S F Bay Model Regional Visitor Center
40 mi northwest · 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.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Sunnyvale
Day-use and picnic areas near Sunnyvale on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
10picnic areas
40 mito the closest
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
Kirby Cove Campground
41 mi northwest · 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.
Contra Loma Reservoir
43 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.
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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
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
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 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
San Justo Reservoir
San Justo Dam and Reservoir are features of the San Felipe Project. The reservoir is approximately 3 miles southwest of Hollister, California . Facilities open for use Wednesday through Sunday. Operation hours: sunrise to sunset.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
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
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Paddling
O'Neill Forebay
O'Neill Dam and Forebay are joint Federal-State facilities located on San Luis Creek 2.5 miles downstream from San Luis Dam. O'Neill Forebay Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Joaquin Division - San Luis Unit .
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
75 miles and farther (1)
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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Sunnyvale?
S F Bay Model Regional Visitor Center (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 40 miles northwest of Sunnyvale as the crow flies. Next are Kirby Cove Campground (41 mi) and Contra Loma Reservoir (43 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Sunnyvale?
Based on Sunnyvale’s average highs, February–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.