23 Picnic Spots in FLORIDA (Exciting, Ideal & Adventurous)
When you want to impress your loved ones or that lady you have a crush on, the first sets of choices always revolve around going on a date in elegant five-star restaurants that do not serve walk-ins.
More often than not, such dates turn out nice, and if you are lucky enough, you get a second date with your crush or make some happy memories with your loved ones.
However, sometimes, the amount you end up spending at these fancy restaurants is high because of the name and building, not the meal you had.
So, why not try out alternatives that will equally achieve the purpose you have in mind, if not more?
You can arrange a picnic at a great spot for both or all of you, and all you have to worry about is the amount you have to spend on the meal.
Here are some amazing picnic spots in Florida.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Botanical Gardens in Florida.
Picnic Spots in Orlando, Florida
1. Kraft Azalea
The public park, Kraft Azalea Garden, which is beautified with and known for the big cypress trees, is always open to visitors all year long.
This garden is close to Lake Maitland’s shoreline and has lots of open space, benches, and spots where you can spread out your blanket and enjoy a nice and lovely picnic.
Although there are really no actual picnic tables, you will not even notice their absence, given the breathtaking and amazing view of the lake and the Azalea Gardens.
Some people often refer to the garden as Winter Park’s ‘secret garden’ because it is a hidden gem, not known to as many people as you would expect.
You should know that it can be challenging to find parking space on the weekends considering many come for picnics and many others for photo shoots as it is a well-liked location for such.
Address: 1365 Alabama Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789, US
2. Central Park
There are not many places that are nicer to have a picnic in Orlando, Florida, than Central Park; it simply is a lovely spot for a lovers’ picnic.
Central Park sits on 11-acre land and is located right off Winter Park’s gorgeous and posh Park Avenue, with its major features being the nicely maintained lawns and fountains.
Despite the fact that Central Park hosts a wide range of events and activities, there is no time you decide to go that you will not enjoy yourself.
Along with the Rose Garden on the southern side of the park, the oak tree canopy is one of the park’s natural attractions and places to set down your picnic baskets.
Another fantastic picnic location within this park is the West Meadow, which is quiet, calm, and beautiful.
Address: 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, US
3. Lake Lily Park
The park’s name comes from the center’s glistening lake, which is surrounded by lily pads and teems with turtles, fish, and ducks.
There is also a beautiful gazebo on the property, as well as numerous picnic tables and benches all across the park, so picnics are one of the everyday activities at the park.
Lovers, friends, and colleagues are frequently seen enjoying picnics on these placed benches, tables, or on a blanket placed on the ground.
Interestingly, the majority of the area is shaded by the many enormous trees that are present, so laying your blanket on the ground seldom comes with worry over getting shade.
While you have your picnic, Lake Lily Park offers a tranquil, cool, and calm natural setting that helps you relax.
Address: 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, FL 32751, US
4. Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Kissimmee Lakefront Park is located on the banks of Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) in the center of Downtown Kissimmee in Florida.
The park is a lovely and relaxed place to be, especially with the serene atmosphere and relaxing environment it is in.
It is one of the few parks that actually have amenities that suggest that they were built with picnics in mind.
This park has large public lawns, barbeque grills, a concession shop, and other amenities are all present as well to make your time in the park a nice one.
If you are visiting with your lover, you can combine the picnic with a stroll or bike ride along the paved walkway, which runs beside Lakeshore Boulevard and Neptune Road.
You can as well pay a visit to Historic Downtown Kissimmee to see the famed vibrant murals.
Address: 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741, US
5. Blue Jacket Park
This park housed service members referred to as ‘Blue Jackets’ for more than 30 years as the Orlando Naval Training Center, and that is where the name comes from.
The place is now known as Blue Jacket Park as it was designated as a public park by the City of Orlando more than two decades ago, in 2000.
At this picnic spot in Orlando, there are several places you can enjoy your Do-It-Yourself meal and have a nice picnic with the abundance of tables, seats, and open green space.
If you are uninterested in having your picnics at the tables and seats, you can always set your basket down in front of one of the fountains.
Apart from it being a great picnic spot, there is also enough open space to kick a ball around and throw frisbees.
Address: 2501 General Rees Ave., Orlando, FL 32814, US
Also see our article on National Parks in Florida.
Picnic Spots in Tampa, Florida
1. Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park, one of Tampa’s most stunning parks, is a pastoral haven formerly used as a cattle pasture.
