The 30 Best Picnic areas with water features in California

China Camp Point Picnic Area is a beautiful park located in San Rafael, California, along the shore of the San Pablo Bay. Visitors can enjoy stunning waterfront views, meadows, oak habitats, and a variety of wildlife such as deer, squirrels, coyotes, and numerous birds. The park also features an extensive intertidal salt marsh, where endangered species like the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse can be found. The park has a rich history, with a Chinese shrimp-fishing village thriving on the site in the 1880s. The museum at China Camp Village tells the story of these hardy shrimp fishermen. Visitors can also explore the beach, swim, picnic, and enjoy activities like wildlife-watching, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, and windsurfing.

Coyote Point Recreation Area is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 1701 Coyote Point Drive in San Mateo, California, United States. This stunning waterfront park offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including picnic areas, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, a marina, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the CuriOdyssey science and wildlife center, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or an adventure-filled outing, Coyote Point Recreation Area has something for everyone to enjoy.

Sabercat Play Area Central Park is a popular tourist attraction located in Fremont, California, United States. This park offers a fun and interactive play area for children, featuring saber-toothed cat themed playground equipment and structures. Visitors can enjoy a day of outdoor play and recreation in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature. The park is a great spot for families to relax, picnic, and let their kids burn off some energy. With its unique design and family-friendly atmosphere, Sabercat Play Area Central Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun day out in Fremont.

Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 1700 Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek, California, United States. The park offers various amenities such as basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, a softball field, and picnic sites that are open to the public daily. The park is dominated by oak woodlands and sandstone formations, creating a scenic canyon along Pine Creek. The Castle Rock area is part of Diablo Foothills Regional Park and is bordered by Mount Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space, providing access to over 18,000 acres of public lands.

Hellyer County Park Playground & Water Spray Pad is a family-friendly recreational facility located at 985 Hellyer Avenue in San Jose, California. The playground features a variety of play structures for children of all ages to enjoy, including swings, slides, and climbing walls. The water spray pad provides a fun way for kids to cool off on hot summer days, with interactive water features and splash zones. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and offers plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and unwind or a fun spot for the kids to play, Hellyer County Park Playground & Water Spray Pad has something for everyone.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is a popular park and tourist attraction located at 2500 Stanley Blvd in Pleasanton, California, United States. The park offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy, including swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking. The park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. Visitors can swim at the designated hours when lifeguards are on duty, or at their own risk outside of those times. Parking fees apply, and there are additional fees for boating, fishing permits, and bringing dogs into the park. Shadow Cliffs was originally a gravel quarry donated to the Park District in 1971, and has since been developed into a 266-acre park with an 80-acre lake. The park features facilities for persons with disabilities, accessible parking, trails, and restrooms. Beach wheelchairs are available for free to assist wheelchair users in navigating the sandy beach area. The park also has a wheelchair accessible fishing pier and interpretive pavilion.

Swanston Water Park, located at 2388-2398 Northrop Avenue in Sacramento, California, is a neighborhood park spanning 10 acres. This family-friendly park is open from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are welcome to bring their leashed dogs. For those looking to host a picnic, rentals can be arranged through the website. The highlight of Swanston Water Park is the Swanston Splash Park, featuring multiple water features and a thrilling Splash Pad area for endless fun in the sun. This attraction is free to the public and operates from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, daily from 10am to 7pm.

Norman Waters Park is a serene and beautiful park located at 7800 Elsie Avenue in Sacramento, California. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park features lush greenery, walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking to relax with a book, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends, Norman Waters Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Come and experience the tranquility and natural beauty of this hidden gem in Sacramento.

Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6531 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante, California, United States. The park offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy, including picnicking, hiking, bird watching, playgrounds, and more. The park is open seasonally from November to October, with varying hours. There are parking fees for weekends and holidays, as well as fees for dogs. The park is wheelchair accessible and offers reservable group picnic areas. The park also features a historic indoor/outdoor facility called Fern Cottage, which is popular for events such as weddings and parties. The park is rich in history, once being the site of ranchos and a narrow-gauge railroad. The park was dedicated in 1967 in honor of President John F. Kennedy and is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. Visit Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area is a picturesque campground, lodging, and park located at 13601 Ironbark Road in Bakersfield, California. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful California landscape, this institution offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. With access to a stunning aquatic area, guests can swim, fish, or simply relax by the water's edge. The campground provides spacious RV and tent sites, as well as cozy cabins for those looking for a comfortable stay. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it the perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area.

