Find a beautiful place for a picnic in every single state. Here are the 50 best picnic spots in America!
Photo Credit: Gulf State Park-Alabama Facebook Page
Alabama
Gulf State Park
It’s hard to argue with the perfection of white sand beaches for a picnic spot.
Alaska
Symphony and Eagle Lake
Bring a picnic and spend an entire day exploring the park.
Arizona
Papago Park
Beat the heat with a sunrise breakfast picnic.
Arkansas
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Get a takeout picnic from a restaurant and hike Pinnacle Mountain for valley views.
California
La Jolla Cove
In California, head to the “most photographed spot in San Diego,” for the picnic of a lifetime.
Colorado
Garden of the Gods
It’s one of Colorado’s most spectacular views and less crowded than Rocky Mountain National Park.
Connecticut
Argia Mystic Cruise
Bring your picnic onto a 19th-century schooner for an authentic Connecticut experience.
Delaware
Bellevue State Park, Wilmington
If you fish, you won’t want to miss the stocked pond at this state park.
Florida
Founders Park Beach, Islamorada
The pirate ship playground is perfect for families with kids.
Georgia
Forsyth Park, Savannah
Explore over 30 acres in historic Savannah before sitting down for a picnic next to the iconic Forsyth Fountain.
Hawaii
Magic Island Lagoon
This man-made lagoon is the perfect place for families to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beach.
Idaho
City of Rocks National Reserve
You can birdwatch and hike in the Silent City of Rocks before enjoying a picnic with a view.
Illinois
Millennium Park
Grab a Chicago dog and head to the urban oasis in the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.
Indiana
Virginia B. Fairfield Art and Nature Park, Indianapolis
There are 100 acres to explore in Indianapolis’s heart–plenty of places for a picnic.
Iowa
Pikes Peak State Park
A 500-foot bluff overlooks the convergence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.
Kansas
Horsethief Canyon, Kanopolis State Park
Enjoy a day of hiking and horseback riding in the first state park in Kansas.
Kentucky
Dinosaur World, Cave City
A once-in-a-lifetime experience – picnicking while surrounded by life-size dinosaurs.
Louisiana
The End of the World
Grab take out from a neighborhood restaurant and sit among cypress trees at this makeshift park.
Maine
Acadia National Park
The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast is a must-visit for anyone in Maine.
Maryland
Sherwood Gardens, Baltimore
Pack a springtime picnic and head to this secret gem in Baltimore to take in the 80,000 tulips planted throughout the park.
Massachusetts
Halibut Point State Park
Set your picnic blanket on the rocks overlooking the Atlantic for a picnic – on a cloudless day, you can see Maine.
Michigan
Esrey Park, Eagle Harbor
Pack a dinner picnic and catch the Northern Lights at this Upper Peninsula park.
Minnesota
Burlington Bay Beach
Camp and picnic right on the charming shores of Lake Superior.
Mississippi
Cypress Swamp- Natchez Trace
Take a short 20-minute walk on the boardwalk over the swamp before unpacking your picnic basket near the parking area.
Missouri
Kauffman Legacy Park
Wander around this 2-acre park in Kansas City before finding a spot in the Memorial Garden for an outdoor meal.
Montana
Avalanche Creek Picnic Area
If there’s one thing western Montana has plenty of, it’s big skies and impressive views.
Nebraska
Ponca State Park
Make a picnic part of a weekend stay at this Missouri River bluffs state park.
Nevada
Sand Harbor State Park
Explore rock formations, go swimming, and try kayaking before enjoying a sunset picnic on the beach.
New Hampshire
Star Island, Isle of Shoals
Explore the early history of the United States with a day trip to Star Island.
New Mexico
White Sands National Park
Enjoy a picnic at one of America’s coolest national parks, or spend a few days camping.
New Jersey
Cape May Point State Park
Picnic on the shore of Cape May before heading into the resort town to explore the boardwalk.
New York
Central Park
Pack a lunch and spend the day exploring one of the most famous parks in the world.
North Carolina
Stone Mountain Park
Explore the wilderness surrounding a 600-foot granite dome before unpacking your picnic.
North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
There’s no better spot to experience the North Dakota countryside than one of the picnic pavilions in this national park.
Ohio
Ault Park Cincinnati
Spend an afternoon wandering around this park’s 200-acres with picnic spots overlooking the Little Miami River Valley.
Oklahoma
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
Picnic after you spend a day boating, fishing, and swimming at Lake Arbuckle in this lovely recreation area.
Oregon
Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
Wander around tidepools and birdwatch while you enjoy a picnic on the sand.
Pennsylvania
Big Pocono State Park
Visit this mountain range after stopping by one of the state’s Amish markets for snacks and handmade crafts.
Rhode Island
Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
Set up a picnic with classic New England shoreline views.
South Dakota
Bear Butte State Park
Take your picnic to the top of this geological feature near Sturgis and with spectacular views and rich history as a sacred site.
South Carolina
Congaree National Park
Rent a canoe in Columbia before taking your picnic onto Cedar Creek and explore this national park by water.
Tennessee
Shelby Farm Park
You’ll find many activities at this park–horseback riding, a dog beach, kayaking, and even a wandering herd of bison.
Texas
Barton Creek Greenbelt, Austin
Locals love this South Austin greenbelt, spend the day swimming and picnicking on the river’s shore.
Utah
Bridal Veil Falls
Take advantage of the grills next to the picnic tables before trekking up the short hike to see this natural waterfall in Provo Canyon.
Vermont
Trapp Family Lodge
See where the Von Trapp family found Austria in the United States and enjoy an outdoor lunch at the Slayton Pasture Cabin.
Virginia
Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Mount Jackson
Visit the longest covered bridge in Virginia and enjoy a picnic on the shores of the Shenandoah River.
Washington
Deception Pass State Park
Bring a meal with you as you enjoy the Pacific coastline splendor at this picnic spot.
Washington D.C
United States National Arboretum
Eat on the grassy slopes before wandering through almost 500 acres of cultivated plant beds.
West Virginia
Blackwater Falls State Park
Any of the falls and overlooks in this state park will make memorable picnic spots.
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Wisconsin
Siskiwit Bay, Cornucopia
Rent a boat in this idyllic lake town and experience Lake Superior from the safety of Siskiwit Bay.
Wyoming
Vedauwoo Picnic Site
Rock climbers can stop at the picnic site after exploring the granite outcropping nearby.
Featured Image Credit: Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash
