Even though summer is winding down, don’t pack up your picnic gear yet! Late summer and early fall can still be a wonderful time to plan a beach picnic before the weather turns too cool. This article will cover everything you need to know about the essentials for a beach picnic. Planning a beach picnic is a great way to soak up the last rays of summer sun and spend quality time with family and friends. But what beach picnic essentials do you need to pack to ensure the perfect beach picnic? This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect end-of-summer seaside adventure.
A beach picnic is a fantastic way to relax, unwind, enjoy gorgeous waterfront views, and spend time with loved ones, even in late summer. But a beach picnic requires special planning and packing to ensure you have a comfortable, fun, and hassle-free experience. Read on to discover the must-have items and tips for planning the ultimate beach excursion this end of summer!
Sand between your toes, sun on your face, breeze in your hair, picnic on the beach. – Unknown
What Should You Bring to a Beach Picnic?
When packing for a beach picnic, there are certain essentials you’ll want to make sure to bring along. Taking the right gear and accessories will let you enjoy your seaside picnic. Here are some must-haves:
A Large Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Don’t underestimate the importance of bringing a large, durable waterproof picnic blanket to the beach. This will provide you with a clean, dry, and sand-free surface to sit and enjoy your picnic. Look for a blanket made of quick-drying materials like nylon or polyester. The blanket should be large enough to fit your whole group.
Picnic Basket, Cooler, or Insulated Bag
You need something to transport and store your beach picnic food and drinks. A classic woven picnic basket is always a stylish option. Or pack your food in a cooler or insulated reusable shopping bag to keep it chilled. Bring along some ice packs or frozen water bottles if you want to keep food cold.
Umbrella or Canopy
A canopy tent or beach umbrella is key for providing shade at your seaside picnic. Staking down an umbrella helps keep it from blowing away on windy beach days. Look for umbrellas with UV protection.
Beach Chairs
Folding beach chairs allow everyone a comfy seat at your picnic. Chairs with adjustable positions or built-in footrests are excellent. Look for lightweight options that are easy to carry and transport.
Reusable Plates, Cups, Flatware
Pack reusable plates, cups, flatware, and napkins to avoid creating waste and litter at your beach picnic. Items made of lightweight plastic, bamboo, or melamine work well. Having a cutting board and cheese knife is handy too.
Beach Towels
Don’t forget the beach towels! Pack them for sitting on the sand near your picnic and for cleaning up after swimming.
Beach Picnic Food Ideas and Tips
Choosing the right picnic foods is key to your beachside dining experience. Keep these tips in mind when planning the menu:
- Pack finger foods that are easy to eat. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks like veggies and dip, cheese, crackers, and fresh fruits travel well.
- Take foods that don’t need reheating or cooking. Things include cold salads, sandwiches, cheese, crackers, chips, snack mixes, raw veggies, and fresh fruits.
- Bring non-perishable items like canned or dried fruits, granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter, and crackers if food is unrefrigerated.
- Pack foods in airtight containers. Use reusable food containers, jars, and storage bags. This prevents spills or sand from getting into the food.
- Take beverages in reusable bottles or cans. Bottled water, canned soda, fruit juice boxes, and alcoholic beverages like canned wine, beer, or premixed cocktails are all easy to tote to the beach.
- Include items like wet wipes and trash bags to clean up messes and dispose of trash after your picnic.
- Keep foods chilled. Use ice packs or freeze water bottles to put in your cooler to keep items cold.
Beach Picnic Accessories
Beyond the basics like food and blankets, there are some bonus beach picnic accessories that can take your seaside dining to the next level:
- Portable Bluetooth speaker – Set the mood with music. A waterproof speaker can go right on the sand.
- Folding table – Elevate your picnic setup with a lightweight, portable folding table.
- Games – Bring games like cornhole, KanJam, Spikeball, or a beach volleyball set.
- Kites or frisbees – Add some fun activities to your beach picnic!
Planning the Perfect Beach Picnic
Now that you know what to pack, keep these tips in mind to plan the perfect beach picnic:
- Pick a beach location that’s easy to access by car, with nearby parking. This makes unloading supplies easier.
- Get to the beach early to stake out a good spot with shade. It’s also less crowded early.
- Check the beach rules – Some prohibit certain activities, foods, or alcohol.
- Pack supplies in easy-to-carry totes or wagons. You’ll have to trek your stuff across the sand.
- Look at the weather forecast and plan accordingly if rain or heavy winds are expected.
- Bring activities for the kids – they’ll enjoy the beach even more. Shovels, splash toys, and games will keep them entertained.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
No beach picnic conversation is complete without talking about sun protection. While soaking up the summer sun, keeping your skin’s health in mind is essential; you’ll want to pack protection. Here are a few ideas:
- A beach umbrella or tent provides shade so you can escape the sun’s rays. Look for options that block UV rays.
- Don’t forget sunscreen; use one that is waterproof and is SPF 50. Apply it regularly, especially after swimming. Bring extra in case your beach day is longer than planned.
