Packing for a beach picnic can be overwhelming. You need food, drinks, and gear. Luckily, Costco has everything you need in one place, all at great prices. Here are the best Costco items that will make your beach picnic easier and more enjoyable.
Beach Chairs
Comfort is key for a relaxing day at the beach, and a good beach chair is a must. Costco carries the popular Tommy Bahama beach chairs, which are lightweight and designed like backpacks for easy carrying. They often go on sale, so watch for discounts to get the best price.
Wraps
Looking for an easy, mess-free beach meal? Wraps are perfect picnic fare. Costco has a rotating selection of grab-and-go wraps that are delicious and ready to eat. A favorite is the Southwest Chicken Wrap. Just buy a tray and bring it to the beach- so easy!
Beach Umbrellas
Stay cool and protected from the sun with a beach umbrella. Costco typically stocks Tommy Bahama umbrellas. Many models come with built-in anchors to keep them secure in the sand, even on windy days. A reliable beach umbrella is a must-have for a full day at the beach.
Beach Wagon
Make transporting your beach gear easy with a collapsible beach wagon. Costco sells foldable, lightweight wagons with all-terrain wheels, ideal for sand and uneven surfaces. They’re spacious enough to carry towels, chairs, snacks, and even a cooler, saving you multiple trips to and from the car.
Insulated Jug
For eco-friendly hydration, bring a large insulated jug instead of disposable bottles. Costco often carries insulated jugs like this Manna insulated jug, which comes with four stackable cups. It keeps drinks cold for hours and is great for water, juice, or even coffee.
Cheese and Crackers Snack Packs
Single-serve snacks make beach picnics so much easier—and these Sargento Cheese and Crackers Snack Packs are a perfect grab-and-go option. Each pack includes a portion of cheese paired with crackers, making them an easy, no-prep snack for both kids and adults. Just toss a few into your cooler and you’re set for a quick, mess-free bite between swims.
Beach Towels
No beach picnic is complete without beach towels. Costco carries a wide selection of high-quality towels at low prices. Whether you’re shopping for the kids or a jumbo beach towel large enough for two, you’ll find plenty of towels at Costco for the perfect beach day.
Coolers
A solid cooler is the backbone of any successful beach picnic. Costco sells a range of high-quality coolers in all sizes—from small faux leather coolers to larger, heavy-duty versions. Costco has it all at prices that beat most retailers.
Insulated Food Jars
If you plan on enjoying hot meals like pasta—or even chilled items like fruit salad—insulated food jars are a beach picnic essential. These jars keep food hot or cold for hours, making them ideal for meals that need temperature control. Costco carries a variety of insulated food jars in fun colors, all at affordable prices.
Antipasto
Want to elevate your beach picnic spread? Antipasto trays are a delicious and no-prep option. Costco always carries several types, including both assorted and single-meat packs. A favorite is the Beretta Antipasto Italiano tray, which features a ready-to-serve assortment of prosciutto, salame Calabrese, salame Milano, and dry coppa. It’s perfect for snacking between swims.
Applesauce Pouches
If you’re heading to the beach with kids, you’ll want plenty of easy snacks on hand—and applesauce pouches are a go-to. They’re single-serve, mess-free, and super refreshing on a hot day. Costco always has great deals on bulk packs, including Kirkland Signature applesauce pouches and GoGo SqueeZ Big Kids varieties. Just chill a few in the cooler and you’ve got a healthy treat that’s easy to enjoy on the go.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are beach picnic staples: filling, portable, and great for a quick energy boost. Costco always has a wide selection of granola bars, from classic favorites to healthier, allergy-friendly options. A personal favorite is the Nature’s Bakery Organic Oatmeal Crumble bars—they’re delicious and nut-free. Perfect for a snack break after beach games or swimming.
Sparkling Water
Staying hydrated at the beach is a must. Costco is a great place to go to stock up on sparkling water at great prices. You’ll find many varieties and brands. My personal favorite is Waterloo Sparkling Water. Chill a few cans and toss them in your cooler—they’ll keep everyone refreshed all day.
Outdoor Blanket
A quality beach blanket with a waterproof bottom is essential for any beach picnic. The Columbia packable blanket, for example, features a waterproof outer shell, an adjustable carry strap, and machine-washable fabric, making it ideal for staying comfortable and clean on the sand.
