Rating San Francisco’s Urban Parks for Their Picnic Potential
It’s about time to enjoy San Francisco’s gorgeous late summer weather! What is the best way to enjoy the city’s warm weather and sunshine? A picnic!
But, where should you set up your picnic blanket, volleyball net, slam ball, and ice luge? (Just kidding about the last one)
Here is my trusted guide to SF’s best urban parks for weekend picnics.
I rate the parks based on a few different criteria that will impact your picnic experience with 5 being high (positive) and 1 being low (negative).
Dolores Park: Chill, Sunny, and Vibrant
Weather/Wind: 5/5. Dolores Park is warm and sunny!
Bathrooms: 5/5. There are two bathrooms total, one at the top and one at the bottom of the hill.
Flat Areas: 3/5. The lower lawn is flat, but often very busy.
Crowds: 2/5. It’s always bustling- you’ll be right next to any dogs, smoke, or music that your neighbors are enjoying.
People Watching/Vibe: 5/5. This park has unmatched people watching! (for reference, see “Coconut Guy” pictured below, a man who roams the park to provide fresh coconuts and rum for a reasonable fee)
Golden Gate Park: Lush, Variety of Experiences, Easier Parking
Weather/Wind: 2/5. Mornings here are beautiful, but the fog/chill rolls in during the afternoon.
Bathrooms: 3/5. There are scattered bathrooms throughout the park, but you might have to walk 5-10 minutes to reach one.
Flat Areas: 5/5. There are many areas perfect for large groups or volleyball. Reserve picnic areas ahead of time.
Crowds: 5/5. This park is gigantic! There is more than enough space for all, even on busy days.
People Watching/Vibe: 3/5. Bring your own party/excitement to this park.
Golden Gate Park is gigantic, so here are the best places to picnic within the park:
Conservatory of Flowers Lawn (has public bathrooms)
Ghirardelli Card Shelter (sheltered picnic tables)
Music Concourse (between the DeYoung and California Academy of Science)
Stowe Lake (picnic on a row boat!)
Lindley Meadow, Robin Williams Meadow (wide open spaces)
Marx Meadow (for a picnic before playing disc golf)
Spreckels Lake (pretty views of the RC boats, but beware of hungry birds)
The Panhandle: Urban Feel, Big Leafy Trees
Weather/Wind: 3/5. This park is mostly shaded by big, leafy trees and may be covered in fog once it passes through Golden Gate Park.
Bathrooms: 2/5. One facility is located at the center of the park.
Flat Areas: 3/5. Predominantly flat, great for dogs. Busy adjacent streets and frequent trees make it less than ideal for larger sports.
Crowds: 3/5. Pathways can get crowded, but more than enough room for picnics.
People Watching/Vibe: 1/5. This park has excellent potential, but it usually overlooked for San Franciso’s more popular parks.
Alta Plaza*: Sweeping Views, Bougie Homes
Weather/Wind: 2/5. Absolutely perfect on a rare occasion, otherwise fairly windy.
Bathrooms: 4/5. One facility for the park.
Flat Areas: 1/5. Most areas have a slight incline. Enter from the north to avoid stairs or steep slopes.
Crowds: 3/5. There is enough space to spread out, but even with far fewer people visiting than SF’s other parks, on busy days you’ll be close to others.
People Watching/Vibe: 2/5. Beautiful views, less exciting people watching.
*Lafayette Park has very similar ratings, but less impressive views in my opinion
Alamo Square: Iconic Scenery
Weather/Wind: 4/5. Farther east than some of the other parks, so you can enjoy nicer weather longer.
Bathrooms: 3/5. Centrally located bathroom.
Flat Areas: 3/5. The whole park is on an angled hilltop, but some picnic areas are adjacent to an open dog park which- although chaotic at times- is excellent for unexpected furry guests.
Crowds: 4/5. Not too busy- unless you’re trying to get a clear shot of The Painted Ladies.
People Watching/Vibe: 2/5. Iconic tourist views, but a chill local park overall.
Presidio Main Parade Lawn: A Very Nice Patch of Grass
Weather/Wind: 3/5. Most days it’s pretty breezy here! But on a warm, sunny day? Absolute perfection.
Bathrooms: 1/5. Mobile bathrooms at the edge of the park are typically open. The Visitor’s Center also has bathrooms during open hours.
Flat Areas: 5/5. Super flat and open.
Crowds: 2/5. Not usually busy.
People Watching/Vibe: 2/5. The surroundings are beautiful and you might even be able to glimpse the Golden Gate Bridge! Bring your own food unless it’s a Food Truck night.
Marina Green/Fort Mason: Where Marina Bros Catch Rays
Weather/Wind: 3/5. Protected by The Bay, but subject to any weather at the waterfront.
Bathrooms: 1/5. At the park edge.
Flat Areas: 4/5. Marina Green is a lot flatter than Fort Mason which has sloped areas.
Crowds: 2/5. There have been daytime DJ sets at this spot it gets so rowdy.
People Watching/Vibe: 4/5. It’s not my particular scene, but many, MANY people love this area for picnics.
Washington Park: Pizza & a Picnic
Weather/Wind: 5/5. On the warm side of the city!
Bathrooms: 3/5. Sneak into Original Joe’s for the cleanest bathroom option.
Flat Areas: 2/5. Mostly flat, but not a lot of room for anything other than a picnic.
Crowds: 3/5. Can get crowded for events like movie nights (pictured below)
People Watching/Vibe: 4/5. Excellent vibe and the neighborhood has so much to do! Get pizza at Tony’s, Golden Boy’s, or feast on pasta from Original Joe’s. All are within a quick walking radius.
