Spring is the time for exploring different corners of the world and making your social media followers know about it. However, because of the limited holiday allowance, not everyone can afford to travel each and every part of the globe and satisfy their wanderlust. This is when a weekend picnic plays a critical role. Grass, good food and shade is all that’s required for a peaceful getaway this season.
If you’re planning to escape the chaos and visit a relaxing locale, here’s a lowdown on some of the best picnic spots around the world.
1. Villa Borghese – Italy
Villa Borghese is the verdant heart of Rome and a great place for picnic. The picturesque paths, fountains and ancient statues add to the appeal of the villa. For bon vivants, there’s an old puppet theater, Shakespearean Global Theatre, and several museums including the Galleria Borghese renowned for its collection of Caravaggio paintings and Bernini sculptures. Younger kids can enjoy playgrounds, kid’s museum and electric train rides while adults can bike, paddleboard and skate.
2. Central Park – United States
The most famous city park in America offers several great picnic areas. You could set up camp in the Great Lawn at geographical centre of the park. If you want to enjoy a view of city skyline, then pick a spot beside Belvedere Castle. There are several good quality bakeries and delis around the park, so you don’t necessarily have to bring your own food to the picnic.
3. Golden Gate Park – United States
For ponds, trees, museums, waterfalls and the great view of the most famous bridge of the world, there’s isn’t a place that could beat the Golden Gate Park. Since the park is mostly crowded, try coming early in the morning to get the best spot. There’s also a Japanese Tea Garden which offers free admission if you come on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday before 10 am. Try the green tea cheesecake and miso soup in this tea house.
4. Table Mountain – South Africa
Table Mountain is famous for its majestic views and tablecloth of white clouds that pour down its vast slopes. The mountain also offers hikes uphill and light strolls through the woodlands. In spring, you can see the native blooms such as the blue Agapanthus.
5. Arderne Gardens – South Africa
Arderne Gardens was once a private estate but now it’s the property of Cape Town. Famous for its collection of exotic trees, the original owner collected seedlings from different parts of the world. Some of the trees are distinguished for their significance and age as “Champion Trees”. There are different areas inside the gardens – koi pond, a great, green law beneath Norfolk Pine and one section packed with hydrangea bushes.
6. Alamo Square – United States
This grassy residential park is located in San Francisco and is perfect for picnics. Lay out a rug in the centre of the Alamo Square to enjoy the spectacular view of ‘Painted Ladies’ and city skyline. Hotel Drisco is on a six minute drive from the Alamo Square. You could spend the night there after the picnic in the spacious room if you’re coming from another city and leave in the morning.
7. Lake Powell – United States
Lake Powell has several great areas for an awesome picnic, from sandy beaches to grassy meadows and campsites with their own tables. If you want a green, grassy area, head to the Lake Powell Resort in Arizona. You don’t have to stay at the resort to enjoy their picnic areas near the lake. There is a campground there as well with picnic tables.
8. Isla de Guilligan – Puerto Rico
Isla de Guilligan is sometimes crowded and sometimes isolated. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, floating and snorkeling. There are several trees which you can use for diving into the water. There’re two ways to get to Isla de Guilligan – you can take a ferry or rent a kayak. The trip can be long, so make sure to pack plenty of food.
9. Avô – Portugal
There’s a vast of network of river beaches in Portugal and the Ilha do Picoto beach in Avô is our favorite. There’re deep places for swimming or jumping off rocks and shallow ones perfect for just sitting around or splashing. There is also a grassy area with shade and paddling pool for kids. It’s easier to get to Avô on a car, but buses are also available during the summer months. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in the area so you don’t have to worry about packing your own food.
10. Castelrotto – Italy
The Castelrotto town in Northern Italy is one of the best picnics spots around the world. It’s a beautiful and quaint town that sits in a valley with magnificent views of the Sciliar. You’re close to alpine meadows and tons of hiking spots so make sure to make the most of your trip to Castelrotto.
11. Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago – Iceland
The Icelandic archipelago is perfect for adventurers. Vestmannaejar Archipelago consists of fifteen islands and only one of them is inhabited, with population of only 4,200. Sail out to any of the uninhabited island for a secluded picnic with your family. Enjoy a delicious BBQ in a calm and peaceful environment which will give you memories to treasure forever.
12. Sacred Valley – Peru
Splendid isolation, stunning mountains views, balmy weather and delicious food of the Sacred Valley are just a few examples of what you get from picnicking in this renowned location. Enhance your picnic experience by joining the Mother Earth Ceremony where traditional offering and special songs are played to invoke the healing sprit with involvement of medicines including Tayta Sayri, Palo Santo, Man Coca, Condor’s Feathers, Agua Florida and Essences.
13. Krupa Canyon – Croatia
Krupa River trek is another great picnic spot for active picnickers. With spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear water and verdant green banks, rivers Krupa and Zrmanja are the central focus of the Velebit Mountain Nature Park in Croatia. When you go on a hike, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of Zrmanja and Krupa canyons. Near the spring source of the Krupa River, there’s a medieval Krupa Monastery. Don’t forget to check it out when you’re visiting the Krupa Canyon.
14. Nihi Sumba – Indonesia
Nihi Sumba has many gorgeous spots where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. But, our favorites are the two glorious waterfalls, the Lapopu and Matayangu. Don’t miss out on enjoying the breathtaking views of these waterfalls when you go to Nihi Sumba. You can also enjoy swimming and sunbathing near the waterfalls.
15. Abel Tasman National Park – New Zealand
It’s the smallest national park of New Zealand, but it still packs a punch. Abel Tasman is peppered with steep cliffs and golden sand beaches and there are plenty of options for exploring the national park -- by kayak, walking and boat. Normally, the coastal track can be hiked in four to five days. The low and high tide extremes are one of the most fascinating features of Abel Tasman. At low tide, the long beach can be crossed but when the tide is high, you’ll have to go all the way around which makes exploring the national park even more exciting.
16. Al-Azhar Park – Egypt
The beautiful Al-Azhar park is another one of the best picnic spots around the world. Nestled in the city center of Cairo, the park offers outstanding views of Cairo’s skyline, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Salah El-Din Citadel and other sites. It’s packed with tourists and local families in the summer so make sure to head to the park early to nab the best spot.
These are just a few spots from around the world that are perfect for picnic. In addition to these, there are many other locations where you can have your picnic. So, don’t hesitate to explore more options and pick the location that you find most suitable.
If you need help organizing a large family picnic or company picnic anywhere in San Francisco, contact the Bay Area Picnic Planners. Organizing a small picnic is easy and you can pack the lunch, take drinks in your picnic baskets and make other arrangements all on your own. However, organizing a big picnic with 100 or more guests isn’t an easy task. You’ll have to make arrangements for plenty of food and offer different entertainment options to satisfy the attendees. Therefore, we suggest you take help from us.
We are professional picnic planners and have the experience required to make your picnic fun and entertaining for everyone. We offer inflatable games and team building activates to keep guests of all ages entertained. Check out our all-inclusive picnic packages and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
