Top 20 Lakes around Berkeley
Lakes around Berkeley California offer diverse recreational opportunities within the East Bay area. The region features freshwater swimming spots, tidal lagoons, and reservoirs. These bodies of water provide settings for activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking, often within regional parks.
Best lakes around Berkeley
- The most popular lakes is Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing, a facilities that offers regular passenger ferry service to Tiburon and San Francisco. This provides access to a car-free island with…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Aquatic Park Beach
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Its sandy beach is …
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Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing
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Palace of Fine Arts 🏛️
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Point Emery
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Lake Merritt
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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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The Angel Island Ferry Landing in Ayala Cove offers regular passenger ferry service to Tiburon and San Francisco. The Angel Island to Tiburon Ferry provides a 15-minute crossing of the Racoon Strait to the Tiburon Ferry Terminal. The island is car-free, providing safe trails to hikers and bikers. Unlike the Tiburon and Sausalito ferry piers, private boats can moor at Ayala Cove Pier under Angel Island State Park's rules. Late in the day, lines can grow long, and on busy dates, visitors may be left waiting at the pier when the ferry reaches capacity.
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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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Landing of the short ferry from Tiburon or the longer ride from San Francisco. From here the entire island is car-free, reserved for hikers and bikers.
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This island is the largest in San Francisco Bay, with a long history. It has been a hunting and gathering location for the local native tribes, a haven and supply stop for Spanish explorers, a cattle ranch, a place to process hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and a refuge for the military dating back to the Civil War era, up to the 1960s. The island's transition into a California State Park took over to protect the remains of the former immigration and quarantine stations, as well as military defense installations, and allow visitors to enjoy this beautiful hidden gem surrounded by the urban Bay area. Ayala Cove is the landing area for Angel Island State Park and is only accessible by ferry. It is a passage from Tiburon or a longer ride from San Francisco. From here, the entire island is car-free and reserved for hikers and bikers to explore this fantastic island.
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Originally constructed for the Panama-Pacific Exhibition, this area was designed as a quiet zone, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the crowds to enjoy some peace and quiet. Nowadays, it is available for rental to host special occasions and events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Berkeley are best for swimming?
For freshwater swimming, Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park is a popular choice with a sandy beach and lifeguards during summer. However, check its current status as swimming has been temporarily disallowed due to a blue-green algae advisory. Lake Temescal is another good option for swimming. For open water swimming in the bay, Aquatic Park Beach offers a protected cove.
Are there any lakes near Berkeley suitable for fishing?
Yes, several lakes in the East Bay area are popular for fishing. Lake Anza allows fishing for bass, bluegill, and sunfish with a California fishing license. Further afield, Lake Chabot and Lafayette Reservoir are regularly stocked with trout, while Lake Merced in San Francisco is known for bass, trout, and carp.
What lakes offer good opportunities for hiking or walking trails?
Many lakes provide excellent trails. Lake Merritt in Oakland features a popular 3.4-mile walking and jogging path around its perimeter. Tilden Regional Park, home to Lake Anza, offers extensive trails for wildlife watching and hiking. You can find various hiking routes around Berkeley, including the Berkeley Marina Loop Trail, by exploring the Hiking around Berkeley guide.
Which lakes are family-friendly and offer amenities?
Lake Anza is very family-friendly, offering a sandy beach, picnic grounds, and changing rooms. Aquatic Park Beach is also popular with families, featuring a sandy beach and facilities. Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing provides access to a car-free island with safe trails for families to explore.
Can I go boating or kayaking on lakes near Berkeley?
Yes, boating and kayaking are available at several locations. Lake Chabot and Lafayette Reservoir both offer boating facilities. Point Emery, though a bayfront park, is popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders with its launch points. Lake Merced in San Francisco also allows personal boats to be launched in its north lake.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Absolutely. Lake Merritt was designated the USA's first official wildlife refuge in 1870. Aquatic Park Beach is within the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and features the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. The Palace of Fine Arts, originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, is another significant historical landmark with a beautiful lagoon.
What are the best lakes for birdwatching or wildlife observation?
Lake Merritt is an excellent spot for observing migratory birds, especially around its artificial islands. Tilden Regional Park, which encompasses Lake Anza, also offers opportunities for general wildlife watching within its expansive natural areas.
Are there dog-friendly areas around Berkeley's lakes?
Point Emery is a charming park along the SF Bay Trail that provides designated off-leash areas for pets, making it a great option for dog owners. While dogs are generally not permitted in the Lake Anza swimming area, many surrounding trails in Tilden Regional Park are dog-friendly.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes?
The East Bay offers numerous cycling routes. Point Emery is located on the SF Bay Trail, which is popular for cycling. Lake Merritt has a bike trail on its eastern shore. For more extensive cycling, you can explore guides like Cycling around Berkeley or Road Cycling Routes around Berkeley, which feature routes like the Grizzly Peak Loop and sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail.
Is public transport available to reach lakes near Berkeley?
Public transport options vary by lake. For instance, Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing is accessible via ferry from Tiburon or San Francisco. While some areas like Point Emery do not have public transportation nearby, others like Lake Merritt are well-integrated into urban areas with public transit access.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible features at lakes in the area?
Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park is noted for having wheelchair-accessible features, making it a more inclusive option for visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Berkeley?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but specific activities might be seasonal. Summer (typically May through September) is ideal for swimming at Lake Anza when lifeguards are on duty. However, always check for current conditions like blue-green algae advisories. Migratory bird watching at Lake Merritt is particularly good during cooler months.
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