Editor’s note: Before you go, call ahead to check on the status of any place you plan to visit. You should also consult the CDC’s latest travel recommendations at AAA.com/cdc.
members' favorites
James Bueti
Editor's pick (above): Just south of Pacifica, Calif., Montara State Beach is a wonderful place to tuck into a portable feast. This dog-friendly beach, bounded by bluffs, has a reputation for cleanliness and soft sand. At low tide, visitors can explore the tide pools too.
“My favorite local spot to picnic is Heart’s Desire Beach in Tomales Bay State Park near Inverness, Calif. The trip there is a gorgeous backcountry drive, with oysters right out of Tomales Bay available on the way. The beach is small and peaceful with hiking trails leading to other secluded beaches.” —Chris Sheron
“My favorite spot to picnic is Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, Calif. It has so many lovely, green picnic areas, meandering trails, and lakeside views. Plus it’s pet friendly and easily accessible.” —Nancy Tromblee
“The river bottoms area in Spanish Fork, Utah, is a great place to picnic any time of year. The nearby meadows and Wasatch Range are beyond spectacular when combined with the sounds and even smells of a babbling river.” —Robin Nelson
“After visiting the rescued sea lions, seals, and other animals at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif., we enjoy a picnic at the benches overlooking the ocean and Rodeo Beach. Sunny, refreshing coastal views and ocean air—it’s a perfect spot.” —Angela Fong
“The Hidden Forest Nursery in Sebastopol, Calif., is a forested wonderland with thousands of plants, some found in few other locales. Walking trails take you to a little pond with picnic tables under an incredible canopy of foliage.” —Mary Munat
“Our family loves escaping the San Francisco Bay Area with just an hour’s drive south to spend a day at Mt. Madonna County Park near Watsonville. We picnic, throw horseshoes, and view the coast from the easy hiking trails—and still have time to drive home for dinner.” —Mike Ritchie
“Having gone on at least 55 picnics since last March, it is difficult to pick a favorite one, but Andrew Firebaugh Historical Park on the San Joaquin River is beautiful, with green trees and bushes growing on the banks of the river and magnificent views of agricultural land. Near the park grounds are the Firebaugh Historical Jail, completed around 1885, and the ruins of the Firebaugh Drawbridge, built in 1885.” —Jan Giacolini
Next Question
What is your favorite local farmers’ market, and why?
Email us at otr@viamagazine.com. You may be quoted in a future issue.