The Great All-American Picnic: California's Bay Area

Full of history and cultural beauty, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco features one of America's oldest Japanese Tea Gardens, the Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the best ways to enter the park is along the 49-Mile Drive route at Sunset Blvd. or at Lincoln Ave. Then, follow the signs that point out many of the park's attractions. You'll come across developed picnic spots in addition to grassy areas where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your meal. The Pioneer Log Cabin Picnic area is a big favorite and you'll find many more on this Golden Gate Park Picnic Area list along with their amenities and fees.

Wine tasting in the Napa Valley is one of the most romantic outings a couple could endeavor. Many of the wineries have picnic tables situated in a picturesque location on their grounds or right outside gourmet food shops, where one can pick up a loaf of bread, artisan cheese, and a superior bottle of wine. Some popular Napa winery picnic grounds are Clos Du Val with its rose-laden pathways and V. Sattui with a beautiful lawn and tables that welcome picnickers. You'll find almost 50 fabulous picnic sites at this Napa Vintners website along with information for wine lovers. For an alcohol-free picnic in Napa Valley, try the Miner Family Vineyards in Oakville, Fuller Park near Napa's Old Town, or Yountville Park, which has a fun playground for the kids.

The Hog Island picnic experience on the West Coast is akin to a group clambake on the East Coast. Hog Island Oyster Company is a working oyster farm where you can simply pick up some oysters to go or stay and grill fresh oysters at their bayside picnic area. Hog Island is located about 49 miles north of San Francisco and picnic reservations at the oyster farm are a must on weekends and holidays. They charge a small fee for picnic amenities, which includes your own picnic table, shucking tools, and access to a barbecue for the oysters. They request that you leave your music player at home, because they pipe in tunes for the masses at this bayside bash!

Mount Tam, as this state park is affectionately called by locals, offers 25,000 acres of natural beauty including California's famed redwoods, green groves, and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Located in the heart of Marin County, one can picnic in a secluded area, or host an outdoor celebration in a vast woodland. Years ago, I attended a wedding atop Mt. Tam and, with the San Francisco fog misting in, the atmosphere was pure heaven. For more information and specific picnic areas click here.

In contrast to the miles of Victorian architecture in San Francisco, you'll find rows of eclectic houseboats in Sausalito. Many tourists hop a ferry from the city and visit this artistic community for a quiet respite and a quaint picnic. Make your first stop in Sausalito at Mollie Stone's, an amazing grocery store where you can pick up a delicious prepared meal. Then, head to a local park, pier, or beach to relax and picnic with the bay as your backdrop.