World's Best Picnic Spots

                             

Huayna Picchu, Peru 

 At an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet, the view from atop this peak, which towers over the 15th-century ruins of Machu Picchu, is breathtaking in a number of ways. A steep, slippery climb to this rocky summit is a nerve-racking effort—one instantly rewarded with a panoramic perspective of the Urubamba River Valley and the famed city of the Inca. But what to eat? Certainly not a complicated dish of roasted cuy (guinea pig) or a pisco sour. Instead, a celebratory Inca Kola and a pleasantly portable butifarras—a sandwich of Peruvian ham, onions, chili peppers, and lime. Don't linger too long—the hike down is a doozy.

   

Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome, Italy

                 

Olives, pizza bianca, marinated artichokes, salumi, and—of course—a bottle of wine are all it takes to make a picnic break from the ancient ruins and Renaissance highlights of Rome. Oh—and a quiet little park. The Villa Borghese gardens, near the Piazza del Popolo, is a picnic-perfect landscape for escape. The Spanish Steps lead up to this English-style garden, but the romantic feel of the urban park is all-Italian—a fact reinforced by the sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio housed within the Galleria Borghese on the broad expanse of these scenic gardens

                                                                  

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore

Photograph by Eightfish

A tropical rain forest in the heart of one of the world's busiest cities? Believe it. This horticultural haven is a compact but grand space that preserves much more than just a lush tropical rain forest. The National Orchid Garden maintains a collection of more than a thousand species and 2,000 hybrids here (including Singapore's pink-hued national flower, a natural hybrid orchid), while three lakes, a botany center, and a ginger garden offer opportunities for eco-education and urban escape. The greenswards of Palm Valley make for pitch-perfect picnics, especially when outdoor concerts are in session

                  

Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes Station, California

Photograph by Tom Bass, MyShot

So you've collected fine wines in Napa and delicious bites in Berkeley and you've checked Chez Panisse and French Laundry off your list. Now where do you go for a simple outdoor meal? This spectacular nature preserve located on a 70,000-acre peninsula north of San Francisco is rich in wildlife, from raptors to tule elk, and bordered by a coastline favored by elephant seals. Hikers, backpackers, and beachcombers ply the trails, especially the wildflower-wild Chimney Rock hike, while picnickers head to the nearby Point Reyes Lighthouse for prime whale watching in January and March and coastal beauty year-round.

                      

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Western Cape, South Africa

Photograph by Heiko Meyer, laif/Redux

Make a quick green escape from Cape Town for a picnic lunch in this spectacularly rugged and refined space on the slopes of Table Mountain. Pack a bottle of wine from Stellenbosch and some biltong (it's like beef jerky)—a lot easier to carry than crocodile meat or ostrich burgers—and hike the trails through natural forests and fynbos ("fine bush" or shrubland in Afrikaans). More than 7,000 plant species and indigenous plants are cultivated in this expansive botanic garden, with exhibit areas dedicated to medicinal and fragrant plants, as well as the king protea, South Africa's national flower.

The Top Ten Most Romantic Picnic Spots in the USA

Courtyards surrounded by ivy-covered walls, balconies with dramatic seaside views, quiet back roads in historical towns, and ocean piers offering visions of dazzling sunsets all call one thing to mind: romance. These cozy, atmospheric locales exist all over America and provide ample opportunities for intimate, memorable picnic meals with the one you love. Just pack your picnic basket and an overnight bag and you'll be ready for a romantic weekend unlike any other.

1. Big Sur - Nothing can compare you for the awe-inspiring, breathtaking views you'll encounter in this region of California's Highway 1. Even seasoned travelers who think they've seen it all are blown away by the sheer beauty of the dramatic rocky cliffs overlooking serene blue ocean waves. The scenic, meandering drive is an essential part of the experience - you'll want to stop at every lookout. In warm weather, plan to spend the night at one of the open campsites on the water - it'll be an unforgettably romantic experience.