It is situated on the picturesque Hillsborough River, with about 240 acres of hues and amazing views.
A 3,500-foot wooden boardwalk passing through the trees with an observation tower for an aerial view of the lake and a panoramic view of the plain forest is available for nature lovers to enjoy an incredible view of the mangrove forests and expansive vegetation.
There are several spots to have a picnic in Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa Bay, including those expansive lawn areas, picnic shelters, several tables, and shady trees.
You can also get a boat to have a private picnic on the lake.
Also, you should note that there is a $2 entry fee, a small price to pay for the wonderful experience that awaits you.
Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637, US
2. North Straub Park
This green sanctuary with stunning bay views is situated on St. Pete’s downtown waterfront and is the ideal place to drop your basket and spread out your picnic blanket.
At North Straub Park, there are year-round music festivals and concerts that attract a whole lot of people.
Interestingly, the stand-out feature of this lovely park is two fanciful Banyan trees that seem to have come straight out of an epic film.
People are often seen having picnics on the grass, on benches, and huddling under shady trees to enjoy their meals and time together.
There are other attractions in this park as well, including Dolphins playing in the bay.
You can also hire bicycles and ride bike trails to exercise and burn off some of your calories.
Parking is not always efficient, so taking the trolley for only 50 cents is better to avoid paying for parking, especially on the weekends.
Address: 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, US
3. Honeymoon Island State Park
The name of this romantic barrier island off the Dunedin Causeway and directly on the Gulf of Mexico says it all – Honeymoon Island State Park.
With 385 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, this magnificent state park inspired by nature is home to four miles of immaculate white sand beaches, gorgeous mangroves, tidal flats, a slash pine forest, and a long Osprey trail, which is perfect for bird-watching.
People often spread blankets and have picnics on the beach, but if you do not enjoy the sands, there are many other spots to eat.
Another nice feature of this park is that you do not have to bring your food; there are cafes that sell wine and fish and chips, which can be your meal.
Other things to do while at the park includes renting kayaks or bikes for lovely rides.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, US
4. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a seaside park with five distinct islands and more than a thousand acres, providing the ideal escape from the struggles of the city.
You can come around to spend the day relaxing and lounging in the sun on a beach chair to have a picnic.
While you rest and enjoy the sun from your beach chair, you can spectate others as they enjoy the water or take a stroll on the hiking trails.
Other activities at the park include taking the ferry to Shell Key and Egmont Key, kayaking, motorcycling, snorkeling, camping, etc.
The beach in the park also has conveniently sited facilities, restrooms, and a snack bar where you can also buy food for your picnic, especially if you do not want to bring your own meal.
Address: Corrine St, Tampa, FL 33605, US
5. Vinoy Park
Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, is located on the city’s waterfront and has 11.6 acres of well-maintained open lawn areas.
You will see jogging paths, bayside trails, as well as romantic corners all around the park, with great spots where you can have a picnic with your loved ones.
Year-round sporting activities, art exhibits, and music festivals are held in this magnificent Tampa Bay park, but many people come to see the bottlenose dolphins and pelicans by the sea wall.
If you sit by the wall, it is only a matter of time till you are surprised and welcomed by the dolphins that will swim up to you and play around beneath your feet.
Those who stay until dusk are rewarded with the breathtaking view of the Tampa Bay skyline and the vivid colors of the setting sun.
Address: 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, US
Also see our article on State Parks in Florida.
Picnic Spots in Jacksonville, Florida
1. Mom’s Park
This park, which sits on Willowbranch Creek, and because of the number of people that go there, it feels like a lovely secret when you picnic there, is a genuine hidden gem in Jacksonville.
The Florida Yacht Club, which is next door, inspired the park’s original name when it was created, and it has been around since before 1900.
In 2001, the park underwent refurbishment, and Jim Overton, who had donated to the fund, erected a statue in honor of his mother, which became known as ‘Mom’s Statue’ and from which the park got its second/new name.
The park is packed with willow trees, and stone walkways through dense vegetation take you to a unique gazebo covered in mosaic tiles of various colors.
It promises to be a nice spot where you can enjoy your picnic, especially with the lovely environment.
Address: 2941 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205, US
2. Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is largely a natural preserve offering a superb area for nature studies, bird-watching, photography, and picnics.
It is situated on one of Northeast Florida’s distinctive sea islands.
You can hike the Blackrock Trail to the shoreline or the Big Pine Trail to the marsh, which will allow you to discover the various island environments.
