Go Fish: The Best Beach Board Games for Your Next Vacation

At the Beach (Waterproof and Sand-Friendly Games)

Believe it or not, there's an increasing variety of board games that are specially designed to be waterproof and perfect for afternoons of oceanside gaming.These games are often waterproof, durable, and portable, meaning that they're the ideal way to pass the time during breaks from swimming and days when the surf may be a little too rough (or occupied by jellyfish) but you still want to take advantage of that beach day time!

1. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Poolside! Edition
Fast, hilarious, waterproof, and ready for the Outer Banks!

This is honestly a family favorite and one of our top suggestions to take anywhere and everywhere! This game is silly, energetic, and totally addicting. It's easy to play with 10-minute rounds and up to 8 players, making it perfect for the whole family. The best part about this edition is that it was designed for outdoor play and easy travel. The waterproof, durable, and wipeable cards are easily stored on a plastic keychain ring so you can seamlessly toss this compact version of a classic game in your bag and get ready to play in the sand or on a towel!

• Strategy Level: Low
• Best For: Ages 6+, big family groups, and quick laught-out-loud rounds

Staff Pick: This game is perfect for the beach and one of my family's favorites. We take it everywhere! The beach, the water park, restaurants, you name it. We've got several variations that we play at home, but this Poolside! version is a staple in our house. - Lauren Crawford, Assistant Marketing Manager

2. UNO Splash
The ultimate OBX upgrade to a family favorite.

There are few classic card games that scratch that party game itch like UNO Splash! With transparent, waterproof cards and a new Whirlpool mechanic, this game is ideal for family fun at the beach! The rules are simple where the first player to win three hands wins! The Whirlpool mechanic adds a beachy spin and additional fun to draw, discard, and give plays. These durable cards and plastic case ensure that your game will withstand even the toughest sandy does.

• Strategy Level: Low to Medium
• Best For: Kids, teens, and adults looking for a familiar, flexible game

Seaside Pro Tip: Challenge your crew to play three full rounds before dinner. First to win three hands gets the best seat for the OBX sunset!

3. Spot it! Waterproof
Fast-paced matching, made for the beach.

This fast-paced matching game comes in a waterproof tin. It’s fun, quick, and completely sand-safe. This version of the classic family game also includes unique pool, beach, and water-themed symbols, making it an incredible game that's great for the entire family while helping work on visual perception, memory, and reasoning skills - all while having a blast at the beach!

• Strategy Level: Low
• Best For: Younger kids, mixed-age groups, and multi-generational families

Seaside Pro Tip: Great for pre-dinner downtime or pairing with beachside snack breaks near your Kill Devil Hills or Duck rental.

4. Bananagrams: Oceanic Edition
Wordplay meets wave play.

Banangrams is the classic family-friendly word game that encourages spelling, vocabulary, problem-solving, and critical thinking all in the name of some friendly competition! What's amazing about the Banangrams tiles is that they are known for being durable, so they'll easily be able to withstand the sand and spray. This ocean-themed edition adds a little extra fun to your oceanside game time with unique bonus tiles featuring whales, seahorses, and more!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Kids who love word games, adults, and teens.

Seaside Pro Tip: Bring this game for a calm, creative cooldown after a morning spent boogie boarding or paddleboarding the sound.

 5. Hive
Compact strategy for two, made for the outdoors.

This fantastic puzzle-matching game is perfect to play on a towel at the beach. Play as soldier ants, bees, and grasshoppers to surround your opponent's queen bee. This two-player game features minimal setup and sturdy plastic tiles that won't be ruined by surf, sand, and sun! 

• Strategy Level: Medium to High
• Best For: Two-player sessions, quiet mornings, or couples on a romantic OBX getaway

Seadside Vacations Pro Tip: Pack a mesh bag just for beach games to keep everything easy to find, shake off sand, and dry out after play.

