The Ultimate Bucket List of Things to Do Once Social Distancing Is Over

Don't get me wrong, staying at home has had its perks, but I don't think I'll ever have another Friday night in once social distancing is up. I value human interaction way too much, plus, I've watched just about every good Netflix show out there to justify a night of no plans. I miss jam-packed days of beach trips, bonfires, good conversation, and even better company. I miss sporadically meeting friends after work for a baseball game or going to the gym and sparking up conversation with my fitness instructor. Better yet, I miss real-life happy hours (remember those?). It's the little things, really. I know our new normal might last for a while longer and doesn't adhere to my dreamy bucket-list plans, but hey, a girl can hopefully look ahead, right? Because the day when we can all be together again will come. Here are 39 things I can't wait to do once social distancing is over.

01
Go on a Date
Unsplash | Giorgio Trovato

Go on a Date

Like a real-life date where you can flirt and touch, not a FaceTime date.

02
See My Family
Unsplash | Dimitri Houtteman

See My Family

If you're social distancing from family, you know what I mean.

03
Hang Out With Friends, Friends, and More Friends!
Unsplash | Roberto Nickson

Hang Out With Friends, Friends, and More Friends!

I miss all the fun things we do together.

04
Give Someone a Hug
Pexels | Shvets Anna

Give Someone a Hug

Because we all could use a hug after staying at home.

05
Throw or Attend a Party
Unsplash | Jens Johnsson

Throw or Attend a Party

When social distancing is over, we obviously need to celebrate!

06
Eat at a Restaurant
Pexels | Adrienn

Eat at a Restaurant

I can't wait to get out there, support local businesses, and eat good food!

08
Attend All the Weddings
Unsplash | Fábio Alves

Attend All the Weddings

If you've known of a wedding or two that's been rescheduled, you're not alone. All couples deserve to have their day and be celebrated!

09
Hang at the Beach
Unsplash | Maciej Serafinowicz

Hang at the Beach

Most beaches and parks are closed to the public, but once they reopen, you know I'll be there catching some rays.

10
Go on a Trip
Pexels | The Lazy Artist Gallery

Go on a Trip

Whether it's 30 minutes away or a weekend adventure in the mountains, a trip sounds like a dream right now.

11
Fly Somewhere
Pexels | Jason Toevs

Fly Somewhere

Like, literally anywhere. Getting away to explore, sightsee, and discover is everything I need.

12
Actually GO to Work
POPSUGAR Photography | Haley Lyndes

Actually GO to Work

I didn't realize I'd miss the act of going to my job until it was no longer an option.

13
Put on Makeup
Unsplash | kevin laminto

Put on Makeup

Because the last time I wore makeup was . . . a long time ago.

14
Wear Jeans
Unsplash | Chema Photo

Wear Jeans

I've worn leggings and sweats every day while social distancing, and as lovely as it's been, I look forward to wearing real pants again.

15
Go Hiking
Unsplash | Felix Rostig

Go Hiking

I hike locally, but it's always fun to discover a public trail somewhere new!

16
Attend an In-Person Workout Class
POPSUGAR Photography | Mathew Kelly

Attend an In-Person Workout Class

As amazing as online fitness classes are, I miss the energy and vibe of an in-person workout class.

17
Visit a Winery
Unsplash | Kal Visuals

Visit a Winery

Napa is practically calling my name.

18
Go to a Concert
Unsplash | Joey Thompson

Go to a Concert

Live music, I miss you.

19
Go to a Sporting Event
Unsplash | Taylor Rooney

Go to a Sporting Event

Baseball games, football games — you name it, I'm there.

20
Hang Out at a Park
Unsplash | Priscilla Du Preez

Hang Out at a Park

I run by parks all the time, and it's such a tease! All I want to do is lie in the grass and chat with friends.

22
Visit Yosemite
Unsplash | Omar Lopez

Visit Yosemite

I had plans to explore the national park before stay-at-home orders were in place, and I can't wait to reschedule.

23
Pet Someone Else's Dog
Unsplash | Andrew Spencer

Pet Someone Else's Dog

I'm petting all the dogs once social distancing is up.

24
Go to Brunch!
Unsplash | Jonathan Gallegos

Go to Brunch!

Bottomless, anyone?

25
Go Camping
Unsplash | Toa Heftiba

Go Camping

There's nothing better than a night under the stars.

26
Play a Sport
Unsplash | Johannes Krupinski

Play a Sport

Pickup games are always so fun.

27
Go Tubing
Unsplash | Jed Villejo

Go Tubing

Tubing down a river with friends? I'm in.

28
Have a Real-Life Happy Hour
Unsplash | Elevate

Have a Real-Life Happy Hour

Zoom happy hours are great and all, but cheersing over drinks and appetizers is more my style.

29
Attend a Music Festival
Unsplash | Krists Luhaers

Attend a Music Festival

There's nothing that screams "freedom" more than thousands of people dancing in a field.

30
Go Boating
Unsplash | Luke Bender

Go Boating

Sure, you can boat by yourself, but I personally need a captain and crew.

31
Have a Beach Fire
Unsplash | Tower Paddle Boards

Have a Beach Fire

The best days are the ones spent oceanside with all my friends.

32
Sit in a Coffee Shop
Unsplash | Tower Paddle Boards

Sit in a Coffee Shop

It's true, I miss the act of physically sitting in a coffee shop.

33
Go to a Comedy Show
Pexels | Monica Silvestre

Go to a Comedy Show

OK, so I've never been to a comedy show, but it's on my to-do list!

34
Reconnect With an Old Friend
Unsplash | Thought Catalog

Reconnect With an Old Friend

There's nothing more nostalgic than catching up with an old pal.

36
Watch a NEW Season of The Bachelorette
ABC

Watch a NEW Season of The Bachelorette

I was so excited for Claire's season of The Bachelorette, but it was rightfully paused due to COVID-19. Once things get back to normal, I look forward to a new cast of (slightly) older men.

37
Go Shopping
Pexels | Andrea Piacquadio

Go Shopping

I've had my fair share of online retail therapy, but I'm ready for some in-store purchases.

38
Get My Hair Colored
Unsplash | Aw Creative

Get My Hair Colored

My roots may or may not be past my ears.

39
Use Public Transportation
Unsplash | Laura Dewilde

Use Public Transportation

OK, I'm kidding. No one misses using public transit.