Relax and Picnic in Oakland’s Outdoors

Experience the city through our favorite park and food pairings!

Whether it be a dreamy picnic date to watch the sunset, a friends gathering on a sunny afternoon, or some much needed solo selfcare time, visiting parks and open fields in the East Bay is always so restorative. Stop by a restaurant for take out or build a proper picnic at a market place. Experience the beauty around you, wherever you are, with the people you love. The world is your oyster. And this guide is your shucker.

Defermery Park has hosted decades of summer cookouts, picnics, birthday parties and sports events. The Recreational Center is a sky blue Victorian building in the heart of West Oakland, surrounded by green open space. Given the park isn't too far from multiple corner stores, you have plenty of options for last minute picnic needs. 10th & Wood is just 6 blocks away. Their communal table style restaurant uses cooking styles from all over the world, while still keeping the comforts that Oakland loves. Breakfast is on the menu too- egg scrambles, pulled pork hash, biscuits and gravy, and something called Elvis French toast. That includes bananas, nutella, and is dipped in tempura batter. Yum.

Located in the Oakland hills, King Estate Open Space is worth the trek. Go here for inspirational views of the Bay Area, a place to sit in silence, chill dog walking, a picnic or simply stroll. And even better when it culminates with an experience of the sunrise, golden hour, and the sunset. Nearby Keller Market (Oak Knoll Meat & Deli inside) has the perfect picnic staples- deli sandwiches, chips, cookies and the likes.

A popular camping spot since the late 1800s, and an established park by 1936, Lake Temescal is a historic landmark that features a lush rose garden, 10 acres of turf, a swimming beach, fishing spots, and hiking. The ornamental plants, like willow, laurel, ferns, blackberry, thimbleberry, impress in every season. Stop by the Village Market to pick up your wine and picnic nosh. The ornamental plants, like willow, laurel, ferns, blackberry, thimbleberry, will greet you as the perfect backdrop. And check out the Historic Temescal Beach House, which once served as the park district headquarters. It’s the perfect location to host a wedding or event.