Majestic California Sunsets

California is a hot spot for iconic sunsets and wonderful picnic weather.

We rounded up some of our favorite beaches across the state for the outdoor picnic feasts, and even added in some cooler inspiration if you’re not sure what to pack. Be sure to bring utensils, plates, and of course, plenty of extra napkins!

La Jolla Cove

At the northeast side of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, La Jolla Cove is a local favorite for diving, swimming, snorkeling, and picnics with front-row ocean views. If you’re lucky, you may be able to score one of the few picnic tables – this slice of San Diego paradise is so popular, they tend to fill up fast. Bring an extra blanket to lay out on, just in case!

Picnic Beach at Heisler Park

As the name might suggest, Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach has everything you need for a cozy picnic. There are tables sprinkled throughout Heisler Park above the beach and lots of grassy space to spread out your blanket. Adjacent to Picnic Beach is Rockpile Beach which is a popular hot spot for scuba diving and exploring tide pools.

Lover’s Point Park

With a name like Lover’s Point you know you can’t go wrong bringing a date to this beach by Pacific Cove on California’s central coast. Aside from the serene views, and abundance of places to plop down for a picnic, there’s also trails along the bluff for hiking and biking, and dozens of great photo opportunities all throughout the park.

Salt Creek Beach Park, Dana Point

Goleta Beach

Goleta Beach is a cozy picnic spot beside the UCSB campus. There’s plenty of tables for families or large groups, BBQ grills if you’re not craving cold food, grassy areas, palm trees, volleyball courts, kayak rentals, and a 1,500-foot-long pier that’s perfect for fishing, or just a long walk post-meal.

Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur

Contrary to the name, Sand Dollar Beach is not packed with sand dollars like you might expect. But it is however, one dazzling place to sit and snack on some PB sandwiches. The sandy beach is set along the southern side of Big Sur’s wild, rugged coastline, about half-way between Cambria and Big Sur Station. Its picnic season by the ocean.