We all adore our bare feet in the sand, a drink in hand, snacks handy, and nothing on the agenda but listening for the incoming waves. A beach picnic does not need to be high-end, but a little thought in packing goes a long way. If you’ve ever had the embarrassment of pulling up on the shore with a half-towel and a hot water bottle, you’ll see exactly how quickly a blissful day can turn into a sandy one-woman acrobatics show.
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Start with the Blanket
You need a decent blanket. Not your little one from your boot that only seats two people and rolls up on the corners. You need something water-resistant on the bottom, soft on top, and big enough to roll out on, without one person’s foot in the hummus.
Pack Smarter, Not More
Coolers are disproportionately dismissed, but they are still the MVP of things staying cool. Choose a soft-sided one for a hike far away or a wheeled one where your arms are occupied. Pack your drinks cold and your snacks savvy: cut-up fruits, cheeses not likely to melt instantaneously, wraps for sandwiches, and pre-serve bags not implicating a hand deep in a bag of potato chips.
Don’t Skip the Shade
Let’s talk shade. A pop-up tent, clamp-on umbrella, or classic striped parasol, postcard material, or some type of canopy will save you from getting crispy by mid-afternoon. If you have kids, it also gives them relief from the heat and a break to cool off without having to go inside. And contents in your cooler remain cooler for a longer period of time.
Add a Few Comfort Details
And then there are the luxuries that make it something beyond lunch al fresco. A wireless speaker with a chill playlist, a set of weatherproof cards, a trash bag you can reuse, and a set of wet wipes will change. Bring a book you’ve been wanting to read but won’t mind ditching in the middle of a chapter.
Timing Is Everything
You may also want to consider the time of day. Mornings are not so busy, cooler and with fewer cases of sunburn. End-of-day picnicking is a weekday treat, with a feeling of golden pace. Do check local tide times also, if your beach picnic site is affected by the tide.
Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated
Hydration, hydration, hydration, but remember you don’t need to sip on plain water the whole day. A jug of iced herbal tea, a glass of citrus-infused water, or a few chilly canned favorite fizzy drinks will lift up the vibe in no time. If you’re going to bring in alcohol, ask about the local beach regulations; some are strict, some don’t mind, as you only need to make it low-key.
Ease Your Exit
One final consideration: your exit strategy. Have a sand brush or a travel-size can of talc powder on hand (not joking, it works), dry clothes for the car ride home, and a car-safe container for food scraps. The cleaner you make a practice of cleaning up, the more you’ll actually want to do it again next weekend.
A Little Luxury, If You Fancy It
Of course, in your case, if your ideal day at the beach is to encompass silver platters and sunset views from the water, superyachts for charter can always be accessed just offshore. But on land as well, with a bit of preparation and a well-stocked bag, a beach picnic can in itself be a mini-escape.