If you’re searching for a serene space for your next picnic, look no further. We’ve gleaned the globe for the top 15 spots to spread out your blanket and unpack your basket. Come find your favorite:
Walden Pond – Massachusetts, USA
In Concord, Massachusetts, about 20 miles from Boston, is the historic and picturesque Walden Pond. Made famous by the writings of Henry David Thoreau, the pond’s spectacular views are world-class and the surrounding trails are well-marked and kept in pristine condition.
After you finish eating, history buffs will enjoy the replica of Thoreau’s original cabin, while active visitors can swim, hike, canoe, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and more. There’s a visitor center and parking available on-site, but it fills up fast so plan on going early.
Calton Hill – Edinburgh, Scotland
With a breathtaking view of the city and coastline, Calton Hill offers an easy walk to its top and access to the City Observatory and the Scottish National Monument, among other noteworthy buildings and landmarks.
At certain times of year, there are festivals and events held on the grounds, such as architecture tours, the annual traditional Celtic Beltane Fire Festival, the Hogmanay fireworks and several autumn celebrations, as well as the Hindu Dussehra Festival.
Hyde Park – London, England
There’s plenty to see and do at Hyde Park, including visiting the Princess Diana Memorial, Holocaust Memorial, Kensington Gardens, pedal boating, horseback riding, swimming, and more. Events, classes, and tours take place weekly, so check the park schedule before you visit.
If you’re still hungry after your picnic (or you just don’t feel like packing one), just grab a sandwich, coffee, ice cream, or other snacks at one of the many kiosks and cafes in and around the park.
Glacier Point – California, USA
Pick a spot to take in the majestic mountain view overlooking Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the High Sierras at Glacier Point. Aside from your picnic, you can also enjoy birdwatching, skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing, hiking, walking, and participating in ranger programs throughout the year.
For best results, confirm weather and travel advisories on their website before venturing out. There’s a Don’t miss a stop to the gift shop while you’re there!
Powerscourt Waterfall – Ireland
This is one picnic locale where the grill masters can let loose. Invite your friends to join you for a barbecue and view of the inspiring Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall at 398 feet. Guests can hike through pathways at Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, and observe local wildlife from Beech, Larch, Oak, and Giant Redwood trees to Willow Warblers, Sika Deer, and red squirrels.
The Estate has plenty of picnic tables, a playground, and a handy shop on-site if you need extra snacks or supplies. Dogs are welcome and there’s parking and restroom facilities as well.
Abel Tasman National Park – New Zealand
Situated on South Island, New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park, the country’s smallest wilderness reserve and national park is easily accessed during all seasons by walking, riding, water taxis, cruises, helicopter tours, sailing and kayaking options.
Visit beaches, walking trails, and ancient Maori sites, or observe the fur seal colonies, bottlenose dolphins, little blue penguins, stingrays, octupus, bellbirds, and more.
Tonga Island Marine Reserve should not be missed by nature lovers, and scuba divers should consider delving into the reefs around Tonga Quarry and Foul Point before they leave.
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon, USA
Beautiful Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA at 1,943 feet deep, formed over 7,000 years ago after a volcano erupted. Located appx 2 hours from Bend, Oregon, Crater Lake National Park has countless activities to offer any time of year.
Don’t miss ranger-guided snowshoe walks or cross country skiing in the winter, and hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming in the summer. Picnic your heart out here at any of the numerous official picnic areas (Lightning Spring, Annie Falls, Ponderosa Pine, etc.)–or pretty much anywhere else you like!
Huayna Picchu – Peru
This amazing peak gazes out over the ruins of Machu Picchu at an elevation of almost 9,000 feet. If you wish to climb the many challenging stairs, there’s the promise of a lovely picnic spot–and a sense of great accomplishment–at the top.
You are kept to a tight schedule by the guides, however, so don’t expect a long, leisurely amount of time at the top. You will have about 30 minutes to enjoy your picnic, take pictures, then head back down. Make sure you’re on time for your hike to begin and don’t forget to sign in once you reach the top and back out when you’re heading down.
