How to Plan a Beach Picnic in Fernandina

Florida is the sun-kissed state. Image Courtesy of Keith Luke via Unsplash.

A Handy Guide for the Perfect Fernandina Beach Trip

Looking for a cute and inexpensive hangout this summer? Lather on some sunscreen for a fun picnic in Fernandina Beach!

Every beach day needs the essentials, but instead of soggy sandwiches and lukewarm drinks, we’re gonna add a spin to make this picnic unforgettable.

Stay Hydrated in the Fernandina Heat

The worst way to ruin a beach day is not staying hydrated. For the extra electrolytes to beat the Florida sun, Gatorade Thirst Quencher Powder is a great extra to have in the beach bag and pour into your water bottle to help prevent dehydration. These packets are good for everyday use so keeping them on hand when running around in the sun is never a bad idea.

Pretty much every brand of water bottle advertises they will keep drinks ice cold, but do they? One company that has passed the test is Yeti. These high-quality water bottles keep you fresh when the ocean dries you out. One sip from a Yeti Rambler and it will feel like you're still in the A/C.

Stay Dry with a Durable Towel

Gather your friends for a beach bonanza. Image courtesy of Cassie Gallegos via Unsplash

Don’t forget a place to sit on the hot, hot sand! Beach chairs and umbrellas can make any stretch of sand into a tropical paradise, but if you’re looking for a more utilitarian solution, consider a towel. Towels are the quintessential beach item, only below sunscreen (DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN!) They’re also a personal preference, so do a little research on the best towel for you. 

Stay Cool with a Cooler

The Florida sun can be brutal, but our snacks don’t need to feel the heat. A cooler can be a good investment and is always worth lugging out over the sand (even if it might not seem that way sometimes). RTIC Outdoors makes a fantastic product that will keep food and drinks ice cold for over four hours on road trips and beach days.

Pack for Your Fernandina Beach Picnic

A perfect sunset to end a perfect day. Image courtesy of Dominik Dancs via Unsplash

Once you have the basics, it’s time to find some tasty treats. There’s nothing better than wild caught seafood to enjoy with your toes in the sand. With locations in Fernandina Beach and Nocatee, you’re never far from the made to order meals at Timoti’s Seafood Shak if you’re hanging out in Northeast Florida. There’s something for everyone with Shrimp Tacos, fresh green salads and New England-style lobster rolls on the menu.

Timoti's salads are great to share with a big group and if you're not in the mood for a regular old salad you can try it in a wrap or add a protein to add some extra flavor. 

Beach food should be light and refreshing, nothing that might put you in a food coma. Luckily, Timoti’s has multiple options perfect for a light and refreshing picnic. The Baja Box, Poke Bowl, and Rice bowl have healthy ingredients and for my fish lovers out there you can add shrimp or fish to it as well or even some tofu for a vegan option.

While eating all of these yummy treats make sure that your set up in the sand is as cute as the food. To add to the picnic experience bring cute glasses to drink water or soda out of, napkins, and maybe some cute paper plates. Little additions like this can make your date or gathering more meaningful for all. 

If you’re looking for other local places to grab food for your beach picnic, check out the take out menus from Cafe Karibo, Wicked Bao and Sliders Seaside Grill.

Know Before You Go

The perfect time to have a beach picnic is all day, every day. However, if you're trying to get a tan the best time to go is between 2PM and 5PM. You’ll avoid the direct heat and won’t feel exhausted for the rest of the day.

Beach Picnics are the perfect way to get out with friends by still having a laid-back activity but switching it up with a cute picnic on the beach. 

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Now that you’re ready to make the most out of your next beach trip, you’re going to want to fuel up for the party. Head to Timoti’s Seafood Shak for wild-caught seafood.