Nothing says summer like grilling out at the beach with family and friends.

The sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and the smell of grilled food is in the air.

If you’re looking for some tips on how to make your beach Grilling experience the best, look no further!

In this blog post, we will discuss everything from what to grill to how to keep yourself safe while cooking.

Let’s get started.

Overview:

• Why make a BBQ at the beach this summer?
• 10 Tips for Grilling an Awesome BBQ
• Beach BBQ Foods
• Best BBQ Grilling Essentials
• FAQS
• Conclusion

Why make a BBQ at the beach this summer?

Making a beach BBQ with family is one of the best things you can do this summer at the beach.

Not only can you invite family but also friends for an amazing time to shoot the breeze.

This was one of my favorite childhood memories growing up.

An awesome beach BBQ at the beach! I still do this today!

Grilling at the beach is one of the most popular activities and it’s easy to see why.

Grilled food just tastes better, especially when enjoyed outdoors with a view of the ocean in the background.

There are plenty of things to love about grilling at the beach:

The sun shining down on you while you cook

The sound of waves crashing in the background

The smell of grilled food filled the air

Plus, cooking at the beach is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

10 Tips for Grilling at the Beach

1. Arrive early if you plan on using one of the firepits or grill stoves on the beach.

Some beaches do offer these and they DO fill up quickly. It is usually on a first come first serve basis.

In addition, if you plan on choosing a picnic table spot then be sure you get there early. This is one thing I learned to do!

2. Make sure you pack everything the night before.

If you plan to arrive early at the beach one thing I learned is to pack the day before because the morning of, I usually will remember to grab last-minute things.

3. Opt for packing easy-to-grill food such as hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie patties, skewers, etc.

4. Make sure you bring enough charcoal or propane since this is often forgotten.

5. Use a grill mat, if you plan on using it on the BBQ Grills at the beach. I have found that most people leave the BBQ dirty at the beach. You will still have to clean them manually

6. Don’t forget your BBQ grilling utensils. I like using this portable grilling set that I can take with me to practically any beach.

7. Bring a bag so you can scoop the ashes into the BBQ before using it. Most people will, unfortunately, leave their ashes behind.

8. Bring a grilling fan, though to be honest, a card box will do too! I used the latter many times and it worked!

9. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Grilling at the beach can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe in the sun.

10. Make sure you keep children and pets away from grills since they do get very hot. It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re having a great time at the beach. However, keep your children and pets safe.

11. Sand gets everywhere! Make sure you bring lids or Tupperware to keep your food covered! It’s easy to get sand in your newly cooked food

12. Make sure to bring enough food for everyone! Grilling at the beach is a great way to enjoy summer with family, but it can also be a lot of work.

Make sure you have enough food so no one goes hungry while they wait in line for their turn to cook.

Beach BBQ Foods TO Bring

The next thing you’ll want to consider is what type of grilling setup will work best at the beach with family and friends.

Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers are always a hit, but if you’re looking to mix it up this summer, consider trying out different recipes.

Here are a couple of recipes you can look up and try on your own.

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
• Check out more on our beach snacks blog here

Grilling Essentials for a Beach BBQ

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Portable BBQ

The Weber Traveler Gas Grill is perfect for taking with you on your outdoor adventures.

This sturdy and compact grill has a large grilling area, making it perfect for cooking up an entire meal.

The low-to-high temperature range ensures that you can cook everything from pancakes to seared steak.

Plus, the grill folds down compactly into small storage spaces and even fits in the trunk of a car!

Charcoal Briquettes or propane

Tropicoal Ignition Coconut Charcoal Briquettes are made from coconut shells and a dash of palm kernel shells.

No fillers or chemicals are added, so you get the most authentic flavor when grilling with this 100% natural charcoal.

Each 12 lb. box contains enough charcoal to keep multiple grills burning hot for more than 2 hrs!

The box has a handle for easy carrying and is recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice too!

