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    Bay Bridge Trail - Shellmound

    4.5 (13 reviews)

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    The closed Observation Deck on the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge Trail - Shellmound.
    Jason F.

    The Bay Bridge Trail is a trek that any lover of walking, running, biking or surveying the things that make San Francisco Bay so amazing, should partake in at least once in their lifetime. It's an easy hike really with just the length and the wind out on the bay, not to mention the traffic on the Bay Bridge whizzing by being the only intimidating factors. This roughly six mile trek total has only a minor steep incline as one comes closer to the Bay Bridge's new tower, which seemed like a lot of hard work for those who were on bicycle heading towards Yerba Buena Island and then a slightly scary free for all when they headed back down the slope towards the Oakland side of the Bridge. The day I went with friends, we decided to meet up at the Ikea parking lot as that's where the trail's technical starting point is, but from there I told my friends that there was a parking lot located at an event space called The Bridge Yard where the trail continues and is closer to the actual Bay Bridge. What's nice is that parking is free at the the Bay Bridge Trail Parking Lot and you get a little bit of the history and background of the building of the bridge that connects the city of San Francisco and the East Bay. Once we got out on the trail they have a lot of nice markers on how far you have to go to get to Yerba Buena Island. You'll notice all of the nice landscaping that they done around the Oakland side of the bridge and how well maintained things are. They also have a really nice observation deck jutting out of the Oakland side of the bridge with tables and chairs for people to look out over the water and see the bridge in all its glory, but I wouldn't know as that area was closed off with a fence and doesn't look like it has ever been opened for the public to see. Whether you are hiking or biking you will really get an appreciation of how long your trip is either by foot or pedal and the beautiful views of the bay that are underfoot or "underbridge" as the case may be. After our five and half mile walk west towards Yerba Buena Island we finally arrived at our destination and first made a pit stop at an area with a map and cement benches and we found at there were a lot of area cordoned off by fences and a long roadways on the island that were so slopped uphill that even by bicycle it looked like a challenge. As we sat there enjoying our lunch looking out over the bay, we noticed that the skies above were changing on a dime, and as the grayer the weather got, we decided to high-tail back to the parking lot located by the Bay Bridge toll plaza. As it started raining, it luckily didn't get too cold out there, but it was wet, which only made me sympathize with the bicyclists even more as riding downhill with pathway wet with a mere shoulder length bridge that separates you from the water below can be quite scary! But ironically, the only accident we saw was a pile up on the actual Bay Bridge freeway which was interesting to see firsthand how traffic bottles up as you walk by it with nothing but you and a gate separating you from the speeding traffic next to you. The Bay Bridge Trail - Shellmound is something that I would totally walk through again as the hike is an easy straight slightly uproad climb in which bicyclists and walkers share a small pathway evenly, which is a nice change of pace versus that of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is overwrought with tourists and sharing the path can get really complicated. Here's to hoping that more observation decks and pathway open up so one can enjoy their adventure walking or biking on the bridge even further. The new Bay Bridge is here to stay and ready to be explored by more people, locals and tourists alike!

    Janet D.

    This particular trails starts at the ikea Way. It's the street right off ikea. It's a clear path to follow. Best parking tip would be the Emery Bay Parking lot which is the parking garage for the mall and the AMC theater. The only clear designated area here is for cyclist. If you're walking you mainly share the trail with them. I would design this trail differently as: Each designated space for both. It's big enough. There's one last porta potty before you start the actual two miles or so of the trail. Before that from the ikea way entrance it's another close to two miles give or take. Also thats your first chance to use the bathroom. It's breath taking. Always is when you can enjoy a bridge on foot. It's a different experience. More profound. I'm very appreciative of the design with this consideration in mind. The tower that holds the cables together is mighty looking. It stands tall and is a very photogenic subject for all. I must've taken an infinite amount of photos today! Lastly this path is lined with wild flowers and greens. As well as mostly buildings that was there way before this path ever existed. So the old and new to me merged quiet well here. Easy walk overall. It's a total of about close to ten miles from start to finish. Layer up as the gust of wind from the bay can swiftly change the temperature. Enjoy the view of the old bridge next to the new one. It's pretty historic losing that old behemoth. I do welcome the new span and eagerly await the completion of the trail to the Yerba Buena Island. I know to me the end came so quickly. I was still so eager to walk some more but alas! Every good path must come to an abrupt end at least here.

    Bay Bridge
    Chevon J.

