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 Bay Meadows and San Mateo offers. While planning your alfresco dining excursion, stop by one of these local San Mateo spots that offer the perfect additions to your picnic basket this summer:

The Ravioli House. You can easily place your order online and pick-up your perfect picnic fare. Order the handmade roasted Zucchini Raviolis or Spicy Sicilian Raviolis and chill them for a cool pasta salad. Try the Pulled Pork specialty sandwich and pair your dish with red potato or fruit salad and dirty chips and your picnic is packed!

The Sandwich Spot. Order the Central Park Heat Sandwich with turkey, avocado, bomb sauce and cream cheese or the Veggie Wedgie Sandwich with veggies, avocado, cucumber, sprouts and choice of cheese. Pack up a fresh green salad, side of macaroni salad, and drinks to round out your basket. They offer grilled cheese and PB&J sandwiches for the wee ones too.

Americano Deli & Grill. Try the vegetarian Venetian with artichokes, mozzarella, tomatoes, avocado, dry basil, Godfather sauce and lettuce or the San Mateo with roast beef, turkey, avocado, Havarti, Americano slaw and Mob sauce. Add a fresh cookie or splurge on a Cupid’s Dream crepe to-go with Nutella, strawberry, banana, almonds.

Esposto’s Delicatessen. Order the Valentino’s One & Only – Hot Coppa, Prosciutto and Provolone with garlic and pesto spread plus peppers on a Sour roll. Add a side of marinated pasta salad and chips.  If you have a large group planning to picnic, order the Sandwich Box that comes boxed and complete with a sandwich, side salad, fresh fruit and cookie or brownie.

Select from a handful of the many picnic spots for you to choose from to jump start your inspiration:

Coyote Point Recreation Area: This park 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 at SFO.

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.

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, like Landing Green park, Persimmon Park and Paddock Park – each offering its own unique setting and experience. For a few more picnic spot ideas, check out 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.

An ideally located Midurban community, Bay Meadows is only 10 minutes from Palo Alto, 20 minutes from San Francisco, and has 3 airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) within 30 miles. Bay Meadows is also located on Caltrain, which makes travel and commutes that much easier. Talk about convenient! Bay Meadows is the centralized place to reduce commutes, meet friends and play.  Looking for ideas of where to ride? Check out our bike map here.