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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Connecticut

Picnic spots

A blanket spread out on the grass is the only way to spend the afternoon.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Serafresca at the IC image 1
Serafresca at the IC image 2
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Serafresca shines with its spacious ballroom and beautiful gazebo perfect for formal dinners and lively outdoor picnics. Friendly staff ensure flexible accommodations for company and school events. A large dance floor and Bluetooth sound system keep celebrations vibrant and fun.

Outdoor spaces at Serafresca host company and school picnics with flexible accommodations from staff. Events consistently meet and exceed expectations, leading to repeated bookings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The team made my party feel special and handled everything."

"The staff made our picnic requests feel so accommodated and special."

Good to know

1

The venue is perfect for gatherings of up to 150 people.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the venue.

3

The booking process is organized and easy to navigate.

02
Waveny House image 1
Event venue

Classic architecture and historic charm create a magical atmosphere. Huge lawn and gorgeous gardens offer perfect spots for picnics and relaxing walks. Beautiful photo opportunities make it a favorite for couples and events.

Huge lawn offers plenty of space for picnics. Beautiful park setting makes it ideal for relaxing walks and outdoor meals.

People are saying

"It's a sophisticated historical site with gorgeous grounds and timeless indoor spaces."

"I enjoyed the free concerts in the summer garden."

Good to know

1

Wednesday night music concerts are free and held during the summer.

2

Waveny House is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

The park features a large lawn, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.

03
Beardsley Park image 1

Large open space offers baseball fields and a zoo with Amur tigers for fun. Picnic tables near playgrounds and splash pads make meals easy. Walking trails by a river with swans create a peaceful atmosphere for families.

Picnic areas include picnic tables near playgrounds and splash pads. Sidewalks run alongside a river where swans, ducks, and geese gather, adding to the outdoor experience.

People are saying

"I found this park to be beautiful and amazing."

"You can go fishing or watch others fish here."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic with family and friends."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at Beardsley Park.

2

The park has a great kids' play area for family fun.

3

Expect to pay an entrance fee of $10 for out-of-state visitors.

04
Downtown Cabaret Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Small theater offers intimate table seating and a BYOB policy perfect for a picnic dinner before shows start at 7. Local actors create lively performances that invite audience participation, making it cozy and engaging for all ages.

Bringing your own drinks and a picnic is allowed and common. Shows start at 7, which some expect to allow time for a picnic dinner before the performance.

People are saying

"It's a fun and enjoyable experience for a night out."

"This Local Spot feels intimate, putting you right in the action."

"You can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic."

Good to know

1

Ticket prices are affordable, making it accessible for families.

2

The venue has a BYOB policy, allowing you to bring your own food and drinks.

3

Free parking is available across the street from the theater.

05
Osbornedale State Park image 1

State park offers gorgeous nature views and well-spaced pavilions for privacy. Plenty of picnic benches make outdoor meals easy. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere suits family events and small gatherings perfectly.

Plenty of picnic benches spread across a beautiful setting make it easy to enjoy meals outdoors. The area suits family events and group gatherings well.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are clean and well-maintained."

"It's a quiet place to distress and have some fresh air."

"It's beautiful here for picnics and family events."

Good to know

1

The park offers pavilions for events, available on a first-come, first-served basis after Labor Day.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the park.

3

Restrooms are available in the Center and may be found elsewhere in the park.

06
Wharton Brook State Park image 1

Small state park offers quiet trails and picnic tables by water for relaxing outdoor meals. Easy parking and a covered pavilion make gatherings simple and comfortable. Open spaces invite peaceful walks and family-friendly fun.

Lots of picnic tables and benches sit by the water and in other spots. A small pavilion offers covered space. Plenty of parking makes access easy for picnics.

People are saying

"It's a great place to have a picnic and relax."

"It's a great place for a quick walk with your dog."

"I found the parking available here to be easy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the park with plenty of spots.

