There’s something magical about a beach day with the family — the salty air, sun-kissed skin, and a delicious beach sandwich makes for memories that last a lifetime. Any seasoned beachgoer knows that a successful day by the shore also includes a well-packed cooler. Looking for easy beach sandwich ideas? I have you. Here are our tried-and-true favorites for beach sandwiches, plus a few tips for packing them to stay fresh from the first towel unfurl to the last sandy snack break.
Easy Beach Sandwich Ideas for Kids and Adults
Over the years, I’ve found that a satisfying beach sandwich is the key to keeping everyone fueled and happy. We rent a home in Cape Cod for a week every summer and my sisters and I have a fail-proof beach sandwich making process. First, gather a variety of ingredients for sandwiches and wraps. Next, present the options to family members and take orders. Last, divide and conquer, making sure each sandwich is wrapped safely and labeled for the cooler.
Family Friendly Beach Sandwiches
- BLTAV – Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayonnaise on sturdy bread (see below)
- Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, balsamic vinegar or pesto
- Italian Combo – a combo of salami, pepperoni, capicola, prosciutto, and/or mortadella, along with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil and vinegar or mayonnaise
- Chicken Cutlet – there are so many ways to eat a grilled or breaded chicken cutlet – but for the beach I typically stick to cold sandwich options.
- Breaded Chicken Cutlet with honey mustard, pickles, lettuce and mayonnaise
- Cold Lobster Roll – this one is a fancy option, but it can be done
- Turkey or Ham and Cheese – one of the most basic sandwich combos
- Deviled Egg Salad – just make sure it is on sturdy bread
- Chicken Salad – I make mine with pickles or jalapenos
PREGNANT? Sandwiches are hands down one of my favorite things to eat, but it can be difficult while pregnant due to the no-deli-meat-rule. During my third pregnancy I came up with a list of the Best Sandwiches to Eat While Pregnant.
The Best Breads for Beach Sandwiches
The best bread for a beach sandwich needs to balance structure, flavor, and resistance to sogginess, especially when it’s sitting in a cooler or beach bag for hours.
1. Ciabatta Rolls (sturdy)
- Why: Chewy and sturdy, ciabatta holds up well to moisture-heavy ingredients.
- Best for: Caprese, grilled chicken, or deli meats with lots of toppings.
2. Tortillas (for Wraps)
- Why: Flexible, compact, and less prone to sogginess than sliced bread.
- Best for: Turkey & cheese, Caesar wraps, or PB&Banana roll-ups.
3. Pita Pockets
- Why: Contain fillings neatly, reducing mess; they don’t get soggy as quickly.
- Best for: Veggie & hummus, chicken salad, or tuna salad.
4. Mini Baguettes, Italian Bread, or French Rolls (sturdy)
- Why: Crusty exterior keeps moisture out; ideal for hearty fillings.
- Best for: Italian Combo, Ham & cheese, salami & provolone, chicken salad or egg salad.
5. Croissants (lined with lettuce or cheese)
- Why: Buttery and delicious, but line the interior with dry ingredients to prevent sogginess.
- Best for: Chicken salad, egg salad (with a barrier layer).
Breads to Aviod at the Beach
- Thin white sandwich bread (gets soggy fast)
- Rye or seeded breads (can dry out or crumble if not wrapped properly)
Beach Sandwich Packing Tips
First and foremost – create an assembly line with all of the ingredients for your lunch.
- Layer smart: Put wetter ingredients (like tomatoes) between dry ones (like lettuce or cheese) to prevent sogginess.
- Wrap right: Use parchment paper, butcher paper, or foil.
- Label it: Label each sandwich with a permanent marker – the others smudge.
- Cool it: Keep your sandwiches in a separate zip-top bag inside the cooler, near an ice pack but never ice.
- Add snacks: Pair sandwiches with chips (obviously), or fresh fruit/veggie sticks
My Family’s Beach Sandwich Orders
Want to know some of our favorite beach sandwich orders? Here is what my family members pack to eat for a day on the Cape.
- Caitlin: Chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, balsamic glaze, olive oil, arugula, red peppers on crunchy bread
- Brandon: Turkey, bacon, avocado, mayo, salt, pepper on Ciabatta
- Lizzie: Salami, provolone, lettuce, olives, pickles, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, olive oil, red wine vinegar on Italian Bread and a side of chips
- Ryan: Tuna salad, lettuce, tomato, Cape Cod potato chips on a hard roll
- Tine: Salami, american cheese, lettuce, white onion, olives, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, olive oil and red wine vinegar on a huge hard roll
- Dean: Italian combo with all the fixins
Beach days are about more than just sun and surf — they’re about spending time with the people you love, and sharing food that keeps the vibe easy and fun. I hope these sandwich ideas make your next seaside adventure even more delicious!
Worried about dinner after a day at the beach? Here are a list of easy vacation meals for a large family.
What’s your favorite sandwich to pack for the beach? Let me know in the comments!
There are few better things in life than a good sandwich at the beach!!