Visitors sometimes get a boat from the island’s northernmost point to go fishing and explore the salt marsh, and other times; they reserve a kayak for a guided trip.
People often have picnics by the water at one of the pavilions with a great view of nature.
Another attraction is taking the short detour to Boneyard Beach, where the unusual coastline is well-known for the salt-washed remains of cedar and live oak trees that originally grew close to the shore.
Address: 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226, US
3. Little Talbot Island State Park
A distinctive Florida experience is exploring the undeveloped beach on Little Talbot Island, which is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the area – Northeast Florida.
Little Talbot’s unspoiled natural beauty and varied ecosystems scream to be explored, with more than five miles of immaculate beaches and three miles of bike trails.
Of course, there is the characteristic white sand and churning waves of many energetic coastlines, where some lay down their baskets for a nice picnic.
The cedar and palm trees’ eroding, sun-bleached roots, and fallen trunks, however, also contribute to the linear tapestry of organic sculptures.
On Little Talbot Island State Park, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast; you can fish, surf, watch birds, go hiking, or camp in a lush forest.
Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, US
4. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
You can surf on the ocean, go fishing in the morning on the lake, go hiking on the trails, or sunbathe on the beach because there is something for everyone that goes to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
With the park’s variety of plant life and breathtaking views, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a great destination for picnickers.
If you want a peaceful, intimate picnic in the park, you will always find a secluded, shaded cove beside one of the lakes.
The park also has about 15 miles (24 km) of bicycle trails that range in difficulty from easy to difficult.
For experienced cyclists, the paths dubbed Grunt, Misery, and Tornado Alley offer a demanding workout.
Like many of the other spots listed in this piece, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is also a great spot to have a picnic.
Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233, US
Also see our article on Amusement Parks in Florida.
Picnic Spots in Miami, Florida
1. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
The Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is an excellent destination and spot for picnics, and any picnic at this state park on the Florida coast promises to be spectacular.
Along with the many covered picnic spots and available picnic pavilion rentals, visitors can spend some time at the beach or spend the day outdoors.
Families and couples often enjoy pleasant picnics on the dunes while gazing out into the broad waves of the Atlantic Ocean, taking in the amazing view.
These mentioned picnic pavilions are big enough that they accommodate large parties, so if the planned picnic is for a large family or colleagues at work, rest assured that there is enough space.
There are other activities in the park as well, like hiking, fishing, and taking strolls down the nature trails.
Address: 1200 S. Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, FL 33149, US
2. A.D. ‘Doug’ Barnes Park
The expansive scenery, the abundance of pine trees, and the excellent bird watching make A.D. Barnes Park a great place to visit and relax.
However, these features also make it an excellent location and spot to have a picnic alone, with your partner, or your family.
The National Audubon Society has designated A.D. ‘Doug’ Barnes Park as a refuge for migratory birds, and it is also recognized as one of Miami-Dade County’s last remaining pine rocklands.
Back to picnics, a large pine provides shade for picnickers, where you can eat and enjoy a warm afternoon meal, and if you remain quiet for long enough, you may even see some local wildlife.
A heated pool, a nature center, and a variety of designated picnic sites and shelters are also included in this park, making it a perfect picnic spot.
Address: 3401 S.W. 72nd Ave. Miami, FL 33155, US
Also see our article on Trampoline Parks in Florida.
Picnic Spots in Gainesville, Florida
1. Evergreen Cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery is undoubtedly one of Gainesville’s most picturesque and fascinating locales, which may sound a little unusual, given it is a cemetery.
Along with the beautiful surroundings, this ‘Wondrous Place,’ as it is popularly called, has towering oak and cedar trees covered in Spanish moss and lovely bougainvillea shrubs throughout the grounds.
The place is really large, so you can spend hours exploring it before setting down your basket and your picnic blanket anywhere.
It is also a haven for animals, and you can frequently witness herds of deer running through the graves and groups of vibrant birds flying through the trees.
Once done with your picnic, you can pack up your go for a stroll through the cemetery and go deeper into the cemetery if you are eager for a longer hike.
Address: 401 SE 21st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641, US
2. Boulware Springs Park
As you may infer from the park’s name, there are a few little springs located along the trail in the park.
With its copious amounts of shade and serene ambiance, Boulware Springs Park is among the most enticing in Gainesville, and with parking available on-site, it is simple to travel to the area and set up your picnic.
