Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that the picnic industry has grown incredibly fast in the past year. Five years ago, very few people had the term “charcuterie” or “luxury picnic” in their vocabulary; now it seems like everyone and their mother is sitting on pillows for their anniversary or birthday celebration.

So we decided to travel (virtually) down the west coast in search of the best picnic services. We visited great cities and along the way met some amazing and hardworking small businesses owners!

1.Rainy Day Picnics- Seattle

Classic | Rain-proof | Nature Oriented

First, we traveled to the Emerald City for Rainy Day Picnics. A company that doesn’t let the weather rain on their parade.

Seattle is notorious for its rainy weather but that doesn’t stop Rainy Day Picnics. Their unique Rain Drop Tent keeps guests sheltered and cozy without taking away from the scenic views.

Rainy Day Picnics has found a way to combine classy picnic styles with the great outdoors! The Crystal Creek Tree Farm is a family-friendly option that features a train ride through a beautiful evergreen tree farm and Ravenwoods Farm is perfect for animal lovers wanting to get up close and personal with the farm animals!

Interested in a picnic on the water?

Rainy Day Picnics was created by Christine, an ex-flight attendant with an obsession with pillow pits and blanket forts. She transforms spaces and creates a beautiful ambiance for her picnics using her past work experience in visual merchandising.

Stay up to date with the business

2. Picnic by the Sea- Monterey County

Whimsical | Elegant | Charming

Next, we traveled down to the California coast and met the duo behind Picnic by the Sea.

Chynna & Marlon are two determined entrepreneurs who juggle their full-time jobs and picnic business all while parenting their two-year-old Emmerie.

Determined to purchase their first home, Chynna and Marlon started Picnic by the Sea to reach their financial goals and in turn created picnic experiences straight out of a fairytale!

They utilize the picturesque views of Monterey and Big Sur and chose locations that offer their guests serene privacy.

Berwick Park is one of their favorite locations because the grass area offers a comfortable picnic experience with a fantastic view of the sea.

Headed to Big Sur in the future?

Want more “cottage core” vibes?

Photos provided by Picnic by the Sea

3.Puppy Picnic Co.- San Diego

Dog-friendly | The Paw-fect Pawty

For our third stop we headed back to our home city of San Diego and met the original dog-friendly pop-up picnic company.

Ciera started Puppy Picnic Co. at the beginning of this year out of the love for her own furry friend. Last year during Covid she fostered a 4-month-old puppy and instantly fell in love. Like any other millennial dog owner, they did everything together 24/7. After planning a fun-filled birthday party for her dog, Ciera launched Puppy Picnic Co offering everything from dog-friendly wine & beer to “pupcuterie” boards.

Now you can celebrate your dog’s birthday in style or treat your furry friend to a paw-some picnic date. Make an appointment online to visit their retail store at Liberty Station. The paw-fect place to purchase items for your dog.

And Puppy Picnic Co. knows how to party. Last month they hosted Pupchella. A dog-friendly Coachella inspired festival with flower crowns, a VIP photosession with Happy Camper Photo Bus and over 5 local vendors.

Their next event is the Pattern Pawty Photoshoot. Take pictures with your furry loved one with a backdrop and fun picnic props.

Want more photos of dogs?

Photos provided by Puppy Picnic Co.

4.My AZ Picnic- Scottsdale

Timeless | Chic | Desert Boho

For our last stop, we traveled east to the desert where things really heated up!

During Covid, all Madison did was go to the park with her son and have a picnic. People started coming by asking for businesses cards so she took 3 months to build the business from the ground up and launched in August of last year. Shortly after Madison met Lexi of PHX Picnics and the two decided to merge their small businesses. Together, business partners Madison and Lexi create picnic experiences that blend seamlessly with the red rocks and neutral tones of the desert landscape. They make picnicking in the desert look cool!

Madison works with Wildflower Design Co. to create fresh floral garlands and centerpieces for all of their picnics. 9 months out of the year the Arizona weather is perfect but during the summer months, it can reach record-breaking temperatures.

The Poolside Oasis package is perfect for those days that are hotter than usual. Fun fact, most houses in Arizona have a pool so this package allows guests to transform their backyard for private experiences.

Taking your own road trip to Arizona in the future?

Can’t get enough of their aesthetic?

Photos provided by My Az Picnic

Our West Coast Road Trip was a huge success! Despite the hardships of the pandemic, these small businesses were able to grow and prosper. Although each picnic business is different in its picnic styles and offerings, their goal is the same; to bring people closer together!

Have suggestions of picnic businesses we should visit on our next road trip? Leave a comment down below!