Grilling Grate (if using small firepit)

The Rome Pioneer Camp Grill is the perfect grill for your next outdoor adventure.

The crossbars are spaced close together, so you can easily cook hamburgers and hot dogs directly on the grill.

Plus, the four 12 in. legs fold flat for easy storage.

The cooking surface measures 24 x 12.5 in., making it the perfect size for any meal.

And with chrome-plated steel construction, this grill is built to last.

Refillable bbq lighter

The Ignik Refillable BBQ Lighter is a windproof and flame-adjustable lighter that can be easily refilled with butane (not included).

The durable aluminum construction of the Ignik Refillable BBQ Lighter stands up to frequent use.

The Ignik Refillable BBQ Lighter works great with the Ignik FireCan portable fire pit (not included) which makes it easy to create your own outdoor fire pit wherever you go!

Fire Mat

BioLite FireMat is the perfect way to protect decks, lawns, and other sensitive surfaces from damage caused by a fire.

The durable and waterproof design is great for use outdoors, and the mat rolls up for easy transport.

Always check the beach or camping sites’ current regulations for information on where to build a fire, appropriate wood to use, and potential burn bans.

Firepit Carry Bag

When it comes to BioLite gear, there’s no such thing as too much convenience.

The FirePit Carry Bag makes it easy to take your FirePit+ and all its accessories wherever you go – without having to worry about a thing. 

Made of heavy-duty canvas and reinforced with sturdy straps, this bag is designed for long-lasting use.

And if you need to carry firewood along with your BioLite gear, the bag easily converts into a carrier.

With outer pockets for quick access to kindling and other tools, and elastic loops for fast storage, the BioLite FirePit Carry Bag has everything you need and more.

Utensils: tongs, spatula, fork, skewers, etc.

Enjoy cooking with fire? With the BioLite FirePit Prep and Grill Tool Kit, you’ll always be prepared.

This utensil roll includes a slotted metal spatula with an integrated bottle opener, locking tongs, a knife with a Santoku-style blade, and a roll-up storage mat to keep your tools organized.

The extra-long design on the spatula and tongs keep you at a comfortable distance from flames and heat.

Made of durable, rust-resistant, food-grade stainless steel, these tools can be used with the outdoor cooking device of your choice.

Pack away Bin

Gear up for your next outdoor adventure with the REI Co-op Pack-Away Bin!

This collapsible storage bin is perfect for organizing all of your beach or camping gear, from beach tents to sporks.

With a durable water-repellent finish and reinforced fabric panels, this bin is built to withstand wear and tear.

Plus, it folds down for easy transport and storage.

Ready to hit the trails?

Grab your Pack-Away Bin!

Cooler with drinks and snacks

Looking for the ultimate in outdoor cooler performance? Look no further than the YETI Tundra 45.

This bad boy is built tough from rotomolded polyethylene, meaning it can handle a serious beating and still keep your drinks cold.

The extra-thick walls contain proprietary PermaFrost insulation that is pressure injected, ensuring outstanding resistance to outside temperatures.

And if that wasn’t enough, YETI coolers are designed to handle extremely low temperatures and are compatible with dry ice – providing up to 3 times the cooling power of regular ice.

With a 32.9-liter capacity, the Tundra 45 can easily accommodate 28 cans and plenty of ice.

So whether you’re hitting the slopes or spending a day at the beach with family! This is a must!

Bug Repellent

Looking for an environmentally friendly insect repellent that works? Look no further than Ben’s Eco Spray.

The continuous delivery system uses compressed air instead of propellants, so you can feel good about using it while being protected from pesky bugs.

It also contains more actual repellent than other cans in its size, meaning you stay bite-free longer.

Plus, the water-based formula stays on longer than alcohol-based formulas with little absorption into the skin.

Beach Chairs

GCI Outdoor’s Big Surf Chair with Sunshade is the perfect spot to relax after a long day at the beach.

