One of the best ways to spruce up any beach trip is planning and preparing for a fun, aesthetically pleasing beach picnic. This is a great way to enjoy the warm weather and take in the beauty of the ocean in a new way—not to mention that it just radiates maximum relaxation. Whether you go with friends or take yourself on a picnic date, there are many different ways that you can enjoy a memorable beach picnic.

You’ll need good food, accessories, and other beach staples to have the best possible time. From blankets to beach snacks, here are some terrific tips for a memorable beach picnic. Grab your bikini and your martini, because we have the run-down on everything you need to know for your next beach vacation. 

1. Pack the Beach Picnic Essentials

There are three main things you will need for a beach picnic. 

Large Blanket

Towels are great for the beach and all, but they’re not particularly conducive for a beach picnic. Towels tend to get dirtier more quickly, and the corners can easily fly away. 

We recommend bringing a large blanket or tablecloth instead, so you have plenty of space to spread out on and it’s a little easier to clean if it gets dirty. After all, you want all the space you can get to stretch out and enjoy the ambiance. 

Cutting Boards

Why do you need a cutting board? It’s an even, hard surface to lay your food out on in an aesthetic and convenient manner—perfect for adding to your Insta story. They are a great way to display your food and help keep everything level, so you don’t have to worry about dropping anything in the sand. 

An Umbrella or a Tent

It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or tent, both in case of rain and to protect your skin from being exposed to the sun too long. After being in the sun for hours, you’ll be glad you brought some shade along with you. 

2. Plan Ahead on Meals

Staying well-fed and hydrated is essential to any beach trip, especially one involving a picnic. The key to nailing your picnic down is to prepare your food and snacks beforehand, so you don’t have to worry about it when you’re out there in the elements. 

Learning how to properly pack a cooler or a basket will save you lots of time and effort when you’re heading to the beach. Rather than spending all that extra cash on snacks at the pier, go ahead and make your own ahead of time. It’ll probably be better for you and your pocketbook. 

Beach Snacks

Here are some easy make-ahead snacks and meals that will be perfect for a day in the sun. 

When packing your basket or cooler, include as many finger foods as possible and bring minimal silverware. We recommend going light with small quick bite snacks that will stretch across the whole day. Examples of quick bites include: 

• Tortilla chips & salsa
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Baby carrots and other veggies
• Fresh berries
• Hummus and other dips
• Cheese and crackers

Pro tip: When you’re selecting cheeses, consider a combination of soft and hard. Soft cheese like a Brie or Camembert will be spreadable and just a little melty, while hard cheese will hold its shape a little better in the heat. It’s all about including a combination of textures. 

There really is no wrong answer to the type of snacks you pack; just keep it simple and versatile. 

For the Main Course

For the main event, pack foods that won’t spoil if they get a little warm. Portable lunch foods like sandwiches and wraps are fantastic choices.  

We recommend sandwiches and wraps because they are protein-packed, flavorful, and easily portable. They tend to hold up in the heat better than other lunch items, and they can easily be packed away if not finished right away.  

With the right ingredients and the right cooler, your cold wrap won't spoil in the summer heat. If you go this route, we recommend you skip the mayo this time around to spare your tastebuds and choose flavors that won’t fade in the elements.

Here are some of the best cool wraps for your next hot summer beach vacation. 

• Chickpea and Feta Wrap: This cool, flavor-packed wrap is the perfect addition to a sunny day. The flavors are balanced, and the wrap is packed with calcium and protein to keep you full and energized. 
• Peanut Butter, Banana, Granola Wrap: A kid-friendly option, this wrap is sure to be a hit regardless of the age group. It’s a sweet and simple option for your beach picnic. 

Looking for something a little more fruity and tropical? If wraps aren’t your speed, make an acai bowl or smoothie to take with you. 

The best way to bring a smoothie or acai bowl is to freeze it beforehand. Simply blend your acai bowls and place them in small freezer containers. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature until it can be stirred and ready to eat. 

Here are some of our favorite acai smoothie bowls to keep you refreshed on a hot beach day. 

• Very Berry Acai Bowl: Packed with delicious antioxidants, this acai bowl will leave you hydrated and satisfied.
• Pitaya Bowl: Vibrantly colored and full of yummy nutrition, a Pitaya bowl is an easy way to get vitamins in. Plus, the bright pink hue makes it totally social media-ready. Just top with your favorite granola or fresh fruit, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. 

No matter the foods you choose, make sure they are easy to prepare, easy to clean, and easy to freeze! Foods that fall into these categories are perfect choices for a hassle-free picnic on the beach. 

3. The Ultimate Beach Beverages

Much like the snacks and meals you choose for your beach picnic, your drinks should be easily accessible and hassle-free. We recommend packing your cooler with a variety of drinks for your guests to choose from—soft drinks, water bottles, lemonades, and teas are fantastic non-alcoholic options. 

One of the most important parts of a beach picnic, though, is the booze. And we have the perfect option that’s guaranteed to make a splash at your next beach event. 

You could go through all the fuss of buying your own juices and champagnes, struggling to find room in bags for champagne glasses, and spending time after a long day in the sun cleaning up bottle caps and empty glasses. Or you could let us take care of all of that for you!

Ohza Mimosas at the Beach

Here at Ohza, we take pride in being the ultimate choice for a beach trip or picnic. Not just because we are sustainable, glass-free, and lower on sugar than other alcoholic beverages, but because we capture the essence of summertime in our brand. We think our pre-made cocktails can speak for themselves in terms of deliciousness and bubbliness. 

We encourage you to pop open one of our Classic Mimosas at your next beach picnic and raise a toast to mess-free, eco-friendly cleanup. A 12 pack of Ohza is equivalent to four bottles of bubbly and two containers of juice. Imagine carrying four bottles of champagne to the beach on top of all the other essentials—that seems like a major hassle!  

Have some fun in the sun and enjoy a picnic on the beach, knowing that the hassle and mess are already taken care of for you. 

All you have to do is sip and get some vitamin D!

Sources: 

How to Make a Pitaya Bowl at Home | Yummy Mummy Kitchen

The Best Acai Bowls (Three ways!) | The Recipe Critic 

Recipe: Peanut Butter, Banana, and Granola Wrap | The Kitchn 

12 Tips for a Successful Beach Picnic + Moodboards | Florida Panhandle  

Picnic Ideas: 10 Tips for the Perfect Beach Picnic | RD 

The Ultimate Beach Picnic: 11 Unique Ideas & Essentials (2021) | Picnic Tales