Google maps will take you to the south lot, which offers free and easy parking. Overflowing trash cans and a porta potty were located near the parking lot when I visited this past Saturday. Plenty of unmaintained grass throughout the park, not ideal for picnicking. But there were a few picnic tables and park benches along the trail bordering the pond. Along the paved path, I enjoyed the surrounding scenery and views of the water, as well as ducks, pelicans, and seagulls floating in the lagoon. I also found some disc golf baskets and exercise stations on site. Nothing too exciting here, but it's still a lovely park and not a bad option for getting your steps in. read more

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It's a nice and huge park. No unhoused or drug dealers around. Family and dog friendly. Maybe people playing frisbee golf so watch your head. read more

This park is for the birds. No, I don't mean it that way... it is a park that is less for humans and more for birds. Little birds, big birds - all sorts of birds. I'm no bird expert but the birds like this place. The good people of Berkeley love birds and nature and wild life - so much so that drones are not allowed on campus as the birds don't like them. I believe this park is the pond not connected to the bay on the east side of the freeway. There are so many swampy marshes around here - but this little pond or lake was man made. I'm not sure what the original intent was when it was built - but people don't come here to enjoy it. Too bad as its great for bird watching. Since its not connected to the bay I wonder of the pollution and quality of the water. I don't know if the birds like the water quality either. I didn't ask them. read more

It was windy warm and wonderful. There wasn't any signs of it being a sex den like they used to say it was. Maybe since they cut back on the trees maybe more police. It is not very large or impressive. There's a lagoon where people row but it wasn't obvious if you can rent a kayak or something to paddle around. This is a mediocre park at best. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Trail greenery and lagoon - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

This Is A Beautiful Park.I Enjoy The View,Water,Trees,Plants,Flowers,Etc...ILime To Visit Every Now And Then TO This Place.

Berkeley Aquatic Park has that lived in look and feel. No, but for real, some people really do live here. I've ran around this lake a few times, it's just under 2.5 miles around. And you will see your fair share of tents of homeless people on the freeway side. But they seem to keep to themselves, at least to me anyways. I can see why some reviewers have mentioned seeing shady characters around, it's actually a mix of people here, definitely Berkeley if you know what I mean. But it's a cool spot to chill out, I have been to a few BBQs here back in the day which were always fun. I don't mind coming through if I'm in the area!! read more

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Had a good time , don't think to many people actually use the aquatic portion of this park so the wait might be a bit but the VIBE here is super chill , young, helpful staff beautiful scenery it was all very nice . Great spot to just get out and do something new and different ! Love it I took a bunch of pics and posted them on tic tok and started trending soo def is a beautiful place to visit !! read more

Love this peaceful place. Never knew about it until mu daughyer did an internship here. Sbe made a paddles dor their boats. She repaired bikes she enjoyed herself. Staff not to friendly liars and made her very uncomfortable. Mangement only took their side bc she didnt want to hear the truth sad very sad. Never checked on my daughter after. Smh. However its a relaxing place to chill. read more

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I had been so taken by the huge protest statues on the pedestrian-bicycle bridge leading to the marina that I really didn't pay attention to the mile-long lagoon right in front of me at the foot of Bolivar Drive. I figured since I was not a fisherman, a water skier, a yachtsman, or a vagrant that there was nothing left for me to enjoy here. Alas, I was proven wrong as my previous myopia had led me astray from an easy walking route around the water. Only two miles long, the circular walkway is mostly weatherbeaten asphalt, but the windswept greenery and tranquil water provide a surprisingly soothing ambiance despite the constant freeway noise from 880 just over the barrier. Like Lake Anza in Tilden Park, the lagoon was built in the 1930's as part of a public works project. I'm amazed how little the recreational area appears to be utilized by locals. It's nicer than you'd think and close to all the shops on West 4th Street. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trod: bit.ly/2OsCCsK read more

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We started walking here this summer. Just a casual loop around the water. A variety of interesting wildlife and scenery. Whenever we park at the South parking lot I notice men looking around to see if they were being watched, and wandering off into the bushes. Just a constant stream of men. There is virtually nothing in the bushes. Of course someone could wander back there to take a leak but there is a bathroom really close to the lot, and there were quite a lot of "hydrated" men with "full bladders", so it was all a little weird. I kept thinking that it's probably a sex hook up spot. Finally, I did a little internet research and sure enough. It's funny because my husband never noticed at all. I guess women are more aware of mens' behavior because of the safety factor. Oh, and here's another interesting tidbit. This spot is #3 on Yelp for Sex Cruising Spots Near San Francisco Bay Area, California. So proud of Berkeley! Go Bears! read more

The trail is pretty short and there aren't very pleasant smells, also the restrooms are filthy.