2

The park is carry-in carry-out, so bring your trash home.

3

Drum circles occur on Sundays from 1 to 4 pm in the back right lot.

07
Indian Well State Park image 1

Waterfall with a deep basin anchors a peaceful park with picnic tables and grills perfect for outdoor meals. Shaded areas and a designated swim beach offer relaxation. Calm river access supports kayaking and fishing, making it family-friendly.

Plenty of picnic tables and grills make it easy to cook and eat outdoors. The beach access and shaded picnic areas under trees offer great spots to relax and enjoy meals.

People are saying

"The park's scenery and nature views are breathtaking."

"Parking is available and costs $15 for the whole day."

"It's a beautiful place for family picnics and fun activities."

Good to know

1

Parking at Indian Well State Park costs $15.

2

The park is free for Connecticut residents.

3

There were bathrooms available on the beach.

08
Surf Club Beach image 1
Public beach

Fine sand and free grills make the beach great for picnics. Quiet early hours offer a cozy atmosphere. Nearby running paths and a skatepark add fun for all ages.

A beautiful park surrounds the beach with picnic tables and memorial benches for gatherings. The area includes free grills for cooking outdoors.

People are saying

"The picnic area has free grills and cozy beach vibes."

"I found the beach to be lovely and gorgeous."

"I found the parking available very nice."

Good to know

1

Parking requires passes for residents only until 5:00 pm.

2

After 5:00 pm, the beach is open to everyone.

3

The beach is clean with fine sand and no rocks.

09
Stappa Vineyard image 1

Vineyard boasts stunning pastoral views and a charming rustic windmill perfect for picnics. Outdoor areas have picnic seating and allow bringing your own snacks. Wine selection is superb and varied, ideal for relaxed gatherings.

Outdoor space offers a nice picnic and seating area. Bringing your own snacks, cheese boards, or full picnic baskets is allowed to enjoy with the wines.

People are saying

"This winery is the ideal place for hosting unforgettable events."

"The wine here is absolutely fantastic and delicious."

"The wine selection for our picnic was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Guests are allowed to bring their own snacks, cheese boards, or full picnic baskets to enjoy alongside the wines.

2

They stopped serving wine at 6 PM.

3

Stappa Vineyard regularly hosts live events; check their website for updates.

10
Greenwich Polo Club image 1

Manicured grounds and elegant architecture create a sophisticated backdrop for a family-friendly, dog-friendly crowd. Live music and Brazilian BBQ add to the upscale outdoor vibe. Beautiful weather and easy car access make the picnic area inviting for friends with camping chairs and baskets.

Beautiful weather and easy access with a car pass make the picnic area inviting. Bringing camping chairs and a picnic basket fits well with the relaxed vibe for a day with friends.

People are saying

"The food truck selection here was stunning."

"The live sports here are beautiful, like moving poetry."

"The grounds are beautiful for a picnic."

Good to know

1

The Greenwich Polo Club hosts vibrant events with food trucks and activities for all ages.

2

VIP packages offer better seating and bar service during events.

3

Bring your own camping chairs and picnic baskets for a comfortable experience.

11
Cove Island image 1

Spacious park offers sandy beach volleyball courts and a playground for active fun. Paved paths invite walking and biking with stunning coastline views. Plenty of picnic benches make it perfect for relaxing meals outdoors.

Benches for picnics are abundant, making it easy to find a spot to sit. The area suits a relaxing walk or a beach day alongside your picnic.

People are saying

"I found the park to be beautiful with gorgeous views."

"I loved the gorgeous sea view from here."

"I found the picnic spot clean and well-maintained."

Good to know

1

Cove Island requires a resident parking permit.

2

Parking costs $69 on Sundays for non-residents.

3

The entrance fee is $45 for weekdays for non-Connecticut residents.

