(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-PLMSBWP');     (function(a,b,c,d){     a='//tags.tiqcdn.com/utag/thunder/goldenstate/prod/utag.js';     b=document;c='script';d=b.createElement(c);d.src=a;d.type='text/java'+c;d.async=true;     a=b.getElementsByTagName(c)[0];a.parentNode.insertBefore(d,a);     })();
(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.9&appId=172847629912656"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

Picnic Time: 4 Top Scenic Spots for Alfresco Gatherings

Pack the basket, blanket and all of the provisions.

From a 109-year-old otherworldly architectural gem and lagoon that resembles a movie set, to a 12-acre public park with spraying fountains along the ocean in San Diego, we’ve hand-picked the best picnic spots in the state. 

Palace of Fine Arts

Arguably one of the most picturesque locations in San Francisco, the architectural landmark is the ideal backdrop for a picnic on the lawn. Built by acclaimed architect Bernard Maybeck for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, the ornate Beaux-Arts-style structure is surrounded by manicured grounds, a lagoon, and an expansive lawn.

Griffith Park Observatory

Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains, the massive 4,210-acre oasis is the largest municipal park containing urban wilderness area in the country. Dotted with lilac, mountain mahogany, and oak trees and views overlooking Downtown Los Angeles (on a clear day), the park boasts 52 miles of hiking trails, a planetarium, theater, and observatory. Bring your own spread (alcohol is not allowed) and snag a spot on the lawn, or pop into the Café at the End of the Universe for vegan chicken burritos, pita with red pepper hummus, and flank steak with chimichurri sandwiches. 

Waterfront Park 

As the name implies, the idyllic park in San Diego’s Embarcadero features a 830-foot-long interactive water fountain; sweeping views of the Bay and Maritime Museum of San Diego; six civic green lawns, a playground; and four designated picnic areas. Check the schedule for public events and exhibitions.

Blue Heron Lake

The fairytale-like setting in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park was formerly known as Stow Lake. Originally conceived in 1893 as a destination for horse-drawn carriages, the man-made lake spans 12 acres and frames a center island once known to have strawberries, named Strawberry Hill. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat from the nearby boathouse or stake out a shady corner under a tree on the south side lawn picnic area.

More Stories
Sustainability

Behind the Plan to Expand Urban Forestation in Los Angeles by 2021

The city even created a new role to manage the sweeping project.

Arts + Culture, Farm + Table, Wine + Beer

Exploring the Alchemy of the Senses

French born, California Winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset puts his passion for the grape to the page.

Arts + Culture

Stagecoach Is Back for 2018, and Bigger Than Ever

Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 22.

Get the Latest Stories

Receive the latest films, stories and curated content from Golden State.

By clicking the subscribe button, I agree to receive occasional updates from Golden State.