marketing campaign.

10. Boat Rental

Again, nearly everybody loves a day out on the water, skiing and tubing, cruising, socializing, swimming and just taking in the sun. That’s why boat rentals are a $5.3 billion US industry expected to see smooth sailing and steady growth in the years ahead. If you like spending time outdoors, you could start your own boat rental business and help people enjoy their time off while making a good living. 

There are several possible constraints. For one, you’ll need to live near a sizable body of water, and find an available access point or marina to base your operations. Second, you’ll likely need to accept the seasonal nature of this line of work, which in most areas of the US will only bring in revenue for half the year. Finally, getting started will require a significant investment, as appealing boats and other watercraft do not come cheap. 

But if you’re OK with all this, and able to acquire the necessary permits and insurance, once you start putting boaters on the water you’ll be cruising straight toward success.

11. Photobooth

After nearly being forgotten, photobooths are back in a big way! Keep in mind, these aren’t your grandfather’s photobooths, with the little curtain and four-photo black-and-white strip. Today’s photobooths offer a slew of technological advancements, and some come with touch screens, props, color printing, customizable backgrounds, and mobile hotspots to share images on social media. 

Starting a photobooth near the beach can attract many visitors who want fun photos. Beaches are busy with events and casual outings, so there’s a steady demand for photobooths. High foot traffic at the beach can also mean more customers and better earnings.

Getting started requires the purchase of an appealing, technologically advanced photobooth, which is a significant investment. The smart move is to look for a used one at a reasonable rate. Once you’ve checked that box you’ll just need to get the word out and you’ll be snapping your way to serious success.

12. DJ Business

Beaches often host events like weddings, parties, and festivals, where a DJ can provide entertainment. The natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for people to enjoy music. With lots of visitors and tourists, there’s a constant demand for entertainment, which can lead to numerous booking opportunities.

But a DJ business is not just about having the best beats. There’s a lot of work that goes into it. Having easy access to digital platforms and streaming services will lessen your burden. You’ll also need to have the right skills and equipment. Then you’ll want to establish your brand, promote your services and grow your social media following to attract clients.

13. Snow Cone Business

What’s more refreshing than a tasty snow cone on a hot summer day? Snow cones, also known as shaved ice, are cups of finely crushed ice lathered in flavored syrup. They’re sold in parks, beaches, along the street and at big events, and popular among all ages. Considering there’s always demand for it, starting a snow cone business can be financially rewarding for you. 

Before you get started, you need to understand that competition is tough. Snow cones have leveled up from being sold in stalls and are now being offered in restaurants and bars. Many versions have also been introduced, some with local ingredients while others contain a splash of liquor. To compete you’ll need to innovate and come up with unique, appealing flavors. If you play your cards right, your snow cone business can provide you with a steady source of income.

14. Hot Dog Cart

During peak hot dog season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans typically consume 7 billion hot dogs. The US hot dog market is massive and expected to continue growing as more Americans shift to high protein foods and manufacturers embrace reduced fat options. If you’re looking for a new beach venture, you might want to think about a hot dog cart. 

Setting up this business may look easy, but you’ll need to comply with permit and license requirements, acquire the necessary equipment, find suppliers, and decide which products to offer. Competition will be tough as there are countless hot dog carts out there, so it’s to your advantage to find a great beach location and promote your business aggressively. Once you’ve established your brand, customers will soon be lining up to buy your dogs.

15. Glamping

Beaches offer stunning natural scenery and a sense of tranquility. Glamping attracts travelers who seek comfort and style without losing the connection with nature, making beachside locations ideal. The unique setting allows for various activities like beach yoga, moonlit walks, and water sports, adding value to the experience.

There will be some serious work involved. In addition to acquiring the property, you’ll need to outfit with all the bells and whistles — from tents and teepees to high-end beds, furniture, lighting and air-conditioning and heating units. If your location is on the water, you could boost your revenue by also offering sailboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and more rental. But before you get started, this is a new and fast-evolving industry, so it’s best to take some time, research the marketplace and learn the latest, hottest trends before you commit to any specific style. 

16. Luxury Picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Across the United States, luxury picnic companies saw their revenues increase as much as 10-fold in the last few years, driven by Instagram photos going viral. So if you’re a whiz in the kitchen and enjoy curating high-end dining, you could start your own luxury picnic business and help countless people enjoy outdoor meals while making a good living. 

You could start your business on a beach for a relatively small investment. First, you’ll need to experiment with your favorite dishes and nail down a few different menus. You’ll want to make sure every customer has the best experience possible, which means you’ll need nice blankets and pillows, tablecloths and silverware and additional design flourishes of your choice. From there, you’ll just need to get the word out via strong branding and a robust marketing campaign.

17. Coffee Shop

Beachgoers often seek a cozy spot to enjoy coffee and snacks. The relaxed, scenic atmosphere of the beach makes it a perfect place for visitors to unwind with a cup of coffee. A coffee shop can attract both early risers looking for their morning brew and sunset watchers seeking a warm drink in the evening. Offering outdoor seating with a view can significantly improve the appeal, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Of course, opening a coffee shop takes real work. The best shops offer excellent pastries and create a warm atmosphere for people to linger and enjoy. Be sure to make smart choices in terms of your product offerings, furniture and design, as well as your location. You’ll also want to be careful when choosing your coffee source to make sure it’s eco-friendly and fair trade. But if you’re passionate about coffee and have the drive to succeed, it can be an incredibly rewarding and profitable experience.

18. Fishing Charter

The US fishing boat charter market posted stable growth in the five years before the pandemic and surpassed $440 million in revenue in 2023. It is poised for growth as more Americans are traveling and spending money on recreational services. 

To start a fishing charter business, you’ll need a boat and fishing supplies. And before you take guests out on the water, check out your state’s licensing requirements and be sure to comply with all regulations. Your success will depend on how effectively you market your business. You can do this by creating ads, distributing flyers, and posting about your top-notch services on social media and beyond.

19. Kayak Rental

Kayak rental business can be a great way to make money while helping people get exercise and enjoy nature. The global kayak and kayak accessories market is expected to witness significant growth from 2022 to 2031.

Aside from offering kayaks for rent, you could also carry paddles, apparel and helmets, storage bags, seats, life jackets, and safety gear. Selecting the location of your shop is crucial. It will have to be near water, of course, and with steady foot traffic. You’ll need a substantial investment to set up your shop and stock up on the kayaks and accessories. Finally, it’s a good idea to promote your business and let people know about your offerings.

20. Event Planning

What’s better than a big beach bash? The biggest events — weddings, reunions, graduation parties — are moments that people never forget. You can help create powerful memories for countless people with your own event planning business focused on beach gatherings.

More and more people are looking to plan long-delayed major events, from weddings to reunions to memorials and more. You can grab a piece of this growing market with a bit of training, confidence and organizational skills. Starting an event planning business requires little investment, and event planners often make 15-20 percent of the total cost. So just imagine how good you’ll feel working from home while planning a $100,000 wedding reception!

21. Beach Photography

Are you an amateur photographer who loves snapping great beach images? Photography in the US is an $13 billion industry expected to see steady growth in the coming years, so now would be a great time to stretch your entrepreneurial wings and give it a shot. You could start your photography business from home and give the world beautiful photos while also making a good living. 

Assuming you already have a professional-level camera, you’ll just need some great editing software and to build a website showing off your portfolio and listing your prices and services. With a bit of talent and determination, you could be snapping your way to success in no time!