Beach Breakfast: A Great Way to Start The Weekend

My husband and I are fortunate to live just a few minute’s drive from some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. However, we realized that we weren’t making the most of this incredible natural beauty. Determined to change that, we embarked on a mission last year to frequent the beach more often. Out of that effort came our cherished “Beach Breakfast.”

We decided to give a morning beach breakfast a try for several reasons. The early hours offer easy parking, cooler temperatures, and leave the rest of the day free for other activities. We have had the pleasure of savoring beach breakfasts as a couple and have also invited other couples to join us, all of whom agreed that it is truly something special.

After a few beach breakfast sessions, we developed our system for the ultimate experience. Here I will share with you a few tips, plus a list of the items that we like to include in our morning beach excursions.

Perfecting the Packing Process

Packing efficiently is crucial for a successful trip to the beach. With a few sessions under our belt, we have developed a system that streamlines the process.

A good cooler is a must, as is a good sturdy bag. (And it helps if the bag is cute!) The foods that need to be chilled go into plastic containers or Ziplocs to protect them from the ice. To keep things organized and easy to find, I put the silverware and serving pieces into their own Ziploc bags. This makes them easy to find once we reach our destination.

We usually have one cooler for chilled food and beverages, one bag for room-temperature foods and serving pieces, and one bag for beach items (towels, sunscreen, and reading material). The secret is having all the things you need for a beautiful breakfast, but not so much that you need an army to carry everything out to the beach.

Beach Breakfast Menu Considerations

When planning your beach breakfast menu, keep ease of transport, serving, and eating in mind. We particularly enjoy a European-style breakfast featuring croissants, an assortment of cheeses, meats like prosciutto or salami, and a variety of fruits. For larger gatherings, consider incorporating heartier options such as Spinach Quiche.

To simplify serving beachside, pre-slice the croissants, pre-cut the hard cheeses, and cut the fruit as needed. Softer cheeses, like brie travel best whole. Just be sure to remember the cheese knife.

Here is a list of items that typically grace our breakfast menu:

• Croissants
• 2 cheeses (Brie, Manchego, Iberico, Dubliner)
• 1 or 2 meats (prosciutto, salami)
• Fig spread
• Marcona almonds
• Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, melon, grapes)
• Beverages: Lots of water, coffee, or tea. On special occasions, we bring some bubbly

Attention to Serving Pieces

I like to take everything up a notch when it comes to serving pieces. We always cover our table with a casual table cloth or a Turkish towel. The plates are melamine, and I always bring real silverware. In fact, I pack a few extra forks and knives, because something usually ends up in the sand!

Once we arrive at the beach, I take the food out of the plastic containers and arrange it onto a plate or two. But, beware of the seagulls! They don’t bother us under our canopy, but I would not recommend leaving food unattended.

Make your beach breakfast even more enjoyable with insulated cups to keep your beverages cool. We love Corksicle’s insulated flute for bubbly. Remember to bring a bottle stopper if you choose to bring some sparkling wine along.

Simplifying the Journey to the Beach

To make your beach breakfast excursions more frequent and effortless, investing in the right gear is key. A beach cart is a must-have and will save your back from strain. Opt for one with wide wheels as they handle soft sand better than thin wheels.

Additionally, beach chairs with shoulder straps allow for easy transport by strapping them onto your back. Heavy items can be placed in the cart, while lighter belongings can be carried in that cute, sturdy bag.

Setting Up for a Relaxing Beach Breakfast Experience

Down here in Florida, the sun can be quite brutal, so a shade structure is a must. While our current canopy may not be the most visually appealing, it effectively serves its purpose. A lighter and more transport-friendly option is a potential improvement, but sun protection remains our priority.

We have a great portable table that rolls up and fits into a little bag. We actually have a couple of these tables that can be put together to create one large table for larger gatherings. They are lightweight and quite sturdy.

Effortless Clean-up after the Beach Breakfast

After enjoying a wonderful day at the beach, it’s crucial to make clean-up a breeze. Pack a few wet paper towels in a Ziploc bag to wipe away spills or sticky residue. Bring a separate garbage bag for trash, and designate another bag for dirty plates and silverware. Empty plastic containers can be returned to the cooler along with cups. Take down the canopy, pack everything back into the cart, and you’re ready to go.

The Beach Breakfast packing List

Here is our basic packing list. Some items may be deleted depending upon the number of people or the time of the year.

• Canopy for shade
• Cooler
• Sturdy bag
• Beach cart
• Beach Table
• Chairs
• Beach towels
• Sunscreen
• Reading material
• Speaker for music
• Table covering
• Plates- for serving food and for dining
• Forks, knives, spoons as needed
• Utensils for serving, such as cheese knives or spreaders
• Corkscrew and/or bottle stopper
• Cups
• Thermos for coffee or tea
• Napkins and paper towels
• Mesh food cover
• Food for breakfast (see ideas listed above)
• Drinks- include lots of water
• Ziploc bags and plastic containers for food
• Trash bag and bag for dirty dishes to go into at end of day

By following our tips and recommendations, you can embark on your own beach breakfast adventures. Refer to our packing list for guidance on essential items, and feel free to customize it based on the number of people or the time of year. Start your weekend off right with a delightful beach breakfast—an experience that combines good food, breathtaking views, and cherished moments with loved ones.