Planning the Perfect Picnic in San Diego

There is no better way to enjoy a sunny day in Southern California and experience the great outdoors than a San Diego picnic at one of the amazing spots in our West Coast paradise. Fortunately, our guests of the Pacific Terrace Hotel don’t have to go far to find the ideal place to spread a picnic blanket and relax with a basket full of goodies — some of them are in our backyard!

Speaking of goodies, if you would like to plan a luxury picnic for that special someone or special occasion, our friends at Hidden Picnics can help. This local company specializes in creating unique picnic experiences with fine details to celebrate your special moments. The creative team at Hidden Picnics will help you plan a stress-free, luxury picnic experience that is beautifully prepared for an elegant event at one of these charming local spots.

picnic setup overlooking coast

(Photo: @hiddenpicnics)

Pacific Beach (steps away from our hotel!) 

Looking for the ultimate beach picnic spot? Well, lucky you if you’re staying at our hotel, because you’ve got the sandy shores of Pacific Beach right at your doorstep! Simply stroll down towards the boardwalk, take the stairs down to the ocean, and you’ve got the perfect spot for a San Diego beach picnic – no commute required! Grab some snacks from our Terrace Cafe, or local neighborhood favorites like Board & Brew, Baked Bear, or The Taco Stand and you’re good to go. Whether you’re an early bird craving a breakfast picnic with a side of sunrise or you prefer to wine and dine as the sun sets, this is the place to be.

Group of people eating sandwiches on beach

(Photo: @boardandbrew)

Palisades Park  (¼ mile)

Located in Pacific Beach, picnic goers will enjoy spending time at nearby Palisades Park while in San Diego. Just a short stroll from your room at the Pacific Terrace Hotel, this local park offers a wonderful grassy spot to spread your picnic blanket and soak up the warm Southern California sunshine. Guests enjoy serene views of the ocean and if your timing is right, you can watch the sunset while you dine seaside.

(Video: @berabergg)

Kate Sessions Park (2.0 miles)

This nearby Pacific Beach park offers the most wonderful views of San Diego and is a great place for a picnic due to its variety of onsite amenities. Perfectly situated on 79-acres, this dog-friendly park overlooks the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay, and the San Diego skyline. There are two playgrounds for the kids as well as picnic tables to use at Kate Sessions Park, but they fill up fast, so grab your blanket and find a cozy spot in the shade. Pack a lunch or fire up one of the available barbeque grills for a fun day at this San Diego park.

Girl having picnic on Hill
(Photo: @meganhealytv)

Mission Beach (2.3 miles)

 If you’re looking for a picnic place in San Diego with lots of things to see and do, Mission Beach is the way to go. In fact, you can choose from 17 different eating establishments at nearby Belmont Park when you plan to have your picnic near this 100-year-old Mission Beach landmark. Grab a bite to eat at your picnic by the shore, relax for a while, then let the fun begin with everything from a roller coaster and ziplining to laser tag and mini golf. Plus, when you book our Fun in the Sun package, you’ll receive two free tickets to ride the iconic and newly updated Giant Dipper coaster! Belmont Park and Mission Beach is a great place to picnic and play!

Tacos

(Photo: @beachhousesd)

Mission Bay Park (2.3 miles)

Another park close to our very own Pacific Terrace Hotel that made the list of the best places to picnic in San Diego is Mission Bay Park. Not only is it the largest aquatic park of its kind in the U.S., but it is such a unique place to plan your picnic. The 4,235-acre park offers visitors 27 miles of shoreline – perfect for picnicking. Work up an appetite by windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, or boating, then find a shady spot near the bay for the best picnic in San Diego.

Picnic on the coast

(Photo: @leyinavi)

Perfect Picnics Begin at the Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego

From our outstanding waterfront location to one of the countless amenity-filled parks, the perfect picnic spot is just around the corner from the Pacific Terrace Hotel. Whether you want a fun dinner activity for the family or a romantic proposal picnic for that special someone, our San Diego beachfront hotel offers the best locales within a short walk or drive. Stay and play at the Pacific Terrace Hotel this spring and summer!

charcutterie board overlooking ocean view