Plan Your Perfect Picnic
Pack a basket filled with great bites and head outside for an idyllic outdoor meal.
We’re still weeks away from the endless beach days of a Jersey Shore summer, but that doesn’t mean the best outdoor pleasures aren’t already at your fingertips. Spring is the time for leisurely walks, afternoons in the garden and moments in the open air—and what better way to do that than a picnic?
Packing a picnic offers the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, quality time (with your family, your partner, your friends or yourself) and fantastic bites. If you needed another sign to give it a shot, April 23 is National Picnic Day! Another upside: The menu options are endless and you can tailor them to your exact taste, from a bottle of wine and a charcuterie spread to a fresh, crisp sandwich to Shore’s best seafood to-go.
Our suggestion? Pack sandwiches piled high every topping you could want, from Monmouth’s best delis. Are we missing your favorite? You have until April 15 to vote for it in the 2026 MONMOUTH READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS.
Antonio’s, Ocean Township. Classic sandwiches from chicken salad to roast beef to caprese and served up here, along with wraps and salads.
*2201 Sunset Ave., Ocean Township, 732.988.1570
DeMarco’s Catering & Gourmet Deli, Aberdeen Township. This spot was last year’s second-place nod. Fill your picnic basket with classic sub sandwiches, fantastic wraps and every classic side you can imagine, from pasta salad to rice balls.
*1121 Rte. 34, Aberdeen Township, 732.566.2112
Livoti’s Old World Market. This local chain is teeming with all the fixings for a perfect picnic. Stop by the bakery and pick up something sweet for dessert!
*Multiple locations
Taliercio’s Ultimate Gourmet, Red Bank. Taking the gold for Best Italian Deli in our 2025 awards, you can always count on this spot for mouthwatering cold subs and hot paninis (try The Godfather).
*500 Rte. 35, Suite 7G, Red Bank, 732.576.1888
A park for your picnic
Now that your picnic basket is packed with sandwiches, chips, drinks and more, it’s time to choose a spot for your spread. We are spoiled for options for beautiful parks in Monmouth, and most need no introduction—Hartshorne Woods in Highlands, Dorbrook Recreation Area in Colts Neck, Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown and Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth need no introduction. Here are a few other options:
Big Brook Park, Marlboro. Rolling hills and open meadows make this a great spot for outdoor leisure. Wander next to the streams and lakes and take in the day.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan. Bring your camera (or your artistic eye) to this park, which is nestled against the Manasquan Inlet and a popular destination for nature photographers. Find a spot close to the water or retreat back toward the trees.
Holmdel Park, Holmdel. If the weather is uncertain, this part is a good option, as it offers large picnic shelters/pavilions that the public can make sure of (so long as no group or organization has it booked that day).
Huber Woods Park, Middletown. This spot has great views of the Navesink and lots of sunny spots to spread out of blanket. If you’re brining the kids, stop by the on-site Environmental Center and a Reptile House for even more fun.
How are you enjoying the season in Monmouth? Tell us all about it on Instagram @monmouthmagazine.
