Nothing is better than spending time outdoors in the summer and getting cute pics! What better way than a picnic! This blog will give you the ultimate picnic date locations.
Vancouver, Canada
Known by tourists & locals alike, Stanley Park is one of the best locations in Vancouver to have a picnic. With its 400 hectares of parkland that attracts eight million visitors a year, it is no surprise that Stanley Park is recognized as one of the best city parks in the world.
With so many beautiful spots to choose from, you will be spoiled with choices of mountain views, parks, beaches, views of Vancouver along the famous Vancouver Seawall, or gardens. Have a picnic with the sand between your toes at Third Beach. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views at Brockton Point, or enjoy the summer sun while lounging on the grass at Lumberman’s Arch.
Access to the park is free, though you will have to pay for parking. And you are also able to bring your furry friend along.
There are several areas throughout the park with a few picnic tables. But it is best to bring a blanket or chairs. There are also some reservable picnic sites available, but those are for bigger groups.
If you would like an alcoholic drink with your picnic in Stanley Park, permits were approved last year for specific areas. One public space where you can drink alcohol in the park is outside of Stanley Park Brewing. One of the Lower Mainland’s best and most famous craft breweries.
Recommended By: Debbie Fettback at WorldAdventurists.com.
California, USA
Want to have a picnic with awe-inspiring views? Head to Yosemite National Park for a plethora of incredible picnic options. From established picnic areas with amenities to backcountry cliff tops where you have to carry your provisions, you’ll have an unforgettable picnic in Yosemite.
Yosemite Valley offers the classic views of soaring granite walls, and you can picnic right in front of El Capitan. You can also take a short hike (a one-mile loop) to Lower Yosemite Falls. And enjoy your meal al fresco in front of the roaring waterfalls. You’ll find several more developed picnic areas with picnic tables in the Valley. As well as in the Wawona, Tioga Road, and Tuolumne Meadows areas.
For a truly epic picnic site, pack your provisions and take on the challenging Clouds Rest hike. This trail is approximately 12 miles with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. So maybe don’t pack a full picnic lunch, but the effort is worth it to have some snacks on the soaring summit.
You can toast with adult beverages at your picnic in Yosemite, but no glass containers are allowed. While pets are also allowed in the National Park, they are very limited to where they can go. Only developed areas, paved roads, and paths, and campgrounds – and must be on a leash at all times.
Recommended By: Allison at She Dreams of Alpine
East Sussex, England
One of the best picnic spots in the South of England is on the grounds of the Rathfinny Wine Estate. Located in East Sussex, close to Brighton, the vineyard is family-owned and spreads over several hills in the South Downs National Park. They specialize in sparkling wine. During the summer season, the vineyard organizes picnics between the vines. In which they offer a gourmet food selection prepared by their in-house chef as well as an option to buy some of their wines. The food is delivered to the picnic area in a cute box.
When you book your picnic, you can choose if you want to sit at a table or on a blanket. They also offer umbrellas, in case of strong sun. If it happens to rain, the picnic is moved into the main restaurant of the vineyard, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views over the vineyard and the coastal cliffs.
Rathfinny has developed a walking path across the estate. 3 miles long, which can be completed in just over one hour. It’s a great way to spend some time after or before the picnic.
The vineyard also offers overnight accommodation in their converted barn. If you would like to spend the night there and don’t feel like driving back home after having some drinks with your picnic. The property is pet friendly.
Recommended By: Joanna at The World In My Pocket
Cardiff, Wales
The capital city of Wales is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Being a coastal town, it was one of the most relaxing cities to walk around in. Start your day at the Cardiff Castle – explore the castle grounds and almost learn 2,000 years’ worth of the castle’s history! Next, enjoy a picnic lunch, right behind the Castle in Bute Park. Walk along the river Taff, stop by the Summerhouse Café, and try to spot the Gorsedd Stone Circle.
Toulouse, France
Located in the heart of the beautiful city of Toulouse, La Daurade is one of the best picnic locations in France. You can easily get there on foot from Capitole Square. Once you get to the La Daurade square, walk down to the quays.
Here you will find a playground for children as well as “Les Pêcheurs de Sable”, a cute and small summer bar that serves drinks, snacks, and charcuterie platters. There are also many restaurants around where you can get some takeaway food. Locals particularly love the Lebanese restaurant, Chez Nous Les Libanais.
The best spot for a picnic in the part between the Pont Neuf and Pont St Pierre. There is a lot of grass so you can easily put down a blanket and enjoy your meal here. The view is stunning since you get to see the River Garonne, the two bridges, the Ferris wheel as well as the breathtaking dome of La Grave.
Toulouse is known for its hot summer nights and beautiful sunsets and this is one of the best places to watch the sunset. The sky becomes pink, purple, and then red, matching the colors of the bricks that gave the city its nickname, La Ville Rose (The Pink City). It’s beautiful!
