City of San José
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Picnic Reservations
Welcome Back Picnickers!
San José is home to nine sprawling regional parks and over 200 neighborhood parks, many with reservable picnic areas for small or large group gatherings.
Located in some of the valley’s most picturesque surroundings, their natural environments are a perfect background for any special occasion. Given the large number of choices available, park staff can help you navigate our park system and find the best location for your event.
PICNIC RESERVATIONS >
View the locations below and contact PicnicReservations@sanjoseca.gov for assistance.
Activities That Require Additional Permitting
An event involving any of the following is considered a special event, and requires the submission of a SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION.- Advertising that the event is open to the public
- Amplified sound (more than a battery-operated low wattage speaker)
- Needing to confirm date/time/location more than 6 months in advance
- Selling of food, alcohol or merchandise
- Selling of tickets to the event
- Special set ups of stages, tents, barricades fences or other items
View and Book available Picnic Sites
Alum Rock Park - Sycamore Grove
- Address:15350 Penitencia Creek Rd.
San Jose, CA 95132 - Phone:(408) 794-6504
- Capacity:50 - 100
Categories:- Picnic Areas
- Address:15350 Penitencia Creek Rd.
PICNIC RESERVATIONS >
This picnic area is located at Alum Rock Park. Other picnic areas include:
Sycamore Grove is great for large groups. The site is located next to the mineral springs.
Fees
| Mondays - Thursdays | Fridays - Sundays | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José Resident | $110 | $155 | $230 |
| Non-Resident | $130 | $175 | $265 |
Premium rate applies to Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Amenities
- Capacity: 75
- BBQ Pits: 3 medium
- Shade: Trees
- Tables: 6 double tables
- Alcohol: Permitted
- Activities:
- Hiking
- Horseshoes
- Running Water: Yes
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs are not allowed. This park is considered a protected wildlife sanctuary.
- Fire Restrictions: During the fire season the use of fires and barbecues may be severely restricted, or the park may be closed to the public due to extreme fire conditions. For any concerns, call the Alum Rock Rangers' Office at 408-259-5477.
- Vehicle Access: Vehicles are not allowed on service roads or trails. Plan to carry any items you bring to the park, into and out of your area. Under special circumstances Park Rangers can provide vehicle escorts prior to 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only. Unescorted vehicles in or around picnic areas are subject to citation.
- Litter is a major problem in the park. A tremendous amount of time is spent cleaning up after park visitors. This time could be better spent helping improve your park. Take a few moments cleaning up your area.
- Day Camp/Camping is permitted with applicable fees. Youth group overnight camping is permitted by reservation in Rustic Lands and Live Oak areas only. Additional fees may apply.
- Photo permits are required for all commercial photo shoots. This includes professional wedding photographers.
- General Rules:
- Drums or loud radios are prohibited. No amplified sound or musical groups of any type are allowed.
- No pets are allowed. However, ponies are allowed at Log Cabin and Rustic Lands picnic areas.
- Balloons are prohibited at the park.
- Beer and wine are permitted in picnic areas only.
- Special activities or large equipment must be approved by Ranger or Picnic Reservation Staff in advance.
- Air jumpers and dunk tanks are not permitted.
- Party/Costume characters are not allowed to collect money on City property.
- Smoking is not allowed in City of San José Parks.
- All San José Municipal Codes and State laws apply.
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