Contra Loma Reservoir
22 mi north · Bureau of Reclamation
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Pleasanton
Day-use and picnic areas near Pleasanton on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
10picnic areas
22 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
February–Novemberbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
S F Bay Model Regional Visitor Center
35 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers
The Bay Model was built in 1957 as a research tool to test the impact of proposed changes to San Francisco Bay and its related waterways.
Kirby Cove Campground
36 mi west · National Park Service
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California.
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Within 30 miles (1)
Contra Loma Reservoir
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
30 to 75 miles (9)
S F Bay Model Regional Visitor Center
The Bay Model was built in 1957 as a research tool to test the impact of proposed changes to San Francisco Bay and its related waterways.
- Boating
- Fishing
- History
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Kirby Cove Campground
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
- Water Access
San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge
The San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge located in Stanislaus County encompasses more than 7,300 acres of riparian woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that host a diversity of wildlife native to California’s Great Central Valley.
- Birding
- Hiking
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
San Luis Lake and State Wildlife Area
Recreation facilities at San Luis Lake were constructed under a cost-share agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the State of Colorado during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Stanislaus River Parks
Just a few minutes NE of Modesto in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities. N of Modesto 10 mi via CA 99.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Lake Solano
Lake Solano Park, Solano Project , is located at the base of coastal foothills at the western edge of the Sacramento Valley and offers an array of recreational opportunities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Lake Berryessa
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Fs Owned
Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.
- Birding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Nature education
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Pleasanton. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Pleasanton
- Hiking near Pleasanton
- Camping near Pleasanton
- Fishing near Pleasanton
- Boating and kayaking near Pleasanton
- Biking and mountain biking near Pleasanton
- Horseback riding near Pleasanton
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Pleasanton
- Swimming holes and lakes near Pleasanton
- Parks in Pleasanton
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Pleasanton?
Contra Loma Reservoir (Bureau of Reclamation), about 22 miles north of Pleasanton as the crow flies. Next are S F Bay Model Regional Visitor Center (35 mi) and Kirby Cove Campground (36 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Pleasanton?
Based on Pleasanton’s average highs, February–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.