The Best Picnic Spots in Balboa Park

Balboa Park is 1,200 acres of gardens, museums and shady lawns, and it's our backyard. Happy Go Picnic sits at 415 Laurel Street in Bankers Hill, just a block and a half from the park's west edge. Here are the spots we send friends to when they ask where to picnic.

The Lily Pond and Botanical Building

The most photographed view in the park. Grab a bench along the reflecting pond or settle on the grass nearby. It gets busy on weekends, so come early for golden morning light.

Our tip: wander just off to the side of the Botanical Building, where a quieter patch of lawn sits among palms and garden beds, with the park's towers peeking over the trees. It's where we like to spread out with friends.

Sixth Avenue lawns

The closest green space to our shop, lined with tall eucalyptus and plenty of room to stretch out. Perfect for a lunch break: walk over with a sandwich and be back at your desk in an hour.

Alcazar Garden

Tiled fountains and formal flower beds make this little garden feel like Spain. Better for a quiet snack on a bench than a full blanket spread.

Palm Canyon and the Rose Garden

For shade, wander into Palm Canyon. For romance, the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden blooms from spring into fall and is lovely for a sunset picnic nearby.

Make it easy

Stop by the shop first for grab-and-go sandwiches, sweets and drinks, or rent one of our picnic baskets (with or without a blanket) and we'll handle the details.