FRIDAY FIVE
San Francisco is the City of Picnics. When we picnic, we picnic hard. It’s more than a pastime here—it’s a way of life, even when the fog rolls in. Really, what is better than laying out a blanket on some lush greenery in the middle of the city, popping an edible (or two) and/or a can of wine, and basking in the sun while Postmates-ing food every two hours—or all day long? Literally nothing. Some cities spend their summers at a pool or beach. But in San Francisco, we spend them at a picnic.
Here are our favorite places to picnic like it’s nobody’s business.
1. Hellman Hollow
Hellman Hollow is arguably the most popular spot at which to get your picnic on, and that’s because it actually has picnic tables (nine, to be exact)—and most importantly, a bathroom. There’s usually a long line for this little outhouse, but it exists nonetheless and is an important amenity for all-day picnickers. Located in Golden Gate Park, Hellman Hollow is an expansive green picnic area that can be found off of 25th Avenue and Fulton Street, right in the middle of Golden Gate Park, which makes it very accessible for friends all across the city. Fun fact for history buffs: Hellman Hollow was once part of a recreational horse-racing route for wealthy San Franciscans in the late 1800s.
Hellman Hollow (Golden Gate Park) | sfrecpark.org
2. West Bluff Picnic Area
If you just picnic for the ’gram (we mean the views ;-) ), then the West Bluff Picnic Area is for you. Not only is the bridge in plain sight, but so are Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands. This picnic area is located on the west end of Crissy Field below the Fort Point National Historic Site near the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, it’s right next to the water, which can be a literal damper on your picnic, but the nearby Warming Hut Cafe is a great spot at which to warm up and grab a hot cocoa.
603 Mason Street (Crissy Field) | yelp.com
3. Bayview Park
Picnicking in Bayview Park can trick you into thinking you’re actually outside the city. Thanks to its diverse plants and gorgeous wildflowers, one could easily be mistaken into believing they are in a rural field in Central California. Think Yosemite x Tahoe in the summer. While Bayview Park is frequented for its urban hiking trails, it’s also a great spot at which to lay down a picnic blanket on a relaxing weekend day. FYI: there are no grills, so you’ll have to do your food prep beforehand.
1001 Le Conte Ave (Bayview) | sfrecpark.org
4. Fort Mason
If you want to sit at a picnic table with picnic bros, look no further than Fort Mason. Full of bearded chiseled-chin men sipping on Lagunitas and talking about sales, the crowd at Fort Mason is a little more uppity than, say, those who picnic at Dolores Park. Fort Mason has its perks if you can handle the bro-ness of the place on a weekend, including views of the water and the city, as well as a lovely walk along the nearby marina. Picnicker, beware, though: this is not a quiet picnic spot.
2 Marina Boulevard (Fort Mason) | nps.gov
5. Dolores Park
Dolores Park is the quintessential picnic spot in the city. Located on Dolores Street and 18th Street in the Mission, it’s easy to get to by Muni or foot (depending on where you live). It’s also within walking distance from Bi-Rite Market, which allows last-minute picnickers to maintain some dignity with their food spreads. This hot spot is home to world-famous vendors, such as marijuana-edible seller the Truffle Guy, making it more of a party picnic spot. Dance parties are known to happen right before the fog rolls in. It’s always best to arrive on the early side to get a good spot on weekends.
Dolores and 19th Streets (Mission) | sfrecpark.org
