Favorite Picnic Spots in the U.S. and Europe

It’s summertime and the great weather makes our minds turn to outdoor activities.  Almost anything can be more fun with the freedom of being outdoors.   Getting out of the kitchen, or dining room, and into nature can be especially enjoyable.  If you happen to be near a beach, mountain range, or forest then it’s easy to find a fantastic picnic spot.  But this article is about some of our favorite big city picnic locations.  There is something special about being able to escape some of the hustle and bustle, but still take advantage of urban amenities.  We have nothing against doing our own cooking and schlepping it somewhere.  But, sometimes finding a spot of grass near an amazing bakery or cheese shop is nice too.  Below are some of our favorite picnic spots in large cities to eat outdoors and relax.

United States

New York City:  It goes without saying that Central Park is an amazing picnic spot.  It has so many scenery options from ponds, to open meadows, rock outcroppings, and skyline views.  You really can’t go wrong.  But, if you’re willing to head out of Manhattan try Brooklyn Bridge Park.  Just south of the bridge, it offers spectacular views of the Lower Manhattan skyline across the East River.  A bonus is that Brooklyn is filled with farmers’ markets, bakeries, and artisanal cheese and meat shops where you can stock up.  The park also has special events such as outdoor movie nights, exercise classes, and kayaking.

Chicago:  The city has an extensive and impressive park system.  For visitors the most enjoyable is Grant Park.  Located right next to downtown it offers views of both the skyline and lake, plus amazing sculpture and fountains.  The Grant Park Music Festival has such a reputation as being a picnic scene that they even have a contest for who sets up the best picnic.  A plus is that wine is allowed during festivals.  (Unfortunately, most US city parks ban alcohol under normal circumstances).  Another option for music fans is Ravinia, an easy train ride north of the city.  The Ravinia Festival is the oldest outdoor music festival in the States.  They offer classical, pop, blues and other performances throughout the summer.  They are also known for an elaborate picnic culture.  Patrons bring out china, silver, candelabras and champagne to set up under the trees and enjoy the shows.

San Diego:  This is our hometown, and we don’t always take advantage of it as much as we should.  But, a nice thing about San Diego is even if we put a picnic off this summer, we can still do it in February.  Balboa Park is the city’s crown jewel and a can’t miss for both visitors and locals.  But, much like New York, we recommend a slightly lesser known spot to spread out your blanket.  Kate Sessions Park is just north of the central city in Pacific Beach.  There is a level area for active pursuits, which you will avoid.  The sloped portion offers beautiful views over the bay and ocean continuing to downtown.  Although it can get busy, it is still a relaxing and enchanting way to spend a few hours in the sun.

Europe

Rome:  Leaving America we head to Rome for the delightful Borghese Gardens.  The Borghese Gardens are beautiful English style gardens with museums and decorative architectural follies scattered throughout.  Our favorite spot is by the lake with a view of the Temple of Aesculapius.  This being Rome, there are nearly endless deli, meat and cheese shops to choose from offering high quality treats.  Another bonus is that you can enjoy a bottle of Italian wine while you relax and take in the view (both natural and people watching).

Paris:  Of all the cities mentioned, Paris has an overabundance of shops selling every type of delicious food and wine.  You almost have to go out of your way to have a bad meal.  We like to keep it simple with some cheese and cured meat, a baguette, some fruit and maybe a pastry if we need an excuse to walk it off.  (A bottle of wine goes without saying).  We have two spots that we especially like to enjoy our meal.  The first is the Luxembourg Gardens.  The impressive park contains a palace, formal gardens, tree lined promenades, over 100 statues, and a large central pool.  The pool is our favorite spot because you can watch children, and several adults, sailing model boats across it.  We also enjoy picnicking along the Seine River in the heart of the city.  There may not be grass, but much of the Seine has walkways that are a lovely place to stroll and then enjoy a casual meal while sitting on the embankment.  The Pont des Arts bridge is a popular spot.  Most of the walkways and spots that people sit are below street level, close to the water.  You get a lovely view of the boats going by while historic architecture towers over the street above you.  (Rules for public consumption of alcohol can vary by neighborhood and time of day in Paris.  If you see others enjoying a drink, you should be safe if you’re not out of control.  If no one else is drinking, it’s best to do the same).

We haven’t even had time to leave the United States and Europe.  But, in the interest of brevity I’ll end it here.  Apologies to all the wonderful picnic spots in South America, Asia, Australia, and the rest of the World.  If you have a favorite spot you want to share with us, let us know about it.  We’d love to be able to pass it along to fellow travelers.  Of course if you’d like help in planning an amazing trip to any summer destination, for a picnic or otherwise, contact Purple Light Vacations.  We’re here to help you make the most of your valuable vacation time.

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