Bay Meadows

Summer is here and picnic season is upon us, which means it’s time to pack a basket and head out to the myriad of picnicking havens that our area has to offer. Pack up these delicious sandwiches, side salads, drinks, and desserts and head outdoors for a refreshing alfresco meal. Whether you’re in the mood for sun, shade or sand, there are plenty of choices out there. We’ve rounded up just a handful of the many picnic spots for you to choose from to jump start your inspiration:

 

Coyote Point Recreation Area: Located in San Mateo County, Coyote Point Recreation Area is a sprawling park on over 670-acres of land. Coyote Point is a park that has something for everyone including drop-in picnic areas, great for a family picnic, located in the center of the park. Nearby large lawn areas offer opportunities to relax or play. Paths alongside the water provide views of the bay, San Mateo Bridge, and the procession of jets taking off and landing at SFO. Pack the Picnic Basket: Assemble Boursin and Tomato Mini Tartines right at the park, Tea-Brined Batter Fried Picnic Chicken and Three Melon Salad with Mint. For dessert: Blueberry Hand Pies.

 

In the Neighborhood. The 18-acres of rambling open space at Bay Meadows makes for an ideal picnic destination with ribbons of trails and a series of one-of-a-kind pocket parks. Spread out in Bay Meadows Park to play lawn games, watch the kids play at Paddock Park and pick up a game of H O R S E at the hoops, enjoy the sculpture and gardens at Persimmon Park or grab a group for a game of bocce at Landing Green Park, a short stroll from our Sunday Farmers Market near Town Square! For a few more picnic spot ideas, explore the bike map that you can download and plan your day, including Crystal Springs Regional Trail and Seal Point Park. Before you head to your picnic destination – check out these 6 perfect picnic accessories that will make outdoor eating more fun, stylish and comfortable.

Montara State Beach: Want to dig your heels in the sand? Bring a blanket and be ready to lounge with soft sand and great views. On the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, Montara State Beach is located eight miles north of Half Moon Bay on Highway One. Lounge, picnic, explore the beach tide pools or go surf fishing. If you want to pick up a prepaid picnic lunch, restaurants and grocery stores are nearby. Pack the Picnic Basket: Goat Cheese Spread and crackers, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Pasta Salad With Asparagus and Lemon. For dessert: Oatmeal-Raspberry Bars.

Mission Dolores Park. Encompassing nearly 16 acres, Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks, the vibrant heart of its equally vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhood. Here you’ll find lush green lawns shaded by tall palm trees, a soccer field, tennis courts, basketball court, a playground and a dog play area. Spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the spectacular views of the city’s skyline and beyond. Pack the Picnic Basket: Pack a cool and casual picnic menu with Greek-Style Cucumber and Yogurt Dip with Dill, Curried Turkey Salad with Cashews, Brown Rice, Tomato and Basil Salad. For dessert: Chocolate Brownies With Orange Cream Cheese Frosting and a selection of fresh fruit.

 

 

Featuring best-in-class retailers such as Tin Pot Creamery, Blue Bottle Coffee and ROAM Artisan Burgers, Bay Meadows’ Town Square is the ideal gathering place with more ground-floor retail, outdoor dining and pop-ups to come. Home to a stunning sculpture from internationally-renowned artist Jeppe Hein, the Town Square is the dynamic core of our Midurban village. The Town Square is the perfect place to relax outside for a beer or wine at Fieldwork Brewing Company’s Beer Garden after a day of shopping and entertainment at Hillsdale Center. Take a turn on the porch swings or challenge a friend to table-tennis in the outdoor ping-pong court. Join the Bay Meadows email list to stay on top of the latest.