Dr. Thea Zunick 
Summer is the perfect time for picnics. Whether it’s a solo afternoon lying in the grass with a good book and the perfect snack or a curated backyard gathering with friends, picnics provide a wonderful way to soak up the season. Read on for more of some of the best picnic supply shops and locations to help make every picnic feel like a mini getaway at the Jersey Shore.
Picnic Supplies
C’est Cheese | 516 Summerfield Avenue, Asbury Park
C’est Cheese is a go‑to for ready-made picnic supplies or for a make-your-own experience, providing everything from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to gourmet pantry staples. This shop’s approachably priced picnic boxes for one or two feature an assortment of cheese, charcuterie, dried fruit, nuts, and sweet surprises, excellent for a stylish beach or park spread.
Slater’s Deli + Caterers | 866 NJ-36, Leonardo
The perfect Sandy Hook picnic starts at Slater’s. This spot is known for its Taylor Ham sandwich. The menu also features popular choices such as the fresh sliced Roast Beef for a traditional Italian combo, piled high with Italian cold cuts and provolone, then drenched in oil + vinegar for a balanced bite. The Slater’s team has been feeding folks since 1985 and have no signs of stopping.
Read More: 20 Best Coffee Shops at the Jersey Shore, Organized by Town
The Blond Shallot | 471 Prospect Avenue, Little Silver + 527 Washington Boulevard, Sea Girt
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If inspiration is not hitting for a traditional sandwich and chips picnic basket, The Blonde Shallot provides something different. The chef-curated grab‑and‑go salads, grain bowls, soups, and sandwiches are fresh, flavorful, and beach-ready. Some other favorites include the Blond Chopped Salad (which is very picnic-friendly), and the Shrimp Poke Bowl packed with poached shrimp.
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace | 990 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls
Uncle Giuseppe’s “Beach Day in a Bag” delivers everything needed for a carefree grab-and-go picnic by the shore. Perfectly portioned for up to four people, each insulated tote includes chef-crafted sandwiches, individual fruit cups, personal bags of Hal’s Chips, 20‑oz drinks, utensils, napkins, and condiment packets. Other picnic options include a “Classic Cookout Essentials Bag,” “Surf + Turf Grill Kits,” and other summertime favorites in the market.
Picnic Spots
Berkeley Island State Park | 399 Brennan Concourse, Bayville
Located on a scenic peninsula in Barnegat Bay, Berkeley Island State Park has an ideal backdrop for a leisurely picnic with panoramic water views and a family-friendly vibe. Visitors can enjoy a family-oriented spray park, playground, walking paths, small picnic areas, and the popular crabbing/fishing pier. If coming with a larger group, for a nominal fee, there is a sheltered pavilion that is reservable at least three weeks prior. The park is ADA accessible.
Cattus Island County Park | 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River
Cattus Island County Park is truly a nature lover’s paradise. The best spot to picnic is in the picnic and play area, which overlooks stretches of ponds dotted by lush greenery. After enjoying a picnic surrounded by local wildlife, visitors can stroll through the newly renovated Cooper Environmental Center, which features brand-new exhibits showcasing the park’s natural beauty and the surrounding Barnegat Bay. The park also features a Butterfly Garden filled with native plants and active pollinators.
Funtown Beach | 30 Stockton Avenue, Seaside Park
Funtown Beach is Seaside Park’s only BYOB private beach, making it easy to set up a picnic under an umbrella or cabana, with a cooler filled with spirits and snacks to settle in for the day. If the snacks run out, there is a tiki hut snack shack with quick bites and cold drinks steps from the sand. Funtown Beach is also one of the few handicap-accessible beaches in the area and features accessible bathrooms along the boardwalk, and is staffed with professional lifeguards on duty to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for every guest.
Holmdel Park | 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel
Holmdel Park is a 618-acre park featuring multiple picnic areas, playgrounds, and nearly 10 miles of trails, making it easy to pair a leisurely meal with a walk or family activities. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon under the trees or a full day of outdoor fun, Holmdel Park delivers a classic picnic experience with plenty to explore.
Island Beach State Park | Lanoka Harbor
Island Beach State Park feels like one of the Jersey Shore’s best-kept secrets for a picnic with a view. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Barnegat Bay on the other, visitors can set up their picnic along the beach or in designated areas while enjoying views of native birds and wildlife. The park is open daily, with weekday access from 8AM to 8PM. The entry fee for Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend on a weekend or holiday is $10, and Monday through Friday is $6 for New Jersey residents. If you walk in or drive in on your bicycle there is no fee.
St. John’s Island | Asbury Park Sunset Lake, Asbury Park
This hidden treasure island is only accessible via a footpath, which is accessible from a small pedestrian bridge. On the island, there are open grassy areas and picnic tables surrounded by calm water and shade. The island occasionally hosts small events, but on most days it stays peaceful and easy to access. The quiet setting and scenic views make St. John’s Island a standout picnic spot in Asbury Park.
Turkey Swamp Park | 200 Georgia Road, Freehold
How does a park receive the name “Turkey Swamp?” This park was named “Turkey” after the historical label for Adelphia, and “Swamp” because the thick forest with its high water table forms sphagnum bogs wherever the land dips. What is even more unique than the name are the picnic possibilities. Shaded picnic tables, open fields, gazebos, and lakeside benches provide plenty of scenic spots to enjoy a meal, with public grills available for cookouts. The park’s 17-acre lake serves as a backdrop for picnics and paddling alike, with kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals available daily through Labor Day.
All-Inclusive Picnics
Pop Up Picnics by She Shed | 606 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Pop Up Picnics by She Shed specializes in customized, full-service picnic experiences with themed decor, gourmet food, and complete setup and cleanup for beach, park, or backyard gathering right on site. The team’s boho‑inspired style comes complete with blankets, pillows, lights, and fresh‑pressed juices. With everything handled, Pop Up Picnics by She Shed takes all of the hassle out of entertaining, leaving guests and the host free to savor every moment.
See More: 10 Montclair Spots for Picnic Goodies for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Surfside Picnic | Cape May + Atlantic Counties
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Surfside Picnic brings luxury pop‑up picnic experiences to Cape May and Atlantic County on the beach, at bayside parks, a backyard, or even aboard a boat. This duo of long-time friends is ready to help celebrate a birthday, anniversary, date night, engagement, ladies night, or nothing at all. Choose from packages like the “Starfish” for two or “Atlantic” for five-plus, and customize with add‑ons including charcuterie boards, flower arrangements, tents, professional photography and more. Plan ahead as they prefer at least two weeks or more to plan a picnic.
The Jersey Shore Picnic Company | Jersey Shore
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The Jersey Shore Picnic Co. transforms outdoor dining into a stylish, stress-free experience with luxury pop-up setups along the beach and in local parks. This woman-owned business handles everything from romantic proposals and date nights to girls’ nights and milestone celebrations. All that’s left to do is show up and enjoy the view.