Hard to believe it is right off the freeway but it is. Egrets in trees, mallards, coots, buffleheads and many other waterfowl are regular residents. The road is pretty hacked up so drive carefully. You can rent bikes or boats and use services for BORP. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Not every corner of Aquatic Park is a sordid den of disgusting debauchery. There is a darling playground here called, I think, Dreamland, which is very popular with tots. There is a huge play structure, the ground is covered in clean wood-chips, and the trains speed noisily by. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - wholesome fun at Aquatic Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

The trail around the park is flat and easy to walk. I've added this to my urban walk list. It is too bad that the Emeryville portion is, um, I guess the nicest thing to say, it isn't as pleasant for most people as the Berkeley portion of the park. I just wish I would see all the birds that a photographer friend finds here. read more

The playground is nice. The trail is okay. Not sure I'll do this one again. I parked in the Emeryville side parking lot. I'm glad I got back when I did. I saw a guy scooping out the cars for valuables. If I come back, I'll probably park on the side next to the playground. read more

My toddler and I really enjoyed this park and adjoining playground! From the family of ducks floating near the water's edge, row boats, cyclists, passing trains, puddles to splash in, a path for riding his scooter, and Dreamland Playground - there was SO much entertainment for my 2 year old! I've passed the Berkeley Aquatic Park on the interstate many times, but never realized it has so much to offer. The playground is pretty spectacular! It's an old wooden playground, equipped with tire swings, slides, and plenty of places for playing hide and go seek. They have little mazes, windows to peer out of, a sand box, swings, and plenty of seating areas. Although it has a "vintage" feel, it is kept in great condition. Most everything feels safe and well though out. A gate surrounds the majority of the playground, also. One thing to note - my GPS took me to the opposite end of the aquatic park. If planning to access the playground without making a long trek, I suggest GPSing Dreamland Playground, instead. Parking is plentiful and FREE. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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What a lovely park with something for everyone, Walking, frisbee, picnics and so accessible. I am glad I learned that you can use the dock belonging to the Berkeley Paddling and rowing club. The city actually owns the dock. You cannot park in their lot, but it's easy to put you kayak, rowboat or canoe into the water from the dock and then park on the road. Be safe and have a great time at this incredible park! read more

I love to come over here and walk around that lake. It's nice because it's no cars in this area and you can walk run or jog. In the morning I have the entire place to myself and it's very nice to see in the fog read more

There are 3 ways that I see Aquatic Park. One is my drive-by from I-80 as I look at the water and whatever Cal activity is going on. Second is the creepy section that I pass when I'm accessing the Freeway on ramp from the Emeryville surface streets. And why are all those cars parked there even at night? Of course I'm not naive, but still... I've come in the official way to donate a bike at the Waterside Workshops and take my Kid to the playground. That's a nice time, during daylight hours of course. And the views of San Francisco are nice. read more

This would be a five star spot for hanging, running, biking, etc. except for one thing ... LURKERS ... There are always suspicious creepers wandering around or sitting for long periods of time in their car .. You'll catch a junkie/crack head doing their thing pretty often as well. However, I'm not completely deterred because it's really pretty, especially at sunset. You can also cross a pedestrian bridge through the park and check out the Berkeley marina and some beautiful trails along the water. ... But yeah... Just beware of the creeps read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Sunset at the park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is our neighborhood park, too bad that, like our neighborhood, it is full of litter and leftovers from illicit activities. The playground is big and has a lot of nooks and crannies, ideal for tag and hide-and-seek games. (Also ideal for whatever activities happen at night...) There is a butterfly path, a sandbox, some small tables, and even a puppet show area with seating (I've never seen this space utilized). Bathrooms are available, but I wouldn't dare check on their cleanliness. I'd just assume the worst. There is a path that crosses the park all the way from Addison to Ashby, good for biking or jogging. This would be a five-star park in any other city. read more

