If you’re looking for an outdoor party idea that’s simple, memorable, and doesn’t require a formal venue, here’s how we celebrated my sister’s birthday with a beach party on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. The setup was casual but had all the essentials: bamboo poles with string lights, two folding tables, a beach fire, hot dogs and s’mores, a fruit spread, and sparklers.
This wasn’t a Pinterest-perfect, over-decorated bash. It was real and relaxed—and it worked. We pulled everything together with just a few bins and coolers. And the best part? Out on the open sand, we didn’t have to limit the guest list. People came and went, no headcount stress.
What We Brought
We didn’t overcomplicate anything. Our supplies were practical but set the tone for a great evening:
- Bamboo poles and string lights – We pushed the bamboo poles into the sand and strung basic outdoor lights between them. It created a soft glow once the sun went down and helped guests find the spot easily.
- Two folding tables – One for food and one as a hangout/gathering area. These gave structure to the party setup without taking up too much room.
- A beach fire – This was the heart of the night (more on how we handled this safely and legally on Sullivan’s Island below).
- Hot dog and s’mores station – We brought skewers, hot dogs, buns, ketchup, and all the ingredients for s’mores.
- Fruit display – Watermelon, pineapple, and strawberries added a fresh element and color to the table.
- Sparklers – As the sun went down, we handed these out for a little extra fun.
Everything fit into a few storage bins, and we wheeled it out onto the sand with a beach cart.
Beach Fire Rules on Sullivan’s Island, SC
If you’re considering a fire on Sullivan’s Island, know this: you must plan ahead. Unlike other nearby beaches, Sullivan’s has strict rules when it comes to fires.
Here’s what we learned and followed:
- Fires are not typically allowed on the beach – Sullivan’s Island prohibits open fires, fireworks, and any flame-based activity on the beach unless you obtain special approval from the Fire Department or the Town of Sullivan’s Island. That means you can’t just show up and light a bonfire.
- We obtained permission in advance – We contacted the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department to ask about a controlled, small recreational fire. We had to put a 500 dollar safety deposit down. The reason being their greatest concern is that the next day beach goers will get burnt.
- Safety was our top priority – Our fire ring was placed well below the tide line on open sand, far from the dunes and any vegetation. We brought water and a shovel for extinguishing and stayed until the last ember was out.
- It’s best to check directly – If you’re planning a similar event, don’t skip this step. Call or email the Town Hall or Fire Department directly. Rules can vary by season and day, especially during peak summer.
Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Food
We didn’t do a full meal spread—just the basics, which kept everything casual and fun:
- Hot dogs – A crowd favorite. We had a tray with buns, condiments, and a cooler with dogs ready to go. Everyone roasted their own over the fire.
- S’mores – No explanation needed. We set out graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate and let people build their own.
- Fruit display – A few trays of watermelon slices, pineapple chunks, and strawberries balanced out the sweets and added color to the table.
No utensils were needed, and cleanup was minimal. We brought paper plates and napkins and clipped a trash bag to the table so everything stayed tidy.
Where We Set Up: Staying Above the Tide
We placed our tables and string light setup at the top of the beach, close to the public access path but still on open sand. This gave us a clear view of the ocean while avoiding any issues with the incoming tide.
Checking the tide schedule ahead of time made a big difference. We used a free tide chart app to make sure we had a long enough window of dry sand before setup.
Sparklers to Close the Night
As it got dark and the fire burned down, we handed out sparklers. They added a festive, celebratory vibe without being loud or disruptive. People loved it—especially kids and anyone taking photos.
Just a few safety notes if you’re doing sparklers at the beach:
- Bring a lighter and a bucket of water or sand for used sticks
- Hand them out just once to avoid any confusion with beach rules
- Collect all used sticks before leaving
Why the Beach Was the Perfect Choice
One of the biggest wins of hosting on Sullivan’s Island was not having to limit our guest list. We didn’t have to think about chairs, headcounts, or whether we’d have enough space. Guests brought their own beach blankets and chairs or just hung out barefoot in the sand.
It also helped that the beach itself did most of the decorating. We didn’t need banners or balloons. The ocean was our backdrop, and the setting sun took care of the ambiance.
If You Want to Add More (Optional Ideas)
We kept it basic, but if you want to scale this kind of party up slightly, here are a few low-effort add-ons that could work well:
- A battery-powered Bluetooth speaker for music
- A simple drink station with coolers or dispensers
- Outdoor games like cornhole or paddle ball
- Extra LED lights or lanterns for the table
- A simple Polaroid or instant-photo station for guests
You don’t need to go overboard. The setting does most of the work for you.
Final Tips for Hosting a Beach Party on Sullivan’s Island
- Check fire regulations in advance – Don’t assume a beach fire is allowed. Contact local officials and secure written approval if needed.
- Watch the tides – This will help avoid a last-minute scramble if the water comes in fast.
- Keep food simple – Easy-to-eat snacks and fire-friendly options are perfect.
- Bring trash bags and clean up completely – Sullivan’s Island is known for its environmental standards, so leave no trace behind.
- Don’t overthink it – The beach, the breeze, and the people are what make it memorable.
This beach party was easy to pull off and ended up being one of the most fun, low-pressure gatherings we’ve had. There’s something about being outdoors, eating simple food by a fire, and watching the waves roll in that just brings everyone together. If you’ve been thinking about hosting something like this—do it. Just make sure you check the rules, keep it respectful, and enjoy the night.
