The Best Spots to Park Your Picnic Basket

Those of us living on the upper end of the Peninsula know better than to let a rare sunny day slip through our fingers. The minute the thermometer breaks 75, you can find us at the beach, the park or on a bench on the sunny side of any street. So in anticipation of our next heat wave, we’ve made our picks for the best picnic spots in the area.

An obvious choice, yes, but always a good one. Picnickers can bring their lunch or buy snacks from one of the rotating vendors, then sit down to eat at one of many picnic tables.

This spacious and mostly undeveloped recreational area provides a great spot for those who want to sprawl out on the grass and soak up some coveted sunshine.

Though not the biggest space, what this park lacks in size it makes up for in secluded beauty. Often empty, Forest Lane has picnic tables, barbeque pits and a playground.

This spacious county park offers visitors the opportunity to picnic, play and learn about native wildlife. Let the kids frolic on one of two play structures, or hike down to El Zanjon Creek.

• San Bruno Mountain State Park

The mother of all Bay Area parks, this massive recreational area is perfect for a relaxing afternoon away from city life. Those seeking a little more activity in their free time can enjoy a long hike up the mountain on marked trails.