The 30 Best Picnicking areas in California

Remillard Park is a beautiful and tranquil park located in Larkspur, California, along East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day out in nature. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and exploring the park's lush greenery and scenic vistas. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun outdoor adventure, Remillard Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Paradise Beach Park is a stunning waterfront park located at 3450 Paradise Drive in Tiburon, California. This picturesque park offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy picnicking on the grassy lawns, swimming in the calm waters, or simply relaxing on the sandy beach. The park also features walking trails, playgrounds, and barbecue areas, making it the perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun with family and friends. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or take in the natural beauty of the Bay Area, Paradise Beach Park is the ideal location for a peaceful and enjoyable day by the water.

Bayfront Park is a picturesque park located at 498 Sycamore Avenue in Mill Valley, California. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the waterfront, relax in the shade of the towering sycamore trees, or have a picnic on the lush green lawns. The park also features playgrounds for children, walking and biking paths, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun day out with family and friends, Bayfront Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Port View Park, located at 7th Street in Oakland, California, is a popular tourist attraction offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Port of Oakland maritime operations. Reopened in 1995 after renovations following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, this 4.5-acre park features areas for fishing, picnicking, strolling, and hosting special events. Visitors can also explore the International Maritime Center, a chapel and recreational facility for seafarers. The park includes picnic areas, a play area, fishing piers, a second-story viewing area, historical displays, restrooms, drinking fountains, parking, and benches. Nearby, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park offers Oakland's first public beach and an amphitheater for events and performances. The park provides access to the former naval ship basin, now an ecological reserve for various species.

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 10 Old Stage Coach Road in Redwood City, California, United States. This beautiful natural preserve offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and chaparral. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife, Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park is a beautiful waterfront park located at 1500 Marina Way South in Richmond, California. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, hiking, and biking along the scenic shoreline. The park also features a playground, fishing pier, and a variety of recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the natural beauty of the Bay Area, Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lompico Park is a beautiful outdoor recreation area located on Lompico Road in Felton, California. This park offers a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching. With its lush greenery and scenic views, Lompico Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get active and explore, Lompico Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Tidewater Boating Center at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, California, is a park located on the shore of the Oakland Estuary in San Leandro Bay. The center features a public ADA accessible paddle craft dock, making it the first official San Francisco Bay Water Trail site in the Park District. Visitors can enjoy picnicking on the turf sites, fishing from the shoreline, and exploring the 12,300-square-foot complex which includes a boathouse, training area, boat storage facility, Recreation Department offices, and a security residence. The Oakland Strokes, a non-profit junior rowing organization, operates the main boathouse and provides outreach to neighborhood youths in the sport of competitive rowing. The Tidewater parking area and dock are open daily, with varying hours depending on the season. Visit Tidewater Boating Center for a day of outdoor adventure and water activities in the heart of Oakland.

Cesar Chavez Park is a beautiful green space located at 1835 38th Avenue in Oakland, California. This park is dedicated to the memory of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez and serves as a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, walking, and relaxing in the park's lush surroundings. The park also features playgrounds for children, sports fields, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Cesar Chavez Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene escape from the urban landscape.

Shorebird Park Emeryville is a picturesque waterfront park located in Emeryville, California, United States. This park is a popular destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and a variety of shorebirds that can be observed in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy walking along the shoreline, picnicking on the grassy areas, and taking in the sights and sounds of the bay. With its tranquil atmosphere and diverse wildlife, Shorebird Park Emeryville is the perfect place to relax and connect with nature.

Point Isabel Dog Park is a popular 23-acre park located at 2701 Isabel Street, Richmond, California, offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County, and Brooks Island. With an additional 20 acres at North Point Isabel across the Hoffman Channel, the park boasts over 2.5 miles of the San Francisco Bay Trail. A unique feature of this park is the special rules allowing dogs to be off-leash, under voice control, throughout the park. Recent soil testing detected lead in specific areas around the perimeter of the north side of the park, which are fenced off for safety. The Park District is working on a plan to restore these areas. Visitors can enjoy bird-watching, fishing, jogging, biking, kite flying, windsurfing, kayaking, and picnicking at the park.

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a stunning 2,432-acre park located in Richmond, California, offering visitors a scenic escape from the nearby urban areas. With trails winding through meadows, eucalyptus woods, bluffs, and beaches along San Pablo Bay, the park provides breathtaking views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline, and sailboat traffic on the bay. The park underwent major restoration in 2017, including enhancements to the Dotson Family Marsh, Atlas Road Bridge, and the Bay Trail extension. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and picnicking in the park's diverse habitats. With wheelchair-accessible facilities, group picnic areas, and a new park entrance, Point Pinole is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park is open seasonally, with parking fees collected from April to October. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the East Bay Regional Park District at 1-888-327-2757.

Hayward Regional Shoreline is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 3010 West Winton Avenue in Hayward, California, United States. Spanning 1,841 acres, this stunning natural area features salt, fresh, and brackish water marshes, seasonal wetlands, and public trails for visitors to explore. The park also includes Cogswell Marsh, a 250-acre tidal marsh restoration project completed in 1980, and Hayward Marsh, a 145-acre fresh and brackish water marsh completed in 1985. Visitors can enjoy five miles of graveled public trails along the shoreline, perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Fishing is allowed from the levees, but a California State Fishing License is required for those age 16 and over. Picnicking is permitted, although there are no picnic tables in the park.