I stopped by after lunch. Hadn't been here in 3+ years. Oh, my! It was "busier" than ever. The "sketchy, skanky, etc." men were like ants. Of course it was in an area where children, bikers, hikers, dog walkers, etc. would not go. So no harm done. I hear they're bringing back the Alka Seltzer man in ads. Well, I had a great plop, plop, fizz, fizz experience! read more

This is definitely a park for older children, not toddlers- the slides land higher than my 20 month old daughter's head, and there are only strap swings, no buckets. If your kid is from 5-12 it's pretty much perfect. I have not had the misfortune to encounter riffraff here as some posts suggest, and the toilets were not fetid. I wish there was a dog run area. It would be the perfect place. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Kids's play area - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

From Honolulu? Call this the Ala Wai. Stopped for a bit to check it out due to its name. I would say this park is great for pets. Bit sketchy so be aware of your surroundings. read more

Need lights ASAP plz... I didn't want to believe it but I had people walking up to me. Had to run to my car

My toddler really enjoyed playing at this playground. But, I personally thought the playground was not maintained well and very dirty. Spider webs and trash everywhere. I wonder if someone actually cleans this place? It is very windy walking from the parking lot to the playground because we are so close to the ocean. Wear layers! read more

It is 11:30am on a sometimes cloudy, and then strikingly sunny, Sunday morning. I am fast walking my way around the lake, as people with oars and sleek, narrow boats ply the deeper waters while ducks, egrets, and herons bob, dip, and wade on the shallow edges. Framed by I-80 on one end and a fairly busy active railroad line on the other, the Berkeley Aquatic Park is not exactly an oasis of calm, nor an entirely safe space where can let down your urban alertness level. Serenity comes suddenly at such moments, surprising you when you least expect it. Walking on cracked pavement accompanied by car, truck, and train traffic and caught up in a mix of flower scents, diesel exhaust, and decomposing trash and human waste, I stumble upon an unlikely pathway that leads me to a particular place of peace. No, it's not a redwood canyon, nor a snow-covered road in the mountains. It isn't an untrammeled field of wildflowers or a windswept ocean bluff where flocks of brown pelicans pass by on unseen currents of air, but the underlying, bruised-but-not-broken beauty of this reclaimed urban space cannot be denied. For the most part, this is a functional city park, where dogs on leashes drag their humans around the lake, where children hold hands with their sleep-deprived parents, where joggers jog and bikers bike and rowers row and the temporarily transient seek out semi-hidden sanctuary to sleep or recover from a previous night's high. It is almost 3 miles, the paved walkway that frames the lake itself, which is brown and murky and filled with ample rains from a wet winter. Poppies and geraniums bloom next to the wall and fence that partially shields the persistent traffic on the interstate, but nothing really blocks out the blaring sounds of the trains passing on the other, more developed side, where there is a disc golf course, a children's playground, men's and women's public restrooms (not spotless, but not a superfund cleanup site, either), a bicycle and boat rental space, and even a cafe and coffee shop with outdoor seating. This day, the park is showing itself at its Sunday best, which means that you can see Tamalpais across the bay, and the East Bay Hills are emerald green, and bees are collecting pollen from blooming, sweet-smelling flowers, and the traffic on I-80 is actually moving rather than stuck in place. I don't gaze out on a godlike face here on this Sunday spring morning, but perhaps someone is gazing back at me, a fleeting reflection in a flat expanse of water, a lone walker out for an impromptu stroll while waiting for the time to pass, a visitor to a public space who does not feel lost, or lonely, or unlucky to be alive. Parks come in many forms, and the Aquatic Park is one of the them: unadorned, yet attractive; exposed to the elements without inspiring unnecessary fear; protected enough that pedestrians need not worry about dodging dangerous traffic; and real, urban, and gritty enough to remind you that not all that glitters in this city is Californian gold. With extremely public places like this, perception is half the battle. And today at least, as the sun emerges from a passel of clouds and shines and sparkles on these dark but shimmering waters, I'd say that this morning's battle resoundingly has been won, and that all who visited Berkeley's Aquatic Park are victors, in their own enigmatic and deeply personal ways. Who are you, gentle Yelp reader, to judge this park or this particular patch of people otherwise? read more