Grab and Go Sandwiches
When you don’t feel like making sandwiches at home, Costco’s pre-packaged options are a convenient solution. Their deli section always features a rotating selection of ready-to-eat sandwiches. A recent favorite is the chicken salami sandwich combo, which even includes a side of tortellini pasta salad—an all-in-one beach meal that’s easy to grab and go.
Snack Containers
Managing snacks at a beach picnic with kids can be a challenge, but Whiskware snack containers make it easy. These twist-and-lock, stackable containers come in popular kid-friendly designs like Bluey and Paw Patrol. They’re perfect for holding fruit, crackers, trail mix, or cookies.
Single Serve Snacks
When it comes to easy beach eats, single-serve snacks are a must-bring. Costco sells a lot of bulk snacks. From potato chips and veggie straws to trail mix and crackers, you’ll find a variety of individually packaged snacks that are perfect for the beach. Buying by the case means you’ll be stocked for the whole summer—and save money while you’re at it.
Disposable Plates & Utensils
Disposable plates and utensils are essential for an easy beach picnic. Costco sells bulk packs of sturdy paper plates and utensils at great prices. They’re durable enough to hold everything from sandwiches to juicy watermelon without bending or leaking. You can also find napkins, cups, and utensils, making it easy to buy a complete set for your picnic.
Sun Hat
A good sun hat is a must-have for any beach day. It keeps the sun off your face and helps prevent sunburn. Costco typically has a great selection of affordable, high-quality sun hats from trusted brands like Orvis and Sunday Afternoons. Look for wide-brimmed hats with chin straps to keep the sun hat secure, even on windy days.
Dessert
No beach picnic is complete without a sweet treat, and Costco has a variety of pre-packaged desserts. There’s always something new to try—like the delicious Mini Lemon Bites. These treats are super convenient. Just buy a tub, bring it to the beach, and enjoy. Check out 26 Things I Never Pay Full Price at Costco
Fruits
Fresh fruit is one of the most refreshing things you can pack for a beach picnic, especially on a hot summer day. If you’re short on time (or just not in the mood to prep), go for easy, no-mess options like clementines. They’re peel-and-eat, kid-friendly, and super portable. Costco sells large bags of clementines at great prices. Check out 17 Costco Meals Cheaper than Restaurant Take Out to Save You Money
Sliced Cheese
Cheese goes perfectly with antipasto. To skip the hassle of slicing a block yourself, just buy a pre-sliced cheese variety pack from Costco. These packs typically include several types, like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, making it easy to please everyone. Check out 28 Things I Always Buy at Costco
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes aren’t just for babies—they’re a beach essential. Use them to wipe sandy hands before eating, clean up small spills, or freshen up before the ride home. Costco sells cases of baby wipes at low prices. Check out 24 Best Healthy Foods that I Only Buy at Costco Because It’s Cheaper
Juice Boxes
If you’re bringing kids to your beach picnic, juice boxes are a must. Costco sells bulk packs of popular brands—like Honest Kids, Apple & Eve, and Kirkland Signature—at great prices. They’re mess-free and easy to pack in a cooler. Check out 10 Costco Shopping Mistakes that Waste Money for Couples and Small Families
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a perfect drink for a beach picnic. It’s especially great on hot days when you’re out in the sun and need a drink with hydrating electrolytes rather than plain water. Costco carries bulk packs of popular brands like Vita Coco and Kirkland Organic at great prices, making it easy to stock up. Just toss a few in the cooler and enjoy. Check out 24 Best Kirkland Products I Always Buy at Costco
Formaggio Artisan Wraps
These ready-to-eat bites are a beach picnic favorite—mozzarella cheese wrapped in slices of cured meat. The combo pack includes a delicious variety: pepperoni with mozzarella, prosciutto with mozzarella, and sopressata with mozzarella. They’re easy to grab from the cooler and require no prep—just unwrap and enjoy on the beach. Check out 23 Costco Items that are a Total Waste of Money for Small Households
Busseto California Snackin’ Packs
Perfect for on-the-go snacking, these single-serve packs feature slices of salami with cubed provolone cheese. Compact and mess-free, they’re a convenient snack to add to your beach picnic cooler. Check out 18 Easy Meals from Costco for When You’re Too Lazy to Cook
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This ready-to-eat pasta salad from Costco’s prepared foods section is an easy beach picnic food. It’s cheese tortellini, sliced salami, black olives, grape tomatoes, and mozzarella balls—all tossed in a Tuscan Italian dressing. Just keep it chilled in your cooler and serve—no prep, just easy beachside eating. Check out 21 Best Bulk Buys from Costco that Will Last You All Year (and Save You Money)