La Daurade is one of the local’s favorite locations when it comes to picnics in Toulouse so it may be a bit busy on summer nights. If you want a quieter alternative, you can simply cross the Pont Neuf to St Cyprien and go to La Prairie Des Filtres. Both locations are pet friendly and are open to the public 24/7.
Recommended By: Pauline at France Pocket Guide
Lugano, Switzerland
For a gorgeous and ultimate picnic location with mountain views, find yourself picnicking at the top of Monte Brè in Lugano, Switzerland. Located in the Ticino region, there are lots of things to do in Lugano, with a picnic being one of them!
Before you can enjoy a picnic, you need to reach the top of the mountain! The elevation for Monte Brè is 925m, which is connected to Monte Boglia which you can hike further up 1,516m. To reach the top of Monte Brè, you can choose from three options; to hike from the bottom, to take the local bus to the highest point. Hike the rest, or take the cable car that takes you to the very top.
There are a few benches near the park at the top, but its best to bring a small blanket for the grassy area. Here you can easily set up a cute spot with your picnic snacks and drinks. The public location is pet friendly, with many still keeping their dogs on leads unless walking further around the mountain.
There is a public viewing point nearby so it can get a little busy on gorgeous summer days, but still enjoyable for all those who visit. On average, the summer months in Lugano are around 27°c for the highest and 18°c for the lowest, making it perfect for those long summer evenings.
Recommended By: Zoe at Together In Transit
Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Austria
The Grossglockner Alpenstrasse is a perfect place for a picnic in the Summer! You’ll be surrounded by beautiful mountain panoramas while enjoying a picnic. We had lunch here at a table during our road trip through Austria and couldn’t keep our eyes off the views. The weather was beautiful, although windy.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a panoramic toll road in the middle of Austria. IT’s a 48 kilometers/30 miles long road with 36 hairpin bends. On the road, you’ll find the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, the highest point in Austria. The largest glacier of the Eastern Alps, the Pasterze, is also visible while driving this road and at last the Grossglockner, the highest mountain of Austria, can be seen on your drive.
There are several picnic tables along the road, but bring a blanket and/or chairs with you, for when they’re all taken. Keep in mind that the Alpenstrasse is a toll road inside the National Park Hohe Tauern and not a public area. So do check when you spread out your blanket if you’re allowed to do that on that particular spot. Camping is forbidden along the road. The road closes from November till May. The prices of a day ticket range from €22.00 to €48.00 depending on the vehicle you’re driving. Dogs are allowed to come with you, however on a leash.
Recommended By: Cosette at KarsTravels.
Algarve, Portugal
One of the most beautiful places to have a nice picnic in summer is on the beach of the protected barrier island of Tavira Island in southern Portugal. In comparison with the rest of the Algarve, Tavira Island is not apt for surfing as the sea is calm. This makes it a perfect spot to bring a large blanket, parasol, and a picnic basket.
Soak in the golden sand while dipping in and out of the glittering water. There are several beaches on the island. The two easiest to get to are Barril beach and Tavira beach. Nature is wild and beautiful with dunes and an old fisherman settlement turned into restaurants and bars by the main beaches. There are daily ferries from Tavira to Tavira beach or you can rent a private boat that can take you to any spot on the island.
To go to Barril beach, you can take a mini-train from Pedras d’El Rei, the only place the island is connected with the mainland. It is not allowed to take dogs, but in the low season, most people do. However, you should always keep your pet on a leash as this is a natural park and an important place for migrating birds so you should not let your dog run loose to disturb wildlife. The closest airport is faro Airport, but you should stay in Tavira, which is the closest town.
Recommended By: Linn at Amused by Algarve
Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the most scenic places to visit in Copenhagen is Nyhavn. The wonderful canal is filled with boats and restaurants and is lined with colorful houses. Walk down the canal and embrace the beautiful chaotic sidewalks. Have dinner along the canal in the glorious summer weather or stop by one of the ice-cream shops for an afternoon snack!
Barossa Valley, South Australia
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s best-known wine regions. It is one hour north of South Australia’s capital, Adelaide. Sitting amongst the vines and old sandstone buildings makes the Barossa Valley a fantastic picnic destination. At several of the estates, you can bring your food and set up your picnic right there on the grounds. And, of course, a great bottle of wine is close at hand.
Seppeltsfield Winery is a great choice for a picnic date. The shaded lawns have tables, BBQs, and shelters. It is a working winery, but the public is welcome to come and enjoy the grounds, and pets are allowed too. There is some seating at the tables but bring a rug in case you find yourself on the grass. And the views here over the green vines in summer are stunning.
With over 150 wineries to choose from, make your way to The Barossa in the morning so you can visit a couple of cellar doors to choose that perfect accompaniment for lunch. The area also has a flourishing artisan food scene. Save some room in your picnic basket, there are plenty of delicious smallgoods, cheese shops, and bakeries to visit in the area.
Recommended By: Natalie at Curious Campers
Thank you for reading!
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