Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Travel Guide

4.8 (3725)

Explore nature, history, and family fun in the heart of the East Bay at Tilden Regional Park, offering trails, attractions, and stunning views.

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Tilden Regional Park

Tilden Regional Park, a sprawling 2,079-acre park in the Berkeley Hills, offers a diverse range of activities from hiking and picnicking to steam trains and a historic merry-go-round. Established in 1936, it's a beloved destination for nature lovers and families alike.

A brief summary to Tilden Regional Park

2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, California, 94563, US
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Monday 5 am-10 pm
Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
Thursday 5 am-10 pm
Friday 5 am-10 pm
Saturday 5 am-10 pm
Sunday 5 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tilden Regional Park.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and to avoid crowds.
Bring layers, as the weather in the Berkeley Hills can change quickly.
Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for updated information on trail closures, swim season dates, and program schedules.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic picnic areas throughout the park.
Bring lettuce or celery to feed the animals at the Little Farm.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Berkeley Rose Garden

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Shorebird Park Nature Center

University of California Botanical Garden

The Campanile

Explore Tilden Regional Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tilden Regional Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Oakland or San Francisco, take BART to the Downtown Berkeley station. From there, transfer to AC Transit bus line 65 or 67, which provides access to various points within Tilden Regional Park. Bus 67 operates on weekends and holidays. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.50.
Driving

From Highway 24, take the Fish Ranch Road exit east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Drive uphill and turn right onto Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Follow Grizzly Peak Boulevard to access various park entrances. Parking is free throughout Tilden Regional Park. Be aware that some roads, like South Park Drive, may be closed to auto traffic during certain times of the year.
Ride Share

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at several locations within Tilden Regional Park, including Inspiration Point, Lake Anza, and the Brazilian Room. From Downtown Berkeley to Tilden Regional Park, a ride typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on the time of day and demand.

Discover more about Tilden Regional Park

Tilden Regional Park, often called Tilden Park, is a vast and varied landscape nestled in the East Bay. Established in 1936, it was among the first parks in the East Bay Regional Park District and is named after Charles Lee Tilden, a key figure in the park district's formation.The park's history stretches back to the Ohlone Native American people, who originally inhabited the land. Later, Spanish explorers and Mexican ranchers moved into the area. The East Bay Regional Park District acquired the land in 1936. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) contributed significantly to the park's development in the 1930s, building roads, trails, and recreational facilities.Tilden offers a wide array of attractions. Families can enjoy the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round, a beautifully preserved antique carousel dating back to 1912. The Redwood Valley Railway provides miniature steam train rides through the park's scenic areas. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, showcasing California native plants. Lake Anza offers swimming and picnicking opportunities. The Tilden Nature Area includes the Environmental Education Center and the Little Farm, where visitors can learn about local flora, fauna, and farm animals. Hiking trails abound, with options for all skill levels, from the paved Nimitz Way to the more challenging Wildcat Peak.The park's diverse landscape includes forests of eucalyptus and redwood trees, grassy meadows, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Tilden is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted.