Best Mother’s Day Picnic Spots in the Bay Area

It’s time once again to celebrate a very special woman in your life. That gal who makes you chicken soup when you’re sick and kisses your boo-boos all better. Yes, it’s a lady we all know and love: Mom. Whether she’s the mother of your children or your fur children, this year celebrate her with a Mother’s Day picnic at locales around the Bay Area.

While impromptu picnics are always fun, sometimes a little forward thought and planning makes for an even better time—especially when there’s a familial hoard to worry about. So, we’ve put together some of our top tips and tricks to make your Mother’s Day picnic seamless … well, as seamless as we can anyways.

Before you head to the best picnic spots in the bay area we suggest you pick up some snacks and other essentials 🙂

Where to buy:

• Bi-Rite Market: Pop into any of the Bi-Rite markets in the city to pick up lunch fixin’s, grab a made-to-order sammie and salad inside the store, or stop by the Bi-Rite Cafe at Civic Center Plaza for an “easy button” option.
• Lunardi’s Market: With locations across the South and East Bay area this local chain has got you covered. Not only is there a deli counter where you can eat your weight in pasta salad, but some spots serve up fresh sushi as well.
• Piazza’s Fine Foods: The locally-owned and -operated food stores in Palo Alto and San Mateo take quality very seriously. (They even have an in-house sausage maker!) Pick up a sandwich, load up a hot plate, or get a carnitas burrito all in one place.
• Freddie’s Sandwiches: This classic North Beach deli is a gem. Create your own sandwich, or choose one from the extensive menu. You can order ahead so those glorious meals are ready for you to grab and go. Just don’t forget the chips.

What to pack:

• Sunscreen: Nothing puts a damper on a good time like a classic sunburn, so lather up and reapply accordingly. And if it’s an overcast day, throw on some ’screen anyway, because anyone who’s lived in the Bay Area long enough knows, that sun could peep out at any moment.
• Water: A little H20 never hurt anyone, and it’s especially important to stay hydrated (whether you’re thirsty or not) when you’re running around outside having fun.
• Hand Sanitizer: You know why…
• Games: An absolute must for anyone with kiddos. Grab a frisbee, football, or paddle ball to keep those munchkins entertained.
• Compostable tableware: Let’s be real. Mother Earth is the OG mama, so treat her nice on Mother’s Day too by using compostable plates and silverware.

Keep it cool:

• Ice pack it up: Wrap a paper towel around a frozen water bottle to…
• Warm is bad: If food, particularly meats and cheeses, has been out of the fridge for 4 hours, you should probably toss it. Try and keep food temps hit below the 40°F mark whenever possible.

Best Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- San Francisco 

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time for some fun and adventure. Check out our favorite picnic spots in the Bay Area.

Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- San Francisco #2

Golden Gate Park

Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (don’t worry, Google knows where it is)

OK, so you’ve probably been to Golden Gate Park before, but the 1,017 acre open space has so much to offer that we would be remiss not to include it on this best Bay Area picnic spot list. This park has every type of mom covered. For the arts and culture lover hit up the de Young Museum and the Japanese Tea Garden. (Fun fact: The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest one in the United States.) For moms who like a bit of scientific discovery, absolutely check out the California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, or San Francisco Botanical Garden. And for those mamas looking for something a little more active, consider renting a boat for a paddle around Stow Lake (plus, there’s a snack bar in case you can’t wait for your picnic). But if a nice grassy knoll is calling your name the Marx Meadow is a prime picnicking locale with space for sunny lounging and a pick-up game of soccer or two. For more information visit sfrecpark.org.

Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- San Francisco #4

Baker Beach

Where: California Coastal Trail, San Francisco

For a super Instagram-worthy Mother’s Day (hey, no judgement…we all do it for the ’gram sometimes) the best spot to picnic on the sand is obviously at Baker Beach. Not only is this stretch of beach picture perfect (you get an up-close-and-personal experience of the lovely Golden Gate, and a great shot of the Marin Headlands and Lands End in the distance), but it’s super family- and dog-friendly, too. If you don’t like the occasional grain of sand in your chicken salad there are also picnic tables and grills nearby. All picnic spots are on first come, first served basis, and be prepared for crowds and parking congestion on sunny weekends. Because of large waves and rip currents this is a strict “no swimming” beach, but there’s nothing wrong with a little sunbathing or beach play. And just a little FYI, this is a popular nude beach. If you’re into that sort of thing, rock on. Just be advised that clothing-optional sunbathers camp out towards the end of the beach closest to the bridge. For more information visit  parksconservancy.org.

Best Picnic Spots in Bay Area- North Bay

Photo Courtesy of Brian W on Yelp

Best Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- South Bay

Photo Courtesy of John D on Yelp

Best Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- South Bay #2

Sanborn County Park

Where: 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga

To escape from the extremely teched-out South Bay Area, you can pretty much pick anywhere in Saratoga and feel a little more secluded and immersed in nature. Sanborn County Park is a great place to hang out or go for a redwood-shaded hike. The park is tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains and sprawls across almost 3,500 acres. If you are going on a hike make sure to pack plenty of water and some light snacks before heading back to the car for a proper lunch. Feel free to camp out on the lawn or at any of the picnic tables. FYI, there is a $10 entrance fee so bring cash. For more information visit sccgov.org.

Best Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- East Bay

Photo Courtesy of Nette Kjendlie

Best Picnic Spots in the Bay Area- East Bay #2

Redwood Regional Park

Where: 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland

Don’t get us wrong, Muir Woods just might be one of the most magical places in the area, but for a Mother’s Day away from the crowds explore Redwood Regional Park. Just a few miles from Downtown Oakland, this redwood forest is hidden in plain site. Enjoy a sip of water or light snack under the shade of the 150-foot coastal redwoods. The park has several staging areas, including the Redwood Main Entrance, Canyon Meadow, and Skyline Gate, as well as reservable picnic areas in secluded glades or open grasslands. There is a small parking fee of $5 per vehicle at the Redwood Main Gate, but that’s a small price to pay for a bit of peace and quiet on Mother’s Day. For more information visit ebpark.org.

Love Stretchy Pants?

If you’re digging what we’re dishing up, you might like any number of our culinary experiences. For more SF food tips and tricks check out the Stretchy Pants Food Walks. We also offer cooking classes and custom events for your next office or holiday party.

—Lauren Bonney

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