Nothing screams summer like a beach day with family and friends. The warm sun, crashing waves, and the enticing aroma of grilled food fill the air. If you’re looking to make your beach grilling experience the best it can be, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and insights to elevate your beach BBQ game.
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Why Choose a Beach BBQ?
Organizing a beach BBQ is one of the most enjoyable activities you can indulge in during the summer season. It’s not just an opportunity to bond with family and friends, but also a chance to create lifelong memories. I still fondly recall the beach BBQs of my childhood, and I continue to carry on the tradition today.
Grilling at the beach is incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. The food simply tastes better when cooked over an open flame, especially when enjoyed in the great outdoors with the ocean as your backdrop. There are countless reasons to love beach BBQs:
- Basking in the warm sun while you cook
- Listening to the soothing sound of crashing waves
- Relishing the delicious aroma of grilled food
- Creating lasting memories with loved ones
10 Tips for Grilling at the Beach
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Arrive early: If you plan on using one of the beach’s fire pits or grill stoves, arriving early is essential. These resources tend to fill up quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, if you opt for a picnic table spot, make sure to secure it ahead of time.
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Pack in advance: To save time and avoid forgetting essential items, pack everything you need the night before. Trust me, this preparation will make your beach BBQ experience much smoother.
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Choose easy-to-grill foods: Opt for foods that are simple to grill, such as hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie patties, and skewers. They are quick to cook and please everyone’s taste buds.
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Don’t forget the charcoal or propane: It’s easy to overlook this crucial item. Ensure you bring enough charcoal or propane to keep the grilling going.
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Use a grill mat: If you plan to use the beach’s BBQ grills, consider bringing a grill mat. Most of these grills are left dirty, so the mat will protect your food and make cleanup easier.
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Pack BBQ grilling utensils: Don’t leave behind your BBQ grilling utensils. Investing in a portable grilling set can provide convenience and ensure you have everything you need.
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Bring a bag for ashes: To keep the beach clean, bring a bag to scoop and dispose of the ashes from the grill. Unfortunately, many people leave their ashes behind.
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A fan or card box will do: A grilling fan can come in handy, but even a simple cardboard box can help fan the flames. It’s a practical and budget-friendly solution.
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Stay hydrated and protected: Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and don’t forget the all-important sunscreen. While grilling at the beach is fun, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety in the sun.
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Keep children and pets safe: Remember, grills can get extremely hot. Make sure children and pets are kept away from the grilling area to prevent accidents.
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Cover your food: Protect your freshly cooked food from sand by bringing lids or Tupperware containers. No one wants sandy bites!
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Ensure there’s enough food for everyone: Grilling at the beach is a fantastic way to enjoy summer with family and friends, but it can also be quite a task. Make sure you have enough food so that no one goes hungry while waiting for their turn to cook.
Beach BBQ Foods to Try
When it comes to beach BBQs, the possibilities are endless. While grilled hot dogs and hamburgers are always crowd-pleasers, consider adding variety to your menu with these mouthwatering recipes:
Main Course
- Grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple salsa
- Grilled chicken Caesar salad wraps
- Steak tacos
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled fish/shrimp tacos
- Fajitas
- Salad wraps
Side Dishes
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni dish
- Sweet can beans
Snacks
- Fruit skewers
- Mozzarella sticks
- Chips
- Cookies
- Watermelon
For more beach snack ideas, check out our beach snacks blog!
Grilling Essentials for a Beach BBQ
To make your beach BBQ experience exceptional, here are some essential items you should consider:
Portable BBQ
The Weber Traveler Gas Grill is perfect for outdoor adventures. With a large grilling area and a temperature range that allows for versatile cooking, it’s an ideal companion for beach BBQs.
Charcoal Briquettes or Propane
Opt for Tropicoal Ignition Coconut Charcoal Briquettes for an authentic grilling experience. These briquettes offer natural flavors without any fillers or chemicals.
Grilling Grate (for small firepits)
The Rome Pioneer Camp Grill is a compact and durable grill that allows you to cook directly on the surface. Its foldable legs make it easy to store and transport.
Refillable BBQ Lighter
The Ignik Refillable BBQ Lighter is windproof, flame-adjustable, and refillable. Its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting use.
Fire Mat
Protect sensitive surfaces with the BioLite FireMat. This waterproof mat is designed to withstand the heat of a fire and can be rolled up for easy transportation.
Firepit Carry Bag
The BioLite FirePit Carry Bag offers convenience and durability. Its heavy-duty canvas and reinforced straps make it ideal for carrying your firepit and accessories.
Utensils: tongs, spatula, fork, skewers, etc.
Prepare yourself for grilling success with the BioLite FirePit Prep and Grill Tool Kit. This utensil roll includes all the essential tools you need for a seamless grilling experience.
Pack away Bin
Stay organized with the collapsible REI Co-op Pack-Away Bin. It’s perfect for storing and transporting all your beach or camping gear.
Cooler with drinks and snacks
Invest in the reliable and powerful YETI Tundra 45 Cooler to keep your drinks cold for hours. Its robust construction ensures it can handle any adventure.
Bug Repellent
Stay protected from bugs with Ben’s Eco Spray, an environmentally friendly insect repellent that offers long-lasting effectiveness.
Beach Chairs, Beach Sunshade, and Beach Towels
For ultimate comfort, consider GCI Outdoor’s Big Surf Chair with Sunshade, the Neso 1 Sunshade, and Slowtide Koko Towels. These products offer durability, sun protection, and comfort.
Water Bottles/Cups
Hydrate in style with the Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle. Its insulation technology keeps your drink at the perfect temperature for hours.
Beach Wagon
Simplify your beach trips with the CGear Multimats Sand-Free Beach Wagon. Its nonabsorbent surface and sturdy wheels make it easy to transport your gear.
Remember to bring essentials like charcoal fluid, Tupperware covers for food, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
FAQs
Can you have a BBQ on the beach?
Absolutely! Most beaches allow beach BBQs and provide fire pits or grills for public use. However, it’s important to note that not all beaches have these facilities. Double-check the availability of fire pits or grills before planning your beach BBQ.
What can I cook on a beach BBQ?
You can grill a wide variety of foods at the beach, including chicken, burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and various vegetables. The choice is yours!
How do I set up a beach BBQ?
Setting up your beach BBQ is easy. Find a grill or fire pit at the beach, set it up, and start cooking. It’s that simple!
What do you need for a beach BBQ?
Here’s a checklist of essential items for a beach BBQ:
- Grill or fire pit at the beach
- Food to grill
- Drinks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Grilling grate
- Grilling tools (tongs, spatula)
- Grill brush for cleaning the grate
- Griddle pan for cooking breakfast on the grill
- And more!
In Conclusion
Summertime is the perfect season for beach BBQs. They offer a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones while showcasing your grilling skills. Beach BBQs are a cherished tradition for many, including myself.
In this article, we’ve shared 10 tips to help you throw an epic beach BBQ, along with essential items for grilling success. So, what are your favorite things to bring to a BBQ? Let us know in the comments below! Happy grilling!
For more exciting beach-related blogs, check out our blog section!
Note: This article is intended for promotional purposes for the Ambassadeur Hotel. For more information about the hotel and its services, visit hotel-ambassadeur.com.
