An Evening Birthday Beach Picnic for 25 with a DJ at Tower 28

This June 2022 birthday party at Lifeguard Tower 28 started at 5 pm and ran for three hours, so the setup was built for an evening on the sand. Twenty-five guests gathered around low picnic tables dressed with string lights, lanterns, candles and chargers, and a DJ provided the soundtrack.

We added an extra buffet table with a tablecloth and umbrella for food, kept water and ice on hand, and set out Polaroid cameras so guests could take instant photos through the night. Badminton, cornhole and bocce ball rounded out the games.

A chalkboard sign wished the guest of honor a happy birthday. Evening picnics at Tower 28, in Santa Monica's Ocean Park area south of the pier, are some of our favorites to set up: as the light changes, the string lights and candles take over and the party shifts from games to conversation.