The park also has many benches for people to sit on and pavilions for pleasant gatherings, with a lot of picnic tables and charcoal barbecues, making it one of the best spots in Gainesville, Florida, for a picnic.
There are also electrical outlets available to plug in your devices while having a pleasant time with your family.
This beautiful park is also significant historically as it has a building from the city’s waterworks system that was built in the nineteenth century.
Address: 3300 SE 15th St, Gainesville, FL 32641, US
3. Depot Park
Depot Park is a park situated on SE Depot Avenue, close to Rosa Parks Station, with beautiful views and a variety of entertaining elements.
There is a sizable playground with numerous slides, swings, and tunnels, as well as a water splash area dubbed the ‘Blue Grotto,’ which was designed in the style of Central Florida’s underwater caverns.
With waterfalls, ground jets, water cannons, and hidden fossils, it is enjoyable for both children and adults.
As you wander down the promenade or gaze out over the wildlife conservation area, Depot Park offers a lot of sites to see.
The park has a sizable grassy area where you might set up a picnic; you can take a seat by the lovely pond to observe folks passing by.
Address: 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601, US
4. Kanapaha Veteran’s Memorial Park
Located on Tower Road, just north of Archer, is Kanapaha Veteran’s Memorial Park, a spacious, open, and amazing park that should not be mistaken for Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
Kanapaha Veteran’s Memorial Park has a memorial monument honoring American veterans and the sacrifices they made on behalf of the nation, hence the name.
The spacious, open, grassy area is calm, airy, and tranquil, making it the perfect setting for a laid-back picnic, especially on a hot summer day.
Other amenities at the park include a playground, basketball courts, a baseball field, a roller hockey rink, a beach volleyball court, etc., so you can have some fun after your picnic.
The grounds at Kanapaha Veteran’s Memorial Park have a serene atmosphere and will provide wonderful backdrops for your photos.
It is a pet-friendly park, which means that you do not have to leave any member of the household behind when going for a picnic.
Address: 7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville, FL, 32608, US
5. Morningside Nature Center
Morningside Nature Center has been regarded as one of Gainesville’s most recognizable natural areas since it was created in 1971.
The park’s 268 acres of conserved land offer a range of walking and hiking routes with lengths ranging from about half a mile to six miles.
There are numerous boardwalk paths, wetlands, shady paths with large cypress trees, and abundant wildflowers covering the forest floor.
By keeping an eye out for creatures like deer, wild turkeys, box turtles, gopher tortoises, skunks, and a variety of birds, you may also experience the park’s unique animal life.
There is also a dedicated picnic spot, which is roomy and peaceful, and since many people do not frequent the area, you get to enjoy your picnic and privacy.
Morningside stretches on forever, and there are countless fantastic picnic areas, although not all are as secluded as the designated area.
Address: 3540 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641, US
Also see our article on Indoor Water Parks in Florida.
Picnic Spots in St. Augustine, Florida
1. Anastasia State Park
Situated on Anastasia Island between Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Anastasia State Park rests on 1,600 acres.
At Anastasia State Park, which has several amenities, like a designated picnic pavilion and kayak and canoe launch stations, you may enjoy the gorgeous surroundings and cool sea breeze.
This park boasts fantastic views and scenery, just like many of the other St. Augustine picnic spots.
Unpack your picnic and treat yourself to a beautiful meal, and after the meal, you can go for a walk on Anastasia State Park’s coastline or one of its nature trails.
In addition to various historic structures, such as the Spanish Coquina Quarries, this park features clean beaches and old dunes.
So, if you are around St. Augustine and you feel like having a picnic, alone or with loved ones, you can check out the Anastasia State Park.
Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32080, US
2. Fort Mose Historic Park
Fort Mose Historic State Park is a historical site that sits on 40-acre land, a waterfront park with a kayak launch, picnic areas, a visitors center, boardwalks, a museum, and so on.
Historically, the first legally recognized free African colony in the United States was formerly located in this park.
You can visit the museum in the park and view exhibits before proceeding to any of the two picnic areas.
At Fort Mose Historic Park, you get to enjoy not only your picnic or walks, especially if you are inclined towards history and the likes.
You can also watch birds as well, and if you are lucky, you might see some species, like the bald eagle, white ibis, the great blue heron, and so on.
Address: 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084, US
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Vacation Spots, Zoos, and Escape Rooms in Florida.
Looking beyond Florida? Check out our article on the best Picnic Spots in New York and Illinois.