Turn off those iPads and pack up the picnic basket for some delicious outdoor fun. We’ve scoured the web to uncover incredible al fresco dining spots near Taylor Morrison communities so grab the whole family and get a move on!
All you need is a little sun, plenty of shade, your favorite snacks and a positive attitude.
Red Rock Escapades in Phoenix
Papago is one of the most gorgeous parks in the entire valley, offering unique picnic experiences only available in the Arizona desert. Once you’ve downed your sandwiches and shared an ice cold drink, throw on your walking shoes to check out Hunt’s Tomb and Hole in the Rock, two unbelievable sandstone rock formations.
Climb to the top of the hill for gorgeous skyline views of Tempe and Phoenix.
Bay Area: Picnicking in the Shadow of the Redwoods
You don’t need to drive all the way to Northern California to experience the beauty and majesty of the west coast’s most famous tree. Redwood Regional Park is only a few miles from downtown Oakland and easily accessible from our East Bay communities. The park is a fantastic destination for spotting wildlife near the city and big groups can pre-book the larger picnic sites.
In the South Bay look no further than San Francisco’s own Stern Grove. Guide your family through a brisk nature walk before resting to snack under the eucalyptus trees.
Picnic Paradise in Sacramento
If you’re not already familiar with Paradise Beach you’ll want to discover this somewhat “hidden” gem. It’s the closest thing to a beach in Sacramento.
You’ll find the entrance on Carlson or Sandburg drive just over the levee from Glen Hall Park. There’s no official address but on sunny days you’ll spot area fishermen or swimming families at the oxbow bend in the Sacramento River.
Warm Southern California Sun Makes Fall Perfect for Picnics
In LA, folks do things to the beat of a different drum. So why would picnicking be any different? To add a dash of culture to your afternoon in the grass, head to Barnsdall Art Park at 4800 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Feliz/East Hollywood.
And in Orange County you don’t even need to pack lunch to haul the family along on a picnic rendezvous. Knott’s Marketplace provides outdoor tables and all the famous fixings from inside the park at a fraction of the price! So head down to 8039 Beach Boulevard at Buena Park and order a delicious bucket of Chicken-to-Go.
San Diegans understand that eating outside means dipping your toes in the sand at the end of your meal. But where’s the best beach if you’re looking for tables and a proper picnic setup?
The answer is simple: Moonlight Beach. This state park got its name in the early nineties as it was a popular locale for midnight picnics under the full moon.
Watching the Sun Set in Denver
When you live in the Rockies finding an amazing picnic spot is as easy as finding a neighbor who likes the Denver Broncos. But that doesn’t mean all parks are created equal.
Daniel’s Park near Littleton is home to the area’s most beautiful sunset view of the front range, fantastic day hikes, interesting rock formations and even bison.
Florida was Made for Picnickers
Not far from Fort Myers / Naples you’ll find one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the world – if that’s not an advertisement for picnic heaven I don’t know what is. Delnor-Wiggins Pass Park offers everything you imagine from a day in the Florida sun. Snorkeling, fishing, swimming and a leisurely stroll to collect seashells.
In Orlando, Dr. P Phillip’s Community Park is ideal for families with young children. While dad mans the grill the little ones can cool off at the splash pad!
Sarasota residents will have a hard time narrowing down their extensive choices. With so many awesome picnic destinations to run with, we’ll just go ahead and link you to the top 10.
And in Tampa? Copeland Park offers the perfect blend of natural surroundings and modern amenities. The fitness trail winds through forests and wetlands but the center of the park features a community center, public pool and tables & grills.
Add a Museum to Your Picnic in Atlanta
You may not think of the Millennium Gate Museum as a top-notch picnic destination but after a visit you’ll soon change your tune.
The greeneries surrounding the gate offer incredible lake and fountain views so grab your blanket and head to one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks.
View the Planets & Chicago
The front lawn of the Adler Planetarium offers a phenomenal view of the city and believe it or not, the museum actually encourages guests to tote along their coolers for lunch in the grass.
Of course the kids will surely want to sneak inside for at least an hour or two for an interstellar adventure.
Botanical North Carolina
It’s worth the drive from Charlotte to Chapel Hill for a stunning picnic adventure at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. Your kids can learn a ton about the local flora and entrance to the park won’t cost you a dime!
In Raleigh, Nash Square Park is one of the few historical spaces downtown where you can spread out your goodies and enjoy an afternoon meal in the shade. There’s plenty of parking and 4 whopping acres of outdoor beauty.
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Cherry Park at 1466 Cherry Road is mostly known for hosting the region’s top softball tournaments – but with 68 incredible acres of natural space to roam you’ll find plenty of walking trails and peaceful scenery for a day at the park.
Both indoor and outdoor shelters are available for larger groups of up to 50 people.
Picnicking Deep in the Heart of Texas
Climb the rocks or go for a dip in the pool at Zilker Park in Austin. The park has been a family favorite for years because there are so many different spots and fun activities to choose from.
Did you know that the Hermann Park Zoo in Houston offers free admission the first Tuesday of every month from 2 p.m. until closing? Did you also know that they allow coolers and outside food to be packed into the park?
Sounds like you’ve got plans for next Tuesday.
