Tune into your vibe with a picnic in San Francisco

A picnic is more than just a meal; it's an experience that gives you space to think, the time to consider new ideas, and a chance to soak up the vibe of a place. What better way to experience a place in San Francisco? We’ve compiled a few of the best places to have a picnic in San Francisco. From antipasto at the beach to fresh pizza in a redwood grove, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a cozy blanket and head to the vibe you’re feeling today. 

Buzzing With the Crowd

Mission Dolores Park is a vibrant picnic spot destination for your social side. It’s easy to see what makes this one of San Francisco’s most popular parks. Spread out on the lush green lawn and take in the festivities. Tall palm trees frame views of the Downtown skyline and beyond. No matter the day of the week, Dolores Park feels like the center of it all.

A Moment to Mellow Out 

Spend an afternoon on the sandy bluffs at Fort Funston. Located along San Francisco’s southwest coast, this former harbor defense installation became a protected area within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the ‘60s. Now it’s a charming place to have a picnic along the dunes. Follow the high trails above the Fort Funston Beach Trail to catch some of the best coastal views in the city. Breezy days often bring local hang gliders out to float above the sandstone cliffs. The calming sound of crashing waves makes this picnic getaway ideal. 

Ready to Play

Ready to picnic and play? Golden Gate Park is a beloved San Francisco destination that beats all the rest when it comes to adventure. At 1,017 acres, there’s always a new meadow, garden, or pond to experience via picnic. Start with a boat ride around Stow Lake, have a picnic in Mother’s Meadow, and then end the day with a lift on the SkyStar Wheel. The endless opportunities for spontaneity make Golden Gate Park the ultimate place to embrace your playfulness. 

Indulge Your Inner Philosopher 

High above the rush of the city, John McLaren Park is a dreamy urban gem for picnic-goers. At 312 acres, the park is one of the largest in the city, behind only Golden Gate Park Park and the Presidio. Picnic in the shade of the Redwood Grove, or opt for a reflective vibe by the McLaren Upper Reservoir. If panoramic views bring out your mindful side, unpack your snacks near the Philosopher’s Way trailhead. Then, walk along the trail to see the 14 “musing stations” to encourage mindfulness and contemplation. With over 7 miles of trails, John McLaren Park boasts some of San Francisco’s best hikes with views and a variety of picnicking spots. 

Revel in Nostalgia 

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized symbols of San Francisco. Like music or a family photo, it’s a symbol that evokes a strong feeling of nostalgia for visitors and locals alike. So, queue up the Full House theme song and pack up your snacks. Crissy Field East Beach is the place for a picnic that tugs at the heartstrings. This well-known hot spot has a multi-purpose path and a wide beach that’s perfect for group activities.

Celebrate New Beginnings

In the historically underserved Southeast sector of San Francisco, Crane Cove Park is at once a reflection of the city’s past and a sign of its bright future. Once an inaccessible industrial shoreline, the area is now a thriving 7-acre waterfront park, dotted with historical artifacts, reclaimed furnishings, and native California plantings. The greenway and adjacent paddle board-friendly beach is a picnic lover’s dream. However, this flagship project isn’t done yet. The San Francisco Parks Alliance is leading the Crane Cove Capital Campaign to realize the project entirely.

About the Author:

Ashley Kraner

Explores places with curiosity and empathy. Believes in the power of photography and storytelling as a force for social change. Writer, hiker, and pro coffee drinker, her adventures range from remote mountaintops to ice cream shops, and beyond.

 

 

Vibes: Chill, Dreamy, Old-school, Adventurous

 

 

Follow: @ashleykraner