Beach BBQ Checklist (Printable)
BBQs at the beach feel so carefree; everyone has a great time. Behind the scenes, planning is essential for your beach BBQ’s success. Burgers without buns are not as tasty, nor is warm beer!
A checklist for your beach BBQ will help you organize your planning. Using a checklist ensures you have a grill, food, drinks, eating essentials, games, and the details for your beach BBQ.
To print this checklist right click to save the image to your computer then resize and print.
Taking the time to prepare in advance, lessens the stress of your BBQ. Continue reading for tips on using a checklist, so you can enjoy the BBQ along with your friends and family.
Beach BBQ Musts – the Grill
Since it is a BBQ, a grill is a must. Check with the location for your beach BBQ; many sites have grills that you can use. Other beaches have barbeque pits in which you can cook. These details will help you plan your menu.
If you are transporting your own grill, consider the size of it. You need one that is easy enough to lift in and out of your car. With a larger crowd, you may need two grills if they are on the smaller more portable size.
Whether or not you use propane or charcoal will have many BBQ aficionados in deep discussion on the truest form of BBQ. For the beach BBQ, you might have to choose by the simplest to use. Propane heats up faster, charcoal takes more time, so consider that in your timing.
Tools for cooking that you need to bring are a wine brush for cleaning and a spatula or tongs for turning the food.
Your Menu – the Food
The beach and fresh air make food taste better, and people are hungrier. Prepare for a stream of food all day.
The Befores and All Day
Having a selection of appetizers that people can snack on all day adds to the festive atmosphere. Think of dips including hummus and chips, a fruit platter, and charcuterie boards as some staples to provide.
- The Main Event
It is a BBQ, so burgers and hot dogs are BBQ basics. You can also consider kabobs that can be assembled beforehand. Pulled pork, again made beforehand, can be a great addition to a beach BBQ. Do not forget about your vegetarians; veggie burgers or veggie kabobs are an appreciated addition to a meat-filled menu.
- Condiments Etc.
For some, a burger is not considered edible without ketchup! After deciding on your main events, list what you use for seasonings. Salt and pepper should be on the list. Consider salsas, mustards, and mayonnaises. Toppers for the burgers or hot dogs might have you adding lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and sauerkraut to your list. These toppings can be prepped at home.
Need some beach BBQ tips? Learn them here.
- The Sides
Think about the temperature on the day of the BBQ. You will need coolers to store the salads. If you are having pulled pork and/or hot dogs, baked beans are always a tasty complement. Salads have so many options. You can have a macaroni, rice, potato, or couscous base and add complementary vegetables and dressings. Corn on the cob, which can be cooked on the grill, coleslaw, and garden salads are sure to please the crowd.
- The Afters
Check to see if the beach where you are having your BBQ has an ice cream truck. If so, plan on bringing some cash. BBQs and the melodic sounds from a local ice cream truck will have everyone lining up for a creamy delight.
Homemade treats that travel with ease include brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Both are a great way to wrap up a beach BBQ. And both can be made in advance.
- Drinks
A cooler with lots and lots of ice is essential. If the BBQ is on the beach, a cooler with wide-tread wheels will make traversing the sand doable.
Check with the regulations at the beach to see if adult beverages are permitted. If alcohol is allowed, beer should be kept in the cooler. Lemonade and waters should also be on ice. Depending upon the type of wine, a bottle should be stashed in the cooler, too. Do not forget a corkscrew or bottle opener!
BBQ Accessories
To frame out the remaining details ensuring a wonderful and memorable event, there are a few more steps.
- Eating Essentials
Now you need to add to your list all the essentials that you just open your cabinets and grab at home. Eating without some of these necessities will take some of the enjoyment out of the BBQ.
Check the details of what the beach provides. If there are not any tables, you will need to bring foldable tables on which you can put all this great food. Go back through all the food and snacks that you will be serving. Most of the food will come in containers that can be used for serving. You will need a platter for the food that you cook on the grill.
Plates, cups, napkins, eating utensils, serving spoons, paper towels, and garbage bags are all a must. Leaving the beach cleaner than you found it is a great motto for beach BBQers.
- Games
It is always fun to play different games on the beach especially if everyone does not know each other. Engaging in beach bowling, corn hole, paddleball, or soccer makes it much easier to meet new people. A deck of cards for those who enjoy more passive games is a good addition.
- The Details
Picture how you want the day to unfold. That will help you decide what else you want to include. Some of these items are personal preferences.
For the beach scene, some necessities are sunblock, bug spray, chairs, and towels. For the BBQ, you will want chairs as well. Some of the beach chairs can be used for both.
Music adds to the festivities. You can use your Smartphone and a portable speaker. Just make sure your batteries are fully charged.
Use the checklist to track who has agreed to bring which items. Then you are certain to cover all the bases. All you need now is the sun!
Related Questions
1. Do you need a permit to use a pavilion at a beach?
Yes, most pavilions require a permit for use. Check on the town’s website for information on using pavilions. Holidays can be a busy time at the beach, so book the pavilion in advance.
2. Is it worth the money to rent a pavilion at a beach?
Many beach pavilions have reasonable fees associated with their use. Sometimes a deposit is all the is required. If the pavilion and surrounding areas are cleaned up and not damaged, in many locations you will have your deposit returned.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.