Game Night at Your Seaside Vacation Rental

After you've spent the day at the beach or exploring all the fun things there are to do on the OBX, like climbing a lighthouse or getting a glimpse of the Corolla Wild Horses, there are few things better than ordering a pizza and settling down at the table with a board game that the whole family will love. When the sun goes down or the rain starts heading in, these cozy games are sure to turn your rental into the ultimate game night vacation hub!

1. Azul
Create a beautiful mosaic masterpiece one tile at a time.

In Azul, players take turns drafting brightly colored tiles to complete decorative patterns on their boards. But beware — unused tiles can cost you points. This visually stunning strategy game rewards thoughtful planning and a touch of creativity, making it a relaxing, satisfying choice for a game night with older kids and adults. Azul is a beautiful, cozy game that is a dream out on the top deck with cool drinks and snacks.

• Strategy level: Medium
• Best for: Families with older kids, teens, and adults

Seaside Pro Tip: Great for rainy days or post-dinner play in homes with large dining tables. Look for one of our spacious Outer Banks rentals with plenty of gathering space.

2. Yahtzee
Shake, roll, score! A classic for a reason.

Yahtzee is the perfect mix of luck and excitement. Each player rolls five dice to score combinations like full house, large straight, or the ultimate Yahtzee! Not only is Yahtzee the perfect tactile game for kids, but the luck of the draw adds to the excitement and ensures that every round is unique in its own way. It’s easy to learn and endlessly replayable, making it ideal for game night across generations. There's no complicated setup and rules are straightforward, making this a quick and easy way to spend some time together without a lot of investment.

• Strategy level: Easy
• Best for: All ages

Seaside Pro Tip: Toss Yahtzee in your bag for back-deck sunsets, game room battles, or quick rounds between beach sessions.

3. Wingspan
Build your own bird sanctuary in this stunning, nature-themed game.

In this beautiful engine-building game, you play as bird enthusiasts collecting and managing birds across three habitats. Each species has unique abilities that help you attract more birds and gain food or eggs. Attract birds, gather food, and build habitats, all while possibly sabotaging your opponent and coming up with creative combinations. It’s calm yet competitive and encourages clever combos and quiet strategy. Setup can be a little daunting, but once you get your groove, you're going to be revisiting this game again and again! If dragons are more your jam, consider Wyrmspan, which has similar gameplay but focuses on dragons instead of birds!

• Strategy level: High
• Best for: Bird lovers, strategy fans, and nature buffs

Staff Pick: This is honestly one of my favorite board games EVER. It's the perfect complement to a day of birding at the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and a great way to celebrate the local wildlife with a beautiful sunset on a screened-in porch! I also cannot recommend enough Elizabeth Hargrave's other game, Undergrove. - Lauren Crawford, Assistant Marketing Manager

4. Taco vs. Burrito
Created by a 7-year-old, but hilarious for all ages.

Taco vs. Burrito is a fast-paced, unpredictable card game where you build outlandish meals and sabotage your opponents. Play a Tummy Ache to lower their score or load your burrito with Tofu Tentacles for the win. But be careful - the Health Inspector and Order Envy can step in and ruin your meal. Expect laughter, chaos, and tacos wearing sunglasses. What's even better? The game only takes 10-15 minutes to play, so it's perfect for kids who are antsy while waiting in line and the perfect alternative to screen time when you're trying to connect with the people you love during vacation. 

• Strategy level: Low
• Best for: Kids, teens, and families looking for something quick and fun

Seaside Pro Tip: Our team loves this one! It’s great for casual gamers and easy to learn in under 2 minutes.

5. Settlers of Catan
Trade, build, and expand your island — one settlement at a time.

Catan is the gold standard for modern board games. Players trade resources like brick, wheat, and ore to build roads, settlements, and cities while competing for territory. It's social, strategic, and different every time you play. With a little bit of a longer setup than some of our other options, it's totally worth it! Collect points by building settlements and cities or completing additional challenges throughout the game that will award "victory points." The first person to 10 wins! No two sessions are the same, due to the random nature of setup, so get ready to try out the original resource acquisition game that has influenced all the others!

