Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! A park use permit is required regardless of event size.

    • Parks and Recreation Department fees will apply

    • Two (2) hour minimum/four (4) hours maximum

    • One (1) permitted picnic per day/per location

    • Not allowed on City beaches (sand)

    • No glass

    • No alcohol

    • Must not impede emergency access points

    Park Permits - Click here

  • We got you! Please submit an inquiry form and follow the prompts.

    We will respond to your inquiry in 24-48 hours confirming the date/time selected, and we will go over any details of your event.

    Once all the details are confirmed we will send an invoice with our term and conditions, and request of 50% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be due 72 hours prior to the event.

    Please be aware that all events required a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your date. We can not reserve your desired date without a deposit.

    If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at hiddenpicnics@gmail.com

  • You can book up to 3 months in advance.

    Inquiries for 2 to 10 guests, we require a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.

    Inquiries for 12 to 18 guests, we require a minimum of 3-4 weeks in advance.

  • The City of San Diego Park and Recreations Center are only allowing picnics on certain parks.

    Here is the list of parks

    Mission Bay Park:

    • Fanuel Park

    • Sunset Point

    • Ventura Cove

    • Playa I

    • Vacation Isle West

    Shoreline Parks:

    • Ellen Browning South

    • Saratoga Park

    • Sunset Cliff-South Cuvier

    • South Palisades (Will require a Reservation of Space and CEQA/NORA process)

    Balboa Park:

    • Botanical Lawn East - Not available until Summer 2024

    • Botanical Lawn West - Not available until Summer 2024

    • The Arbor

    Note: Beach or Sand events are not allowed by the City of San Diego.

    All of our picnics are served in San Diego area. Anything outside of San Diego, we charge a transportation fee (from zip code 92139…$1.57 per mile).

    Please keep in mind that certain parks and beaches required a permit. Most permit must be submitted with 30 to 45 days prior event. The guests are responsible for obtaining the permit and accountable for violating San Diego County and State Beach/Park Rules.

  • Yes. Large groups (11+ guests) and Hotel Room Decor are subject to 20% service fee.

    Any events on sand we charge a Beach fee for any set up done in the sand (starting at $150). Charges are calculated based on the amount of guests, items required and if there is any stairs.

  • We accept Zelle, Apple pay, Venmo, and Cashapp.

    We do not accept cash payments.

  • Yes! We can bring all of our equipment and set up at the comfort of your home. The benefit of this is having your own privacy and restroom. You can even pop some champagne in the privacy of your home. Cheers!

  • Absolutely! We encourage our guests to bring their own food and beverages as well.

  • No. Use of alcohol in public areas are prohibited by the State of California. We are not responsible for any consequences.

  • The day of the event, we will send you a pin location an hour early via text message where the set up will take place. We will be there until your arrival and walk you through the picnic. We will return at the scheduled time for breakdown.

    Please do not show up early. We want you to be surprised with the final product.

  • If you wish to leave earlier than the agreed time, please provide 30 minutes notice prior to leaving via text message or phone call. We kindly ask you not to leave the event unattended. You are responsible for the items until we return to breakdown the event.

  • Even though we are blessed with some of the best weather in the USA, and rarely experience rain and high winds, sometimes it can happen.

    We are constantly checking the weather and we will inform you if it is necessary to reschedule. If there is a 40% chance of rain, we have the right to cancel and reschedule any outdoor event for a future date. We are happy to discuss other alternatives (ex: indoors) if available.

    For high winds, we might not be able to have certain items such as umbrellas, arch, cabana, balloons, marquees, etc. In this case we can discuss other options like rescheduling. We want our guests to fully enjoy the event.

    We do not offer cancellations or refunds due to weather conditions.

  • Once your event is confirmed and your deposit has been received., we do NOT offer cancellations or refunds.

    Instead, we allow your event to be rescheduled 7 days prior to your scheduled date. All rescheduled events can be held for up to 4 months.

    Please be advised that all rescheduled events are subject to Hidden Picnics availability.

  • Punctuality is very important. We kindly ask you to be on time to enjoy your event.

    If arriving late (before 60 minutes) your event still ends at the scheduled time, and no extra time will be granted.

    After an hour late or a no show, we have the right to break down the set up.

    No refunds or rescheduling will be available.