Monterey & Santa Cruz Picnic Spots

One of the joys of summer is an afternoon spent lounging on a blanket in the sun while the kids play along the water or grass. It’s an easy activity we can still enjoy while staying close to home and practicing social distancing. Be sure to pack masks for everyone and wear them whenever it’s impossible to stay 6 feet apart (when walking to and from your car, for instance).

Here are our recommendations for your next family picnic.

1. Carmel Valley Park.

If it’s sun you’re seeking, Carmel Valley Park is the perfect option. With a wide expanse of lush green grass and easy access from the parking lot, you’ll find room to stretch out and for the kids to play with a ball or Frisbee. There are also lots of trees if you want a patch of shade. Plus, dogs are welcome. Carmel Valley Road and Ford St, Carmel Valley

2. Devendorf Park.

This tiny park in downtown Carmel is a good destination for a takeout lunch picnic midweek. There isn’t a ton of room to roam for the kids, but the grass is always green, and it’s easy to keep an eye on kids because it’s just a big square. We like it best for short outings with toddlers and young children. Parking is easy to find along one of the streets bordering the park. Junipero St And Ocean Ave Carmel, 93923

3. Carmel Beach.

There’s no better beach for a picnic than Carmel Beach. It’s wide and long enough to give everyone room to spread out. Dogs are allowed. The drawback to Carmel Beach is the parking difficulty and the long walk to the sand from your car. Bring a beach cart or pack lightly. Junipero St And Ocean Ave Carmel, 93923

4. Moss Landing State Beach.

Due to the pandemic, there is limited parking at the beach, but if you’re there during the week, you should be ok. This wide stretch of beach is awesome for kite flying and dune climbing. Do not plan on swimming or even wading here due to dangerous rip currents. Jetty Road in Moss Landing

5. McAbee Beach. This little stretch of beach on Cannery Row is a nice spot for kids to play in the surf and build a sandcastle after your lunch. Mid-week it’s pretty quiet but avoid it on the weekends. Cannery Row at Hoffman Avenue, Monterey, 93940

6.UC Santa Cruz Arboretum.

This hidden gem on the campus of UC Santa Cruz has a few picnic tables tucked under shade trees. If a quiet picnic watching birds and looking at flowers and trees is what you’re after, check our the arboretum. You will have to pay an admission fee to enter, but it includes being able to roam the rest of the gardens. $5 for adults and $2 for Children (6 to 17 years old), and free under 6. 1490 High Street, Santa Cruz arboretum.ucsc.edu

7. Jacks Peak County Park.

This gorgeous park features one of the only remaining natural stands of Monterey Pine trees in the United States. If you prefer your picnic after an appetite-inducing hike, this is the choice for your family. Picnic tables are available first-come, first-serve without a reservation. Daily admission into the park is $2 per person and $2 per dog. 25020 Jacks Peak Park Rd, Monterey, 93940