- Sunglasses are also crucial to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Choose pairs that block 100% of UV rays.
- Keep your sunscreen wrapped in a towel to protect its potency.
For insightful information on sunscreen expiration and staying protected in the sun, check out dermatologist Dr. Lawrence Gibson’s article “Does Sunscreen Expire?” where he provides valuable details on getting the most out of your sun protection. Staying protected will keep your beach picnic fun and comfortable all day long.
Cleaning Up: Ending Your Beach Picnic on a High Note
Wrapping up your beach picnic should be as effortless and efficient as setting it up. Leaving the beach as pristine as you found it is respectful to others and beneficial to the environment. Remember, it’s a beach outing – a chance to enjoy nature’s splendor – so don’t leave your picnic area in a mess.
Start by using reusable containers for your food. These cut down on waste and are more secure, preventing food from spilling into your picnic basket or attracting unwanted insects. Another tip to keep your picnic waste-free is to pack food that generates minimal waste, such as whole fruits and sandwiches.
For any trash that you do generate, bring along trash bags. This makes cleanup easy and ensures that you leave no trace behind. Remember that this includes smaller items like napkins, wet wipes, and bottle caps, which can be harmful to wildlife if left behind.
In addition, keep in mind that you are likely to get sand on your equipment during your beach picnic. To avoid bringing the beach home with you, consider bringing a small brush or towel to clean off items before you pack them up. Be mindful not to shake off your beach blanket or towel onto others enjoying their beach day.
Make the Most of Your Day at the Beach
The perfect picnic makes the entire day out a seaside adventure. Once you’ve eaten, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy to make the most of your day at the beach truly.
- Build sandcastles – Bring along buckets, shovels, and sand toys for the kids. You can even bring molds to make shaped castles.
- Play games – Bring a frisbee, paddle ball set, or beach ball to play catch. Volleyball, cornhole, and spike ball are also beach game classics.
- Collect seashells – Make it a game to see who can find the most unique and interesting shells. Use plastic bins to cart them home.
- Swim – Enjoy splashing in the waves and enjoying the cool ocean water. Use swim floats or noodles for kids.
- Take a scenic stroll – Walk barefoot along the shoreline and dip your toes in the surf.
- Look for wildlife – Scan for birds, dolphins, or other marine creatures around the beach. Bring binoculars.
- Relax – Simply lay out on a towel, read a book, or listen to music. The sound of the waves is soothing.
- Take photos – Capture family portraits, candids of beach play, and gorgeous views.
Adding some activities will allow you to bask in the sand and sun all day while making special memories. A beach picnic is just the beginning of a beautiful day at the beach!
Top Tips for an Amazing Beach Picnic
Follow these top tips for an epic beach picnic experience:
- Stake down umbrellas and blankets securely to prevent blowing away. Use sandbags or weight bags on the legs.
- Chill drinks and food ahead of time – they’ll stay cooler longer on a hot beach.
- Pack a beach picnic backpack or wagon to easily carry supplies across the sand.
- Bring plastic bins or sealable bags for collecting shells or wet, sandy items post-swimming.
- Take breaks from the sun and hydrate frequently – it’s easy to get dehydrated at the beach.
- Apply sunscreen repeatedly – reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
- Place valuables like phones in a waterproof bag or leave them locked in your car.
- Wet wipes and towels are handy to clean your hands before eating and feet before getting in your car.
- Take lots of great pics and videos to remember the fun beach picnic memories!
Enjoy the Perfect Beach Picnic
Beach picnics are one of the best ways to fully experience a day of sun, sand, and surf. Pack the beach picnic essentials like blankets, shade, chairs, and plenty of snacks. Follow the tips to keep food fresh while you relax oceanside with your favorite people. A beach picnic is guaranteed to make memories that will last long after summer.
Key Takeaways
Planning the perfect beach picnic requires some special preparation and packing, but the effort is well worth it for a fun, memorable day. Here are noteworthy points to remember:
- Bring a large, waterproof blanket and umbrella for shade and comfort.
- Pack food and beverages in insulated coolers and containers to keep cold.
- Transport supplies in wagons, totes, or backpacks to easily carry across the sand.
- Prepare finger foods and snacks that don’t require reheating.
- Include reusables like plates, cutlery, towels, and trash bags.
- Don’t forget sun protection – bring sunscreen and a hat (don’t forget hats for the little ones).
- Add games and activities for extra beach picnic fun.
- Arrive early to claim a spot and watch weather forecasts.
- Clean up thoroughly when finished and dispose of trash properly.
- Keep valuables safe in waterproof bags or locked in your car.
- Hydrate, reapply sunscreen, and take breaks from the sun.
With the right preparation and gear, you can relax and make lasting memories at a fabulous beach picnic!
Before you go — what are your must-have items for the perfect beach picnic? Share your top essentials in the comments section below.
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from the “Events + Holidays” Category to the “TRAVEL & FAMILY” Category on September 8, 2023.
