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Cesar Chavez Park: Berkeley's Bayfront Gem

4.7 (1670)

Berkeley's waterfront park with stunning bay views, kite flying, dog-friendly spaces, and a unique history as a transformed landfill.

Cesar Chavez Park, a 90-acre park on the Berkeley Marina, offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and surrounding areas. Once a landfill, it has been transformed into a recreational space with grassy fields, paved trails, and a popular off-leash dog area. It's a favorite spot for kite flying, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors.

A brief summary to Cesar Chavez Park

  • 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

Local tips

  • Bring a kite! The park's open space and strong breezes make it an ideal spot for kite flying.
  • Visit the off-leash dog area to let your furry friend run free.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning views from one of the park's many picnic tables.
  • Explore the Dorothy Stegmann Trail, a 1.25-mile paved loop around the park's perimeter.
  • Check out the Cesar Chavez Memorial Solar Calendar, a unique community project.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Berkeley Amtrak station, walk west on University Avenue towards the Berkeley Marina. Continue onto Marina Boulevard, then turn left onto Spinnaker Way. The park entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Berkeley BART station, take the 51B bus towards Berkeley Marina. Get off at the intersection of University Avenue and Marina Boulevard. Walk west on Marina Boulevard, then turn left onto Spinnaker Way. The park entrance will be on your left. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.35.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From anywhere in Berkeley, a taxi or ride-share service can take you directly to Cesar Chavez Park. The destination address is 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710. A typical ride from downtown Berkeley will cost approximately $14-$18 and take about 7 minutes.

  • Driving

    From I-80, take the University Avenue exit and head west towards the Berkeley Marina. Continue onto Marina Boulevard, then turn left onto Spinnaker Way. The park entrance will be on your left. Free street parking is available on Spinnaker Way and Marina Boulevard. Parking is also available in nearby lots.

Discover more about Cesar Chavez Park

Cesar Chavez Park is a unique and vibrant space located on a peninsula in the Berkeley Marina. This 90-acre park was once a landfill, transformed in the early 1990s into a recreational area for all to enjoy. Named after the labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez in 1996, the park offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Marin Headlands, and the East Bay hills. The park features wide-open grassy fields perfect for kite flying, a popular activity due to the strong bay breezes. A 1.25-mile paved trail, the Dorothy Stegmann Trail, loops around the park's perimeter, making it accessible for walkers, joggers, and wheelchair users. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, offering places to relax and take in the scenery. Barbecue grills are also available for public use. Cesar Chavez Park is also a haven for dog owners, featuring a large, designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play. The park is also a wildlife sanctuary, providing a habitat for various bird species, including burrowing owls during the winter. The Cesar Chavez Memorial Solar Calendar, a community-created project, marks the solstices and equinoxes. While the park's history as a landfill is notable, measures are in place to manage the decomposition gases. The park's transformation exemplifies how a former waste site can become a valuable community asset, offering recreational opportunities and stunning natural beauty.

Explore the best of what Cesar Chavez Park has to offer

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