Cigars on the Beach: The Perfect Way to Unwind

What makes visiting the beach such an attractive destination for cigar smokers? Is it the sand? The surf? The free tanning session while sipping your favorite cocktail?

I’d say it’s all of the above.

There’s something special about listening to the waves gently roll onto the shore while you’re stretched out in a comfortable beach chair, a cigar in one hand and a drink in the other, with just enough shade from an umbrella to keep you cool.

It just… makes sense.

Weather permitting, there are very few settings that offer the same level of relaxation and satisfaction. While choosing the perfect cigar for the beach is almost impossible—because everyone’s tastes are different—there are a few things to keep in mind to create the ideal smoking experience.

Come Prepared

Before you even leave the house, make sure you pack a quality cutter and the right lighter. At the beach, a butane torch lighter with a blue jet flame is your best friend. Wind is almost always a factor, and a soft flame can quickly become an exercise in frustration.

Speaking of wind, remember that it can affect how your cigar burns and draws. Depending on the season, your location, and the cigar itself, you may find yourself touching up the burn more often than usual. That’s perfectly normal.

Set Up Your Beach Lounge

Once you’ve chosen your cigar and packed your accessories, it’s time to create your own outdoor cigar lounge.

First and foremost, make sure smoking is permitted on the beach you’re visiting. Laws vary depending on where you live, so it’s always worth checking before you light up.

Assuming you’re good to go, keep your setup simple and functional. A comfortable beach chair, a medium-sized umbrella for shade, and maybe a small side table or cooler are all you really need.

I also recommend going during the early morning or later in the evening. Those times tend to be less crowded, quieter, and a little more peaceful. Plus, you’re less likely to set up next to the family of six that somehow managed to bring an entire living room to the beach.

Be Respectful

Even if smoking is legal, always be mindful of those around you.

Not everyone enjoys cigar smoke, and some people may have concerns—whether they express them verbally or not. Giving others a little extra space goes a long way toward avoiding unnecessary conflict and ensuring everyone enjoys their day.

Courtesy costs nothing, and it helps preserve your own relaxing experience.

Keep the Drink Simple

Now comes one of the best parts—pairing your cigar with the right beverage.

Assuming you’ve already enjoyed breakfast or dinner, choose something refreshing that complements your cigar without demanding your full attention.

A Negroni, Piña Colada, Mojito, or Old Fashioned, or even a tall glass of fresh and bubbly Coke Zero, are all excellent choices.

What you don’t need is a margarita the size of a fishbowl that’s garnished with lemons, limes, pineapple, three cherries, and a bacon cheeseburger slider balanced on a toothpick. That’s less of a cocktail and more of a juggling act.

The goal is to enjoy your cigar—not spend the afternoon putting it down every time you want a sip.

The Hardest Part: Relaxing

You’ve picked the cigar.

You’ve packed your cutter and lighter.

You’ve found the perfect spot.

You’ve got your drink.

Now comes the hardest part… actually relaxing.

That’s easier said than done these days. Between emails, social media, work notifications, missed calls, and endless distractions, it’s become difficult to simply sit still.

A cigar naturally encourages you to slow down.

So put the phone away. Turn off the notifications. Pick up a book, flip through a magazine, or simply watch the waves roll in.

The image of enjoying a cigar on the beach might sound like something straight out of Scarface, but it’s really not that unattainable. With a little planning and a little courtesy, you can create one of the most relaxing smoking experiences imaginable.

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.

Slow down, enjoy the moment, and let the cigar do what it was meant to do