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Bring Your Basket and Blanket to These Delightful Picnic Spots

Let’s go outside!

Today is National Picnic Day, and we’re dreaming of our favorite spots to enjoy a casual lunch with family and friends. From Golden Gate views to dreamy desert landscapes, here’s where you might find us this coming weekend.

Crissy Field

A signature project of San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Crissy Fields went from a former military airfield to a sprawling park with panoramic views of the bridge. Visitors can picnic on benches or the grassy meadow and take advantage of nearby beaches, windsurfing and tidal marsh overlook. The adjacent Marina neighborhood is the perfect spot to pick up some local goodies or cook your own on the public grills.

Photo courtesy of @bigbearrealtor_jess

Juniper Point Picnic Area

A favorite stop on Big Bear Lake in San Bernadino County, this picnic area has all the necessities: grills, tables, toilets and trash cans. It’s also a wonderful lakeside viewing area with access to nearby trails and boardwalk that skirt the marsh. 

Photo courtesy of @leatherLaceco

Lacy Park

Beautiful San Marino, a neighbor of Pasadena, is home to this 30-acre oasis that dates back 100 years. A paved path surrounds a huge grassy area shaded with trees, perfect for a leisurely afternoon on a blanket. It’s also dog (on leash) and kid friendly, with a dedicated playground for the youngest visitors. Stop by Julienne in downtown Pasadena for a large selection of gourmet treats for your picnic basket.

San Simeon Cove

If you’re after Pacific coast views, you can’t beat San Simeon for an ideal beach picnic. San Simeon Cove, part of W.R. Hearst State Beach, is popular for picnics thanks to accessible benches and barbeque pits. You can explore the white, sandy beaches, walk the pier, enjoy the fragrant eucalyptus and pine along the trails and even take in a view of Hearst Castle in the hills above. Stop by Sebastian’s General Store for all your pre-picnic needs.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Right in the middle of wonderous Joshua Tree, you’ll find this amazing picnic spot surrounded by incredible rock formations and, naturally, Joshua trees. Tables, grills and toilets are available but be sure to grab your food and supplies before entering the park. One of the best things about Joshua Tree is its lack of conveniences, just miles of Mother Nature. So come prepared and enjoy the wild. 

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