There’s something timeless about spreading out a blanket, unpacking a basket of good food, and letting time slow down as you take in a view. In Cape Town, picnicking isn’t just a lazy afternoon activity — it’s a lifestyle. From mountain hideaways to vineyard lawns, this city knows how to serve a picnic with a side of magic.
Here are 10 of the best picnic spots in and around Cape Town — each one a story, an invitation, and a reason to pack your basket this weekend.
Where to go
1. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Cape Town’s crown jewel of outdoor escapes, Kirstenbosch is a picnic paradise. Imagine tucking into fresh bread and Dalewood cheese while Table Mountain towers above you and proteas bloom at your feet. Bring along a bottle of Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc and let the gardens be your dining room.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Go late afternoon, and stay for a golden-hour stroll when the gardens glow with soft light.
2. De Hel Nature Area, Constantia
Tucked away in the Constantia greenbelt, De Hel feels like a forgotten forest. Shaded by ancient oaks and filled with bird calls, it’s a sanctuary for those who want a picnic far from the crowds. Pack something simple — a loaf of Woodstock Bakery sourdough, Dalewood Huguenot cheese, and a jar of fynbos honey. Purely Local Insider Tip: Early morning picnics are magical here, with mist hanging low over the forest floor.
3. Green Point Urban Park
Right in the city, but worlds away from the hustle, Green Point Urban Park is where families, joggers, and picnickers share the lawns. Grab pastries from Jason Bakery or biltong from Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, and you’ve got a city picnic with local flair.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Take kids along — the playgrounds are some of the best in the city.
4. Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Spier doesn’t just do picnics; they curate them. Expect baskets filled with grass-fed beef biltong, garden salads, and farm-fresh breads, all matched perfectly with a chilled Chenin Blanc. Their lawns next to the Eerste River invite you to linger for hours.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Try the vegan basket — it’s one of the most creative in the Winelands.
5. Silvermine Nature Reserve
This is for the adventurers. Hike a short trail to the Silvermine Dam, spread out your feast, and dip your toes in cool mountain water. Pack your own — think homemade koeksisters, a wedge of Klein River cheese, and maybe a flask of rooibos tea.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Get there early to secure a shady spot. And yes, bring swimming gear.
6. Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Warwick is famous for their “picnic pods” — private little lawns carved out among the vines. Their baskets are a feast of Cape flavours: snoek pâté, bobotie wraps, and buttery mosbolletjies. Pair it with Warwick’s celebrated Trilogy blend for the full experience.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Book a pod in advance; they’re incredibly popular for proposals and anniversaries.
7. Company’s Garden, Cape Town CBD
Cape Town’s oldest garden feels like a pause button in the middle of the city. Pick up a roosterkoek filled with chakalaka from the Company’s Garden Restaurant, add some dried fruit from the market stalls, and enjoy it under ancient oaks.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Don’t forget some peanuts — the resident squirrels expect a snack too.
8. Buitenverwachting, Constantia
If you like your picnic with a dash of heritage, Buitenverwachting is your spot. Their curated baskets brim with local luxuries like cold meats, Dalewood Brie, and freshly baked sourdough. Sip on a crisp Buiten Blanc, and you’ll know why Constantia has been a wine lover’s paradise for centuries.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Pair your picnic with a tasting — their Buiten Blanc is a Constantia classic.
9. Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Framed by mountain peaks and wildflower-strewn trails, Helderberg is a gem locals love. Bring your own picnic — fresh grapes from a roadside farmstall, Klein Joostenberg charcuterie, and a bottle of Waterkloof Circle of Life white. On Sundays, live music makes it extra special.
Purely Local Insider Tip: Combine your picnic with a hike to Leopard’s Kloof for a full-day escape.
10. Witsand Beach, near Scarborough
Past the popular surfing spots, Witsand is wild, windswept, and usually deserted. It’s the kind of beach where you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a private slice of the Cape. Bring a basket with local olives, snoek pâté, and freshly pressed juices from Nude Foods, and settle into the dunes.
Purely Local Insider Tip: It’s a kiteboarder’s paradise — so even if you’re not riding, you’ll have a front-row seat to a colourful show.
Ready to Pack Your Basket?
Cape Town doesn’t just hand you picnic spots — it hands you experiences: mountain air, ocean sunsets, heritage gardens, and vineyard views. Whether you’re after adventure, romance, or a simple family day out, this city has a blanket-ready lawn waiting for you.
So, which flavour of Cape Town will you taste first?
