McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore
McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore: A Bayfront Oasis
Aquatic Park: A Berkeley Lakeside Retreat
A scenic Berkeley park with a mile-long lagoon, offering recreation, nature, and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
Aquatic Park in Berkeley offers a serene escape with a mile-long lagoon, walking and biking trails, and a large playground. Created in the 1930s, it's a popular spot for recreation and nature observation.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Aquatic Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
6 am-10 pm
Tuesday
6 am-10 pm
Wednesday
6 am-10 pm
Thursday
6 am-10 pm
Friday
6 am-10 pm
Saturday
6 am-10 pm
Sunday
6 am-10 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From downtown Berkeley, head west on University Avenue. Continue until you reach Bolivar Drive and turn right. Aquatic Park will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and offers views of the city. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport
From the Downtown Berkeley BART station, take AC Transit bus #18 towards the Berkeley Marina. Get off at the 'Aquatic Park' stop. Walk a short distance towards the park entrance at 80 Bolivar Dr. AC Transit local fares are typically around $2.50.
Driving
From I-80, take the University Avenue exit and head west. Continue straight as it becomes Addison Street, then turn right onto Bolivar Drive. Aquatic Park will be on your left. Limited free parking is available on the east side of the park. Parking at 2400 Fourth Street is also an option.
Local tips
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Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lagoon; there are plenty of benches and grassy areas.
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Visit during early mornings or late afternoons for the best light for photography.
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Keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially ducks and various bird species.
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Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lagoon from the water.
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Check out the nearby cafes and restaurants in downtown Berkeley for a full day experience.
Discover more about Aquatic Park
Aquatic Park, located in Berkeley, California, is a 100-acre park that provides a peaceful destination for recreation and nature observation. Developed in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), along with the nearby Berkeley Yacht Harbor, the park's centerpiece is an artificial mile-long lagoon. This lagoon was formed when the Eastshore Highway was constructed, effectively cutting off a section of the San Francisco Bay.
Today, Aquatic Park features tree-lined paths, a large playground called "Dream Land for Kids" with wooden castles and bridges, a 2.3-mile accessible loop trail, and a disc golf course. The lagoon is utilized for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and is home to diverse bird and aquatic life. Bird watching, hiking, and biking are popular activities. The park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM, offering opportunities for early morning exercise or evening strolls.
Historically, the lagoon was a practice site for University of California crew teams. The park offers views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Limited parking is available on the east side. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in the lagoon.
A brief summary to Aquatic Park
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