The 4-position mesh backrest and padded headrest provide optimal comfort, while the mesh fabric allows for continual airflow to keep you cool.

The adjustable SPF SunShade can rotate front to back and collapse flat, providing UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays.

The hidden slide-out table with a beverage holder keeps your drink and snacks sand-free.

The chair folds flat for easy storage, and the carry handle and straps add convenient portability.

Beach Sunshade (Neso 1 Sunshade )

Looking for a little relief from the sun? Neso has you covered.

The sunshade is made with 4-way stretch nylon/Lycra material and rustproof aluminum poles, making it sturdy, durable, and easy to transport.

With UPF 50+ sun protection and a water-repellent finish, it’s perfect for days by the pool or beach.

Plus, the included carrying bag makes it easy to take on the go.

Soak up some rays in style with Neso!

Beach Towels

Looking for a luxurious and highly absorbent towel to take with you on your next beach trip?

Look no further than the Slowtide Koko Towel!

Made of lightweight Turkish-style chambray fabric, this towel is soft against your skin and packs down easily for transport.

Plus, it features a beautiful white fringe at the ends – perfect for adding a touch of luxury.

All Slowtide towels are made using only premium cotton and are certified through Cotton LEADS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, so you can rest assured that they meet the highest quality standards.

Water Bottles/ Cups

The Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle with Flex Straw Lid is the perfect way to keep your drink cold (or hot) for hours.

The double-wall insulation and stainless steel construction ensure that your beverage will stay at the perfect temperature, while the lifetime warranty guarantees that it will last.

And if you want to take your Hydro Flask on the go, it’s compatible with other Wide-Mouth accessories.

Beach Wagon

No more sand in the car! The CGear Multimats Sand-Free Beach Wagon prevents sand from coming home with you.

This durable wagon is built to last with an easy-to-clean nonabsorbent surface and 4 grooved wheels that can handle any terrain.

When not in use, the adjustable handle locks in place, and the wagon quickly folds up with the pull of a tab. Holds up to 150 lbs.

Other things:

• Charcoal Fluid
• Tupperware Cover for food
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer

Check out our blog on the top 30 things to bring for the beach!

FAQS

Can you do a BBQ on the beach?

Absolutely. Most beaches allow you to grill on the beach and they provide you with fire pits/ rings and or bbq grills where you can grill right on the beach!

Although it is important to note that NOT ALL beaches have fire pits or grills.

A lot of people will do it in the parking near their Motorhomes or cars.

So if you plan on having a beach BBQ make sure you double-check if there are fire pits and or the beach you want to have them.

What can I cook on a beach BBQ?

You can cook anything on a beach BBQ that you would normally cook on a grill. This includes chicken, burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and all sorts of veggies.

How do I set it up?

Setting up your beach BBQ is easy.

All you need is a grill or fire pit at the beach and then you just need to set up your grill or fire pit and start cooking.

What do you need for a beach BBQ?

You need the following for a beach BBQ:

• A grill or fire pit at the beach

• Food to cook on the grill or in the fire pit

• Drinks

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Grilling Grate

• Grilling Tools (Tongs, Spatula)

• Grill Brush for Cleaning the Grate

• Griddle Pan to Cook Breakfast on the Grill like Eggs and Bacon

Conclusion

Summertime is the perfect season for BBQs! Not only are they a fun way to spend time with friends and family, but they’re also a great opportunity to show off your grilling skills.

This is probably one of the most memorable things you can do with family and friends.

It sure is still one of my favorite things to do at the beach.

There are some days when you need to recharge your batteries and making BBQs at the beach is the way to go!

In this post, we’ve shared 10 tips for throwing an epic beach BBQ, as well as some of our favorite essentials for grilling.

What do you love bringing to a BBQ?

Let me know in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear about it.

Happy Grilling.

More Awesome Blogs

• Top 30 Things to Bring to the Beach
• The 20 Best Foods and Snacks for the Beach
• Beginners Guide to Beach Camping Gear You Need this Summer