Where are the best places to go picnicking?
Long Island offers outstanding places to enjoy a picnic, from oceanfront beaches and lakeside parks to historic estates, botanical gardens, nature preserves, and harborfront lawns. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, romantic afternoon, birthday celebration, or quiet lunch outdoors, you’ll find scenic picnic destinations throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County.
In Short
Many of the best picnic locations are found within Long Island’s extensive network of parks, beaches, gardens, and preserves. Popular choices include Jones Beach State Park, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Planting Fields Arboretum, Sunken Meadow State Park, Heckscher State Park, and Belmont Lake State Park.
Where Are the Best Places to Go Picnicking?
The best picnic destination depends on the type of outing you’re planning. Families may prefer parks with playgrounds, restrooms, athletic fields, and large open lawns. Couples often choose waterfront overlooks, formal gardens, quiet beaches, or historic estates. Groups planning birthday parties, reunions, or company outings may need reservable pavilions, grills, and nearby parking.
For an oceanfront picnic, consider one of the island’s major state or county beaches. Several locations combine picnic areas with swimming, boardwalks, fishing, and scenic shoreline views. Visitors comparing coastal destinations can also explore the best beaches on Long Island.
Lakeside and inland parks provide a different experience, often with shaded tables, calm water, playgrounds, walking paths, and fishing access. Historic estates and arboretums offer landscaped grounds, seasonal flowers, and elegant surroundings, although visitors should confirm whether outside food is permitted in all areas.
Picnic Pavilions, Grills, and Group Gatherings
Many larger parks offer reservable picnic pavilions or designated group areas for birthdays, family reunions, graduations, and other gatherings. Reservations may be required, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Fees, residency requirements, group-size limits, and application procedures vary by park operator.
Rules for charcoal grills, propane grills, alcohol, amplified music, tents, decorations, and pets also vary. Some parks provide permanent grills or designated barbecue areas, while others prohibit open flames entirely. Always review the current regulations before bringing cooking equipment or planning a large event.
Planning Your Picnic
Arriving early can help you secure a shaded table or preferred waterfront location, particularly during summer weekends. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, trash bags, and any supplies that may not be available on-site. Beach and harbor parks can also become windy, so lightweight tablecloths, paper products, and decorations should be secured.
Restrooms, concessions, parking fees, lifeguards, and other amenities may operate seasonally. Before leaving home, check the latest weather forecast and confirm the current hours, fees, reservation policies, and facility availability for your destination.
Some of the Best Places to Go Picnicking
| Location | Why It Is Popular | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Beach State Park | Large oceanfront destination with places to eat near the beach and boardwalk. | Atlantic Ocean, boardwalk, playgrounds, concessions, and seasonal facilities. |
| Robert Moses State Park | Wide beaches and open coastal surroundings near Fire Island. | Ocean access, picnic areas, fishing, and nearby lighthouse. |
| Captree State Park | Relaxing waterfront setting overlooking the Great South Bay. | Picnic areas, fishing fleet, walking, playground, and bay views. |
| Nickerson Beach Park | Nassau County oceanfront park suited to family outings and summer gatherings. | Beach access, playgrounds, sports facilities, seasonal swimming, and restrooms. |
| Sunken Meadow State Park | Scenic picnic areas overlooking Long Island Sound. | Beach, boardwalk, hiking trails, fishing, and waterfront views. |
| Heckscher State Park | Expansive lawns and waterfront areas with room for families and groups. | Great South Bay views, trails, playgrounds, marina, and open fields. |
| Belmont Lake State Park | Peaceful lakeside setting with shaded picnic areas. | Fishing, seasonal boat rentals, playgrounds, trails, and lake views. |
| Hempstead Lake State Park | Large inland park with lawns and recreation near several lakes. | Picnic areas, fishing, playgrounds, trails, and open space. |
| Eisenhower Park | One of Nassau County’s largest parks with extensive facilities for group outings. | Picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and large lawns. |
| Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve | Historic estate grounds with meadows, woods, and waterfront scenery. | Long Island Sound views, hiking, biking, photography, and peaceful landscapes. |
| Planting Fields Arboretum | Beautiful landscaped grounds suited to a quiet outdoor lunch. | Formal gardens, greenhouses, seasonal flowers, trails, and historic architecture. |
| Old Westbury Gardens | Elegant historic estate surrounded by formal gardens and lawns. | Fountains, flowers, walking paths, seasonal programs, and estate scenery. |
| Sands Point Preserve | Historic Gold Coast property with lawns, wooded areas, and waterfront views. | Historic buildings, trails, gardens, Long Island Sound, and scenic grounds. |
| Avalon Nature Preserve | Quiet natural surroundings suited to a peaceful outing. | Woodland trails, ponds, meadows, gardens, and wildlife observation. |
| Orient Beach State Park | Waterfront picnic setting at the eastern end of the North Fork. | Long Island Sound, beach access, kayaking, birdwatching, and nature trails. |
| Hither Hills State Park | Oceanfront setting near Montauk with beach and campground access. | Atlantic Ocean, picnic opportunities, camping, hiking, and scenic coastline. |
| Fire Island National Seashore | Beach picnics surrounded by dunes and protected coastal landscapes. | Ocean beaches, boardwalk trails, wildlife, lighthouse access, and natural scenery. |
| Cedar Beach | Relaxed North Shore beach setting overlooking Long Island Sound. | Beach access, fishing, marina, seasonal facilities, and sunset views. |
| Mitchell Park | Harborfront lawns in the center of a walkable North Fork village. | Marina views, carousel, restaurants, shops, and waterfront promenade. |
| Marine Park | Compact harborfront park near the center of historic Sag Harbor. | Marina views, benches, village shops, restaurants, and waterfront scenery. |
Whether you’re planning a quiet lunch by the water, a romantic afternoon in a garden, or a large family gathering in a shaded park, Long Island offers picnic destinations for nearly every occasion. Many locations combine picnic facilities with beaches, playgrounds, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and other activities, making it easy to turn a simple meal outdoors into a full day trip. Couples can also explore the best date ideas on Long Island for more ways to spend time together.
