Travel Tips: Top 10 Beach Picnic Spots

America’s best spots for beach picnics range from dramatic rocky cliffs to tropical aqua lagoons, but they all have one thing in common: They’re absolutely perfect for al fresco dining by the sea. Pack your picnic basket, sunscreen, and flip-flops and take a trip to these amazing spots for the best cookout of your life!

Siesta Key, Florida – This barrier island off the coast of Sarasota is one of Florida’s best kept secrets. Long a favorite vacation destination for natives, this island is blessed with warm waters, cool breezes, and an incredible variety of animal life. Watch for pelicans, egrets, ibis, storks, cranes, dolphins and manatees while enjoying your picnic. The beach also has concession stands, volleyball courts, a softball field, and a playground.

Coast Guard Beach, MA – This family-friendly beach is located along the 30-mile Cape Cod National Seashore and is accessible by foot, bike, or car. Eroding glacial cliffs provide a spectacular sight, along with crashing waves and the occasional seal. If you’re not so into sand, you can sit on the green grassy hills above the shoreline and enjoy the view of the royal blue waters.

Ka’anapali, Hawaii – Multiple sandbars provide a cool, serene spot to set up lounge chairs and enjoy some snacks while the waves gently ripple at your feet. This beach is located on the sunniest and driest side of Maui and has some of the best swimming in the state.

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina – Take a scenic ferry ride from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to beautiful Ocracoke Island, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This island was the favorite anchorage of the famous pirate Blackbeard, who died in a channel off the coast. Feed the seagulls, take a leisurely stroll through town, or visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the United States.

East Hampton Main Beach, New York – Although the Hamptons are known for rows of multimillion-dollar mansions, high-end boutiques, and restaurants, East Hampton Beach has retained its small-town charm—no small feat when you consider that it’s an extension of Brooklyn and Queens. This beautiful beach is the perfect seaside picnic spot for Manhattanites who need a break from the hustle and bustle.

Ocean City, Maryland – If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, Ocean City is the perfect destination for a picnic on the beach. There is so much to do that it will be very difficult for you to make a decision! Oceanfront boardwalk, swimming, surfing, kite flying, water skiing, and windsurfing are just a few of the activities you can do during your visit.

Cannon Beach, Oregon – Take an afternoon to break free from your usual hectic pace and enjoy this quaint seaside town, located 80 miles west of Portland. Comb the beach for seashells, ride a three-wheeler on the sand, or take in the incredible views. The main attraction of this beach is ‘Haystack Rock’ which is said to be the third largest freestanding monolith in the world.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware’s largest seaside resort, boasts a beautiful, sparkling sandy beach, a 1-mile boardwalk, a variety of outdoor activities, and many perfect picnic spots. Stop by one of their plentiful casual seafood restaurants for a delicious take-out meal and enjoy it while lounging quietly in the sun.

TH Stone Memorial State Park St. Joseph Peninsula, Florida – Winner of many ‘Best Beach’ awards, this beach may well be the most perfect on the continent. Located along the Gulf of Mexico on the Florida peninsula, this state park features miles of sparkling white sand, high dunes, and thickets of sand pines. It is a perfect example of the beauty of Florida’s ‘Great Northwest’ and provides many opportunities for bird watching – over 240 species have been observed in the park. During the warm summer nights, sea turtles can be seen coming up on the beach to nest.

Hamoa Beach, Hawaii – This area has been called the most perfect beach in the world. It really is a stunning tropical paradise: the crystal clear turquoise waters, palm trees and white sand will make you wish you could stay there forever. Picnic facilities abound in this area, or you can curl up on a soft and comfortable picnic blanket and enjoy the sights and smells of this wonderful place.