5 Picnic Ideas for a Perfect San Francisco Summer
From park picnics to beach barbecues, outdoor movies to urban hikes, here’s where to enjoy summer and what to pack for snacks in the city.
Bi-Rite is the place to go for picnic essentials in San Francisco, especially during the summer, when folks are ducking out of the office early on Fridays, and trying to keep kids entertained through vacation. The classic experience, of course, is simply grabbing a Bernal Heights sandwich or scoop of salted caramel ice cream and strolling over for a sunny afternoon in Dolores Park. But now that Bi-Rite has three Market locations spread across the city, with a fourth on the way in the outer Richmond, we’re within striking distance of so many beautiful city parks, fueling all kinds of summer adventures.
We love seeing guests load up baskets to catch a movie at the park, fire up a barbecue at the beach, go for a paddle around the lake, or hike up a concrete mountain. And while a sandwich from the deli never disappoints, those activities might be even more fun with a beautifully arranged charcuterie board, pasta salad tossed with sweet corn, a peak-season melon sliced into thick wedges, and chill drinks like canned rosé and yuzu iced tea. So, whatever is on your bucket list this summer in the city, here’s a little inspiration for what to pack for snacks.
Bi-Rite Markets
Park Picnic at Alamo Square
Unfurl a picnic spread on the grass of Alamo Square, and enjoy the cinematic view of the Painted Ladies (cue the Full House theme song). The pro move is to order 24 hours ahead from the deli at Divisadero, so the team can arrange an abundant charcuterie board, tucking in salami and mortadella, wedges and cubes of cheese, cute cornichons and crisp crackers. Weigh down your blanket with buttermilk fried chicken, orzo pasta salad, and juicy tomato caprese, all delicious served at room temp. And canned wine is cool now, provided it’s a local rosé from Sonoma County.
Bjorn Qorn
Movie Night at Dolores Park
What is a summer movie without popcorn and candy? If you’re catching an outdoor flick in Dolores Park, better stop by 18th Street to stock up on snacks. Bjorn Qorn makes the best bagged popcorn, popped by solar power and dusted with nutritional yeast (vegan, salty, cheesy, and affectionately known as “nooch” to its fans). BonBon has been trending because of its Swedish fish in sour flavors, and Unreal has unwrapped a better peanut butter cup featuring dark chocolate. Wash it all down with a nostalgic soda like Olipop cola with a boost of prebiotic fiber. Although snacking on a platter of seasonal berries could be just as sweet.
Becky Duffett
Beach Barbecue at Crissy Field
For a trip to the beach, even while staying inside city limits, roll a cooler down to the bay and fire up the grill. Our third and newest location on Polk Street is closest to breezy Crissy Field, and those cold cases are loaded with grillable meats and fresh sides. These bestselling Italian sausages come in mild or spicy flavors, and they’re so easy to sizzle over the coals, and pair with summery pesto pasta and sweet corn salad. As long as you’re filling a cooler with ice, why not jam in a few cans of craft pilsner and ice cream sandwiches, which taste even better with your toes in the sand.
Becky Duffett
Boat Ride at Golden Gate Park
You don’t have to drive to the woods to gaze across a serene lake in San Francisco, and going for a paddle around Blue Heron Lake calls for fresh fish snacks. From our new sushi menu that recently rolled out in the Markets, snag creamy salmon rolls and cute onigiri triangles, and toss in cool noodles to call it lunch. For something sweet, tote a peak-season melon into the park, and carve it into thick and juicy wedges (honestly best eaten outside). More interesting than iced tea or lemonade, a green tea and yuzu refresher combines the best of both drinks.
Stemple Creek Ranch
Urban Hike at Twin Peaks
City hikes can be just as steep as mountain trails, at least when you live in the Seven Hills. Twin Peaks serves panoramic views of the bay and bridges, but by the time you reach the top, you’ll be ready for a snack. Keep them light for carrying in a backpack, with West Coast trail mix starring Oregon hazelnuts and cranberries, or beef jerky sticks from a regenerative ranch in Marin. Or hummus always holds up well on a hike, and our creamy housemade version is ready to celebrate at the summit, with mini peppers and seedy crackers for dunking.
- Hummingbird Organic Pacific Coast Blend
- Stemple Creek Ranch Beef Snack Sticks
- Bi-Rite Market Hummus
- Organic Mini Sweet Peppers
- Top Seedz Sea Salt Crackers
Becky Duffett is a food writer living and eating in San Francisco. Follow her on Instagram at @beckyduffett.
