13 Virginia Picnic-Perfect Spots With Takeout Worth Traveling For
Last summer, I packed a blanket, a cooler, and my appetite for adventure, determined to hunt down the best outdoor dining experiences across Virginia.
What I discovered completely changed how I think about weekends. From misty mountain overlooks to peaceful waterfront parks, the Old Dominion is overflowing with picture-perfect spots where nature and great food come together in effortless harmony.
You don’t need a reservation or a gourmet kitchen—just a good takeout menu and a view worth lingering over. Whether it’s barbecue by the bay or sandwiches under the trees, Virginia proves that the best meals are often served under open skies.
1. Shenandoah National Park – Big Meadows Picnic Area with Spelunker’s (Front Royal)
Mountains have a way of making sandwiches taste better, and Big Meadows proves this theory spectacularly. Perched at 3,500 feet, this picnic area offers sprawling views that make you forget about cell service entirely.
Before heading up Skyline Drive, swing by Spelunker’s in Front Royal for their legendary burgers and hand-cut fries. The drive takes about 30 minutes, but every curve rewards you with jaw-dropping scenery.
Pack your cooler smart because bears are real here, not just cute ideas. Deer wander through like they own the place, which technically they do. Bring layers because mountain weather plays tricks even in July.
2. Great Falls Park (McLean) with Moby Dick House of Kabob
Watching thousands of gallons of water thunder past while holding a perfect chicken kabob feels oddly philosophical. Great Falls Park sits just outside Washington DC, but it might as well be another planet given how wild everything feels.
Moby Dick House of Kabob serves up Persian cuisine that could convert anyone into a kabob enthusiast. Their saffron rice alone deserves poetry written about it.
Claim a spot on the rocks upstream from the main falls for a quieter experience. The park gets crowded on weekends, so early mornings work best. Wear shoes with grip because those rocks get slippery fast.
3. Gravelly Point (Arlington) with Good Stuff Eatery (Crystal City)
Planes roar overhead so close you can practically read the airline logos, and somehow this makes picnicking here absolutely thrilling. Gravelly Point sits at the end of the Reagan National Airport runway, turning lunch into dinner theater.
Good Stuff Eatery brings award-winning burgers and shakes that former President Obama once endorsed publicly. Their toasted marshmallow milkshake tastes like childhood improved.
Kids lose their minds watching jets descend practically within touching distance. The Potomac River adds scenic backup to the aviation show. Arrive early because parking disappears faster than those burgers, especially during cherry blossom season when tourists multiply exponentially.
4. First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach) with TASTE Hilltop
Where the Chesapeake Bay kisses the Atlantic Ocean, history happened and picnics flourish. First Landing State Park marks where English colonists first touched American soil in 1607, making your lunch weirdly patriotic.
TASTE at Hilltop delivers elevated comfort food that respects ingredients without getting pretentious about it. Their crab cakes pack actual crab, not filler masquerading as seafood.
Maritime forest trails offer shade when the beach gets too toasty. Cypress trees create an almost mystical atmosphere that photographs beautifully. The park offers both bay and ocean access, so pick your water view carefully based on wave preferences and sunset timing considerations.
5. Mount Trashmore Park (Virginia Beach) with Duck Donuts Virginia Beach Boulevard
Only in America do we turn a former landfill into a beloved park and name it Mount Trashmore without irony. This 165-acre wonder features two man-made mountains that kids sprint up repeatedly until exhaustion claims them.
Duck Donuts lets you customize fresh donuts with toppings that range from sensible to absolutely chaotic. Watching them make your order feels like edible performance art.
Two lakes attract ducks who have zero concept of personal space. Skate parks and playgrounds keep energetic humans occupied for hours. The summit offers surprisingly decent views considering its garbage origins, proving redemption stories come in unexpected forms and proving nature eventually wins.
6. Windsor Castle Park (Smithfield) with Taste of Smithfield
Smithfield put ham on the map, so naturally their park overlooks the James River like royalty surveying the kingdom. Windsor Castle Park combines colonial history with modern picnic conveniences in a way that feels effortless.
Taste of Smithfield celebrates the town’s pork heritage with sandwiches that honor generations of curing tradition. Their pulled pork comes from recipes perfected over centuries, not corporate test kitchens.
River breezes keep summer heat manageable while you watch boats navigate the historic waterway. The park connects to downtown Smithfield via a pleasant walking path. Bring a frisbee because the open lawn practically begs for it, and the sunset timing here rivals anything coastal Virginia offers regularly.
7. Yorktown Beach and Waterfront with Carrot Tree Kitchens (Yorktown Riverwalk)
Revolutionary War ghosts probably envy the sandwiches available now along Yorktown’s historic waterfront. This beach witnessed the birth of American independence and now hosts families building sandcastles with zero regard for historical gravity.
