Looking for some affordable fun for your summer adventure? Combine the magic of the outdoors with the irresistibility of yummy finger foods and go on a picnic. After all, July is National Picnic Month!
At San Mateo County Libraries, we have the resources to help you put together a perfect picnic with inspiration for easy recipes, information on local picnic spots and access to our California State Park passes and San Mateo County Park passes to elevate your picnics while keeping them budget friendly.
Perfect Picnic Spots
Finding a beautiful spot for a picnic is easy in San Mateo County. It's even easier when you check out a park pass from our libraries. Both state park and county park passes are available on a first come, first served basis, so stop by your local library to check them out. The passes can be checked out for three weeks, giving you plenty of time to have as many picnics as you want! Here are some of our recommendations for an unforgettable picnic destination.
State Park Pass Picnicking Spots
- Half Moon Bay State Beach, opens a new window in Half Moon Bay
- Portola Redwoods State Park, opens a new window in La Honda
County Park Pass Picnicking Spots
- Coyote Point Recreation Area, opens a new window in San Mateo
- Huddart Park, opens a new window in Woodside
- Junipero Serra Park, opens a new window in San Bruno
- Memorial Park, opens a new window in Loma Mar
- Quarry Park, opens a new window in El Granada
- Quarry Park, opens a new window in El Granada
- San Bruno State and County Park, opens a new window in Brisbane
- Sawyer Camp Segment, opens a new window of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, opens a new window in San Mateo
- Wunderlich Park, opens a new window in Woodside
Bay Area Destinations
- Pulgas Water Temple, opens a new window in Redwood City (Free entry, but the parking lot is closed on weekends.)
- Filoli Gardens, opens a new window in Woodside (Free entry with Discover & Go museum pass.)
Looking for more? See where else the county park pass can take you with the full list of all 23 San Mateo County Parks, opens a new window, and make sure to check out the full list of California State Parks, opens a new window that accept the state park pass for free vehicle day use.
If you're have a fourth grader in your family, you're also eligible for the California State Park Adventure Pass, opens a new window, which gives fourth graders and their families access to 54 state parks for their entire fourth grade year, including the following summer!
Perfect Picnic Snacks
Knowing what to pack in your picnic basket is half the battle. Check out these titles for ideas to elevate your food on-the-go game:
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