• Strategy level: High
• Best for: Adults and older kids/teens ready to dive into deeper gameplay

Seaside Pro Tip: Start a Catan tradition every year during your Outer Banks stay — it’s a favorite for large families and multigenerational groups. They also make a mobile version that's perfect for taking to the beach or in the car!

Travel-Friendly Favorites on the Go

These games are compact, light, and perfect for your next road trip or carry-on bag. They don't take up much space, making them ideal for bringing in your beach bag or backpack. They don't take up space in the car and they offer the ultimate option to help keep the kids occupied while you're waiting in line at Jimmy's Seafood Buffet or hanging out at Kitty Hawk Kites before your tour or hang gliding lesson! There's nothing like a quick game on the go to ensure that every minute of your vacation is filled with love, friendly competition, and screen-free fun!

1. Sushi Go!
Pick a card, pass it on, and build the tastiest meal.

This fast-paced card-drafting game is adorable and strategic. Choose sushi dishes with the highest points — but pass carefully. Every decision counts! You score points by collecting the most rolls or making a full set of sashimi and look out for the wasabi where you can triple your points! Rules are quick and easy to understand, meaning that you can spend more time having fun and less time sifting through rulebooks. It's ideal for quick 10-15 minute games in between other activities while keeping everyone occupied and celebrating the delicious seafood that you're about to enjoy yourself throughout your vacation!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Tweens, teens, and adults who love quick, smart games

Seaside Pro Tip: Great for a picnic at the Duck Town Green or waiting for your meal at a seafood spot.

2. Phase 10
Complete 10 card phases before your opponents do.

A rummy-style game with a twist. Each player must complete 10 unique phases in order — from two sets of three to seven cards of one color. This game has been around since the 1980s and for good reason! It's perfect for family game time while easily adaptable for two to six people. You can also get different version of Phase 10 (including The Peanuts) and it's available on mobile if you're looking for an even more compact way to play!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Families and card game lovers

Seaside Pro Tip: Perfect for downtime in the car, or playing on the deck during sunset.

3. Exploding Kittens (Grab & Game Edition)
Draw cards, dodge explosions, and outlast your friends.

This wildly popular, fast-paced card game is compact and chaotic — full of kittens, explosions, and surprise attacks. This game is fun, fast-paced, easy to learn, and beyond ridiculous in the best possible way. Get ready for hours of irreverent fun that has been described as the "kitten-powered version of Russian Roulette." The artwork is pretty fun and this version of the game is ideal for waiting in line and traveling in the car. Before you know it, the older kids will be ditching their phones in favor of family game night!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Teens, adults, and fans of quick humor

Seaside Pro Tip: Great for indoor play during a summer thunderstorm or late-night laugh sessions in your rental.

4. Five Crowns
A five-suited twist on rummy that keeps changing.

Five Crowns is a fast-paced, family-friendly card game that’s perfect for your Outer Banks vacation nights. Played similarly to traditional Rummy, the goal is to be the player with the lowest total score at the end of 11 rounds. This quick, multi-round card game is approachable and keeps things fresh with a rotating wild card. Great for small to mid-sized groups. This game is loved for its simple rules, quick learning curve, and the way it balances luck and strategy. It’s accessible for younger players while still keeping older ones engaged, making it ideal for multi-generational groups vacationing together.

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Multi-generational families or laid-back card lovers

Seaside Pro Tip: Pack for quiet afternoons in Ocracoke or on the ferry ride back to Hatteras Island.

5. Monopoly Deal
Classic Monopoly fun, with none of the hours.

Monopoly Deal takes all the excitement of traditional Monopoly and squeezes it into a fast-paced card game you can play in just 15–20 minutes—perfect for beach breaks, rainy day afternoons, or winding down after exploring the Outer Banks. The goal is simple: be the first to collect three full property sets of different colors. What makes Monopoly Deal so popular is its blend of luck, light strategy, and the familiar Monopoly flavor—without the hours-long time commitment.

