5 Picture-Perfect Parks & Places for a Picnic Scottsdale

Searching for a picturesque picnic spot in Scottsdale, Arizona, that the whole family will love? Look no further! Scottsdale and Phoenix are home to gorgeous parks that offer all types of landscapes — from towering mountain vistas to lush lawns — that will provide a scenic backdrop for a picnic.

So, pack your picnic basket and head to one of the following parks in Scottsdale to enjoy the great outdoors and 300+ days of warm, sunny weather each year in Scottsdale!

Top Picnic Spots in Scottsdale, AZ

1. Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak Park is home to one of the best hiking trails in Scottsdale, making this park one of the best places in Scottsdale to picnic for those also craving a hike!

The trail offers stunning views of the desert year-round and features gorgeous wildflower blooms in the spring. Plan to spend the morning hiking, biking, or walking on the trail, and then pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of the mountain or at one of the picnic tables under the park’s shaded ramada before heading home. Pinnacle Peak Park also has restrooms and drinking fountains.

2. Scottsdale Civic Center

Scottsdale Civic Center is a great picnic spot for city slickers and art enthusiasts. The park is home to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Civic Center Library, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts fun events, and several shops, restaurants, and popular Scottsdale museums to explore, including the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

This park features picturesque lawns, oversized shade trees, bubbling fountains, beautiful lagoons, and botanical gardens. The Scottsdale Civic Center is also home to public art pieces, including the famous “LOVE” sculpture (the perfect spot to set up a romantic picnic for a date!).

3. Papago Park

Located south of Old Town Scottsdale, Papago Park is a picturesque picnic spot in Greater Phoenix that offers plenty to do, including hiking, walking, mountain biking, fishing in a lagoon, and even an archery range! The park provides several ramadas for picnics with grills, fireplaces, tables, horseshoe pits, and other amenities. While some ramadas are first come, first serve, others require a reservation and a small reservation fee between $35–60. Beer permits are also available for $28 each.

Papago Park is where the iconic “Hole-in-the-Rock” is located. It’s also home to two of the most popular attractions in Phoenix — the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo — and offers other attractions nearby, including the Hall of Flame Museum and Papago Golf Course.

4. Encanto Park

Encanto Park in Central Phoenix is only a short drive from Scottsdale and is one of the best places for a picnic in Greater Phoenix. In addition to lush, grassy areas and two shaded ramadas perfect for a picnic, this 222-acre park offers tons of amenities and fun things to do, including a fishing lagoon, a historic clubhouse and boathouse, and two golf courses. Encanto Park also has an ADA-accessible playground to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all children.

One of the highlights at Encanto Park is the Enchanted Island Amusement Park. This park is a favorite for families with kids and offers a train, carousel, kiddie cars, bumper boats, pedal boats, and other amusement park rides for kids. Admission is free — you pay per ride! Enchanted Island also offers a snack bar that serves popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, chicken strips, and other carnival snacks. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a fun day at Enchanted Island and Encanto Park!

5. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Looking for a picnic area that will appeal to the whole family — especially the little ones? Head to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. It is one of the best places to visit with kids in Scottsdale and one of the top spots in the city for a picnic!

At this 30-acre park, you can board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a ride around the park or take a spin on a vintage carousel (for a small fee). You can visit the Scottsdale Railroad Museum in the park to see historic artifacts and train cars, or let the kids play on one of the park’s playgrounds — one is even themed like a Western Town! You’ll also find plenty of grassy spaces where you can spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch. Be sure to end the day with a sweet treat from Hartley’s General Store.

Relax at Your Luxurious Vacation Rental After a Day of Fun in the Sun During a Scottsdale Picnic

There are plenty of places to choose from when deciding where to have a picnic in Scottsdale, whether you’ll be enjoying a quick family lunch with the kids before playing at the playground or setting out a delicious spread for a romantic picnic date at sunset.

If you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale and are still looking for a place to stay, look no further than our vacation rentals from Stay With Style Scottsdale. We offer luxurious, spacious vacation rentals in Scottsdale with comfortable designer furniture, resort-style backyards, and all the amenities you could ever want or need during a Scottsdale vacation!

Browse our rentals to find the perfect one for you, and let us know if you have any questions. We can’t wait to host you!