Alamo Square – San Francisco, California, USA
Beloved for its appearance in the opening credits of 80’s sitcom Full House, Alamo Square of San Francisco is a park atop a hill across from what’s known as ‘the Painted Ladies’. The Ladies are a row of Victorian houses, sometimes referred to as the Seven Sisters or Postcard Row.
The Alamo is a busy park with mature trees and a lovely city skyline backdrop, popular for taking pictures. There’s a play area for children, and leashed dogs are welcome. It’s an epic spot for a picnic, and public transit is available nearby when you’re ready to move on.
Parc du Champ de Mars – Paris, France
Have a seat on the lawn and enjoy the space known as the best location for admiring the Eiffel Tower in all of Paris. Aside from your picnic, you can also join happy Parisians and tourists for games, sunbathing, and strolling through the gardens.
There are playgrounds for the children throughout, and if you linger until 10 pm, you may catch a glimpse of the light show that takes place on the Tower every night.
Bishop’s Garden – Washington, D.C., USA
A lovely and tranquil spot to take pictures for a variety of occasions, Bishop’s Garden is an impeccably manicured space nestled in behind the National Cathedral. There are lots of wooden benches for seating among the many plants and pollinators flitting about, as well as a cafe if you didn’t pack quite enough in your picnic basket.
Previous guests consider this one of the prettiest places in D.C., and it’s recommended most highly in the evening after 4 pm for ease of parking, as well as in the early morning for the coolness and most peaceful meditation.
Yogogi Park – Tokyo, Japan
Most beautiful in the spring when cherry blossoms dominate the space, Yogogi Park is one of the largest and most lively parks in Tokyo. The park is lovely almost all year round, with winter evening visitors enjoying dazzling blue LEDs lighting the path of trees all the way through the park.
A perfect place for a slow stroll and a light picnic lunch. If you’d like a beer or ice cream after your picnic, there are many little snack shops throughout for whatever you might be craving.
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona, USA
Hike, bike, or drive through this jaw-droppingly gorgeous park to view the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon. You can unpack your picnic at one of the picnic tables at the Desert View area, and there are snack bars at the Watchtower and Hermit’s Rest sections as well.
Named by Theodore Roosevelt as, “the one great sight which every American should see,” the layered formations and history of the Grand Canyon are stunning any time of day, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Al-Alhar Park – Cairo, Egypt
To enjoy a superb view of the Cairo city skyline as well as several historical sites and landmarks during your picnic, step into Al-Azhar public park. Lovely and serene, there are plenty of grassy spots and playgrounds for children to play as well as spread out your picnic blanket. No worries if your picnic basket is a little on the light side — you can get food and drinks in the park too.
Listed among the sixty great public spaces by the Project for Public Spaces, the park is popular for wedding photo sessions and families taking portraits. Recommended highly during less busy times such as weekdays, but is said to be a nice escape from the hustle and bustle almost anytime.
City Park – Denver, Colorado, USA
This park is mostly green space, ideal for picnicking, as well as walking and cycling trails and playgrounds. Take a pleasant stroll around the lake to unwind, play some tennis, or rent a paddle boat. Plenty of parking is available.
Comparable to New York City’s Central Park, this space offers additional excitement in the form of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (with a connected planetarium), an IMAX theater, summertime free dancing shows with the Electric Prismatic Fountain, and other temporary shows. The Denver Zoo is nearby as well, and can easily be integrated into your park visit.
Diana’s Baths – New Hampshire, USA
New Hampshire: Diana’s Baths, Bartlett
Suitable for all skill levels, Diana’s Baths of Bartlett, New Hampshire, comprises several small waterfalls cascading down a rocky area situated within the White Mountain National Forest. An approximately 1.3 mile trail encircles the Baths, with the main region of rocks just about ten minutes from the parking lot.
It’s recommended to visit Diana’s Baths during the summer as well as in November. A must-see for at least one picnic in your lifetime!
This has highlighted our favorite spots in the world for picnics. Did we miss a spot you like? Tell us about it in the comments.
