Texas has many phenomenal picnic spots due to the abundance of trees and bodies of water scattered throughout the state. Picnicking doesn’t seem quite as popular as it used to be, but I say we bring back the tradition and get our families out into the great outdoors for a delicious lunch and some quality bonding time. What do you say? If you enjoy a relaxing picnic with family and friends, you will love these 12 picnic spots we’ve picked out for you.
- White Rock Lake (Dallas)
Nathan Vaughn/Flickr With plenty of greenery and places to sit, a huge lake to paddleboard or kayak on, and a nine mile hiking and biking trail, this nice park in Dallas offers plenty of fun for families looking to spend some quality time together. There are numerous spots to set up a picnic, whether you want to have it on a table or enjoy an old-fashioned picnic on the grass.
- The Menil Collection (Houston)
Alex Steffler/Flickr While most people come here to enjoy the phenomenal displays of artwork inside the museum, Houstonians love the serene atmosphere outside as well. It’s located in the Montrose area, so it’s definitely a popular hangout for hipsters and artists (but, of course, anyone is welcome).
- Hermann Park (Houston)
Knowsphotos/Flickr While this is one of Houston’s most-visited parks, there’s an abundance of space on the 445 acres of the park for all picnic-goers. Also, you’ll find the Centennial Garden filled with many different types of flowers, the Japanese Garden, a train for children, and even pedal boats to take out on the water.
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park (Austin)
Lars Plougmann/Flickr Set up a picnic along the shores of the Colorado River, or stop off along the Turkey Creek hiking trail for a nice lunch among the trees.
- Mount Bonnell (Austin)
Andy/Flickr You really can’t beat the spectacular views of the Colorado River, and taking a lunch or early dinner up to the top to enjoy with friends or family makes it even more beautiful. There are several secluded picnic tables to set up at.
- St Edwards Park (Austin)
David D/Yelp Doesn’t that field of beautiful blue flowers look perfect to have a picnic in? This is another hidden gem in Austin, with plenty of watering holes, hiking trails, and serenity to make your day unforgettable.
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park (Austin)
Phillip B/Yelp In addition to the peaceful creek running through the park, the phenomenal hiking and biking trails, and the open spaces for dogs to run, there are plenty of picnic tables near the pool area.
- Comal Park (Austin)
James M/Yelp Relax by the beautiful blue waters of Canyon Lake, where picnics are always welcome.
- Government Canyon State Natural Area (San Antonio)
mlhradio/Flickr After having your picnic, you can hike numerous trails in the area and catch amazing views, such as this one of the Pecos River Valley.
- Brackenridge Park (San Antonio)
Sean Loyless/Flickr This is the crown jewel of parks in San Antonio, offering visitors 343 acres of land to bird-watch, picnic under the pavilions, hike, bike, enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden, and much more.
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano)
David Kobuszewski/Flickr
Peter R/Yelp Near the playground, you’ll find several picnic tables to munch on the goodies you brought, and afterwards, there’s plenty of hike and bike trails that wind through the park if you want to get a workout or just connect with nature. There’s also a creek running through the park to add to the tranquility.
- Caddo Lake State Park (Karnack)
Larry D Moore/Wikimedia Commons Visitors here love canoeing and kayaking on Caddo Lake, which is filled with thick bald cypress trees and offers diverse fishing due to the variety of aquatic vegetation. There are picnic tables near the lake, and you can even stay in the cabins pictured here if you want to make it an overnight trip.
What other awesome picnic places do you know of in Texas?
Nathan Vaughn/Flickr
With plenty of greenery and places to sit, a huge lake to paddleboard or kayak on, and a nine mile hiking and biking trail, this nice park in Dallas offers plenty of fun for families looking to spend some quality time together. There are numerous spots to set up a picnic, whether you want to have it on a table or enjoy an old-fashioned picnic on the grass.
Alex Steffler/Flickr
While most people come here to enjoy the phenomenal displays of artwork inside the museum, Houstonians love the serene atmosphere outside as well. It’s located in the Montrose area, so it’s definitely a popular hangout for hipsters and artists (but, of course, anyone is welcome).
Knowsphotos/Flickr
While this is one of Houston’s most-visited parks, there’s an abundance of space on the 445 acres of the park for all picnic-goers. Also, you’ll find the Centennial Garden filled with many different types of flowers, the Japanese Garden, a train for children, and even pedal boats to take out on the water.
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
Set up a picnic along the shores of the Colorado River, or stop off along the Turkey Creek hiking trail for a nice lunch among the trees.
Andy/Flickr
You really can’t beat the spectacular views of the Colorado River, and taking a lunch or early dinner up to the top to enjoy with friends or family makes it even more beautiful. There are several secluded picnic tables to set up at.
David D/Yelp
Doesn’t that field of beautiful blue flowers look perfect to have a picnic in? This is another hidden gem in Austin, with plenty of watering holes, hiking trails, and serenity to make your day unforgettable.
Phillip B/Yelp
In addition to the peaceful creek running through the park, the phenomenal hiking and biking trails, and the open spaces for dogs to run, there are plenty of picnic tables near the pool area.
James M/Yelp
Relax by the beautiful blue waters of Canyon Lake, where picnics are always welcome.
mlhradio/Flickr
After having your picnic, you can hike numerous trails in the area and catch amazing views, such as this one of the Pecos River Valley.
Sean Loyless/Flickr
This is the crown jewel of parks in San Antonio, offering visitors 343 acres of land to bird-watch, picnic under the pavilions, hike, bike, enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden, and much more.
David Kobuszewski/Flickr
Peter R/Yelp
Near the playground, you’ll find several picnic tables to munch on the goodies you brought, and afterwards, there’s plenty of hike and bike trails that wind through the park if you want to get a workout or just connect with nature. There’s also a creek running through the park to add to the tranquility.
Larry D Moore/Wikimedia Commons
Visitors here love canoeing and kayaking on Caddo Lake, which is filled with thick bald cypress trees and offers diverse fishing due to the variety of aquatic vegetation. There are picnic tables near the lake, and you can even stay in the cabins pictured here if you want to make it an overnight trip.
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