San Diego Picnic Planner

3243 Camino de los Coches Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (map)

Henry's the perfect stop for organic fruits and veggies (many of which are locally sourced) as well as bulk-bin items like almonds, sunflower seeds or yogurt-covered pretzels.

627 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Get all your cheeses and main-course deli meats at this downtown gourmet shop.

Lincoln St at Cleveland, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

If Sunday is your picnic day of choice, then Hillcrest's farmers' market should be your first stop of the day. Everything from strawberries and tomatoes (in the summer) to baguettes and hummus dip is organic, and yu can pick up handy, reusable canvas bags for easy transport out to the beach or the park.

4765 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107 (map)

It's San Diego's only community-owned, co-op grocery store, and it's full of organic produce, dry goods, glueten-free items and more--perfect for vegan or veggie-loving picnic people.

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

At the tip of Point Loma, this 160-acre parcel of the National Park System commemorates explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and preserves the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Set up your blanket or take a seat at one of many view benches for expansive vistas out to San Diego Bay (or watch for gray whales migrating by to the Wes from Januray through March).Kids will also love exploring the tide pools and visiting the museum, which features exhibits on the coast artillery, Juan Cabrillo's exploration and the ecosystem of the area.

9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071 (map)

Santee Lakes is a great option for families looking for plenty of space to lay out a picnic spread. Stake out your spot, set up the coolers and folding chairs, and fire up the grill at one of dozens of different picnic areas throughout the park. Try your hand at fishing (buy a license from the bait shop) in one of the lakes or just strill along one of the many pathways. But beware of scorching temps in the summer: Santee Lakes gets well into the 90-degree range in the height of summer.

1650 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Lay your picnic spread on one of the perfectly manicued lawns in front of Balboa Park's Botanical Gardens for a garden-inspired lunch. The living museum features seasonal exhibits, streams, planted pathways and the famous, sprawling lily ponds out front where kids (of all ages) can get up close and personal with huge lilypads and koi fish.

First at B St, Coronado, CA 92128 (map)

The Coronado farmer's market is set up weekly at the ferry landing--a perfect picnic destination, with bike paths, an intimate beachfront (below the ferry docks), and winding parkland that runs along the waterfront with perfect views of the San Diego skyline. Or, if you're up a bit of a walk, head to the park just a few blocks south on Orange Avenue with a huge gazebo perfect for picnics.

111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

So you're not a beach person, and you're going to trek out to East County's lakes and campgrounds just for lunch ... but you'd still like a place to picnic this summer? Embarcadero Marina Park is your spot. It's an urban park with sprawling lawns, picnic tables and a paved bike path that winds along the marina. Perfect for the downtown dweller looking for a little green space.

1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

We love Mission Bay Park for a beach picnic because it offers the best of both worlds: Sand and grass. Kids can build sandcastles down by the water or hop into kayaks for a cruise out to Fiesta Island, while paddle ball players and grill masters can hang back up on the grassy park area. Throw in dozens of picnic tables, BBQs and a playground for the kids, and you're got a near-perfect picnic spot.

5469 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, CA 92019 (map)

Syacuan is like an indoor wonderland with restaurants, casinos and live shows running at all hours of the day and night.

5000 Willows Rd, Alpine, CA 91901 (map)

With miles of outlet shopping, dozens of restaurants, live entertainment, and all the gambling options in the casino, Viejas is the perfect place to blow an entire day should your picnic plans not work out.