Sep 16, 2022

Beach Picnics

Let’s go on a picnic

Enjoying beach picnics is one of our favorite things to do in the Outer Banks. The best thing about beach picnics is their versatility- picnics are great for any time of day and almost any time of year. Your beach picnic can be as simple or as complex as you like. Anything goes, whether it’s just coffee at sunrise or an elaborate sunset charcuterie! Here are some of our ideas to spark inspiration for your next Outer Banks beach picnic!

Sunrise Picnic

Sunrises in the Outer Banks are magical. Why not make it even more magical with a morning picnic? Set out everything the night before so you don’t have to worry about it in the early morning. Maybe even set your coffee up the night before to delay-brew in the morning. Pour the coffee into a thermos or travel mugs, gather your pastries and blanket, and venture out to the sand. Wake up by the water and watch the sun greet the new day.

What you’ll need:

  • Coffee & Mugs
  • Blanket to sit on
  • Extra blankets if it’s a chilly morning
  • Pastries or muffins

Lunch picnic

Have a mid-day picnic on the beach with sandwiches. Make your own or pick them up from your favorite sandwich spot (we recommend Butcher Block or Lighthouse Bagels in Corolla or Tommy’s Market in Duck!). Sandwiches are a great crowd pleaser for picnics since everyone can customize their sandwich to their liking. Bring along some chips, watermelon, or your preferred sides and you’re all set!

What you’ll need

  • Beach blanket
  • Sandwiches
  • Chips
  • Watermelon
  • Drinks

Sunset Charcuterie

It’s five o’clock somewhere! No matter what time the sun sets, it’s always happy hour on the beach. Make your own charcuterie, or order a custom charcuterie board from Bacchus or Riggs and Brie. https://bacchuswineandbeer.com/ https://riggsandbrie.com/ Charcuterie boards have lots of room for creativity and customization. Gather a variety of your favorite cheeses, meats, and extras for the board. If you want to add another component to the picnic, bring some cute decor with you as well- pillows, wooden crates, flowers, mason jars, baskets, etc. This picnic is a prime photo opportunity.

What you’ll need

  • Board & cheese knives
  • Cute picnic blanket
  • Cheese
  • Crackers/Bread
  • Olives or pickles
  • Grapes
  • Pepperoni or prosciutto
  • Pepper jelly or your favorite fruit jam
  • Wine

Dinner

This is one of the simplest options for a beach picnic. Find a pizza place near you, order, and bring it to the beach! Pizza on the beach is one of our favorite traditions- make it one of yours too! It’s a no hassle dinner that’s everyone is sure to enjoy! Not to mention dinner time is one of the most perfect times to be on the beach: cooler temperatures, less people, and beautiful lighting.

What you’ll need

  • Pizza
  • Paper plates
  • Picnic blanket
  • Drinks/cooler

Beach Fire Picnic

Picnics don’t need to end after the sun sets! Beach pit fires are allowed in Nags Head with a permit. You can purchase a permit from the fire department online after 5:30 pm on the day you plan to have the fire. They will only sell the permits if the wind conditions are suitable for a beach fire. Make sure you bring a shovel to dig out a pit for the fire, and then make sure you fill in the hole and take everything off the beach when you leave.

What you’ll need

  • Wood
  • Shovel
  • Bucket for water
  • Blankets or chairs to sit on
  • Sticks for roasting
  • Marshmallows
  • Chocolate
  • Graham crackers

Pre-Made Picnics

Don’t want to make your own picnic? No worries, let someone else do the work for you! You’re on vacation after all. Sit back, relax, and enjoy one of these options for a pre-made picnic.

 

Obx Picnic Co 

OBX Picnic Co has multiple options for picnic setups on the beach. It doesn’t matter where you are staying, they will come to you! 

 

Corolla Pop-up Picnics  

Corolla Pop-Up Picnics offers luxury beach picnic setups. They partner with local businesses for food, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnic food.

Coastal Sols

Take your picnic on the water with Coastal Sols. They offer sunset dinner cruises as well as Sunday brunch cruises. Enjoy the beautiful views of the sound on a sailboat while you eat.

Whether you have an Outer Banks trip coming up or still need to book, it’s never too early to start planning. We hope this inspires you to have your own Outer Banks beach picnic on vacation! Tag us in your photos on social media and let us know what your beach picnic must-haves are!


Jenny Marty

Jenny Marty

Sep 16, 2022

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