Los Angeles knows how to do outdoor dining—think sandy toes at the beach, meadows overlooking the city, and gardens bursting with blooms. Whether you’re new in town or just looking for a fresh picnic spot, LA is packed with options for every type of traveler. We’ve scouted the sunniest, leafiest, and most relaxing places to spread out your blanket, all close to great sights, trails, and people-watching. Read on for our favorite LA picnic spots and why we love them.
Our favorite picnic spots in Los Angeles include:
- Griffith Park & Griffith Observatory
- Echo Park Lake
- The Getty Center Gardens
- Palisades Park, Santa Monica
- Grand Park, Downtown LA
- El Matador Beach
- Descanso Gardens
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Exposition Park Rose Garden
- Vista Hermosa Natural Park
Griffith Park & Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park rolls out nature trails, city views, and plenty of green space—everything you want for a proper LA picnic. Head for one of the shaded lawns near the Griffith Observatory, where you can nibble sandwiches with a front-row seat to Los Angeles’ sparkling skyline. There’s always something happening here, from impromptu yoga sessions to telescope stargazing as the sun sets. We love how close you are to hiking paths, so walking off those snacks feels basically mandatory.
After your feast, take a short stroll over to the Griffith Observatory for a dose of science and a killer view of the Hollywood Sign. Exhibits are engaging for all ages, and the building’s terraces offer the kind of photo ops you’ll want to send home. If you time your visit for late afternoon, the sunlight over the city is pure magic. Bring a sweater—LA evenings can surprise you.
Echo Park Lake
Could there be a prettier city backdrop than Echo Park Lake? Grab a shady spot under the palms, or get playful and rent a pedal boat for floating lunch. The scene buzzes with locals jogging, street vendors shelling out elote (Mexican street corn), and picnickers snapping selfies with the fountains and lotus flowers.
We recommend arriving early, when the water glints in the morning light and crowds are light. Bring takeout from one of the surrounding taco shops or a pastry from Valerie Echo Park, and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the water. There’s a playground, public art, and lots of ducks to keep kids entertained. When you’re done lounging, stroll the loop for a fresh view of Downtown’s skyline.
The Getty Center Gardens
Who says your picnic can’t come with a side of world-class art? The Getty Center’s Central Garden is a masterpiece—think trickling streams, flowerbeds, and a maze of towering hedges, all with sweeping views of LA and the mountains. Sprawl out on the grassy slopes (just outside the garden itself), snack on cheese and fruit, and soak up the classical-meets-California vibe.
Picnics inside the gardens are limited, so we suggest eating just before, then wandering the galleries or strolling the manicured pathways. The on-site café crafts delicious boxed lunches if you go spur-of-the-moment. Afterward, visit sunlit galleries packed with everything from Renaissance paintings to quirky sculptures. Pro tip: parking’s free late in the day, making sunset picnics extra tempting.
Palisades Park, Santa Monica
Palisades Park, Santa Monica
There’s magic in Palisades Park’s ribbon of lawn, perched atop the famous Santa Monica bluffs. Watch the sun slip into the Pacific, the Ferris wheel spinning on the pier, and palm trees lit by golden hour. Stretch out on the grass, unfold a blanket, and dig into poke bowls or sandwiches picked up nearby on Montana Avenue or 3rd Street.
This is the most refreshing way to rest after a beach trip—cool ocean breezes and endless blue horizon included for free. Early birds will love the gentle morning glow; sunset brings couples, poets, and sunset chasers looking to end their day in style. Don’t miss a stroll down Santa Monica Pier for dessert (churros, anyone?) after your picnic.
Grand Park, Downtown LA
Look for a vibrant, grassy heart in the center of the city—Grand Park brings it! Candy-pink benches, splashing fountains, and people from every corner of LA make this a top downtown hangout. It’s easy to grab salads or tacos from nearby vendors, then lounge on the low hills or set up near the interactive fountain—perfect for kids who want to splash their shoes off.
By day, the park buzzes with live music, art installations, and the rhythms of downtown life. By night, it’s a stellar spot to catch Civic Center’s lights flickering on. Grand Park also plays frequent host to food festivals and movie nights, so check the calendar before you go—sometimes, your low-key lunch turns into an all-out party.
El Matador Beach
Not just any beach, El Matador feels like a private cove with dramatic rock arches and secret nooks ideal for romantic picnics or solo escapes. Pack a cooler with sushi or fruit, carry your things down the cliff-side path, and plant yourself between boulders for undisturbed ocean-gazing.
Low tide makes it easy to explore caves and tide pools. The late afternoon brings dreamy light for photos, and even in summer, you’ll usually find a stretch of sand to call your own. Bring sturdy shoes (the trail’s steep) and watch for dolphins spinning offshore. This spot feels far from the city, but it’s an easy Malibu detour.
Descanso Gardens
Escape city traffic and step right into an oasis at Descanso Gardens. Sprawling lawns and shaded groves offer something for everyone—rose-lined pathways, camellia forest, and secret benches beside trickling streams. There’s ample space to spread out a picnic, especially if you snag a spot by the peaceful Japanese Garden or lilac paths.
Their on-site café and coffee cart make it easy to supplement your feast, but bringing in your own snacks is always welcome. Families love the children’s maze and whimsical sculptures peeking through the foliage. For a truly relaxing day, visit in spring or early summer when the blooms go wild and the air smells like honey.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park
For active types, Runyon Canyon offers the ultimate LA workout-and-picnic doubleheader. Bring a breakfast burrito or smoothie to the Whitney Portal entrance on Fuller Avenue, trek up the wide dirt trails, and reward yourself with sandwiches and iced coffee at a picnic table up top. Views sweep from the ocean to the Hollywood Sign to Downtown—the only thing that’ll distract you from your food.
Runyon’s dog-friendly paths attract lots of locals, so expect canine entertainment along with your meal. Early mornings are cool, while sunset brings a social crowd eager for fresh air and golden-hour selfies. This one’s not for low-effort picnics—it’s best for hikers, scenic snackers, and people-watchers.
Exposition Park Rose Garden
In the heart of LA, Exposition Park Rose Garden feels like a storybook scene—fountains, shady pergolas, and rows and rows of roses in full bloom much of the year. Settle on a bench under the flower arches or make yourself comfy on the grass with pastries and cold drinks. This garden is both tranquil and convenient, right next to the California Science Center and Natural History Museum.
The air here always smells amazing, and you’ll spot butterflies and bees zipping from blossom to blossom. If your picnic companions aren’t flower fans, dinosaur skeletons and giant space shuttles are just steps away—so everyone wins.
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
Vista Hermosa may be a bit hidden, but it’s a real gem. Located near Echo Park, this urban escape blends native landscaping with city views and gentle walking paths. The grassy lawn and picnic table “kiosks” offer quiet corners for groups or solo lunching, and kids love the little stream and woodland-inspired playground.
As you snack, gaze out at the Downtown skyline framed by wildflowers and cypress trees—pastoral and urban moods all rolled into one. It tends to feel mellow, attracting locals more than tourists. Bring in subs and cookies from Ggiata Delicatessen nearby and kick back with a book or a friend.
Whether you crave sand between your toes, sweeping city views, or chasing butterflies among roses, Los Angeles serves up a park or picnic lawn for every style. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a cozy blanket, and maybe a frisbee or two! With this picnic line-up, you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect spots to make memories, fuel up for exploring, and see LA’s friendly, laid-back side.
Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Food Markets in Los Angeles or Things to Do with Friends in Los Angeles
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