Los Angeles is a city known for prime weather year-round, meaning that it’s nearly always a great day or a picnic. This sprawling metropolis is home to numerous neighborhoods, all offering their own hidden treasures that are bursting with unique character.
Planning a picnic in the City of Angels? You have more than a few spots to choose from. Whether you’re located in Echo Park or Downtown Los Angeles, we’ve scoured the city to compile this list of the best picnic spots in LA for a delightful outdoor meal.
Best Picnic Spots in LA
1. Lake Balboa Park
🌼Address: 6300 Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Our first pick for one of the best picnic spots in LA is tucked away in the Valley. Head on over to Van Nuys to explore the iconic Lake Balboa Park. You’ll find numerous green spaces perfect for sprawling and enough distance between tables, trees, and activity areas to safely social distance. Walk along the water and marvel at the cherry blossom trees before finding a quiet space to enjoy your meal. Then, check out the tennis courts, paved trails, and dirt bike paths if you’re feeling up for some adventure.
2. The Old Zoo at Griffith Park
🌼Address: 4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Los Angeles, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s one of the largest urban parks in North America, spanning over 4,000 acres, and it’s home to botanical gardens, the famous Hollywood sign, and of course, the Griffith Observatory. However, if you’re planning a picnic in Griffith Park, we suggest visiting the Old Zoo. It’s an abandoned zoo from the early 1900s that’s now used as grounds for exploration (and they’ve even placed picnic tables inside old zoo enclosures).
3. Grand Park
🌼Address: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
For a historical look at Los Angeles, check out Grand Park; it’s the large green space located in front of the Los Angeles Civic Center downtown. This is an especially great place for a picnic in Los Angeles if you have kids as there are playgrounds to enjoy and a beautiful fountain that adds a refreshing wind of cool air on warmer days. If you’re planning a picnic, we suggest visiting Grand Central Market and sampling food from any one of the stalls there; order it to-go and enjoy it out on the grass at Grand Park.
4. Echo Park Lake
🌼Address: 1632 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Echo Park Lake is hailed as a family-friendly destination for play and relaxation. Framed by towering palm trees and a reflective lake, the park is a great spot where locals and visitors can take a paddleboat out onto the water or enjoy a quiet picnic under a swaying palm tree. We suggest packing a camera and some sunscreen to take photos of Los Angeles from out on the lake as you paddle an adorable little swan boat. After working up an appetite, you’ll be more than ready for a picnic on the grass.
5. Tongva Park
🌼Address: 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tongva Park is a true architectural delight. Located in Santa Monica just a short distance from the beach (which just so happens to be another top place for a picnic in Los Angeles), the park features unique structures and an impressive bridge that’s the perfect spot for a photo op with friends or family. Sit on the rocks in front of a mini waterfall or dine on a nearby bench as you enjoy people watching and a slight sea breeze.
6. Palisades Park
🌼Address: Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Marvel at sandstone bluffs, and the tranquil ocean sounds as you stroll down Ocean Avenue towards Palisades Park. Once you arrive, you’ll find numerous picnic tables, sculpture gardens, and the Beacon Overlook. Serving up stunning views of Santa Monica Bay, Palisades Park is an excellent place for a late afternoon picnic with a bit of wine; settle into a spot and prepare to watch the sunset before heading down to the pier for some nighttime fun.
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