Pack your basket and go for a picnic at one of these idyllic settings in Virginia.
There’s something magical about going for a picnic. Spending time in nature while enjoying a meal with family and friends is the ideal way to spend an afternoon or evening. And Virginia has a plethora of spots that are perfect for picnicking. From relaxing beachfronts to off-the-beaten-path mountain oases, here are the best places to picnic in Virginia.
Coastal Virginia
First Landing State Park
Location: 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach
If you want your picnic with a side of history, then First Landing State Park is the place for you. The park is located where English colonists first landed in 1607. Additionally, the park’s waterways have been traveled by countless Native American canoes and Civil War-era patrol vessels.
After having lunch along the 1.5 miles of beachfrontage, explore the 20 miles of trails before taking in the historical and educational exhibits at the Chesapeake Bay Center.
Yorktown Beach
Location: 425 Water St., Yorktown
Yorktown Beach offers the perfect beachfront location for an afternoon picnic. Spanning 2 acres, there is plenty of room to spread out. Go for a swim in the morning, then have lunch in the afternoon.
The Picnic Area is another good spot to throw a blanket and have your lunch. It spans 10 acres.
Cape Charles Beach
Location: Bay Avenue, Cape Charles
Birders will enjoy picnicking at Cape Charles Beach, where 18 species of shorebirds have been recorded, including the American oystercatcher. Picnic by the water, and you may even spot a bottlenose dolphin.
The beach is in the Eastern Shore’s southernmost town. Those looking to spend time with children who might want to swim before or after the picnic should know that the waters are shallow, with plenty of oversized wading pools.
Southwest Virginia
Mill Mountain Park
Location: 2198 Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke
Hike up the 1.7-mile Star Trail to reach Mill Mountain Park, which sits 800 feet above Roanoke. Along the trail, you’ll spot pine, sassafras, oak, maple, redbud, and locust trees.
Once you’ve reached the top, find a good spot for picnicking throughout the 500-acre park with good views. Certain spots offer 20- and 60-mile vistas.
Bisset Park
Location: 49 Berkley Williams Dr., Radford
Bisset Park serves as the ideal picnic location in Radford. It offers pleasant views of the New River, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot birds, dragonflies, and damselflies.
The park has several shelters where picnic tables and grills can be found. After eating, enjoy a stroll along the 3.5-mile riverside trail or let the kids frolic on the playground.
Fairy Stone State Park
Location: 967 Fairystone Lake Dr., Stuart
Have a magical picnic at Fairy Stone State Park, home of the famous fairy stones. Only found at a select number of places across the world, the crystals can be found along Fairystone Lake Drive.
After enjoying a picnic along the banks of the 168-acre Philpott Reservoir, you can search for fairy stones before taking a relaxing swim.
Rocky Knob Picnic Area
Location: Parkway Milepost 169
Go for a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, then stop by Rocky Knob Picnic Area for some scenic views and hiking, as well as a picnic. The area has a long history of being a go-to picnic spot, given it was one of the earlier projects to be completed along the parkway in 1937.
With rocks emerging from the surrounding plateau, the area offers stunning views of Buffalo Mountain and Rock Castle Gorge.
The area has 72 picnic tables and plenty of grills to select from. The pavilion is a good spot for picnicking on a hot, sunny day.
Central Virginia
The Lawn at UVA
Location: 400 Emmet St. South, Charlottesville
Despite how busy the academic buildings at the University of Virginia area, The Lawn offers a serene place for an afternoon picnic. Offering both sunny and shady spots for picnicking, The Lawn, a terraced grassy court in the center of UVA, was part of Thomas Jefferson’s original “Academical Village.”
The Lawn is even designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark District and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While lounging on The Lawn, be sure to look for the Rotunda.
Libby Hill Park
Location: 2801 East Franklin St., Richmond
Go for a picnic overlooking Virginia’s capital city at Libby Hill Park. One of three original parks in the Richmond park system, the park offers views that resemble those of Richmond on the Thames in England.
Look for the ornamental fountain, then stake out a good spot for having your picnic while watching the sunset over the city.
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
Location: Parkway Milepost 85.9
You don’t have to worry about finding a spot to sit at the Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, even if you’re visiting during peak picnicking season, because it has 58 tables and plenty of grills that are spread along a half-mile stretch of Little Stony Creek. The table settings range from the Creekside between spicebushes to open meadows.
The area even offers two comfort stations with cold potable water.
Part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the area is near the Peaks of Otter, an area with a lake that’s surrounded by three mountain peaks.
Northern Virginia
Algonkian Regional Park
Location: 47001 Fairway Dr., Sterling
Escape the business of Northern Virginia by visiting Algonkian Regional Park for a simple afternoon picnic. Spanning 838 acres, the park has countless trails, wooded areas, and open fields. After exploring, visit a picnic shelter for lunch.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Location: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna
Known as a garden oasis where visitors can immerse themselves in 95 acres of greenery and blooms, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a great place for a choose-your-own-adventure picnic.
Consider picnicking by the Herb Garden, Perennial Garden, Bonsai Garden, Butterfly Garden, Tea Garden, Korean Bell Garden, or Springhouse Ruins and Gardens. If you forgot to bring your picnic basket, stop by the Visitor Center to pick up some snacks.
Sky Meadows State Park
Location: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane
Spanning an impressive 1,860 acres, Sky Meadows State Park offers endless spots for picnicking.
Spend the morning learning about farming practices used in the park’s pastoral landscape or hiking along the 22 miles of trails that lead to stunning vistas before having lunch at one of the picnic areas, which have tables and grills. Look for the main picnic area where the Children’s Discovery Area and the Sensory Explorers’ Trail are also located.
Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Location: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville
Enjoy views of the Shenandoah River while picnicking at Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park. The 1,600-acre park offers 5.2 miles of shoreline along the South Fork of the river.
Enjoy your lunch at the riverside picnic area, then go for an afternoon hike along the more than 25 miles of trails.
