Top 20 Lakes around Orinda
Best lakes around Orinda are found within its surrounding regional parks and districts, offering a variety of recreational activities. This area of California is characterized by rolling hills and natural beauty, providing a setting for outdoor exploration. The region features several reservoirs and natural lakes, which serve as focal points for local recreation. These aquatic destinations contribute to the area's appeal for those seeking natural landscapes near urban centers.
Best lakes around Orinda
- The most popular lakes is Lake Merrittβ¦
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Point Emery
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Lake Merritt
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Lake Anza
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Wildcat Creek Trail
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Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area
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Tips from the Community
Wildcat Creek Trail is a packed-dirt trail that is about four miles long. One end of the trail is at Jewel Lake, near the Environmental Education Center, and the other end of the trail is at the Alvarado Staging Area. This trail offers great views of Wildcat Creek and has some picnic tables you could stop at along the side of the trail.
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There are a bunch of great hiking and biking trails around the reservoir. Some, like the Shore Trail, are two-lane paved cycleways with no vehicle traffic, and others are unpaved dirt roads up in the hills. All are beautiful trails to explore on two wheels!
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The Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area is a year-round park with a 2.7 paved walkway around the reservoir. Looking around at the surrounding hills makes you forget you're in the middle of a Bay Area suburb.
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Point Emery, located on the SF Bay Trail, is a charming little park with stellar bay views, walking paths, and relaxation spots with benches along the trails. Open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, Point Emery provides a perfect outdoor setting for families and dog owners, with designated off-leash areas for pets. The park features two launches: a wide sandy beach north of the parking lot and a narrow set of stairs near the Point, making it popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders. The short walk to the beach, through small dunes and down steps, gives way to a beautiful stretch of golden sand. Although there are no public transportation services nearby, a good amount of parking is available.
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Point Emery, located on the SF Bay Trail, is a charming little park with stellar bay views, walking paths, and relaxation spots with benches along the trails. Open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, Point Emery provides a perfect outdoor setting for families and dog owners, with designated off-leash areas for pets. The park features two launches: a wide sandy beach north of the parking lot and a narrow set of stairs near the Point, making it popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders. The short walk to the beach, through small dunes and down steps, gives way to a beautiful stretch of golden sand. Although there are no public transportation services nearby, a good amount of parking is available.
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Lake Merritt was a large tidal lagoon in San Francisco Bay that was dammed off as Oakland grew as a city. It is 155 acres in size, and it was the first official wildlife refuge in the USA in 1870. It has walking and biking trails and parks all around it.
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Located in Tilden Regional Park, Lake Anza is a popular spot just outside of Berkeley. With a sandy beach, Lake Anza is the perfect place to cool off during a hike or just getaway from the city in nature. Fees do apply for beach access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of outdoor activities can I enjoy at the lakes near Orinda?
The lakes and reservoirs around Orinda offer a wide range of activities. You can go swimming and relax on a sandy beach at Lake Anza. For walking, jogging, biking, fishing, and boating, the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area is a popular choice. Point Emery is excellent for kayaking, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding with bay views. Additionally, many areas provide extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Are there family-friendly lakes or recreation areas near Orinda?
Yes, several spots are great for families. Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park features a sandy beach perfect for cooling off. The Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area has a children's playground, picnic areas, and a paved walkway suitable for all ages. Point Emery also offers walking paths and relaxation spots, with designated off-leash areas for pets, making it suitable for families with dogs.
Where can I find good hiking trails around the lakes in the Orinda area?
You'll find numerous hiking opportunities. The Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area offers a 2.7-mile paved walkway around the reservoir, as well as unpaved dirt roads in the surrounding hills. Briones Regional Park, which adjoins Briones Reservoir, provides extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding across its rolling hills. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guide for Orinda.
Are there any lakes near Orinda where I can go swimming?
Yes, Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park is a popular spot for swimming, featuring a sandy beach. Lifeguards are present during the swimming season, though fees apply for beach access.
Which lakes are best for fishing near Orinda?
The Lafayette Reservoir is a good spot for fishing, with rowboats and pedal boats available for rent. San Pablo Reservoir is also recognized as a good fishing spot, with anglers reporting catches of bass and channel catfish.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes and trails around Orinda?
Yes, some areas are dog-friendly. Point Emery has designated off-leash areas for pets. Briones Regional Park also allows dogs on its extensive trail system. Always check specific park regulations for leash requirements and restricted areas.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the lakes?
The region is rich in wildlife. Briones Regional Park is home to black-tailed deer, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks. Lake Merritt was designated as the first official wildlife refuge in the USA in 1870, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing various aquatic species.
Are there accessible walking paths around the lakes?
The Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area features a 2.7-mile paved walkway around the reservoir, which is ideal for easy walking, jogging, and biking, making it accessible for many visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Orinda?
Spring is particularly beautiful, as Briones Regional Park, which surrounds Briones Reservoir, is known for its vivid greenery during this season. The weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through fall, though specific swimming seasons (like at Lake Anza) may vary.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area has a 2.7-mile paved walkway perfect for cycling, and many unpaved trails in the surrounding hills. Lake Merritt also features a popular walking and jogging path, with a bike trail officially on its eastern shore. For more cycling routes, check out the MTB Trails around Orinda guide.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the lakes and surrounding nature?
The Briones Overlook Staging Area offers tranquil views of Briones Reservoir. The surrounding hills at the Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area provide scenic vistas. Point Emery offers splendid views across the San Francisco Bay, including the Golden Gate.
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