Picnic season usually resides solely in the Summer for those states that actually experience all four seasons. For us in California, we rarely see all four seasons and have many sunny days and warm nights. This wonderful weather lends itself nicely to getting outdoors and savoring all that nature has to offer. What better way to enjoy nature than a picnic. Picnics are great for bringing family together, creating romantic moments, or just for finding a still place in your hectic life.
On the Central Coast, specifically in San Luis Obispo County, there are many places to take advantage of a beautiful day. Specifically, there are three places I’ve enjoyed the most.
For those who don’t mind a little sand with their meal, Pismo Beach is a fun and energetic place to picnic. It’s a very active place when the weather is nice and you can people watch, fly a kite, take a swim, play catch, or pull out your picnic basket and just relax in the sand. It is a wonderful place to watch the sunset as well. This is a great place for active picnickers!
Now for some, trekking through the sand to find a perfect picnic spot surrounded by tourists and people is not their idea of a good time. If you identify with that, you are in luck. All you need to do is head north on the 101 freeway to a sleepy beach town called Shell Beach. Shell Beach is nestled on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are many quaint parks and lookout points to take full advantage of the ocean views. All of these spots are high above the beach so no worry of sand finding its way into your picnic basket. Also, because most of the sitting areas are close to residential areas, they are quiet and not over-inhabited. You can find your spot, enjoy your meal in the sun or at sunset, smell the ocean air and look out at the pelicans in flight or perched on the sea rock. It is breathtakingly beautiful and perfect for a quiet romantic picnic.
Head up even further north to wine country and you can enjoy a day of wine tasting and even buy a bottle of vino to savor alongside your picnic. The wineries in Paso Robles are stunning and not only are their tasting rooms elegant and lively, but their landscapes and picnic areas are one of a kind. To break bread surrounded by vineyards is a rare treat and it makes for such an enjoyable day. Nothing says “romance” like a picnic and wine.
The Central Coast is a beautiful place, grab a blanket, fill your basket and escape by way of nature.
