With fall right around the corner and the heat waves of this crazy summer coming to an end, many are itching to enjoy the cooler outdoor weather — and one of the best ways to do that is with a picnic. Luckily, from parks, to wineries, and even mansion estates, there’s no shortage of lovely outdoor locations to enjoy a picnic in the Charlotte area.
Most Romantic Places to Picnic in Charlotte
Duke Mansion
Myers Park
Go on the ultimate outdoor date at the stunning Duke Mansion gardens. Wander the grounds with your significant other, and purchase the picnic package which includes lunch for two guests and a bottle of their featured wine or house champagne, to complete the perfect afternoon.
Ramsey Creek Park
Cornelius, NC
Picnic on the sand without having to drive far at this manmade beach near Lake Norman. You’ll find plenty of shaded picnic tables for lunch or dinner, and it’s great for a romantic evening as the sun sets over the lake.
Historic Rosedale
NoDa
Picnic under a century-old tree, like the one pictured above, at Historic Rosedale. This historic home was built in 1815 and boasts nine acres of gardens to explore, making it the perfect backdrop for an early fall picnic date. Plus, Wednesdays through Fridays and some Saturdays, you can pair your picnic with a house tour of the estate.
Raffaldini Vineyards
Ronda, NC
Create the perfect picnic date with stunning mountain views as the backdrop at Raffaldini Vineyards. Located just about an hour outside Charlotte, Raffaldini offers a vast selection of wines and picnic foods that pair perfectly together. All you need to bring is yourself, your date, and a picnic blanket.
Best Spots to Picnic with Your Dogs in Charlotte
Ballantyne Corporate Park
Ballantyne
The pups will love exploring the wide-open, grassy area of Ballantyne Corporate Park — not to mention, there’s also a dog park for them to run free. Once you’ve worked up a sweat playing with the dogs, grab a spot at a picnic table with a view of the “Ballantyne Bulls” for lunch.
Ballantyne’s Backyard
Ballantyne
Let the dogs get out their energy on this open grassy area, with a small pond and plenty of shaded areas for a picnic. Plus, Ballantyne’s Backyard is frequently hosting festivals and food trucks, which could be the perfect means to grab a bite if you don’t want to pack your own picnic.
Queens University of Charlotte
Myers Park
With tons of sprawling green campus to explore, Queens University of Charlotte is a great place to enjoy a picnic with the pup. Your dog will love roaming around the lush green outdoor space, and you’ll love people watching on campus.
Best Picnic Sites for Families and Kids in Charlotte
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
This hidden gem in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood has outdoor shelters, restrooms, and a full playground. This quaint little park is the perfect place to take a mid-day lunch break with the kids.
Village Park
Kannapolis, NC
Perfect for kids, this park features a wide open grassy area, an amphitheater, playground, walking trail, splash pad, 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 a spray at the splash pad. Visit here for the full schedule.
UNC Charlotte
University City
Enjoy a sunset picnic with the family atop the hills of this beautiful campus located in the university area of Charlotte. But, before catching the sunset, take the kids to visit UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens to learn about plants and nature.
Best Places for a Solo Picnic in Charlotte
Romare Bearden Park
Uptown
Located in the heart of the city, this urban oasis offers plenty of room and stunning views for a solo picnic. Plus, if you’re driving, there are lots of public parking garages and street parking nearby.
Veterans Park
Huntersville, NC
This park located in the heart of Huntersville boasts a sprawling festival lawn and tons of picnic tables. But, what makes Veterans Park so great for a solo picnic, is their full events calendar. From movie nights to live music, there’s guaranteed to be something to entertain during any solo picnic here.
Best Spots for a Sunset Picnic in Charlotte
Freedom Park
Dilworth
Freedom Park is a fan-favorite among Charlotte residents. Lounge by the lake with a sandwich and a drink, then take a stroll after your picnic to enjoy the stunning park views. During sunset, this park simply can’t be beat.
Symphony Park
SouthPark
When there’s no event happening, 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. On the days the park hosts Charlotte Symphony, grab a lawn chair and enjoy your picnic with a show — you’re in for a treat.
Latta Nature Preserve
Huntersville, NC
Before your picnic, work up an appetite exploring some of the prettiest trails North Carolina has to offer. Then, enjoy an evening picnic with views of Mountain Island Lake at Latta Nature Preserve. Plus, there’s plenty of free parking so you can easily begin your adventure.
Lake Norman State Park
Troutman, NC
Shady trails and secret spots by the water’s edge are perfect for an evening picnic at Lake Norman State Park.
Best Places in Charlotte for a Big Group Picnic
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
E. 7th St. to Morehead St.
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 your evening dining on the green.
Davidson College
Davidson, NC
Picnic among the towering trees and lush greenery of Davidson College. Grab a group of friends to visit during the college’s frequent outdoor art exhibitions, or during the fall when leaves are changing color, for a beautiful view.
Kings Mountain
Blacksburg, SC
With the Ridgeline Trail that connects three parks as well as North Carolina to South Carolina, Kings Mountain has no shortage of places to set up a picnic blanket with a large group. Not to mention, you can enjoy activities like fishing and horse riding with your friends after you finish your meal.
Anne Springs Close
Rock Hill, SC
Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100 acre stretch of land that includes ponds, lakes, native flowers, and even a view of a dairy barn. With plenty of places to park and daily admission from 7 a.m. to sunset, your group will have no trouble setting up a picnic here.
Childress Vineyards
Lexington, NC
Enjoy the “Gourmet Grazing” package with a group of friends at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC. The package comes with either a chef’s cheese board or a savory charcuterie board and a wine recommendation that pairs with each. The picnic boards feed up to four people and are perfect to share while sipping on some wine and enjoying the views with friends.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her Charlotte-related content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
