Beach Picnics: Picnic at the Beach Even in Winter!

Picnics are a great way to unwind and relax while enjoying the fresh air and mother nature, especially at the beach! Even when it's cold outside the beach can be a great time and help you take a load off during the holidays. And swimming isn't the only thing to do at the beach! Especially if you're on the west coast or in Florida as temperatures there range daily and often still wind up in the 80's.

So you've decided to take it to the beach for a glorious picnic. Now what do you do? Check out these helpful hints from Picnic-Basket.com to make your Beach Picnic the most memorable Beach Picnic it can be.

First, of course, you need to pick the right picnic basket or picnic set and beach picnicking accessories.

The first step to picnicking at the beach is to pick the best possible location. A public beach with ammenities such as changing rooms, restrooms and showers will make the outing much more enjoyable for everyone. You may even be able to find State or National Park beaches with additional ammenities such as picnic tables, bbq grills or picnic pavillions. Check out Picnic-Basket.com's picnicking guide to State Parks and National Parks. There, you can get great information about the State or National Park nearest you with beach side picnic areas.

A few other websites that have great information on beaches are Going To The Beach which list every beach in the US. Beach California is a great resource for all Californian beaches and Florida Beaches Guide is a good place to look for beaches in Florida.

Beach Clothing

Dressing for the beach in the summer is easy but in cooler months you should be prepared for temperatures that are much cooler than inland temperatures. As the ocean cools the winds blowing in can be quite chilly! But, by no means does that mean you should avoid a beach picnic. Instead, prepare for the cooler temperatures by dressing in several layers. Upon arrival at the beach, adjust your clothing to the temperature by adding or removing some of your clothing. If the beach you are visiting allows it, a daytime bonfire can add both warmth and ambience to your outing.

Beach Picnic Food

Keep it simple when menu planning for a beach picnic as blowing sand can easily ruin things. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and canned drinks is my recommendation for a simple beach picnic and be sure to bring along a large container of tap water so everyone can rinse the sand off of their hands before eating. If the weather is cool having a thermos of hot chocolate, coffee or tea is a great addition to the menu. Other great beach menu ideas can be found in our FREE picnic cookbook where an entire theme is devoted to beach picnics.

Games & Activities for Beach Picnics

Take some excellent outdoor activities with you! Look through our picnic game reccomendations in our resource section or simply pick up a multi-activity outdoor sports set from your local retailer. Most come with a volley ball and net, badminton set, horse shoes and more. Put together a list of activities and games to play. Go through the list with your guests and vote on which you will all engage in. Charades, pictionary, potato sack races, tag football and tons of other activities are all a great time.

Enjoy The Day!

Once you've chosen your location, decided on clothing, chosen your entertainment, meal & picnicking accessories you're ready to go! Once last suggestion... bring a camera, preferable a disposable so there's no worry about salt air or water damage and have a great time on your beach picnic!

Great Beaches for a Picnic

Having a unique and exciting picnic isn't so hard to do when the shoreline is involved. Something about the crisp, salty air, the cool water lapping and the smell of a bonfire is a splendid memory. But not all beaches are open to the public and some beaches don't allow picnicking. So to help you choose the most splendid beach for your picnic, Picnic-Basket.com has these great location suggestions:

Heisler Park, Laguna Beach California

Grassy areas, a beach ramp, water fountains, grills and stone picnic tables are all a part of Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. Bring sports equipment and have a fun filled day at this beautiful park. Be warned, however, that if you plan to cook for your picnic, you must use the grills available in the picnic areas. Visit the Heisler Park website for directions and other useful information.

Sonoma Coast State Park California

For a gorgeous, clean shoreline, visit Sonoma Coast State Park in California. Visit the rock bluffs or the shoreline for beach combing and tide pooling. Have a spectacular picnic with a view in the picnicking area or go crabbing. Overnight stayers can camp. California's Park System website has great information about this beach and the activities you can enjoy there.

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island Florida

Enjoy boardwalk treasures, beach combing, swimming and boating at this beautiful beach. Walk ways line the sand and there is also a playground for the kids. Get some great exercise on a vigorous walk or bask in the sun. Picnic areas are available but picnicking is also allowed on the beach near the water. Go to AmeliaIsland.org to learn more.

Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key Florida

For a fun and exciting beach with loads of people to watch Siesta Key Beach in Siesta Key Florida is a hot destination. Picnicking is allowed just about anywhere and the park also has great amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, volley ball courts, open fields, a fitness trail and a playground for the little ones! visit SarasotaFL.org for more great info.

Sea of Cortez Beaches, Cabo San Lucas Baja

Snorkeling has never been so clear and gorgeous than at the Sea of Cortez Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California. Getting a boat or ferry to Baja is not difficult, but be sure to keep your passport with you so you can be care free and enjoy a hot day in the sun, on the beach and with a great picnic. There are picnic tables available, vendors for your convenience and tons of great activities. Visit Baja.org for more information.

Whether you plan to picnic on the west coast, the east coast or near Mexico, be sure to take plenty of sun block, despite the season, and the right picnic basket to dazzle adjoining guests with.