Patch Picks: Great Spots for a Memorial Day BBQ

When Memorial Day weekend comes around each year, the one word on most people’s minds is—BBQ!

Los Altos Patch would like to wish everyone a happy holiday weekend by bestowing upon you the gift of a list of the best places in Los Altos to have a super BBQ—one that anyone in your circle, no matter what age, can enjoy.

These spots have playgrounds, BBQ pits, picnic tables, and plenty of sun and shade—all the necessary ingredients for a perfect Memorial Day BBQ.

A big shout-out to Greg Milano, recreation supervisor for the City of Los Altos, for helping us put together this list!

Most of these parks live by the “first come, first served” rule as far as the use of the BBQ pits goes. Get there nice and early, Milano says, especially on a popular grilling weekend like this one.

“The earlier the better. So if you have somebody that can stake it out and hang out there, like at 8 or 9 a.m., that’s best,” he said. “It’s never too early, especially on a nice weekend like this; it’s well worth it. And then, it’s yours for the whole day to enjoy.”

6 Great Los Altos Spots for Your Memorial Day BBQ

1.

400 University Ave.

Shoup Park, named after the founder of Los Altos, is full of nature, and a fun place to visit, with plenty of shady trees and grass to run around on. There is a playground for younger toddlers, and one for the older kids as well. Patriot Corner is located within Shoup Park and has plenty of picnic areas and BBQ pits.

At Shoup Park and Patriot Corner, BBQ pits can be reserved. Without a reservation, they are first-come-first-served, but priority is given to those with a reservation.

NOTE—Milano said Patriot Corner is full reserved for Sunday and Monday this weekend, but there are still pits available for reserving on Saturday! So call today!

2.

Portland Avenue and Miramonte Avenue

This park has five acres of grass to lounge on; the famous “rocks and ropes” playground with jungle gyms, swings and slides; and several BBQ pits with picnic tables. And, a bonus—restrooms are readily available! BBQ pits are first come, first served. Parking is free.

3.

1570 Holt Ave.

If you’ve got sports lovers in your group, Grant Park may be the perfect spot for your Memorial Day get-together, as it is known for its range of athletic facilities including basketball courts, soccer fields and multi-purpose fields. The playground has a jungle gym, swings and slides for the kids, and there are plenty of BBQ pits and picnic tables, which are first come, first served.

4.

Fremont Avenue and Grant Road

If your group is on the smaller side, Marymeade might be the perfect spot for you. Marymeade also has a few bonus features that many parks don’t—public artwork to enjoy, and lighted tennis courts. As always, there are playgrounds for the kids, and great BBQ pits with picnic tables. Facilities are first come, first served.

5.

707 Fremont Ave.

McKenzie Park takes the kids’ attractions to the next level with a playground and a rock wall for the more fearless climbers. The park also has two lighted tennis courts, and is home to the famous “Pax Nova” sculpture by William Iaculla. There are several BBQ pits with picnic tables for the first person who claims them, and nearby restrooms.

6. – North Meadow Area

22500 Cristo Rey Dr., Los Altos

As a whole, the county park covers 165 acres. It is adjacent to the 2,135-acre Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space Preserve and connects to . The park is one of the county’s most popular, and is often used for hiking, jogging, bicycling and horseback riding, with more than 23 miles of trails.

The North Meadow area can be a great spot for a BBQ, with tennis courts, handball courts, and several BBQ pits with picnic tables, which can be reserved. As a bonus, you can pop over to the nearby Deer Hollow Farm area and say hi to the friendly farm animals as well!

Happy Memorial Day from Los Altos Patch!