Our Favorite Outdoor Spaces For Picnicking in Paradise

Happy Earth Day! From South Bay to North County, beyond El Cajon, spanning from border to border and east to west, San Diego’s wide-open spaces, waterfront views, and beautiful parks serve as ideal venues for hosting events, picnics, and more. Celebrate Earth Day with us by exploring some of our favorite outdoor spaces for picnicking in paradise below!

Mission Bay Park

If you want gorgeous waterfront views for your next picnic, you can’t go wrong with the picturesque Mission Bay! Easily accessible due to its central location, Mission Bay boasts equal parts water and land and spans over 4,600 acres. From Hospitality Point to De Anza Cove, each destination within Mission Bay Park is like a park unto itself.

Felicita Park

Nestled in the valley of southwest Escondido and set amid some of SoCal’s largest and most beautiful ancient oaks, Felicita County Park offers a tranquil escape for your next picnic. It features 2.5 miles of multi-use non-motorized trails, seven reservable picnic areas, two playgrounds, a small park museum and restrooms.

NTC Park

Get that “so San Diego” feel with views of the San Diego Bay at NTC Park at Liberty Station. This waterfront park runs parallel to a boat channel at the north end of San Diego Bay, offering cool bay breezes and beautiful views.

San Dieguito Park

Whether you’re looking for something coastal or more inland, North County has a huge variety of terrific options, one of our favorites being San Dieguito Park. Located just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean in Del Mar, San Dieguito County Park has suspension bridges and lookout points, a butterfly garden, and vast open space for picnics and more!

Rohr Park 

Located in South Bay, Rohr Park offers ample parkland and stunning scenery with and features the historic Rohr Manor Building, picnic areas, gazebos, and imaginative play spaces with a model railroad truck – making it a great outdoor picnic spot for Chula Vista and its neighboring community.