Yes — Tolay Lake Regional Park has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Parking $8 per vehicle. Wine and other alcohol are allowed (see the rules below).
Parking $8 per vehicle; free for Regional Parks members. Group picnic site $75 (up to 99 people).
Groups
One reservable group picnic area: 25–99 people, about 14 tables with barbecue grills, not ADA accessible; $75 (non-refundable), plus parking for every car. Book online 3 days to 12 months ahead; the reservations team is at (707) 565-2267, Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Other tables are first-come, first-served.
Dogs
Leashed dogs (6-ft max) allowed; keep them close around grazing cattle.
Hours
Daily 7am–sunset
Season
Open daily year-round. The seasonal lake fills in wet months and draws down in the dry season; the lakebed is closed to the public. Through October 2026 the new Gathering Area (just uphill from the group picnic area), the upper equestrian lot, Cardoza Road Trail and Duck Pond Trail are closed for construction; the Gathering Area, with a shaded stage and lawn seating, is due to open in fall 2026.
House rules
Alcohol: Allowed. Sonoma County Code §20-13 bans drinking in a county park only where Regional Parks has ordered and posted a prohibition, and Tolay is not on the county's list of restricted parks. The county parks code has no glass-container ban; obey any posted signs, and be respectful: the valley is a sacred cultural landscape for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Other: fires only in grills, portable barbecues or stoves (§20-10), with charcoal/wood banned on Red Flag Warning, high-wind and Spare the Air days; no amplified music, bands or bounce houses at the group site; keep dogs leashed around grazing cattle.
What the picnic area is like
Picnicking centers on the park complex by Willow Pond, home to the reservable group site (14 tables with barbecue grills) and other picnic areas. Beyond it, most of the 3,400 acres is open grassland and ridgeline with little shade but big views across San Pablo Bay to the San Francisco skyline.
Good for: Groups · Views · Dogs · Quiet · Budget-friendly
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About Tolay Lake Regional Park
At 3,400 acres, Tolay is one of Sonoma County's largest regional parks, filling a valley southeast of Petaluma around a seasonal lake that is sacred to the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo. Its 11 miles of trails climb open ridges with views of San Pablo Bay, the San Francisco skyline and the Bay's bridges, making it a big-sky hike-and-picnic destination.
Reservable group site with 14 tables and grills ($75)
Buy food on sitePurchase requiredNo reservationDogs OK
A landmark sparkling-wine house on Hwy 121 with a terrace view across Carneros. There's no bring-your-own option, but its seasonal walk-in Al Fresco service in the oak grove works as a buy-on-site picnic, and it's the one time kids and dogs can come.
A family Carneros producer with a flagship winery in the Tipperary Vineyards south of town and a patio tasting room on the Plaza. Its bookable 'Picnic in Our Vineyards' sets you up on a private lawn among the vines with a catered lunch.
Bring your own foodPurchase requiredNo reservationDogs OK
A relaxed family winery on the Carneros stretch of Hwy 121, and one of the easiest places in Sonoma Valley to bring your own picnic: grab a pondside table (book ahead or walk in), buy two bottles and settle in. Kids, dogs and big groups are all welcome.
Buy food on sitePurchase requiredNo reservationVineyard views
A hilltop Italian-villa winery at the southern gateway to Sonoma Valley with some of the widest views in Carneros. You can't bring food, but you can buy bottles and snacks in its marketplace and picnic on the upper lawn.
Yes — Tolay Lake Regional Park has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Parking $8 per vehicle. Wine and other alcohol are allowed (see the rules below).
Can you bring your own food to Tolay Lake Regional Park?▾
Yes. Outside food is allowed at Tolay Lake Regional Park.
Can you drink wine at Tolay Lake Regional Park?▾
Yes, alcohol is allowed at Tolay Lake Regional Park. Alcohol: Allowed. Sonoma County Code §20-13 bans drinking in a county park only where Regional Parks has ordered and posted a prohibition, and Tolay is not on the county's list of restricted parks. The county parks code has no glass-container ban; obey any posted signs, and be respectful: the valley is a sacred cultural landscape for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Other: fires only in grills, portable barbecues or stoves (§20-10), with charcoal/wood banned on Red Flag Warning, high-wind and Spare the Air days; no amplified music, bands or bounce houses at the group site; keep dogs leashed around grazing cattle.
Do you need a reservation to picnic at Tolay Lake Regional Park?▾
No reservation is needed to use the picnic area. One reservable group picnic area: 25–99 people, about 14 tables with barbecue grills, not ADA accessible; $75 (non-refundable), plus parking for every car. Book online 3 days to 12 months ahead; the reservations team is at (707) 565-2267, Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Other tables are first-come, first-served.
Is there a fee to picnic at Tolay Lake Regional Park?▾
Parking $8 per vehicle; free for Regional Parks members. Group picnic site $75 (up to 99 people).
Are dogs allowed at Tolay Lake Regional Park?▾
Leashed dogs (6-ft max) allowed; keep them close around grazing cattle.
Sources & accuracy
We last checked this listing in September 2026 (freshest source: Park page with partial closures through Oct 2026; Gathering Area project page (completion expected end of Sept 2026)). Policies change — especially for groups and holidays — so confirm with Tolay Lake Regional Park before you go. How we verify.
Picnic rules at a glance
What the picnic area is like
About Tolay Lake Regional Park
Make a day of it
Pick up picnic food nearby
More picnic spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
Sources & accuracy