    Pretty cool trail. I would suggest doing this right before sunset. Gorgeous orange and red skies. Not sure how long the trail is. I would say round trip maybe four miles

    Jeanette M.

    I've wanted to take this trek since it opened a few years ago. I was finally given the opportunity to do it as part of my run/walk group. It was a beautiful day. The wind was blowing but there was no rain. The run was amazing. I couldn't help but stop and admire the bay on a few occasions. I will certainly return and make this a regular part of my routine.

    Birthday weekend with the family!

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    Review Highlights - Bay Bridge Trail - Shellmound

    Once we got out on the trail they have a lot of nice markers on how far you have to go to get to Yerba Buena Island.

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    Doyle Hollis Park

    Doyle Hollis Park

    4.4(25 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Found a surprisingly nice little park!…read more It's not very big, but the design is thoughtful, clean, and comfortable There's plenty of shade , so even on sunny days it's not too hot--perfect for a relaxed playtime. Playground features: Slides, climbing structures, and spinning toys--great for kids of different ages There's also a toddler area , so little ones can play safely Special highlight: There's a community-donated free toy area Lots of different toys to play with--kids will feel like they've discovered a new playroom Bonus: There's a small path running through the park Kids can safely ride scooters or bikes--spacious and easy to move around Amenities: Restrooms (big plus!) Benches for parents to relax Heads up: Parking nearby can be a bit difficult, so plan some extra time or go earlier

    I've been evaluating playgrounds during this covid time and have gone to at least 3 dozen…read moreplaygrounds in the bay area to determine which ones I'll be bringing my kids to and this is one of them. The perimeter is set nicely. It's not all fence, but the demarcation using walking paths and greenery is successful. Entry off the corner is clear. You know who's coming in and out of the playground which is #1 for safety. Seating areas all around which is another good mark for safety. You want to be able to watch over your kids as they're playing. Architecturally, the place looks pristine from every angle. Well laid out. Shows intention. Someone was doing their homework. Wasn't just slapped together like some places. They definitely had a landscape designer on board when they built this place. Nice touch Emeryville! Although the play structure isn't huge, it's one of the best for kids 5 and older. It has a very good variety. Long tall tunnel slide which kids absolutely love. The view from the top I'm sure is amazing and one of the choices for getting up there is by way of the rock climbing wall. Younger kids may have a hard time finding a place to play though. The area designed for younger kids is more of a art piece than an actual play area. You'll know what I mean when you get there. Ko

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    Doyle Hollis Park
    Doyle Hollis Park
    Doyle Hollis Park

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    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

    4.7(46 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    Never disappointed with a visit to Jean Sweeney Park. Our daughter enjoys the various play areas as…read moreshe navigates between the different areas, existing in some spaces longer than others. After parking, if you can find a spot, the first play area includes a trampoline, climbing structure, a wide metal slide and an oversized musical chime. To the right, a spacious mesh swing spins with kids constantly filling and spinning it. Directly in front is an ample sand area with a brick barrier surrounding it. To the left are three picnic tables. In front of the sand area is the smaller kids play area which is directly next to the restrooms and water fountain. To the left of the little play area is the zip line. When you go further in to the park, there is a covered area with lots of picnic tables and seating grouped together, more benches and lots of grass to play and explore further. There are paths to ride bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards. During warmer weather this park is packed. When we visited, following a prior event, there were already lots of kids on a gray, windy, overcast day. This park is spacious on the interior but parking on the exterior is limited. The parking lot is minimal for the amount of space to explore, which is awesome but makes it difficult to navigate up close parking. Street parking is not really existent unless you enter on the opposite end of the park.

    An amazing open space park, with room for plenty of activities and a playground large enough to…read morehold a large amount of kids! The playground has multiple areas for activities; sandpit, toddler play structure, large metal slide, and rope climbing jungle gym. The best part? The long rope swing! Parking was plentiful, and there were plenty of logs for parents to enjoy the shade while being close to their kids. Bathrooms are present as well as picnic tables.

    Photos
    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park - Restrooms to the right and water fountain

    Restrooms to the right and water fountain

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park - Little kids play area

    Little kids play area

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

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    Lake Temescal - The blooms

    Lake Temescal

    4.3(166 reviews)
    3.6 miNorth Oakland

    The Lake Temescal loop is a beautiful easy-medium short walk that's a little over a mile…read more As you walk the only partially paved trail you'll see a ton of wildlife (ducks and fish) and quite a few dogs being walked as well as a waterfall water feature. The views are picturesque and it's quite serene for how busy it is. The second half of the trail (after you loop around near the fallen tree) isn't paved and in poor weather would be likely too muddy to be particularly safe, so I would probably walk elsewhere after a good rain or while it's drizzling. All in all, we had nevr been to this lake before and it was gorgeous so we fully intend to return!