12
William E. Wolfe Park image 1

Park shines with extensive sports facilities like basketball and tennis courts, plus a large swimming pool. Families enjoy multiple playgrounds and vast grass areas perfect for picnics and casual games. Lively, family-friendly vibe with ample parking and no dogs allowed.

Plenty of space allows for picnics and casual games like frisbee. Early advance reservation is needed for group gatherings.

People are saying

"The parks here have multiple, well-kept playgrounds for kids."

"The park has excellent tennis courts."

"It's a great spot for a company picnic or just relaxing."

Good to know

1

There is lots of parking available, but summer parking is for residents only.

2

Visitors pay a day charge between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

3

Dogs are not allowed in the park area.

13
Sherwood Island State Park image 1

Spacious beach and paved walkways offer spectacular water views and a quiet atmosphere with calm waves. Picnic areas feature shade and grills plus a pavilion and tables near the beach. Trails invite walking and biking, making it great for outdoor fun.

Many picnic spots offer shade and grills for cookouts. Large grassy areas provide space for pets and sunbathing away from the sand. Facilities include a pavilion and plenty of tables near the beach.

People are saying

"The beach here offers beautiful views of the Long Island Sound."

"There was tons of parking available."

"It's a beautiful park with plenty of green space for a picnic."

Good to know

1

Entry is free for cars with Connecticut plates; $25 for out-of-state vehicles.

2

Parking is plentiful, but no free options for out-of-state vehicles.

3

Restrooms are available but may not be well maintained.

14
Lighthouse Point Park image 1

City park blends serene waterfront views with shaded picnic areas and grills for full-day outings. Historic carousel and family playgrounds add charm while spacious grounds offer a relaxing beach setting. Mornings stay peaceful; later, lively music groups energize the space.

Open space with shaded picnic areas and grills supports full-day outings. The beachfront and walking trails add spots for relaxing and birdwatching during picnics.

People are saying

"The beach here is nice, clean, and has beautiful views."

"The playground and splash pad are perfect for kids."

"It's a great place for a picnic with a fun playground for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $25 for Connecticut vehicles and $30 for out-of-state cars.

2

The carousel closes at 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect busy crowds in the summer due to the splash pad and carousel.

15
Sleeping Giant State Park image 1

Stone Observation Tower offers 360-degree panoramic views and peaceful trails that are well maintained and labeled. Open fields and a gazebo create perfect spots for picnics, with picnic tables and restrooms adding convenience for families and groups.

Open fields and a gazebo provide plenty of space for picnics. Picnic tables and restrooms add convenience for families and groups.

People are saying

"The views from the tower are gorgeous and panoramic."

"The bathrooms here are clean and well-maintained."

"The trails here are wonderfully maintained and offer great views."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 for a day at Sleeping Giant State Park.

2

The parking area can get overcrowded, especially on weekends.

3

Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails, making it pet-friendly.

16
Branford Point image 1

Waterfront park offers beautiful coastal views and a calm vibe. Spacious sandy and grassy areas with picnic tables and charcoal grills make it great for BBQs. Facilities like restrooms and showers support full day outings by the water.

Clean, spacious areas combine sandy shore and grassy picnic spots. Facilities include picnic tables, charcoal grills, restrooms, and showers, supporting BBQs and full day outings.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful waterfront spot with beautiful coastal views."

"It's a great spot for picnics with lots of tables and grills."

"The beach is clean, spacious, and has nice sandy and grassy areas."

Good to know

1

Branford Point offers a clean beach with sandy and grassy areas for relaxation.

2

Parking is available but can be challenging during peak times.

3

The beach is suitable for swimming, picnicking, and fishing.

17
Bruce Park image 1

Park blends lush greenery with scenic walking trails for a peaceful picnic spot. Families enjoy a large playground and open spaces for outdoor fun. Picnic tables and grills add convenience, while tranquil ponds enhance the calm atmosphere.

Lush greenery and shaded areas create a peaceful spot for a picnic. Picnic tables and grills add convenience for family gatherings.

