Picnic Time: 4 Top Scenic Spots for Alfresco Gatherings
Pack the basket, blanket and all of the provisions.
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CategoryExperiences
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Written byJennie Nunn
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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