Top Places to Picnic In Bell County

The sun is up, the sky is blue, and warm summer days are on full display. Texas heat is unlike any other, but on the days when the weather cools down enough to enjoy some time outside, there's no better opportunity to have a picnic. With plenty of parks and gorgeous scenery, Bell County has many great places to picnic. In honor of National Picnic Month, discover some of the most scenic picnic spots in the county today!

Santa Fe Plaza is located in Temple's downtown district. This gorgeous park area features expansive green space perfect for setting up a picnic with your significant other or family. The fountains at Santa Fe Plaza are another great feature offered at the park. Whether you splash through the fountains or enjoy the peaceful sounds and comforting aesthetic they bring, the fountains make the area even more beautiful. For fountain hours, please visit Temple Parks. Bring a picnic blanket and soak up some sun as you picnic at Santa Fe Plaza.

Talk about scenic views. Chalk Ridge Falls is full of gorgeous, natural sceneries. Grab your picnic basket, blanket, and plenty of water, and hike through trails featuring suspension bridges and waterfalls before you settle on the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. Chalk Ridge Falls is pet-friendly, so if your perfect idea of a picnic consists of food, water, and your dog by your side, then this nature area has just what you are looking for.

Lions Park offers a picnic experience and a range of activities. There's plenty to see and do at this local park. For those looking to picnic here, find a gorgeous spot on one of the paths or near the pond for an optimal natural setting. With disc golf and a dog park on the premises, you can play and picnic at Lions Park.

Want to picnic near the water? A short drive away in Belton near The Gin is a viewpoint of Nolan Creek. This gorgeous area features rock formations and a slow-moving, calm creek. Let all your cares float away as you picnic near the creek.

Miller Springs Nature Center is a popular picnic destination for visitors and locals. With scenic trails, designated picnic areas and tables, views of the Belton Dam mural, and wildlife viewing, this local area is a beautiful, natural space. Pack your picnic and get ready to see nature and wildlife come to life at Miller Springs Nature Center.

Miller Park is situated near downtown Temple. The park is nestled on 30 acres of space, including features like a splash pad and playground, a skate area, picnic pavilions, a pond, and much more. The park is popular among the locals. Miller Park is a beautiful area with plenty of greenery and sights to see. Walk along the trails and find a spot when you are ready to stop for a picnic date. 

Love to picnic but don't enjoy the hassle of planning for one? Why not picnic somewhere with plenty of food options available and steps away? At The Yard Food Truck Plaza in Downtown Temple, visitors can stop by one of the local, open food trucks for a tasty meal. Guests can place an order for their food and sit at the picnic tables or find a spot in the grass to lay down a blanket and enjoy the sunshine. The Yard makes picnic plans a breeze with accessible food and ample space. 

Whistle Stop Park is an excellent location for families with young children to have a picnic. Pack something light and easy, like snacks and sandwiches, to have a quick bite while the children play at the park. Whistle Stop is a popular local park for its views of passing trains. Say "Choo choo," and watch the trains go past.

Picnics on -and along- the water are picture-worthy and all the more relaxing. There's nothing quite like being surrounded by the calm waters of Belton Lake as you treat yourself to a meal and relaxation under the sun. Stop by your favorite restaurant for a to-go order or pack your own picnic meal; you can't go wrong when choosing the lake view for your optimal picnic location. Listen to the calm waters of Belton Lake and bask in the joy of simply being outdoors. 

When picnicking in Bell County, be mindful of nature and wildlife and keep the areas clean. Keep Bell County beautiful by always cleaning up your trash and taking anything you bring back with you when you leave.

Picnics are a great way to get outdoors, relax, and explore. With so many gorgeous sceneries and parks, you can rest assured that the views will be worth picnicking outdoors despite the Texas heat.

Have a favorite place you like to picnic in Bell County that wasn't listed? Upload your photo to our collector to show us how you discover your Temple when it comes to picnics, or tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #discovertemple. We love to see how our visitors and locals experience Temple!