Summertime is coming, and it’s time to plan your beach trips. Whether you prefer a relaxing day lounging by the shore or engaging in energetic activities, the beach offers something for everyone.
Aside from being a fun leisure activity, spending time at the beach offers physical and mental health benefits. A fun little beach picnic is a great way to enjoy the scenery and unwind.
Here are some tips and must-haves for your next beach get-together.
If you’re heading out for a sun-soaked day by the waves, pack your beach picnic essentials to stay comfortable and relaxed under the sun. Here are some suggestions for what to put in your trusty picnic basket or beach bag.
A sturdy picnic mat or blanket is the first item to secure for your beach picnic adventure.
Choose one that is sand-resistant and spacious enough for your group to stretch out and soak up the sun in comfort. If you don’t have one big enough for everyone, you can bring multiple blankets and lay them down to form a larger area for everyone to sit.
Look for durable materials that are easy to shake sand off or wipe clean, such as nylon, polyester, or cotton. If you want a softer and more luxurious experience, you can also try wool picnic blankets, which may be more expensive.
For a truly relaxing and luxurious experience, bring some plush pillows to lounge on while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Opt for lightweight, portable pillows you can easily pack alongside your picnic essentials. These smaller options won’t weigh you down too much when traveling to your picnic spot.
Whether reclining with a good book or simply taking in the scenery, having comfortable pillows can make all the difference. They can help elevate your beach picnic to new levels of comfort and luxury.
Summer days can get incredibly hot. While they can be fun, there is also the risk of dehydration.
Make sure to pack plenty of water for your beach picnic. Invest in insulated water bottles or beverage containers to keep your drinks cool throughout the day.
Remember to hydrate regularly, especially when engaging in outdoor activities like swimming or beach volleyball. Encourage your friends to do the same.
While the sun can be energizing, too much time under UV rays can harm your skin and cause sunburns. Each year, around 33,000 cases of sunburn end in a trip to an emergency room.
To avoid being part of this statistic, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with essential sun protection items.
Pack some sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect yourself from UV damage, and reapply it periodically, especially after swimming or sweating. Wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas also provide shade and prevent sunburn during your beach picnic.
Part of the charm of going on a picnic is dining informally and al fresco. When it’s time to eat, having the right plates and food containers is essential for enjoying your beach picnic feast.
Opt for lightweight, shatterproof plates or containers that are easy to transport and clean. Bring your best utensils and some high-quality napkins for a complete dining experience. Consider reusable options to minimize waste and environmental impact.
A simple yet effective way to set the mood for your beach picnic is having your favorite tunes playing in the background.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is an excellent accessory for adding ambiance to your seaside gathering. This way, you can relax with a chill playlist or dance to your best upbeat jams. Look for a compact, water-resistant speaker to withstand the elements and keep the music flowing.
If you or your loved ones are the musical type, you can bring some small instruments and get a jam session going. Bring a guitar, ukulele, or tambourine, and sing your hearts out.
No beach picnic is complete without a selection of snacks to wake up your taste buds and nourish you for a day of enjoyment. Here is a list of must-have nibbles to enhance your seaside dining experience.
Sandwiches and wraps are a classic beach picnic staple. These simple snack choices are a foolproof way to satisfy everyone in your group.
Get creative with your sandwich combinations. You can serve a classic ham and cheese or a more sophisticated turkey and avocado sandwich. Wrap them up for better portability and easy munching by the seaside.
For a savory, protein-rich snack perfect for fueling your beach adventures, beef jerky might just be your friend. It is also one of the best carnivore diet snacks if you or a friend follow this regimen.
Aside from being delicious, this flavorful treat is portable and long-lasting, making it an ideal choice for active beach days.
Fruits are a simple and foolproof snack that is sure to satisfy everyone. They are light and refreshing.
Pick fruits that are in season to ensure their freshness. You can pack them whole or slice them up and put them into portable containers. The latter option works best for larger fruits so everyone can share.
A granola bar is a quick and reliable snack packed with energy-boosting ingredients that keep you fueled throughout the day. You can find them in various flavors and textures, from chewy to crunchy and nutty to fruity.
Look for options high in fiber and protein, as these variants can keep you satisfied and energized for longer.
A day of fun isn’t complete without a bit of indulgence. If you’re craving something crispy and salty, a trusty bag of chips is an excellent choice to munch on while soaking in the sun.
Chips are a versatile food. They come in many flavors, and you can even pair them with your favorite dips and sauces for an extra kick.
A beach picnic is a classic activity that is perfect for the summertime when the sun is hot, and the sea is the ideal place to cool off. Before getting into your car and driving to your nearest seaside, make sure to pack the essentials, ensuring you stay safe and comfortable throughout the day.
