Head Out to a Picnic-Perfect Park

Everyone has a favored spot for spreading out a low-key picnic, and our suggestions for public places that lend themselves to outdoor repasts make the most of scenery, terrain, and beauty. Assemble one of our savory sandwiches to carry along as a main course, and add in fruit, chips, and lemonade or iced tea, and you're set for a sensational outing. Just remember to observe park rules for picnicking, and be attentive to local regulations.

To take along: Bart's Ultimate BLT.

Tower Grove Park in St. Louis showcases the Victorian era, which took pleasure in the exoticism of other cultures and lands. Throughout the park, elaborately designed pavilions appear as architectural confections amid the landscape, drawing attention and providing resting spots for wandering park-goers. Gates, bridges, and other buildings add notes of whimsy to functional structures, providing multiple focuses within the 289-acre park. Open-air picnic tables with grills are available; for added style (and more money), opt for one of the pavilions.

To take along: Turkey Reuben Sandwiches.

The Pacific Northwest enjoys a strong reputation for its athletically-inclined populace, and the proximity of both water and mountains ensures that nature-focused endeavors are easily found. Although Seattle's Gas Works Park is more urban than natural, it still accommodates active folks in myriad ways. (Kite-flying, in particular, is a favorite sport at the lakeside locale.) The fascinating space was once occupied by an industrial tenant and still retains remnants of the original factory. These landmarks – towers, pump houses, unloading platforms – are incorporated into a number of present-day structures, including a play barn and a picnic shelter. The park's award-winning design includes several lawns too that invite visitors to spread out, relax, and take in the views. Covered and open-air picnic tables are on hand; reservations are preferred.

To take along: Chicken Panini with Fig Jam.

In Los Angeles, an area famous for its devotion to sensual pleasures, is Griffith Park, a fitting wonderland of attractions, activities, and wilderness. At more than 4200 acres, the park delights with a miniature train, a zoo, a vintage merry-go-round, and even an impressive observatory. Outdoor pursuits are legion, no matter how you choose to sweat, and plenty of trails and fields accommodate athletes of all skill levels. Five distinct picnic areas are scattered near major attractions for convenience.

To take along: Grilled Chicken Mojito Sandwiches.

Buffalo, NY, may not be first in your thoughts when spending time outdoors comes to mind, but it delivers a first-rate park. Capitalizing on the city's temperate months is easy at Delaware Park, the centerpiece of its parks system. The elegant parcel is the work of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed NYC's Central Park and the grounds of Asheville, NC's Biltmore Estate. In Olmsted's aesthetic, natural areas are prominent, along with more cultivated gardens and a lake. The park's meadow, in particular, is a grand, sweeping gesture and a wonderful place for enjoying an outdoor meal and a measure of tranquility. It's just the sort of refined pastime that Olmsted would likely have approved of.

To take along: Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini.

Should you find yourself in America's island paradise, make it a point to enjoy Honolulu's Kapi'olani Park on the eastern edge of Waikiki. The much-loved parcel of land was established in the late 19th century as a public facility and is a great source of civic pride. Within its bounds are a zoo, a bandstand, playing fields, and large stands of graceful trees. Home to many festivals, events, and foot races, the park also offers views of Diamond Head. Thanks to large expanses of open space, Kapi'olani grants visitors ample picnicking opportunities, and if you can score a location in the shade of one of those century-old trees, so much the better!

To take along: Thai Beef Rolls.

The Southwest is known for its low humidity and abundant sunny days – perfect criteria for outdoor fun – and Arizona offers two stellar locales for making the most of the climate. Just south of Phoenix are Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park. The latter, a long-lived city park, got a new lease on life with the building of the former in 1999; together, they offer countless opportunities for recreation, including boating, fishing, running, and biking. A boisterous water playground lets kids cool off as they frolic, and a packed events calendar presents everything from concerts and festivals to sports. An assortment of picnic tables includes ones that must be reserved in advance and some that are available on a first come, first served basis.

To take along: Smashed White Bean and Avocado Club.

Ninety miles north of Phoenix, and at a higher elevation, lies Sedona, the quirky town known for its rugged scenery, its penchant for spirituality, and its population of artists and retirees. Along with excursions to spas, art galleries, and vortexes (those centers of metaphysical energy), visitors often take time to visit Red Rock State Park. Not only does it afford amazing views of the terrain, but it also allows for glimpses of native plant and animal species that thrive in the presence of Oak Creek. A visitor center acclimates folks to the park, and well-marked trails invite exploration. Covered picnic tables come equipped with grills, letting you put together a meal that complements the natural beauty.

To take along: Turkey Burritos.

Midwestern parks come with a bit of history, combining both cultivated areas and more untamed sites. Minneapolis's Minnehaha Park, for example, showcases picturesque Minnehaha Falls, which has entranced many an amateur photographer. It also plays host to historic homes, a charming depot, and statues and plaques that honor local history and personalities. Picnickers can post themselves at a variety of lovely spots throughout the park, choosing their own private vista for dining while following in the footsteps of visitors who flocked to the area in years past, spurred by appreciation of Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha.

To take along: Grilled Chicken and Tapenade Sandwiches.

In the Deep South, Finlay Park is a little jewel in the crown of Columbia, SC. The compact greenspace is oft-frequented thanks to its proximity to downtown, and when the weather's warm, folks congregate around its manmade waterfall, lake, and playgrounds. At less than 20 acres, the park is also a manageable size to host festivals and events, which it does with aplomb. Paved pathways allow visitors to stroll easily about the grounds while they absorb Finlay's charm. Many places within the park accommodate picknickers, and an on-site café can help out if you didn't plan in advance.

To take along: Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches.

About an hour's drive from Knoxville, TN, is the immense Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Centered around an opening within the Appalachians, it preserves the ancient Native American and more recent European routes through the range. Caves, historic sites, extensive trails, and tons of scenery and wildlife prove the beauty of these mountains, mesmerizing visitors with the intricacy of nature and the timeless allure of the area. Choosing a site for a picnic is child's play; every location is suitable. Just be sure to pick up after yourself in order to preserve the land for future generations.

To take along: Pulled Chicken Sandwiches.

And a sweet treat to go with everything: Chewy Chocolate-Coconut Macaroons.