Unusual Picnic Places Around the World

There’s nothing quite like a picnic surrounded by friends and family, soaking in the sun, sharing snacks, and enjoying the sounds of nature. Whether you prefer to use one big blanket, sit at a table with benches, or plop right onto the grass, it’s the perfect good-weather get together (and a great excuse to load up on delicious food). With this guide, you’ll find a picnic spot that’s guaranteed to impress your guests and spark envy in your enemies.

These aren’t your average grassy fields; they’re oases colored by folklore stories, whimsical art, monumental moments in history, and otherworldly formations. From an abandoned power plant in the mountains of Mexico to a gold-mine-turned-swimming-hole in southern Australia, these are the best places across the globe for an unforgettable outdoor meal. Many of the enclosures were built in the 1930s by Works Progress Administration crew.

Erin Johnson / Atlas Obscura User The first Los Angeles Zoo may have closed in the 1960s, but remnants still remain in Griffith Park, where they’re now outfitted with picnic tables and grills. Peek inside abandoned monkey cages and walk through the bear grotto in between bites, or wander a trail up from the caves for a view of what was once the lion dens. Colorful messages of sportsmanship fade on Sports City’s walls. jenyag / Atlas Obscura User This crumbling sporting complex, once the training ground for elite athletes, now consists of drained swimming pools, empty gymnasiums, and overgrown tracks.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s gone unused; in a city where public green space is a rarity, the complex has become a popular spot for picnics, hookah smoking, and simply sprawling in the shade. An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States Introducing Our Newest Book: _America Obscura_. Available Nov 10, 2026 The Tunisian tourism ministry declared Ras Angela the northernmost location in 2014 and invested in promoting it as a travel destination.

Max Cortesi / Atlas Obscura User The rocky head of Ras Angela, or Cape Angela, juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, forming what is considered to the northernmost point of Africa. Marked with a Tunisian flag and a sculpture of the continent, it is a peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic and ocean views. You can also lay out your towel on the adjacent sandy beach and take a dip into the perfectly blue water.

A daily dose of hidden gems to visit, extraordinary places to eat and wondrous stories from around the world. Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Hotels and casinos have yet to pop up around the lake, making it a particularly relaxing destination.