Bear Gulch Day Use Area is a park and tourist attraction located in Paicines, California, United States. Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails with different levels of difficulty, from easy to strenuous. The area offers stunning views of rock formations, talus caves, and wildlife. Highlights include the Balconies Cave, Condor Gulch Trail, and Chalone Peak Trail. The institution also features accessible trails for visitors in wheelchairs. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Bear Gulch Day Use Area has something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Laguna Seca Recreation Area Campgrounds is a picturesque destination nestled in the heart of Salinas, California. Situated at 1021 Monterey Salinas Highway, this campground offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort for visitors looking to relax and unwind. With a variety of lodging options available, including tent and RV sites, cabins, and yurts, guests can choose the accommodation that best suits their needs. The campground also features modern amenities such as bathrooms, showers, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area is a popular park and tourist attraction located at 22400 Woodroe Avenue in Hayward, California, United States. The park offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park features a swim facility that opens seasonally, with fees collected on weekends and holidays during the summer months. There are also parking fees for vehicles, trailers, and buses, as well as a fee for dogs. Guide/service dogs are allowed in the park, but no other animals are permitted in the swim area.

USCG TRACEN Petaluma Campground & RV Area is a beautiful facility located at 599 Tomales Road in Petaluma, California. This campground offers a range of amenities including laundry facilities, lodging, a park, parking, and an RV park. MWR Guest Lodging and the RV Campground are now open to all MWR eligible patrons. The Lake Recreation Area on the property features a 5-acre lake with catch-and-release fishing, walking paths, picnic areas, playground, canoes and kayaks, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, pavilion, and charcoal grill. Equipment such as bicycles, coolers, golf clubs, lanterns, sleeping bags, tents, and stoves can be rented from the gym. The RV sites have electric, cable, and water hookups, as well as WiFi. Rates vary based on rank and status, with discounts for active duty and retirees. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. Cancellations must be made at least 4 days before check-in for a full refund. Access to the base requires valid ID and registration. Foreign nationals must be vetted in advance. RV campers must check in at the Front Gate upon arrival. Please refer to the "MWR Base Access & Sponsorship Policy" for more information on accessing the facility.

Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a popular park and tourist attraction located at 18825 Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley, California, United States. The park is open on weekends and holidays from April 27 to May 26, open daily from May 27 to August 16, and open on weekends and holidays again from August 17 to September 2. There is no parking fee and no dogs are allowed in the swim facility. Visitors are encouraged to plan in advance and pre-register for weekends and holidays as the swim facility reaches capacity early. The swim area features a sandy beach and a secondary dam that makes the water level independent of the reservoir. Alcohol, glass containers, and portable bbq’s are not allowed in the swim lagoon area.

Morro Strand State Beach Day Use Area, located at 21 24th Street in Cayucos, California, is a natural feature that offers a three-mile stretch of beach for visitors to enjoy. The beach connects the town of Morro Bay to Cayucos State Beach and provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing, jogging, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging at the Morro Strand Campground up to six months in advance, with options for tent camping and RV hookups available. The campground also offers amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, water spigots, flush toilets, and token-operated shower facilities. Additionally, there is an RV sanitation station and water-fill station on site.

Benbow State Recreation Area, located at 445 Lake Benbow Drive in Garberville, California, is a picturesque park with a rich history. The park was established in 1958 after the Benbow family worked to preserve the natural beauty of the area. The park features campsites, lodging, and a large day-use picnic area for visitors to enjoy. One of the highlights of the park is Benbow Lake, which was created by a concrete dam constructed across the south fork of the Eel River from 1931-1937. While the dam is no longer in place, the park still offers a variety of activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, and fishing for salmon and steelhead.

Lake Mendocino Recreational Area is a stunning park located at 5301 Lake Ridge Road in Ukiah, California, United States. Nestled in the heart of wine country and near the entrance to the Redwoods, this park is just a two-hour drive north of the Bay area in central Mendocino County. The beautiful lake, created by a dam in 1958, offers a plethora of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. With over 300 campsites, including boat-in camping options, and 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, there is no shortage of ways to explore the natural beauty of Lake Mendocino. The park also features a 700-acre wilderness area where native wildlife can be spotted, as well as five large day-use areas with covered picnic shelters and barbeques.

Mitchell Park Playground Water Fountains is a family-friendly recreational facility located in Palo Alto, California, United States. The park features a variety of water fountains that are perfect for children to play and cool off during the hot summer months. The fountains are surrounded by lush greenery and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're looking to beat the heat or simply spend a fun day out with your loved ones, Mitchell Park Playground Water Fountains is the perfect destination for all ages.

