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Minimal leisure research focuses exclusively on Black women, with even fewer studies examining outdoor recreation experiences among active participants. The purpose of this study was to explore the outdoor recreation experiences of Black women in their own words. Convenience sampling was used to recruit Black women employed at a university located in the U.S. Southeast who have frequented beach areas along the Florida Panhandle. Questions asked related to recreation experi- ences, including the motivation and barriers to visiting beach areas, participation in leisure activities, and history of their first beach visit. Motivation for visiting beaches included social or solo traditions, informal self-care retreats to disengage and reflect through writing and meditation, and access to local amenities. Barriers to visiting coastal beaches ranged from work and personal life commitments, lack of discretionary funds, and safety concerns from the fear of being a Black woman traveling alone or through segregated areas. In addition, this study addressed stereo- types of leisure experiences among Black women that included hair care and rec- reating in spaces typically occupied by non-Black beachgoers. The importance of Black women’s leisure surfaced as a theme as respondents connected beach recrea- tion to overall health, well-being, and the idea of pleasure being intertwined with work rather than being separate or in conflict with their leisure time. Using a Black feminist standpoint, the stories Black women tell about themselves in leisure are a rich resource to provide insight into this topic.