Everyone's dream beach party is on an island in Ibiza: cocktails, house music, giant floats and perfect sunshine. Throwing your own sounds like a logistical and budget nightmare, but it does not have to be. You may not be in Mykonos or on the Amalfi Coast, yet the elements that make a beach party unforgettable work on any beach. This guide first appeared on this site in 2019 and has been updated.
Check the rules first
Beaches have very different rules on alcohol, fires, barbecues, music and group size. Check with the local council or park authority before you plan; some require permits for large groups, and many ban glass outright.
Build your own set-up
- Venue. If you have the budget, some beaches have beach clubs with a pool, bar and DJ, and your job is half done. Otherwise pick a quieter stretch with easy access and toilets nearby.
- Giant blanket. Sew old bath and beach towels together into one huge blanket that will not blow away; it recycles and saves money.
- Seating and shade. A few low beach chairs and two or three anchored umbrellas or a pop-up shelter.
- Music. Skip the DJ: a couple of portable speakers and a shared playlist built from your guests' favourites. Keep the volume friendly to other beachgoers.
Get some drinks
Cocktails say beach party, but they are expensive and slow for a crowd. Easier options:
- Bring-your-own beer and cans, with plenty of ice-filled coolers. No one wants a warm drink, and remember drinks for non-drinkers and younger guests.
- Sangria or punch in a big dispenser. Wine or juice, chopped summer fruit and a little sugar, chilled overnight; guests serve themselves.
- Fruit-forward treats. Watermelon, pineapple and frozen grapes cool everyone down.
- Water, lots of it. Sun, salt and alcohol dehydrate fast, and alcohol and swimming do not mix.
Feed the people
Where barbecues are allowed, a beach barbecue beats cooking at home. Use designated barbecue areas or approved portable grills, keep a bucket of water nearby and dispose of coals safely; never bury hot coals in the sand, where they can burn bare feet hours later. Sausages, marinated chicken, corn on the cob, mushrooms and grilled pineapple feed a crowd cheaply.
Games and a friendly flutter
Beach games keep a party moving: volleyball, frisbee, a cornhole set, a ring-toss and, for the floats, a race to a buoy and back in calm water. Many beach groups add a little friendly competition with stakes. A favourite for summer weekends is the sweepstake: if the party falls on the day of a big final, such as the Wimbledon singles finals in July, the final round of the Open golf or a World Cup knockout match, everyone draws a player or team from a hat for a small, equal stake and the winner takes the pot, or a prize like first pick of the floats. It costs little, gives even non-fans a rooting interest and keeps a radio or phone tuned to the result all afternoon. If you would rather follow the odds properly, our guide to summer sports betting by the pool explains how markets on tennis, golf, cricket and baseball work, and poolside poker and card games has the rules for an evening card game once the sun goes down.
Leave no trace
Bring rubbish bags and take everything home, including bottle caps and cigarette ends. A beach party is only great if the beach is still great the next day.
Packing list: for the full checklist of towels, sunscreen, shade and fun, see our beach essentials guide, and for a backyard version of the party, how to pack for a pool party.
