The weather in Charlotte almost all spring and early summer calls for a picnic outside. Whether you go by yourself, with your dog, with your family, or with a group of your closest friends, head to one of these local parks and spots for a summer picnic. We’ve organized our favorites by occasion for your convenience.
As always please make sure to double-check that the parks are open or the specific amenities you need are operational before you head out.
Most Romantic Places to Picnic in Charlotte
Duke Mansion – Myers Park
Go on the ultimate outdoor date at Duke Mansion. Purchase the picnic package which includes lunch for two guests and a bottle of their featured wine or house Champagne.
Historic Rosedale – NoDa
Surrounded by a historic home, century-old trees, and beautifully kept flowers, Historic Rosedale is a perfect backdrop for an early summer picnic date. Be sure to check back here for any events going on at the venue.
Queens University of Charlotte – Myers Park
Enjoy a romantic date picnic on this beautiful green campus.
UNC Charlotte – University City
Relive those college days by heading to this beautiful campus and enjoying a picnic. Don’t forget to visit UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens while you’re there to top off date night.
Davidson College – Davidson, NC
Take in the beautiful scenery at Davidson College. Picnic among the towering trees and often outdoor art exhibitions.
Best Spots in Charlotte to Picnic with Your Dogs
Ballantyne Corporate Park – Ballantyne
Take the pups along to enjoy the wide-open grassy area of Ballantyne Corporate Park, along with a dog park for them to run free. As for humans, expect three 2,000-pound “Ballantyne Bulls”, a swing set, benches, and picnic tables perfect for lunching.
Ballantyne’s Backyard – Ballantyne
Let the pups get out energy on this open grassy area, with a small pond and plenty of shaded areas for a picnic.
Ramsey Creek Beach – Cornelius, NC
Picnic at the beach without having to drive to the coast at this manmade beach near Lake Norman. You’ll find plenty of shaded picnic tables for lunch or dinner as the sun sets over the lake. Bring your pup too for the dog park.
Jetton Park – Cornelius, NC
Surrounded by trees, this hiking trail doubles as a great place to sit and picnic with your family and furry friends.
Best Picnic Sites in Charlotte for Families and Kids
Village Park – Kannapolis
Perfect for the kids, this park features a wide open space, an amphitheater, playground, walking trail, a splashpad, and train rides in the Rotary Express Train. Begin with a picnic, then go on a train ride and end with the whole family getting water sprayed, gushed, dumped and poured on them. Visit here for the full schedule.
Independence Park – Elizabeth
If you’re looking for a full family outing, Independence Park is the place to go. Start with a picnic on the green or at a picnic shelter equipped with grills. Then head to play sports in the many fields across the park. Don’t forget to take a walk on the trails or hit the playground before you leave.
Midwood Park – Plaza Midwood
Grass galore, don’t forget about this little spot – shelter, restrooms, and a playground make it a fun place to take a lunch break with the kids.
Latta Park – Dilworth
Let the kids go crazy at Latta Park’s water sprayground.
Best Places for a Solo Picnic in Charlotte i.e. Best People Watching
The Green – Uptown
Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, sit and enjoy views of Uptown and all it’s people. While you’re there, be sure to decode the messages throughout the park.
First Ward Park – Uptown
Picnic with city (and people) views on this 4-acre park. Very manageable and easy to access given it’s location between East 7th, 9th and Brevard Streets (just east of the light rail tracks).
Romare Bearden Park – Uptown
Another one in the city, this urban oasis offers plenty of room for everyone. If you’re driving, there are a lot of public parking garages nearby.
Best Spots for a Sunset Picnic Dinner in Charlotte
Symphony Park – SouthPark
When not hosting Charlotte Symphony Orchestra concerts or other various outdoor events, Symphony Park in SouthPark is a great place to lay a picnic blanket down and enjoy food with family and friends while watching the sunset from the stage.
Freedom Park – Dilworth
A fan-favorite, lounge by the lake and take a stroll after your picnic to enjoy the views. Park near Princeton or there and two access points on East Blvd.
Latta Nature Preserve – Huntersville, NC
Enjoy an evening picnic with lake views (Mountain Island Lake), and explore some of the prettiest trails in NC. Plenty of free parking.
Lake Norman State Park – Troutman, NC
Shady trails and secret spots by the water’s edge are perfect for an evening picnic.
Best Places in Charlotte for a Big Group Picnic =
Little Sugar Creek Greenway – E 7th Street to Morehead Street
This section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway features plazas, event areas, fountains, dining, and spots for the perfect picnic. Go for a walk to take in the scenic views with the group and end dining on the green.
Dalton Green – Ballantyne
Golf lovers, this one is for you. Located between the Boyle and Harris buildings, Dalton Green Park is a perfect place to have lunch with your group of golfers. On the green, you can find eight tables and chairs with umbrellas for picnicking. You can also find putters and balls in the putter caddy for your convenience, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring your own putters and balls to practice after hours.
Robbin’s Park – Cornelius, NC
This park is perfect if you’re looking for plenty of shade, a playground, public art, and plenty of parking.
Birkdale Village – Huntersville, NC
Renovations are currently being done to Birkdale Village to make it more of a modern-day community gathering place. Expect construction to be done on June 7, with new retail pods added to the Grove and a redone Plaza with 6,000 square feet of shaded greenspace, soft seating, a massive LED screen, and a flexible covered stage. Perfect for a group picnic after a day spent shopping.
Kings Mountain – Blacksburg, SC
With the Ridgeline Trail that connects 3 parks and NC to SC, this park has it all from fishing and horse riding to perfect places to picnic.
Anne Springs Close – Rock Hill, SC
Lots of places to park and picnic including views of the dairy barn, ponds, lakes and native flowers. Daily admission is from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Fountain Park – Rock Hill, SC
A scenic space that features a large fountain surrounded by green and a performing stage, perfect to hang out with your group of gals after a picnic lunch.