Carrot Tree Kitchens bakes everything from scratch, including their famous carrot cake that converts vegetable skeptics instantly. Their chicken salad croissants deserve military honors.
The beach stays calm thanks to the protected river location, making it perfect for younger swimmers. Historic markers dot the area, turning lunch into an accidental history lesson. Park near the Riverwalk for easiest access, and stick around because the waterfront sunset rivals any battlefield victory celebration imaginable.
8. Maymont (Richmond) with Proper Pie Co. (Church Hill)
Gilded Age mansions make surprisingly excellent picnic backdrops when you spread your blanket on Maymont’s manicured lawns. This 100-acre estate features gardens that landscape architects probably dream about, plus animals that children obsess over.
Proper Pie Co. crafts Australian-style hand pies with fillings that range from traditional beef to creative vegetarian options. Their flaky crust shatters satisfyingly with every bite.
Japanese gardens offer zen moments between pie consumption. The Italian gardens photograph like European postcards without the airfare. Black bears and bison live here in habitats that educational and surprisingly spacious, making your picnic feel like a safari minus the danger and plus significantly better food options.
9. Belle Isle, James River Park (Richmond) with ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
An island in the middle of Richmond feels like discovering a secret level in a video game you thought you had beaten. Belle Isle combines Civil War history, rock hopping, and river rapids into one compact adventure.
ZZQ brings Texas-style barbeque to Virginia with brisket that melts like butter-flavored dreams. Their sides compete with the main event, especially the jalapeno cheese grits that spark joy and mild sweating.
Suspension bridges add Indiana Jones vibes to your walk in. Rocky outcrops create natural seating that beats any picnic table. The James River rushes past with enough drama to soundtrack your meal perfectly, and local rock climbers provide free entertainment scaling the granite walls surrounding you.
10. Libby Hill Park (Richmond) with Alamo BBQ
Richmond’s skyline spreads before you like a postcard that somehow includes the smell of excellent barbeque. Libby Hill Park crowns Church Hill neighborhood with views that inspired city founders to compare it to Rome’s seven hills.
Alamo BBQ serves up Texas-style meats with Virginia hospitality, creating a flavor fusion that works better than it sounds on paper. Their ribs require extra napkins and zero regrets.
Cobblestone streets leading up add old-world charm to your approach. The overlook captures both downtown and the James River in one sweeping panorama. Spring brings cherry blossoms that rival DC’s famous trees but with significantly fewer tourists and substantially more elbow room for spreading blankets comfortably.
11. Leesylvania State Park (Woodbridge) with Dixie Bones BBQ
Fishing poles and picnic baskets coexist peacefully along the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park. This former plantation turned recreational paradise offers shoreline access that makes lunch feel like a mini vacation.
Dixie Bones BBQ has won enough awards to wallpaper their restaurant, and their ribs explain why immediately. The pulled pork sandwich could negotiate peace treaties, it’s that good.
A fishing pier extends into the Potomac, perfect for casting lines between sandwich bites. Bald eagles nest here seasonally, adding patriotic flair to your meal. The park stays less crowded than nearby options, offering a quieter experience where conversation doesn’t require shouting and parking actually exists on weekends.
12. Raven’s Roost Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway with The Blue Ridge Pig (Nellysford)
Mountain views stretch for miles at Raven’s Roost, making you understand why people write songs about these ridges. Perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this overlook transforms lunch into a moment you’ll remember past Tuesday.
The Blue Ridge Pig smokes meats low and slow in Nellysford, creating barbeque that tastes like Appalachian sunshine. Their mac and cheese sides qualify as comfort food royalty.
The overlook sits at 3,200 feet elevation, so temperatures drop noticeably even in summer. Ravens circle overhead like they’re inspecting your food choices. Pack a jacket because mountain weather changes moods faster than toddlers, and the wind up here doesn’t care about your hairstyle preferences whatsoever.
13. Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station) with Spartans Family Restaurant (Burke)
A 218-acre lake surrounded by walking trails creates the perfect setting for picnics that include light exercise guilt relief. Burke Lake Park offers Northern Virginia residents an escape without requiring highway heroics.
Spartans Family Restaurant serves Greek-American comfort food that satisfies both gyro cravings and burger desires simultaneously. Their portions could feed small armies, making leftovers practically guaranteed.
The lake loop trail measures 4.7 miles, perfect for pre-lunch appetite building or post-meal digestion walks. Fishing, mini golf, and an old-fashioned carousel add entertainment options beyond eating. The park maintains a peaceful vibe despite proximity to suburban sprawl, offering a genuine nature experience that recharges batteries effectively and reliably every single visit.