10 Summer Bucket List Ideas That’ll Make You Romanticise Your Own Life (Without Needing a Passport)

I’m not here to tell you to climb a mountain or go skydiving. That’s not this kind of list. This is for the girlies (and guys and theys) who want to feel something this summer—something good. Something soft. Something that makes you go “wow, I’m the main character in a coming-of-age movie where nothing dramatic actually happens, but the soundtrack is amazing.”

You don’t need to book a flight, overhaul your life, or pretend you're suddenly outdoorsy. You just need a little bucket list. Something to look forward to. Something to check off while sipping iced coffee and living your version of a hot girl (or emotionally stable person) summer.

So, if you’re ready to romanticise the heck out of this season and actually enjoy it instead of just watching it go by from inside a fan-cooled room, here are 10 summer bucket list ideas that are genuinely fun, a little whimsical, and totally doable.

1. Watch the Sunrise—At Least Once (No, Really. Once Is Enough.)

It sounds cliché. And it is. But also? Waking up disgustingly early to watch the sky turn cotton candy pink will make you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret level of peace. Bring a blanket. Bring a coffee. Bring your slightly groggy self and just exist for a minute.

You only need to do it once. Twice if you’re feeling like a walking Pinterest board.

2. Plan a ‘No Phones’ Day With a Friend

Imagine this: an entire day where nobody’s saying “wait, let me film this.” You just hang out like it’s 2003 and your only worry is whether the corner shop still sells Calippos.

Go for brunch. Play cards in the park. People-watch at the beach. The memories might not make it to Instagram, but weirdly, you’ll remember them better.

3. Dance Outside (Even If It’s Just in Your Garden)

Put on your favourite song—the one that makes you dance—and go outside. Dance like you’re the end scene of a romcom. Nobody’s watching (and if they are, they’re probably jealous of your vibe).

It doesn’t have to be a full performance. But it can be. Especially if you're wearing a dress that twirls.

4. Try a New Summer Recipe Just for the Aesthetic

Look, I’m not saying become a food influencer, but there is something deeply satisfying about making something summery and unnecessarily pretty. Think: peach salad with edible flowers. Or watermelon feta skewers. Or anything that involves a drizzle of honey.

Set it up on your patio or living room floor like a picnic. Bonus points if you pour your drink into a wine glass just for the drama.

5. Go Somewhere With Water—Any Water

You don’t need a yacht. You just need access to something that splashes.

Whether it’s a lake, the sea, a wild swimming spot, or your mate’s inflatable paddling pool—find water. Sit near it. Swim in it. Dip your toes and pretend you’re in a French film.

Water heals. Or at least distracts you from everything else for a while. Same thing.

6. Write Yourself a Letter to Open in September

This one might sound a little woo woo, but stay with me. Mid-summer, write yourself a note. Include:

• Something you’re proud of

• Something you're working on

• A reminder for future-you to chill out

• One memory you want to keep forever

Seal it. Open it on the first rainy day in September when you’re starting to feel a bit “meh” about everything again. Trust me: future-you will be obsessed with past-you’s thoughtfulness.

7. Start a Silly Little Summer Journal

Not a proper journal, unless you’re into that. This is more like a scrapbook meets chaos log. Stick in ticket stubs, jot down quotes from drunk friends, doodle your weird sunburn pattern.

It doesn’t have to make sense. It’s just something you’ll flip through in November when the sun sets at 3:42pm and you need reminding that joy exists.

8. Do a Random Act of Kindness (for Someone Who’s Not You)

I know self-care is important. But this one’s about other-care. Pay for someone’s coffee. Leave a note on a park bench that says, “you’re doing great.” Pick up litter on your walk (I know, who am I?).

Small acts. Big energy. Feels good. Costs little. Adds a little sparkle to the world.

9. Have a “Dress Like the Main Character” Day

You know that outfit you always think is “too much” for real life? Wear it. On a Tuesday. For no reason. Go buy milk dressed like you’re on your way to a music video shoot.

Life is short and we’ve all been underdressed for far too long. This summer, wear the dress. Wear the sparkles. Wear the boots that make noise when you walk. Be the damn main character.

10. End the Season With a Tiny Celebration

When the season starts winding down, don’t let it fizzle out quietly. Have a goodbye-summer night. Could be a solo dinner with candles. Could be a backyard gathering with frozen cocktails and a playlist titled “We Had a Good Run.”

Toast the good days. Laugh about the weird ones. Give yourself credit for whatever summer ended up being for you.

Bonus Round: Tiny Summer Bucket List Ideas You Can Knock Out in One Afternoon

• Eat fruit not already sliced straight from the punnet

• Go somewhere without makeup and pretend you're effortlessly radiant

• Re-watch a childhood summer movie (yes, The Parent Trap counts)

• Make a summer-only playlist and gatekeep it like a dragon guarding treasure

• Take a nap outside with a book you don’t plan to finish

• Learn to make one decent cocktail/mocktail

• Give someone a compliment that has nothing to do with appearance

  
  

The Truth About Summer Bucket Lists

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to “achieve” summer. There’s no prize. Nobody’s waiting to give you a trophy for the most golden-hour photos or the most perfectly charred burger.

But having a bucket list—even a low-key one—gives you little lighthouses. Things to look forward to. Reasons to pause and go, “actually, yeah… that was a good day.”

So write your list. Or don’t. But try at least one silly, joyful, or heart-melting thing this summer. You deserve to feel good. To laugh until you snort. To do something just for the story.

Romanticise your iced coffee. Romanticise your corner of the world. Romanticise you—you beautiful little soft summer being.

Got a summer bucket list item you're obsessed with? Drop it in the comments—I’m nosy and need more ideas for mine.