Sherman Island County Park is a popular tourist attraction located in Rio Vista, California. This park is known for its internationally renowned windsurfing area, surrounded by the Sacramento River and Mayberry Slough. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including boating, windsurfing, kite-boarding, picnicking, photography, fishing, and watercraft enjoyment. Visitors can purchase an annual pass to save time and money when visiting the park. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and parking fees are collected throughout the year. Visitors can easily access the park by following Highway 50 to Interstate 5 south, then taking Highway 12 west and exiting onto Highway 160 south. Turn right onto Sherman Island Road to enter the park and enjoy all that Sherman Island County Park has to offer.

Anastasia Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 1774 Anastasia Drive in Brentwood, California. This beautiful park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, winding paths, and charming picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and unwind in the tranquil surroundings. Anastasia Park is the perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the beauty of the outdoors.

Karl Wente Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located at 1455 Kingsport Avenue in Livermore, California. This park is a popular tourist attraction known for its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of this well-maintained park. With its convenient location and stunning natural beauty, Karl Wente Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the United States.

Sterling Barnhart Park is a beautiful green space located at 10486 Sterling Boulevard in Cupertino, California. This park offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. With well-maintained walking paths, lush greenery, and picnic areas, Sterling Barnhart Park is the perfect spot for a family outing or a leisurely afternoon stroll. Whether you want to have a picnic with friends, play a game of frisbee, or simply unwind in a tranquil setting, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Sterling Barnhart Park and experience the beauty of nature in the heart of Cupertino.

Los Medanos Lake is a picturesque park located at 237 Jupiter Court in Pittsburg, California. This tranquil lake is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. Surrounded by lush greenery and offering stunning views of the water, Los Medanos Lake is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out in nature. Whether you're looking to spend time with family, have a peaceful solo retreat, or simply take in the beauty of the outdoors, this park is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Los Vaqueros Watershed & Marina is a popular tourist attraction located at 9990 Los Vaqueros Road in Livermore, California. This beautiful destination offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provides visitors with a range of outdoor activities to enjoy. The marina is a great spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking, while the watershed area offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or a fun-filled adventure in nature, Los Vaqueros Watershed & Marina has something for everyone. Come and explore this hidden gem in the heart of California's East Bay region.

Apolinar Sangalang Park is a charming and serene park located at 13470 Slate Street in Lathrop, California, United States. This picturesque park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas, Apolinar Sangalang Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out with family and friends. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply soak in the natural beauty, this park is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

Tidewater Park is a picturesque outdoor destination located in Lathrop, California, United States. This beautiful park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, walking trails, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and recreational activities in this tranquil setting. Tidewater Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature in the heart of California.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir & Watershed is a beautiful park located at 19 Walnut Boulevard in Brentwood, California. This institution is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding watershed. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching in this peaceful natural setting. The park also provides educational programs and guided tours to learn about the importance of water conservation and watershed protection. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a chance to explore the local ecosystem, Los Vaqueros Reservoir & Watershed is the perfect place to visit.

Garrapata State Park Vista Point is a stunning tourist attraction located along California's scenic Highway 1 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine coastline, this vista point is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, and photography opportunities while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a memorable adventure, Garrapata State Park Vista Point is the perfect place to experience the beauty of California's central coast.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located in Felton, California, is a majestic park and tourist attraction nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors can explore a 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees that have historical significance and offer spectacular scenery. The park offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping across its 4,650 acres of forested and open land. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance, subject to availability and park rules. The park also features the Fall Creek Unit, a second-growth redwood forest with connecting trails for day use. Dogs are allowed in certain areas of the park, while bicycles are permitted on designated trails.

Seacliff Village County Park is a charming park located on McGregor Drive in the seaside town of Seacliff, California. This picturesque park is a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the ocean and nearby cliffs. Visitors can enjoy picnicking on the grassy lawns, strolling along the walking paths, or simply relaxing and taking in the peaceful surroundings. With its beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Seacliff Village County Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Lincoln Cunningham Park is a beautiful and serene park located in Seaside, California, United States. This park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, well-maintained walking paths, and scenic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, playing sports, or simply relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere of this lovely park. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind, exercise, or connect with nature, Lincoln Cunningham Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation.

Chesbro Reservoir County Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 17655 Oak Glen Avenue in Morgan Hill, California, United States. The park offers stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding hills, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching in this peaceful and scenic setting. With its tranquil atmosphere and diverse wildlife, Chesbro Reservoir County Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature.

Partington Cove Trailhead is a picturesque park located along California 1 in Big Sur, California. This stunning trailhead offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. The park is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a challenging hike, Partington Cove Trailhead has something for everyone to enjoy.

Leffingwell Landing Park is a picturesque coastal park located along California 1 in Cambria, California, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs perfect for hiking and exploring. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, whale watching, and taking in the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the sea or an adventurous outdoor experience, Leffingwell Landing Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Cave Landing is a picturesque park located at 1717 Cave Landing Road in San Luis Obispo, California, United States. This stunning natural area offers visitors the opportunity to explore rugged cliffs, stunning ocean views, and a unique cave system. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting, Cave Landing is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its peaceful surroundings and breathtaking scenery, this park provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.