There’s nothing we love more this time of year than enjoying the sunshine from the comfort of a picnic blanket. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the beauty and life of the outdoors and spend a little quality time with family, friends, or even just yourself. And whether you prefer grass or sand, a table or a piece of earth, breakfast or lunch or dinner, the St. Augustine area is home to plenty of picturesque picnic spots. So pick your favorite portable foods and pack your basket full, we’ve got the perfect picnic spot covered.
Bird Island Park
101 Library Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach
There very well might not be a more picture-perfect park in St. Johns County. Enter the park through a gazebo and take some time to follow the winding trail past water features, sculptures, and a hedged sea turtle maze before deciding where to set your blanket. You’ll have plenty of choices and they’ll all be beautiful.
www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Recreation/Parks/BirdIslandPark
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
6400 North Ocean Shore Boulevard, Palm Coast
If your picnic days happen to drift later into the summer, some shade might be necessary. And there’s no prettier shade than at Washington Oaks State Park. Lay your spread underneath one of the towering live oaks, stately hickories, or plush magnolias and gaze over the tidal marshes of the Matanzas River.
www.floridastateparks.org/park/Washington-Oaks
Lakeside Sculpture Garden
2340 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach
While we’re all about enjoying the beauty of nature while you picnic, it’s hard to resist eating amongst art. Take a seat at one of the tables or sculpture-adjacent by Lake Anhinga. A few looming trees offer shade if you need it, the breeze over the water cools the air, and the sculptures will give a little lunchtime entertainment.
www.st-augustine-sculpture-garden.org
Faver-Dykes State Park
1000 Faver Dykes Road, St. Augustine
Situated on the outskirts of the city, along the waters of Pellicer Creek, Faver-Dykes State Park is ideal for picnicking in old Florida nature. The park is a popular site for birdwatchers, so as you sit and lunch, you can expect to be serenaded by a number of songbirds and joined by wading birds as they feed in the tidal marshes and creeks.
www.floridastateparks.org/park/faver-dykes
Anastasia State Park
300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine
The Anastasia State Park we all know and love is home to a rich ecosystem and abundant wildlife. The miles of pristine beaches are perfect for setting out a picnic, but if you prefer the sandy shore to be a post-lunch activity, the grill area has plenty of tables to use.
www.floridastateparks.org/park/anastasia
Alpine Groves
2060 State Road 13, Switzerland
There’s no shortage of beautiful picnic spots in the park’s three unique Florida’s habitats. Sit under towering pines and listen to the birds, make your place under live oaks and hickory trees, or even admire the cypress trees next to the St. Johns River. And once lunch is finished, the butterfly garden deserves a visit.
www.co.st-johns.fl.us/recreation/parks/AlpineGroves
Ravine Gardens
1600 Twigg Street, Palatka
If you feel like making your picnicking a little more active (instead of just packing everything at home), fire up a grill at Ravine Gardens State Park. The numerous grill sites also have plenty of tables and places to spread out your blanket. The park is also home to hundreds of azaleas and plenty of flora (both natural and manicured).
www.floridastateparks.org/park/ravine-gardens
Princess Place Preserve
2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast
Rich with history and made up of more than 1500 acres, you’re sure to find your perfect picnic spot at Princess Place. Make your picnic home by the saltwater marshes and watch the fishermen or in the shade the towering trees that surround the original lodge.
www.flaglercounty.org/departments/princess_place_preserve
Nease Beachfront Park
3171 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine
Soak up some sun on the sands of Vilano Beach or lunch under the trees with a view of the saltwater marshes. And post-picnic, you can play a few games of bocce ball, stroll on the boardwalk, or take a tour of the butterfly garden. What better way to spend an afternoon?
www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Recreation/Parks/Nease
Featured image via Anastasia State Park Facebook page