Edge Water Park Plaza is a charming park located at 7700 Edgewater Drive in Oakland, California. This beautiful green space offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and relaxing moments by the water. The park also features playgrounds for children, making it a perfect spot for families to spend quality time together. Whether you're looking for a serene place to unwind or a fun-filled day out with loved ones, Edge Water Park Plaza has something for everyone.

Located in the serene town of Blackhawk, California, this park offers a unique and welcoming experience for visitors. The picnic area features spacious seating and tables for families and friends to enjoy a meal together surrounded by lush greenery. Additionally, there are designated fire spaces where guests can gather around a cozy fire pit to roast marshmallows and share stories. The tranquil sound of water features adds to the peaceful ambiance of this picturesque park. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a place to connect with loved ones, this picnic area with water and fire spaces is the perfect destination.

Peppertree Group Area at Vasona County Park is a picturesque park located on Pepper Tree Lane in Los Gatos, California. It offers a tranquil setting for picnics, gatherings, and outdoor activities. The park features spacious grassy areas, shaded picnic tables, and scenic views of the surrounding nature. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, birdwatching, or simply relax in the peaceful atmosphere. With its convenient location and well-maintained facilities, Peppertree Group Area is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor enjoyment in the heart of Vasona County Park.

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Paicines, California, United States. The area features rugged terrain with rolling hills covered in dense brush, oak forests, and grassy meadows. Laguna Creek flows through the area, creating scenic waterfalls in the Gorge. The park offers campgrounds at Laguna Mountain and Upper Sweetwater, with various amenities such as RV pads, fire rings, picnic benches, and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is also available, with certain restrictions to protect the wildlife habitat. There are three trailheads within the area, offering hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a 2.5 mile hike to view the waterfalls along Laguna Creek.

Vista Lago Beach and Picnic Area is a serene park located in Arroyo Grande, California, United States. This beautiful waterfront destination offers stunning views of the lake and a sandy beach perfect for relaxing or taking a refreshing swim. The park also features picnic areas with tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a gathering with friends. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, enjoy a leisurely picnic, or simply unwind in nature, Vista Lago Beach and Picnic Area provides the perfect setting for a peaceful day outdoors.

Water Canyon Campground is a serene retreat nestled in the heart of California, United States. This picturesque campground offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of lodging options including tent sites and RV hookups, visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The campground also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a tranquil park perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Water Canyon Campground provides the perfect setting for a memorable outdoor experience.

Ponderosa Park Water Play Zone is a family-friendly park located in Anaheim, California. This exciting water play zone offers a fun and refreshing way to cool off during the hot summer months. With water slides, splash pads, and interactive water features, visitors of all ages can enjoy a day of splashing and playing in the sun. The park also has picnic areas, restrooms, and shaded seating areas for families to relax and enjoy a day of outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a thrilling water adventure or a relaxing day in the sun, Ponderosa Park Water Play Zone is the perfect destination for a day of fun in Anaheim.

The Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail Water Fountain is a refreshing oasis located within the beautiful Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail in San Diego, California. This park institution provides visitors with a convenient and reliable source of hydration while exploring the scenic trails and natural beauty of the area. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail Water Fountain is a welcome sight for all outdoor enthusiasts. Stay hydrated and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings at this must-visit destination in Southern California.

Guajome Park Lower Picnic Area is a beautiful park located in Oceanside, California, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful and scenic setting for picnicking, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. The park features lush greenery, meandering walking paths, and plenty of picnic tables for visitors to use. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a meal with loved ones or simply want to soak up the natural beauty of the area, Guajome Park Lower Picnic Area is the perfect destination.

Water Falls is a stunning park located along the Elm Shore Canyon Motorway in California, United States. This enchanting oasis is home to a series of breathtaking waterfalls that cascade down the rugged cliffs, creating a mesmerizing display of natural beauty. Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the scenic trails, admire the lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, and bask in the soothing sounds of rushing water. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature or a thrilling adventure in the great outdoors, Water Falls offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the magic of this picturesque park for yourself.

Water Wheel Resort is a charming lodging and RV park located in Blythe, California, along the scenic U.S. 95 highway. Nestled in the heart of the desert, this resort offers a peaceful oasis for travelers looking to relax and unwind. With spacious RV sites and cozy accommodations, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. The resort also features a refreshing swimming pool, hot tub, and picnic areas for guests to enjoy. Whether you're passing through or staying awhile, Water Wheel Resort is the perfect destination for a tranquil desert getaway.