10 Unique picnic spots in Mendoza

With over 300 hectares of green spaces, lakes, and gardens designed by landscaper Carlos Thays, General San Martín Park in the City of Mendoza is perfect for a family or friends' picnic—a must-visit for anyone coming to the province. The extensive, tree-lined areas provide shade and tranquility, ideal for an afternoon outdoors.

Besides its natural beauty, the park has various monuments, trails, and recreational areas. It balances the serenity of nature with the city's vibrancy, making it an ideal escape without venturing too far.

Tip: Combine your picnic with a lake stroll, a visit to the "Juan Cornelio Moyano" Natural Sciences and Anthropology Museum, or a bike ride.

Where: San Martín Park, City of Mendoza.

Located in the Tupungato region, La Carrera is a hidden treasure among mountains, offering an impressive landscape that invites you to connect with nature. It's perfect for those looking for a more rustic, natural picnic space, surrounded by native flora and breathtaking views. You can relax in a completely natural setting, away from the crowds, while enjoying a day with good food and company.

This peaceful spot is ideal for those wanting to step away from the city for some tranquility and direct contact with nature.

Tip: If you're adventurous, you can complement your picnic with a hike on nearby trails for spectacular views of the Uco Valley or a horseback ride to discover stunning aerial views.

Where: La Carrera, Tupungato, Mendoza.

Potrerillos Reservoir is only 60 kilometers from the City of Mendoza. Spanning about 1,500 hectares, it regulates the flows of the Mendoza River, creating a vast greenish mirror that captivates with its natural beauty.

It's a favorite spot for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The lake's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, provide the perfect setting for a picnic with friends or family. Its wide shores offer space to spread your blanket, enjoy a good mate and pastries, and admire the majesty of the Andes.

Tip: Before or after your picnic, you can try diving, kitesurfing, or simply take a kayak or sailboat ride.

Where: Potrerillos Dam, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

Manzano Histórico in Tunuyán is a place rich in history and surrounded by nature. It was chosen by the Liberator of America, General José de San Martín, as a place to rest after his campaign in Chile and Peru. This makes it a special spot for lovers of Argentine history and culture, as well as an ideal place for a picnic under the shady trees, with the Andes Mountains as a backdrop.

You may also be interested in: 10 Instagrammable spots to explore the city of Mendoza on foot

The area has expansive green spaces, perfect for family or friends to enjoy. You can also take advantage of the occasion for a hike around or simply soak in the peace and natural beauty surrounding this historical site.

Tip: Due to its scenic, natural, historical, and cultural significance, Manzano Histórico was declared a nature reserve in 1994.

Where: Manzano Histórico, Tunuyán, Mendoza.

Located in the heart of the city and opened in 2005, Central Park is a green oasis offering a spacious, versatile place to enjoy a picnic in an urban setting yet surrounded by nature. With trails, water features, and shaded areas, it's the perfect place to relax outdoors without leaving the city center.

This park is ideal for both families and groups of friends, featuring playgrounds, sports areas, and relaxing grassy spaces. Its proximity to cafes and restaurants makes it convenient to complement a picnic with a visit to nearby establishments.

Tip: The park hosts an annex of the Mendoza Museum of Modern Art, and close by are the Naves Cultural and University centers, two of the province’s main artistic and cultural hubs.

Where: Los Toneles, City of Mendoza.

One of Mendoza's most iconic squares, Plaza España, stands out for its colonial design and intricate mosaics that pay homage to the Spanish influence in the province. Recently renovated, it’s perfect for those seeking a picnic in a more central, cultural environment, surrounded by history and art.

Located just a few blocks from the downtown area, it has large trees offering shade, rest areas, and fountains that create a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding right in the city's heart.

Tip: Its central location near Arístides Street allows for a seamless day—picnic by day, drinks with friends by night, all while discovering Mendoza.

Where: San Lorenzo 127, City of Mendoza.

In downtown Mendoza, Civic Park is a modern, spacious area surrounding important government buildings, such as the Government House and the Palace of Justice. It’s ideal for those looking for a peaceful picnic spot in the city, close to shopping and services.

With well-maintained green spaces, benches, and wide open areas, Civic Park is perfect for a relaxed lunch outdoors or simply spending time in a green space amidst urban surroundings.

Tip: Declared a cultural heritage site of the province in 1995, it hosts several monuments and historical landmarks, such as the Flag Memorial, Peace Arch, and a bust of Juan Bautista Alberdi.

Where: Virgen del Carmen de Cuyo 201, Mendoza.

Located in the city’s Central Park, the Nave, inaugurated in 2015, has become a hub for promoting local and national culture. Its extensive gardens offer large grassy areas where you can enjoy a good book or simply relax outdoors with a snack.

You may also be interested in: 8 Boutique hotels to relax in Chacras de Coria

Designed with modern architecture, this space aims to foster culture and the arts in the province, providing an accessible environment for everyone. It features multiple rooms, including a main hall for theater and music, a cinema, and art exhibition spaces.

Tip: The Nave offers numerous free art events, including theatrical performances and art exhibitions.

Where: Las Cubas 201, City of Mendoza.

The extensive green area along the Bikeway in Godoy Cruz is an excellent picnic spot. As part of a broader project to restore green spaces, this location is used for cycling and recreational activities. With forested areas, lighting, and modern amenities, it offers visitors a relaxing outdoor picnic experience close to the city.

Tip: Near the corner of Martín Palero and Moreno, you’ll find Cocina Gardenia, a unique dining spot right across from this green space, perfect for a picnic experience. The restaurant even provides blankets for customers wanting to take their culinary experience to the bikeway.

Where: Bikeway, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza.

In the heart of Godoy Cruz’s historic area, Escorihuela Plaza is a gem for those seeking an exclusive space with a historical touch. Located at the entrance to the Escorihuela and Caro wineries, this quaint plaza is a special spot for enjoying the natural surroundings, the winery facades, and the shade of towering, old trees.

Tip: Just a few meters away is Espacio Arizu, a revitalized cultural venue at the former Arizu family winery, hosting gastronomic, musical, and artistic events.

Where: Escorihuela Plaza, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza.