Now that you're picnic ready, bookmark these park-it-perfect places to pack a meal and soak up the sights and sounds of LA!
Exposition Park Rose Garden - Exposition Park
"I love the Rose Garden! I would say it's definitely one of L.A.'s hidden gems, and if you're visiting one of the museums in Exposition Park, or even USC, visiting the Rose Garden is a must. It's a great place to take a date, have a picnic, and the fountain at the center of the park is the cherry on top of what is a gorgeous sight when the roses are in full bloom." – Mark B
Vista Hermosa National Park - Echo Park
"Well maintained small park for a relaxing nature walk with a beautiful view of Downtown LA… I imagine this would be great first date spot as [it's] gorgeous, peaceful and very quiet. It is surely an impressive hidden gem in the vastness of Los Angeles. I can imagine a great place to hang out with a blanket and a picnic basket." – Anne A
Elysian Park – Elysian Park
"I have lived in LA all of my 65 years and have never been to Elysian Park until yesterday… The view from a turn out at the top of a ridge, the panorama of Los Angeles, is beyond compare." – Judy T
Lake Hollywood Park – Hollywood Hills
"You almost feel like you've been dropped in wine country with this view! Maybe even Italy! Love. It. Quiet, hidden gem! Dog friendly park. Perfect place to lay out or picnic with friends.Take a day and enjoy the tranquility of this place." – Jenna C
Barnsdall Park – Los Feliz
"Pretty park with stunning views! Great place for a picnic with friends. Enjoy the sun-dappled walkways, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architecture, cool art, and perfect view of the Griffith Park Observatory. Parking is free and plentiful. Pack a picnic and enjoy." – Ivy K
Amir's Garden – Griffith Park
"It's a beautiful spot filled w/benches, areas to picnic and definitely for lovers to soak in the beauty and meditate. Actually for everyone to meditate and enjoy it's beauty." - Martha M
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park – Montecito Heights
"The park is somewhat hidden hillside in between Highland Park, South Pasadena and El Sereno, which makes it great because it isn't the most popular park in the area… perfect picnic park with wide open spaces, well kept quarters, clean benches, plenty of BBQ's and plenty of shade. Definitely ideal for a weekend get together with family or friends." – Ryan B
Silver Lake Meadow – Silver Lake
"This is one of my favorite picnic spots in LA. As much as I love our furry friends, this little patch of grass does not allow them, which means a poop-free zone. This spot is tucked in next to the reservoir and off the jogging trails, so maybe that's why it's not that crowded. There's always room to spread out your blanket and enjoy some sun. Places like this are far and few in between. I hope it stays just the way it is." – Anh-Dao T
Holmby Park – Westwood
"Love Holmby! Such a cute little park in a beautiful neighborhood… The park itself is cute for a picnic, has a jungle gym for children, a golf course, and a lawn bowling court. The grass is well-maintained and there are lots of trees around the park." – Julia P
Palisades Park – Santa Monica
"Coming here is such a great refuge from the touristy hustle and bustle of Third Street Promenade as well as the fast pace of LA. You'll definitely want to travel a bit down away from the part of the park by the pier. I usually lounge on a picnic blanket or just the grass with a book near the rose garden on Ocean just north of Montana." – Allison C
Anthony C. Beilenson Park – Van Nuys
"This is, by far, the best park in the valley. It's humongous with its man-made reclaimed water lake. You can go paddle boating and fishing. There's also a path around the lake where a lot of people walk their little tiny dogs. There are a lot of open, flat grassy areas where you can picnic.
Arlington Garden – Pasadena
"If you're looking for a fabulous, free and quick escape from the traditional hustle and bustle of Los Angeles – you've come to the right spot! Right in the heart of Pasadena sits Arlington Garden, one of the few free botanical gardens in the City of Angels… I'll definitely be coming back here – with company, a good book, a delish picnic, bottle of wine or all of the above." – Amanda G
Recreation Park – El Segundo
"Such an amazing park. They offer free equipment to play ping pong, space to play tennis, basketball, throw a football, have a picnic, go for a run, people watch under a tree or lay out and soak up some sun." – Kristy F
