What better way to take advantage of San Diego’s perfect weather than with a picnic? There’s nothing like trying new foods and basking in the sun with friends in one of San Diego’s beautiful parks to have a socially distant gathering. Read on for a list of some of the best picnic spots in San Diego and some close places to grab a bite near each one!
Golden Hill Park, Golden Hill
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I may be a bit biased because I lived steps away from Golden Hill Park, but this charming little loop is one of my favorite spots to spread out and have a bite to eat. Because it runs in a circle, you can face West for sunsets over downtown. There are paths that lead to and from it if you want to explore the nearby canyons too.
For food options, Pizzeria Luigi takes the cake. Big New York-style slices can be found only five minutes away from the park. Some of my favorites are their buffalo chicken and their slice featuring potato – the Sports Bar. Loaded with all of the classic baked potato toppings, this slice has tons of cheese, slices of potato, green onion, bacon, and a drizzle of sour cream on top. Their crust is thin and crispy, but never burnt.
While there are plenty of options for pizza in San Diego, only a few stand out like Pizzeria Luigi. If you are lucky enough, you may see one of the many local groups meeting up at Golden Hill Park. Lowriders, neon bicycles, and more all tend to congregate at this great little park and give it so much charm.
Bird Park, North Park
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My food recommendation is Pete’s Seafood, off 30th street. A little bit more expensive than some, Pete’s manages to deliver great value. From shrimp Po Boys to chicken parm, there is really no place to go wrong here. Huge sides of onion rings, fries, and even fried pickles all make perfect dishes to share while you bask in the San Diego sun.
Pete’s Seafood says their goal is to bring “the best flavors of New England with a sunny San Diego view”, and having worked at a clam shack in New Hampshire myself, I can say that they hit the mark. Their onion rings really stand out to me, as they are not the thick, battered hunks of onion that many are used to. These are flaky, thin cut, and absolutely delicious.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a sandwich and some food from Pete’s and watch the sunset behind the beautiful San Diego skyline at Bird Park.
Kate Sessions Park, North PB
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Probably one of the most well-known parks in San Diego, and (in my humble opinion), the one with the best view, Kate Sessions park offers sweeping panoramas of downtown, Mission Bay, and most importantly, the sunset. Perched high up on Soledad road, this park is popular with everyone.
While there are not too many places to eat within walking distance, there are a number of options that are within a five-minute drive. Los Dos Pedros stands out to me as the natural choice for a relaxing picnic in Kate Sessions Park. When you think of divey Mexican food in San Diego, places like Los Dos Pedros come to mind.
A cash-only taco spot, their seating arrangements may lack panache, but their food hits the spot. Best eaten to go, my vote here is the classic fish taco. Breaded and fried, their crispy fish has flavors of cornflour both from the batter and tortilla itself. Loaded up with cabbage and avocado (at no extra charge!), these are best drizzled (or doused) with red salsa. Be sure to bring cash, because they don’t take card!
On Sunday, they do one-dollar fish tacos, and as far as I know, these are the biggest tacos in San Diego you will find for only a dollar. While most trendy spots are offering tacos at up to six or more dollars per taco, Los Dos Pedros stays true to its roots and churns out quality food at affordable prices. Pick up a handful of tacos to share with friends and head up to Kate Sessions for what promises to be a glorious sunset at one of the best San Diego picnic spots.
Calumet Park, Bird Rock
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Sometimes we need a break in the middle of the day to get away from work and just unwind. If you like a calm atmosphere with a cool sea breeze, then Calumet Park is the spot for you. Located right in between La Jolla and Pacific Beach, this small oasis is high up on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. It is common to see exercise or yoga groups here, but the benches are usually free and there is plenty of room for everyone. With benches facing the ocean and a grassy field nearby, this is truly one of the best picnic spots in San Diego.
What better to go with a relaxing picnic over the beach than some delicious pastries and sandwiches! A few steps away lies Wayfarer Bread and Pastry, home of the best croissant in San Diego. A true croissant needs to be both buttery and flaky – there are not many places in the U.S. I have been to that make a perfect French croissant, but Wayfarer is hands down one of the best.
They have original butter croissants, pan au chocolate, and fun flavors such as jalapeno with fontina cheese. If you’re looking for quality baked goods, look no further. They also have fresh sandwiches with their homemade bread, offering one meat option and one vegetarian. The only downside I can think of is that their hours are not standard. They close early and aren’t open Monday, so be sure to double-check before you go!
Santa Cruz Cliffs, Ocean Beach
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Less of a park and more of a hidden gem of a beach, the cliffs off of Santa Cruz Ave in Ocean Beach are a perfect spot for a beach picnic in San Diego. The problem with most beach picnics is that sand gets everywhere, flies are all around, and the ocean spray coats the food. Luckily, the cliffs provide protection from the sand and the flies, while providing easy access to the beach. Have a bite to eat on the cliffs and then head to the water to relax in comfort.
The cliffs at Santa Cruz are spacious, two steps from the sand, and are picturesque to boot. I can’t talk about food in OB without mentioning the best wings in San Diego – the ones from OB Noodle House. A quick drive from this spot, their second location serves up pho, noodles, and apps to-go.
The wings are garlicky, crispy, and absolutely delicious. An order has a dozen, which is the perfect amount to share with friends. While listed as spicy, they don’t have much kick, but they pack a ton of flavor in each bite. Coming with a side of ranch if you choose to dip, these are the ultimate snack for a beach day. If you decide to order more, then I can highly recommend their beef short ribs and sizzling fish.
Presidio Park, Mission Hills
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A great little park that overlooks both Old Town and downtown San Diego, Presidio Park is one of the best places to have a picnic in San Diego. While it is not huge, it does have lots of little spots to walk around and explore, including Fort Stockton, the former home of the Mormon Battalion. At the top of the park is a beautiful trellis held up by white columns. Picnic tables are scattered throughout, but you can always bring a blanket and spread out on the grass.
While there aren’t too many food options within walking distance, Bahn Thai in Hillcrest is less than 10 minutes away and is a stellar choice. Thai food may not seem like the most typical picnic food, but you really can’t go wrong with comforting curries and amazing apps like spring rolls and skewers.
Everything on their menu that I have tried has been a winner, but my favorite is their roasted duck Massaman Curry. If you want spicy food, be sure to turn up the heat, but be warned: it does get really hot. This is the perfect place to get food for a family-style meal and mix and match to your heart’s desire. What better than laying out in a beautiful park with a blanket full of some of the best Thai food in San Diego?
What do you think? Where is the best picnic spot in San Diego in your eyes? Leave a comment below and share your own!
