San Diego Picnic: 5 Perfect Spots Where Locals Actually Go

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It's picnic season and I love to spend a sunny afternoon on a blanket with snacks. What are your San Diego picnic go-to's? Could be something related to food, drinks, or supplies…your choice!

Honestly, San Diego makes outdoor eating pretty easy. The weather's usually good, there are tons of parks and beaches, and you can find decent takeout almost anywhere. The tricky part is picking where to actually set up – some spots look great but have no parking, others are beautiful but windy, and don't get me started on places where you spend more time shooing away seagulls than eating.

I've tried enough San Diego picnic spots to know which ones actually work. Here are the ones I keep going back to.

Kate Sessions Park

Head to Kate Sessions Park for good views of the city skyline. This 79-acre park sits on Mount Soledad and locals use it a lot. Once you see the setup, you'll get why.

The grassy slope has views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay, and downtown. There's parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains, but not many picnic tables, so bring a blanket. You can find shade under the trees. Evening visits work well for sunset, and dogs are fine on leash.

Your hiking snacks taste even better when you've got panoramic views of the entire city spread out below you.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs works well for evening picnics along the coastline. This spot in Ocean Beach has views of waves crashing against rocks below.

Even on warm days, there's usually a sea breeze, so bring a jacket or extra blanket. The cliffs can be dangerous, so stay back from the edges. I get there about an hour before sunset to find parking and a decent spot.

If you're combining your San Diego picnic with some light hiking, check out these San Diego hiking trails for a full day outdoors.

Liberty Station

From green spaces lined with trees to seating areas by unique murals, Liberty Station offers diverse picnic setting options. This former Naval training center in the Point Loma neighborhood is an ideal spot for an outdoor getaway.

The best part? There are just as many restaurants as picnic spaces to choose from. Liberty Public Market offers handcrafted pasta, Argentinian empanadas, craft popcorn, lobster rolls and everything in between. You can pick up fresh food and eat it right there in the park, or bring your own spread.

After a delicious meal, families and couples can enjoy a walk along the waterfront or a paddle board session on the San Diego Bay.

Balboa Park

The great thing about Balboa Park is that it's possible to plan multiple visits throughout the year and picnic amid different scenery each time. This massive urban park has countless spots to spread out a blanket, from the main grassy areas to quieter corners near the museums.

My favorite place to picnic here is right in front of the botanical building on the grass looking at the big pond with the ducks. There are so many great picnic spots in Balboa Park! There are usually lots of happy couples and families enjoying the space.

The park can get busy on weekends, but that just adds to the lively atmosphere. Plus, if you need a break from the sun, there are plenty of museums and attractions nearby.

Waterfront Park

For an urban San Diego picnic experience, Waterfront Park along downtown San Diego's Embarcadero offers 12 acres of open grassy spots, shaded sitting areas, gardens, and a children's play zone. The park's centerpiece is the 830-foot-long interactive fountain that doubles as a splash area for kids and adults.

If city is more your vibe than you can have a nice picnic on the waterfront surrounded by downtown SD with a view of the bay. The location makes it easy to grab takeout from nearby restaurants, and you can also walk around before or after you are done and explore downtown.

Making Your San Diego Picnic Work

Weather in San Diego is usually fine, but mornings can be misty and evenings get cool. According to the National Park Service, proper food storage and preparation are essential for safe outdoor dining, especially in coastal areas where temperatures can vary.

Pack everything in a decent bag – the 28L waterproof backpack works well for carrying your stuff while keeping your hands free.

Most of these spots have enough room to spread out. Coronado beach is probably your best bet if you want lots of space, but honestly, all of these places work as long as you're not picky about the exact spot.