    Great place for fishing or a walk if you live in the area. Its a scenic place for not being all…read morethat large. Parking lot, kids play structure BBQ areas and picnic tables along with a clean walking path around the edge make for a good day with friends or family. I think it had been 35 years since I was last here since a few days ago. I barely remember a company picnic with my parents as a little kid. Obligatory company Christmas parties and picnics I'm sure everybody knows what those are about - and as a little kid it wasn't so bad. I think just now as we get older its the type of thing we look to gracefully exclude ourselves from. Too cool for school, too cool for Lake Temescal - yeah, maybe I think so.

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    Lake Temescal - They have a pay phone. No idea if it works.

    They have a pay phone. No idea if it works.

    Lake Temescal - The lake

    The lake

    Lake Temescal - My dog enjoyed Lake Temescal... perfect walking distance with a beautiful lake.

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    My dog enjoyed Lake Temescal... perfect walking distance with a beautiful lake.

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    East Bay Regional Park District

    4.7(594 reviews)
    8.3 mi

    Peak My Interest…read more ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE YELP PAGE FOR REINHARDT REDWOODS REGIONAL PARK*** I was attempting to change the name to the proper moniker that included "Reinhardt," but Yelp mods, being the highly regarded sort, somehow decided in their infinite wisdom that they should change it to "East Bay Regional Park District"?! What the what?? 0_o So, that's on me, kids. My bad. Onto the review... A giant ±1,833-acre redwood forest nestled in the Oakland Hills, this park was a former logging site back in the 1800s. Fortunately, there has been a nice resurgence of redwoods to replace those that were cut down. It ain't old-growth, but we'll take what we can these days. The Good: * Free at certain times of year and at certain entrances (more below) * Mountain biking on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Horseback riding on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Camping available (check website for info and reservations) * Reservable and non-reservable picnic tables (check map & website) * Restrooms available in parking lots, as well as at some campsites * Nearly forty miles of trails with something for everyone * If you're looking for a moderate ±4.5-mile loop, go to the Skyline entrance and take the Serpentine Prairie Trail to Dunn Trail to Golden Spike Trail, then back to Dunn Trail The Meh: * $5/vehicle entrance fee on weekends and major holidays between April and October, only at the Redwood Gate entrance * Most of the trails are pretty decent, but some are in rough shape due to water damage The Ugly: * One of the few parks I've seen with "off-leash" sections for dogs--which is fine, except you know there's a good majority of dog owners who think they can control their dogs but really can't. We saw a panicked guy chasing his dog down a trail at one point, and who knows when--if ever--he caught up to it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Great park with tons of trails and lots to see and do.

    This park is fantastic. The first time we visited was back in 2018 and honestly we can't remember…read morewhere we parked or which trails we hiked. But I know we enjoyed ourselves. Fast forward to yesterday. We had a restaurant in Albany that we wanted to check out so of course we had to hike first to get our appetites whet. I found a loop I wanted us to try on AllTrails. It's called the Dunn Trail--Monteiro Trail Loop. We parked at the Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center on Skyline Blvd. It was the perfect spot to start. Free parking. Public restrooms (even flush toilets!). If you have a dog, most of this trail is off-leash which I have never seen before. Every dog we saw were well behaved and having a great time. We don't have dogs of our own but I am a big dog person. This particular loop was exactly what I was looking for. It had several different biomes. Despite what AllTrails said, it is not all shaded but it was a beautiful, sunny, windy day. We saw lots of wildflowers blooming. We found there to be a difference between AllTrails and our measurements. AllTrails said it was roughly 500+ ft elevation gain but ours said 1000. That's a huge difference! But I would believe ours over theirs. There were a lot of inclines. Also, their's said it was 3.5 miles but ours said a mile longer. The trails were all very well maintained. We saw gorgeous views, small waterfalls/creeks, redwoods, butterflies--just lovely. It was less busy than I anticipated but we arrived before 9 a.m. We finished by 11. This is a big park and lots to explore. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

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    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    Bay Bridge Trail - Shellmound - parks - Updated May 2026

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