April 23rd is National Picnic Day! On this Saturday in April, take time to pack up your lunch and enjoy eating al fresco. Luckily in Fort Lauderdale, there’s no shortage of perfect picnic spots. 

If you’re looking for the classic picnic in the park, head to Colee Hammock Park, where you have lots of green lawn space to spread out under the shade of large sprawling trees. Kick back and watch the yachts and boats sailing in by the beautiful mansions that line the shores of New River. 

If a groovy urban setting is more your style, get some take out and make your way to Stranahan Park, where you’re surrounded by wild orchids and cacti in the middle of downtown. Nearby options for filling your basket include a pizza from Cafe Roma Italy, or soups, salads and subs from Mr. Nick’s Sub Shop. 

For a taste of Historic Fort Lauderdale, bring your picnic basket to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and enjoy your meal at the picnic tables on the grounds of the impressive plantation style home, whose gardens feature five distinct ecosystems. They even have a small cafe you can grab your vittles at.  Touring the impressive art collection in the museum and gallery is a surefire way to work up an appetite!  

But it wouldn’t be National Picnic Day in Fort Lauderdale if you didn’t consider having your picnic on the beach! At DC Alexander Park, you can eat with your toes in the sand, or choose the wide lawn if you prefer a grassy spot to set up your lawn chair. 

Snyder Park is the best choice if you’re bringing your four legged friends along to enjoy the picnic! There’s tables to set out your food on throughout the park, and a doggy-only freshwater lake for fido to swim in. And if you’re looking for an uncommon appetizer, take a tour through the Edible Landscape Garden and Tropical Food Forest.

If you have a special occasion to celebrate or simply want to go all-out, book your picnic with Lavish Picnics of South Florida. They will come to the location of your choosing and set up a dream picnic that might include anything from pillows and blankets to rose petals and champagne. They take care of cleaning up after you as well!

Enjoying a picnic doesn’t have to be limited to National Picnic Day. Spend the rest of the spring checking out all these unique picnic venues.