Beach Picnics

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.

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 in Corolla or Coastal Cravings in Duck). Sandwiches are a great crowd-pleaser for picnics since everyone can customize their sandwich to their liking. Bring some chips, watermelon, or your preferred sides, and you’re all set!

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. 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.

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 everyone is sure to enjoy! Not to mention, dinner time is one of the most perfect times to be on the beach: cooler temperatures, fewer people, and beautiful lighting.

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 obtain a permit from the fire department online after 5:30 pm on the day you plan to have the fire. Permits are only issued 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.

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 picnic setup options on the beach. They will come to you, no matter where you are staying! 

OBX Pop-up Picnics  

OBX 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.

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!