It’s summertime, which means long days for adventures in the great outdoors! Luckily here in Sacramento county (where our Sacramento and Rancho Cordova restaurants are located), there are a plethora of places to plop down with a picnic meal. This includes 129 neighborhood parks, 56 community parks, 25 regional parks, 14 open spaces, and 115 miles of shared-use paths. And in Placer County (where our Roseville restaurant is located), there are 45 parks covering 1,400+ square miles. Whether you live here or you’re just passing through, there are plenty of beautiful places to have a Brookfields picnic. Best of all – our three restaurant locations are ideally located near many of our favorite picnic locations. Follow along as we explore a countdown of the top 5 favorite places to picnic. We hope you enjoy exploring these with your family, friends, and your favorite home-cooked Brookfields meal!
5. Effie Yeaw Nature Center
There’s plenty to do to work up an appetite for a Brookfields picnic at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center! Located almost exactly halfway between our Sacramento and Rancho Cordova restaurants (about 15 minutes from both). This stunning 100-acre nature preserve offers many exceptional picnic spots set in woodlands, shrublands, and meadows along the American River. Explore the easy-to-walk nature trails with interpretive signs that provide information about the area’s natural history and its habitats. Step back in time to learn about the Nisenan Maidu natives at the replica of one of their summer villages. And don’t forget to visit the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, where you can visit and learn about 30 non-releasable animals – such as a Peregrine Falcon, Western Pond Turtle, and a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake – who are native to the American River area.
4. Boulder Ridge Park
Boulder Ridge Park is one of our favorite places to picnic in Rocklin! Located on one of the highest points in Rocklin – and only 15 minutes from our Roseville location – this park offers unparalleled views of the Sierras, Mt. Diablo, the Sutter Buttes, and downtown Sacramento. Plus, the covered picnic area and benches throughout make it an exceptional place for a sunset picnic with your Brookfields favorites! If you’re interested in being active, check out the beautiful walking paths, horseshoe pits, and basketball court. There’s also an awesome playground for the younger family members.
3. Maidu Regional Park
Only 5 minutes from our Roseville restaurant and 15 minutes from our Sacramento restaurant, Maidu Regional Park is a local favorite! Named in honor of the local Maidu tribe, this 152-acre park offers some exceptional picnic spots, including a covered picnic area. It’s also home to a Veteran’s Memorial Rose Garden, the Maidu Branch Library, and Maidu Community Center. The Maidu Museum & Historic Site, shares the history and heritage of the Maidu people in a circular-shaped building that honors the roundhouses that were used for spiritual ceremonies. There are also plenty of paths for walking and biking, a playground, a skate park, and several sports fields – such as a 4-diamond lighted softball complex, 5-field soccer complex, and a full basketball court!
2. Folsom Lake
We couldn’t do a roundup of our favorite picnic locations without including one of our greatest regional gems: Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Located about 22 minutes from both our Roseville and Rancho Cordova restaurants, this 11,450-acre lake includes incredible trails for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding. The lake offers exceptional boating, water-skiing, kayaking, and fishing for those who want to get on the water. If you’re interested in learning more about the once “greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent,” you can visit the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park. One of our favorite picnic spots is Beals Point, which features picnic tables with beautiful views of the lake and dam, and we also love the picnic tables at Granite Bay Main Beach.
1. Brookfields Restaurant!
Our absolute favorite place to enjoy a Brookfields meal is at one of our three restaurant locations! Our comfortable indoor/outdoor dining areas and welcoming staff are here to ensure you feel right at home every time you dine with us. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing to go and enjoy at your favorite Sacramento-area picnic area, we look forward to serving you!
Do you have a favorite place where you love to bring your Brookfields meals? We’d love to hear about them! You can share them with us on social media by tagging us on Facebook: @BrookfieldsRanchoCordova, @BrookfieldsSacramento, or @BrookfieldsRoseville, or on Instagram: @BrookfieldsRestaurant.
