With the QC finally warming up, we are wasting no time creating our spring bucket list to maximize all the sunshine in our near future. Coming in at spot number one: Plan the perfect picnic. Read below to get all the scoop on where we are setting out our blankets and baskets.
Freedom Park – Dilworth
Freedom Park is often considered the “Central Park” of Charlotte with 100 acres of green space and nature views.
Latta Park – Dilworth
Latta Park has plenty of picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails to turn your picnic into a full day of fun.
Independence Park – Elizabeth
After undergoing extensive renovations, Independence Park, the first and oldest public park in Charlotte, features a newly updated 12-foot-wide greenway and picnic pavilion.
Midwood Park – Plaza Midwood
Midwood Park is centrally located at 2100 Wilhelmina Ave., and offers baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, swing sets and kids play equipment, tennis courts, a sheltered area and an outdoor amphitheater.
Midtown Park – Myers Park
Midtown Park is a one-acre mini-park located at South Kings Drive and Pearl Park Way.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway – Throughout
With over 17 miles of trails and greenery, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway is perfect for a picnic by the creek.
Briar Creek Greenway – Eastover
Beginning at Eastover Park adjacent to the Mint Museum Randolph, the Briar Creek Greenway is open year-round.
Duke Mansion – Myers Park
Go on a dreamy 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. Prices range from $50 plus taxes and charges and the cost of any available guestroom to $95 plus taxes and charges without guestroom.
Wing Haven Gardens – Myers Park
Wing Haven Gardens is not only an enjoyable place to picnic but also a habitat for birds and wildlife, making it a scenic opportunity to spend a few hours outside. While Wing Haven is open to the public for self-guided tours and visiting Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m, admission is $10 per person (ages 10 and under are free).
Queens University of Charlotte – Myers Park
Queens is nestled in the historic neighborhood of Myers Park. It’s nothing short of picturesque with its winding walkways and 100-year-old trees.
Symphony Park – South Park
Both an outdoor concert venue and a perfect spot for picnic-ing, Symphony Park is located at the corner of Barclay Downs Drive and Carnegie Boulevard, adjacent to SouthPark Mall.
McDowell Nature Center and Preserve – Steele Creek
One of the oldest nature preserves in Charlotte, McDowell Nature Center has picnic spots and gorgeous views for every season.
Historic Rosedale – Uptown
A part of Charlotte’s history since the 1800s, the Historic Rosedale sits on 9 acres with blooming gardens and a museum of trees. Grounds are open WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY, and select SATURDAYS. 10:00am-3:00pm (Grounds Admission does not include access to the historic house).
First Ward Park – Uptown
This 4-acre park in Uptown offers fields for picnics, decorative benches, and a workout area if you were hoping to have your picnic with a side of fitness.
McGill Rose Garden – Uptown
Considered a hidden gem by many, the McGill Rose Garden is located right outside of Uptown on the edge of NoDa. The garden features over 200 varieties of roses and a public garden for all to enjoy. Rosie’s Wine Bar doesn’t hurt either!
Romare Bearden Park – Uptown
In the heart of Uptown, Romare Bearden Park is a great place to picnic while enjoying the view of that famous QC skyline we all love.
The Green – Uptown
The Green in Uptown Charlotte is a small park with plenty of shade and a fish fountain. Plus, if you are hoping to picnic but don’t feel like packing a lunch, the Green has plenty of restaurants to choose from with lunch specials.
UNC Charlotte – University City
With connecting greenways and an abundance of nature, UNC Charlotte’s various parks provide picnic opportunities to students and Charlotteans alike.
Ballantyne Corporate Park – Ballantyne
Open every day from 7 am to 8 pm, the Ballantyne Corporate Park is famous for its Bulls of Ballantyne sculptures and offers plenty of open space.
Dalton Green – Ballantyne
Dalton Green is located between the Boyle and Harris buildings. It features an open courtyard amenity space with comfortable seating, a turf lawn, a ping-pong table, cornhole boards, and a food truck pad.
Ballantyne’s Backyard – Ballantyne
Located at 14120 Ballantyne Corporate Place, this peaceful park has plenty of (shaded) seating, benches, and a grill for those wanting to add some hamburgers and hotdogs to their picnic spread.
Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park – Mint Hill, NC
Located at 8850 Fairview Road in Mint Hill, this peaceful park is a lovely historical place to enjoy a picnic.
Drive To Picnic Spots
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – Belmont, NC
Picturesque in nature, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the place to picnic if you want to be surrounded by wildflowers, meadows, and rolling greens.
Jetton Park – Cornelius, NC
Jetton Park is known for its lakefront views, with outdoor picnic sites and gazebos for both shaded and sunny picnics.
Ramsey Creek Beach – Cornelius, NC
If you are looking for a waterfront picnic, Ramsey Creek Beach is the spot for you. This public beach on Lake Norman has picnic shelters, nature trails, and boat docking for those bringing the picnic offshore.
Robbins Park – Cornelius, NC
Robbins Park in Cornelius is situated at 17738 West Catawba Avenue with beautiful walking paths and plenty of space to enjoy your picnic spread.
Davidson College – Davidson, NC
With plenty of well-maintained green space for fitness, wellness, and picnics, the campus of Davidson College offers a beautifully walkable place for the general public to enjoy.
Birkdale Village – Huntersville, NC
Besides its shopping and abundance of eateries, Birkdale Village also features a quaint outdoor area (with a fire pit) to enjoy a picnic in any season.
Latta Nature Preserve – Huntersville, NC
With lakeside trails and lots of scenery, Latta Nature Preserve is a diverse place to picnic. The preserve also offers horseback riding trails, kayaking, and fishing.
Rankin Lake Park – Gastonia, NC
Considered a community landmark, Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia sits on an 80-acre lake perfect for family gatherings, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
Lake Norman State Park – Troutman, NC
40 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park in Troutman is a popular picnic spot to enjoy the shoreline, canopies of trees, and forest trails.
Crowders Mountain – Kings Mountain, NC
Just 30 miles from Charlotte, Crowders Mountain offers magnificent mountain views for the times you may want to turn your picnic into a little hiking adventure.
Kings Mountain – Blacksburg, SC
Picnicking, hiking, horse trails, and more can be found at Kings Mountain in Blacksburg, SC. The area has a multitude of parks, offering historical landmarks and over 100 campsites.
Cheraw State Park – Cheraw, SC
Cheraw State Park is a traditional SC state park with lake views that can be seen from grass or boardwalk.
Anne Springs Close Greenway – Rock Hill, SC
Double the size of Central Park, Anne Springs Close Greenway is full of lakes, forests, and pastures to enjoy a nature-filled picnic.
Riverwalk Trail – Rock Hill, SC
Plan your picnic at Riverwalk Trail in Rock Hill to experience scenic views of the Catawba River while walking, running, or biking.
Lookout Park – Tega Cay, SC
With an abundance of greenery and stunning look-out points, Lookout Park is located at 1971 Newberry Lane, Tega Cay, SC.
Windjammer Park – Tega Cay, SC
One of the oldest and most popular parks of Tega Cay, the Windjammer is a small waterfront green space with a playground and picnic pavilion.
