Warm weather and longer days are the perfect recipe for a picnic in San Diego. If you needed another reason to dine al fresco, spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, improve your mood and lower your risk of chronic diseases. These are six of our favorite scenic parks for an incredible picnic. Grab a blanket, a picnic basket and easy-to-eat foods for a memorable day out. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Centennial Park
1101 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
Get the best view of San Diego’s picture-perfect skyline during your meal. Show up before sunset to see the skyline light up and enjoy a spectacular end to the day.
Fletcher Cove Park
111 South Sierra Avenue, Solana Beach
What’s better than a beach picnic? Picnic tables and grassy and shady areas are all right along the shore. There’s even a playground for the kids, making this a great spot for the whole family.
Kate Sessions Park
5115 Soledad Road, Pacific Beach
Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific, Mission Bay and downtown. There’s plenty of room to set up a blanket and chairs, and you’ll find parking, restrooms and playgrounds nearby.
Liberty Station
2455 Cushing Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
From grassy fields to designated picnic areas, there are plenty of areas to set up your spot. Park in one of the free lots, enjoy your picnic and browse Liberty Public Market.
Lake Hodges
20102 Lake Drive Escondido, CA 92029
Wander the trails or take a paddleboard out for a spin before snagging a picnic bench. With 27 miles of shoreline and calm water, Lake Hodges is a peaceful spot for a picnic.
Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Splash fountains and sprawling green lawns make Waterfront Park an ideal place for a family picnic. With a little planning, you can even catch a movie in the park.
Not sure what to bring on your picnic? We’ve got you covered.
Easy, healthy picnic ideas
Packing your own picnic basket gives you the freedom to bring your favorite foods while staying within your budget. When you’re shopping for ingredients, consider foods that can be served cold and eaten without utensils. And if you have children, Summer EBT provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child while school is out.
Try these ideas for your next picnic:
Eat well with Best Health®
The hardest thing about planning a picnic in San Diego might be choosing where go. And when it comes to your health, we’re here to help you make good choices for your wellness. Our no-cost Best Health program can guide you on your journey toward better health. Take the Wellness Assessment for personalized results, get one-on-one health coaching, and explore tools to eat well, exercise and much more. Sign up for a Best Health account to get started.