• Strategy Level: Easy
• Best For: Everyone, especially quick game lovers

Seaside Pro Tip: Great for restaurants with long waits or impromptu rounds at your beach house picnic table.

Bonus: Ocean-Themed Board Games

1. Oceanopoly
Buy, trade, and sail your way through the sea.

This nautical take on Monopoly lets you collect fish, own coral reefs, and sail through oceanic landmarks. You'll also be learning fun facts about ocean life while increasing rent with "Big Fish" and collecting sand dollars! The tokens are also loads of nautical fun with a crab, fish, shark fin, lobster, and more! Ideal for 2-6 players, this is an ocean-themed game that the whole family can get on board with and it's the perfect complement to any week spent by the sea on the Outer Banks!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Families who love Monopoly and marine life

Seaside Pro Tip: Great post-visit activity after exploring the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island or the beach!

2. Sea Salt & Paper
A beautifully illustrated card game of undersea collections.

Sea Salt & Paper is one of those solid board games that will come up during almost any discussion in the board game commuity - and for good reason. This ocean-themed game is quick and easy to play but can become as intense as you like over time. Build hands of sea creatures, shells, and ocean elements with gorgeous origami artwork. Simple to play, hard to master. The cards play a little like Rummy while the origami on the cards are the perfect illustrations for setting those chill, beachy vibes!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Adults and teens who love visually stunning games

Seaside Pro Tip: Ideal for relaxing evenings after beachcombing in Kitty Hawk or South Nags Head.

3. Seaside
Design your ideal beach and manage your shoreline.

Seaside features exclusively wooden tokens that you can use to create your own seaside with whatever elements you want! Include coral, shells, animals, and more to make the most of your oceanside experience. It comes in a convenient canvas bag for easy transport, offering unique gameplay where you can steal from other players, or waves can come in and wash away some of your beach tiles. This is perfect for days where the breeze is perfect and the water a little rough - but you still want to enjoy your day by the sea! We can't recommend this game enough.

• Strategy Level: High
• Best For: Strategy fans and Outer Banks dreamers

Seaside Pro Tip: Channel your inner worldbuilder and create the perfect beachside paradise!

4. Reef
Grow your coral reef and score with vibrant patterns.

This 3D strategy game has players stacking coral pieces in color-coded patterns to earn points and build stunning ocean structures. Carefully select the colors and patterns that you want to use when expanding your reef and have some fun as you create your own version of an underwater paradise. Gameplay lasts about 30-45 minutes, making this a great option when you're waiting for the sunscreen to dry or grabbing sandwiches under the umbrella!

• Strategy Level: Medium
• Best For: Visual learners and families looking for hands-on games

Seaside Pro Tip: Ideal after a snorkeling trip or visit to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

5. Dive
Descend into layered ocean depths and take risks for rewards.

Using transparent cards, players “dive” into the ocean to find treasures — and avoid sharks. Players act as divers attempting to retrieve a sacred stone as part of a rite of passage summer celebration on a remote island. In order to do so, you must avoid upsetting the ocean's creatures while diving as far down as you can to retrieve the stone! One of the best parts of Dive is that it also features a solo play mode, so if you need a little recharge time in the sand, you can pull the game out and give it a go!

• Strategy Level: Low to Medium
• Best For: Families, kids 7+, and ocean lovers

Seaside Pro Tip: Great thematic game for days spent shell-hunting in Rodanthe or surf-watching in Hatteras.

Game Night Is a Seaside Tradition

Groovin Deck Beach House

From Corolla to Hatteras, the Outer Banks is made for making memories — and game night is one of the best ways to slow down, connect, and laugh with the ones you love.

Looking for a home with a large dining table or bonus game room?
Browse our Seaside Vacations rentals perfect for families who love game night.

Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.

And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. 

Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments. 

Need more inspiration? Check out our Rainy Day Activities blog or contact our local team for personalized OBX planning tips.

About the Author:  Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.