2. New York City - The city that never sleeps has an almost palpable energy to it that no other city can come close to. There are so many romantic places and activities, you'd have to make multiple trips to do them all. Ice skating in Rockefeller Center is at the top of the list for winter picnic spots; make sure to bring a couple mugs of hot cocoa. In any other season, take a carriage ride through Central Park and stop for a picnic meal you'll never forget. Rooftop overlooks, glamorous city lights blending into the starry skies, and the exciting bustle of Times Square add to the cosmopolitan appeal of this chic and sophisticated metropolis.

3. Oahu - This beach blanket paradise is not only one of the most romantic spots in the USA, it's known for its incredible beauty worldwide. Spend the day snorkeling, lounging in the sun, munching on a delicious tropical picnic meal and watching the sun set over the clear blue waters. Intimate hikes, coastal cruises and horseback riding are only a handful of the romantic activities couples can partake in while visiting this Hawaiian island. The most colorful fish can be found in Hanauma Bay; Diamond Head, the island's 350 acre crater, offers incredibly striking views.

4. New Orleans - The Big Easy is more often mentioned of late in the context of hurricanes than of tourism, but don't let that fool you into thinking it isn't worthy of a visit. The millions of people who have been lucky enough to experience this city can describe it in one word: 'magical'. The legacy of its heady past is everywhere - in its wrought iron balconies, courtyards full of blossoming Magnolia, and the delicious scent of Creole and Cajun cooking wafting through the air. New Orleans has a sensuous, seductive allure that gives romantic picnics with a loved one a bit of extra spice.

5. Miami - This wild and wonderful city enjoys a rich cultural diversity, making it one of the most interesting places in America to visit. Whether you'd prefer to lounge on the soft white sands of the shore, explore the fascinating ethnic shops downtown or take in the glitz and glamour of South Beach from your hotel room terrace, Miami has something for everyone. The weather is perfect year-round, giving you plenty of choices for outdoor fun including sailboat rides, bicycles built for two, wind surfing, jet skiing and swimming. Get some Cuban sandwiches from Little Havana and take them on your adventure - you'll be happy you did!

6. Savannah - Go on a romantic getaway to this riverfront gem of the South, where cozy bed and breakfasts can be found on ever corner, and secluded nooks in the many private parks offer up enticing picnic spots. Lush greenery strewn with Spanish moss, stunning architecture, trolley rides and horse-drawn carriages contribute to the city's unique, laid-back vibe. Get a room with a balcony overlooking the river or one of the parks for a spectacular picnic breakfast.

7. Santa Fe - The breathtaking mountainous desert scenery, spectacular sunsets, decadent cuisine and abundance of revitalizing spas make Santa Fe a standout destination for any couple looking for romance. Pamper yourselves with massages and facials, take a ride on the historic Santa Fe Southern Railway, luxuriate in a hot tub under the stars and feast on southwestern cuisine. Pack your picnic basket and head up to the Cross of the Martyrs off Paseo de Peralta for a panoramic view.

8. Grand Canyon - The Grand Canyon is often touted as the most stunning natural sight in North America, and it's easy to see why. Summer is the most pleasant time of year to spread your picnic blanket out on the rim and enjoy the incredible scenery. The Grand Canyon also offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor adventures, from hikes to mule rides. Sunsets at this American landmark are striking explosions of vivid color, and provide a unique and memorable atmosphere for a romantic picnic for two.

9. Jackson Hole - It seems as though the picturesque Wyoming valley of Jackson Hole has been on every top ten list made in the past few years. This frontier-town-turned-ski-resort is quickly becoming the favorite winter destination of anyone who seeks a unique romantic adventure. Incredible skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, rafting and climbing opportunities abound, so have all of your picnic gear ready. There's an undeniable romantic charm in cozying up with your partner in front of a fire, wrapping yourselves in a blanket and savoring a hot beverage.

10. Charleston - This genteel port city offers up an atmosphere of carefree tranquility. Cobblestone streets, grand antebellum plantations, and walkways cooled by island breezes give it is quaint, historic vibe. Perfect picnic spots are everywhere - enjoy the swings at Waterfront park; window shop on King Street, enjoy the lush courtyards of the churches and visit the 'Angel Oak' on James Island - a 1400 year old oak tree.