People are saying

"I found it to be a beautiful and serene escape."

"The park's lush greenery and ponds make it a serene escape."

"It's a lovely place for a picnic with lush greenery."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and convenient, making it easy to access the park.

2

The park has many walking and running paths, perfect for exercise.

3

Fishing is permitted in the park's ponds, so bring your gear.

18
Boothe Memorial Park image 1

Memorial park blends historic buildings with quiet gardens like the rose and sunken gardens. Families enjoy the playground with climbing wall and picnic areas with grills. Open spaces and tree shade make it perfect for kite flying and relaxing outdoors.

Small size and tree shade make it a nice spot for picnics. Open areas allow for kite flying and relaxing outdoors.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful with its historic buildings and rose garden."

"It's really kid friendly with a great playground."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic with its rose garden and historic buildings."

Good to know

1

Parking at Boothe Memorial Park is limited, so arrive early.

2

The park is free to visit, making it accessible for everyone.

3

Dogs are welcomed in the park, perfect for pet owners.

19
East Rock Park image 1

Park offers panoramic city views and a castle monument at its summit. It stays peaceful and quiet, perfect for relaxing walks and family visits. Plenty of picnic tables and grills make outdoor meals easy and enjoyable.

Plenty of picnic tables and park grills make it easy to enjoy meals outdoors. Open areas offer space to picnic or watch the sunset.

People are saying

"The view from the top is amazing, especially of New Haven."

"It's a beautiful and quiet place for relaxing walks."

"It's a fantastic spot for a picnic with amazing city views."

Good to know

1

East Rock Park is free to enter.

2

Parking is extremely limited, so arrive early.

3

You can only hike up East Rock; no driving allowed.

20
Waveny Park image 1

Sprawling 300-acre estate offers large grassy fields perfect for picnics and sports. Well-kept grounds with miles of walking trails invite peaceful strolls. Enjoy panoramic views including a distant city skyline in a serene, timeless setting.

Large grassy fields and open spaces offer plenty of room for family picnics and sports. Ample parking and walking paths make it easy to enjoy a relaxed outdoor meal and some fresh air.

People are saying

"It's a wonderful place for dog walking with miles of trails."

"The scenery here is beautiful, with a lovely vista."

"It's a beautiful place for a relaxing picnic."

Good to know

1

The park is free to visit.

2

There was plenty of parking at Waveny Park.

3

Expect sound issues during events at Waveny Park.

21
Veteran's Memorial Park and Marina image 1

Spacious park offers ocean views and large grassy areas perfect for picnics. Quiet atmosphere suits jogging and casual walks. Unique metal sculptures add visual interest throughout the grounds.

Relaxing picnic spots with open spaces invite easy strolls. The park supports picnics and sports in a calm setting.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful with ample space for playing and relaxing."

"The scenic views here are beautiful, especially of storms coming in."

"It's a great place for a relaxing picnic and stroll."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $6 for non-residents at all times, payable via the ParkMobile app.

2

The park has no permanent bathroom facilities, so plan accordingly.

3

Dogs are not allowed in the park, but many visitors ignore this rule.

22
Gouveia Vineyards image 1

Vineyard offers lake views and peaceful vibes perfect for picnics with your own food. Indoor and outdoor seating lets you relax while enjoying live music at a moderate volume. Well-crafted wines complete the serene experience.

Visitors bring their own food and enjoy picnics near the vineyard. Mats and picnic baskets are common, and some have indoor picnics with access to a bar.

People are saying

"I loved the wide selection of delicious wines here."

"The vineyard views here are incredible, especially at sunset."

"It's a great place for a picnic with beautiful surroundings."

Good to know

1

You are not allowed to bring in any beverages, including water.

2

I was advised to get there early if I wanted outdoor seating, as it can fill up fast.

3

A single glass of wine at Gouveia Vineyards costs $18.

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