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Not a bad park at all. I've driven past this lagoon many times in the past on Interstate 80 and 580 and had wondered what it was like all this time. It's along the shore so it may be a bit cooler and breezy at times. You can actually walk or bike around the loop. There is parking on both sides of the park (off Ashby and University exits), but there isn't too much shade to speak of, so make sure you have a hat and sunscreen ready when going to Aquatic Park. Very nice lagoon and the visibility is great when it's not too foggy. read more

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This place is beautiful, clean and the kids playground architecture is marvelous. My 3.5 year old has so much to do exploring the vast structure and activities. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Panorama from best vantage point for parents with kids - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

While on the visit to Berkeley I wanted to show my sister's kids a cool park and maybe feed some ducks. First it's a bit of a chore to get to, but once there it has a great trail to walk along the the man made lake, some great playgrounds and its a great place for water sports-water skiing, kayaking... The kids had a good time and got to feed some geese and run around. I also noticed this was a good place for dogs to run. read more

I brought my kids here on what was supposed to be a play date that ended up being cancelled. Hadn't been to the park in probably 25 years. Parked at the south end, the lot was filled with men just parked, sitting in their cars. I thought maybe we were in the wrong place. We got out and walked up the trail a bit looking for the playground and on the way found out the play date had been moved. Walked back to the car and saw the man next to us watching porn. Really sketch, really creepy. I understand this was not the playground area however this is where my navigation took me and it was not a good look. I won't be returning. read more

Not a bad disc golf course. It's not great considering how many bicyclists, runners, dog walkers, and people simply wandering aimlessly about there are also in the course with you. The course is also pretty challenging with all of the water hazards. I've lost many a disc to the pond and many more to the used condom filled bushes as shown below. Hepatitis Ho! Furthermore, the tees aren't very well marked. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Sounds like many of you are only entering Aquatic Park from the Emeryville South End (Shellmound Road). If you enter it from Berkeley - North (Addison Street) or middle (Bancroft Way), your experience will be decidedly different. I would concur that there is a lot more positive energy these days and this continues to increase. Volunteers meet to plant native plants around the perimeter, roving teams of frisbee golfers, happy parents & kids at the newly renovated playground, power walkers, the guy who regularly feeds the duck/geese tortillas, picnickers Another activity that is pretty cool is the Berkeley Paddling & Rowing Club (www.berkeleyrowingclub.org) whose boathouse is at the South end on the side closest to I-80. The 'lagoon' at Aquatic Park is great for this activity - a mile long and narrow. Check for them most mornings and weekends. read more

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Yes, this park is little sketchy. But as a woman walking by myself, I've never felt particularly thretened...maybe that's because I'm walking my pit-bull or maybe it's because I know all those sketchy looking men are looking for men...not for me. But generally, it's a good place to walk my dog. Especially since it's not over-crowded with other dogs....particularly those uncontrolled, off-leash dogs....And on that topic....a word: I wish I had the time to have this conversation with these people in person. However, I'm usually too busy trying to keep their dogs from getting hurt. So here it is: My dog is not a mean dog. He's not a "dangerous" dog. He gets along just swell with kids, people and many other dogs. However, he does not get along with ALL dogs. Particularly your super "friendly" dogs who want to come barreling full-speed ahead at him. But I'm not the Dog Whisperer....so, I don't know which particular dog he's going to have a personality conflict with. So...being the responsible dog owner that I am...I keep him on-leash when other dogs are around. What's that you say? You like your dog to be able to run around off-leash (even in parks such as Aquatic, where that is not allowed...) Okay, sure...I understand. That's why when I see you and your multiple off-leash dogs jumping about, I will walk mine as far away as I can while keeping him on a very short leash. But when that fails...and your dog (or dogs) insist on running towards us, I will call out to you, "Please call your dog." Oh, I see....it appears that your dog does not actully come when called. How very, very helpful. But now...suddenly....it appears that you think this whole interaction is somehow MY fault. "If your dog is dangerous, shouldn't he be muzzled?", you ask. Well, no. You see...he's not dangerous. But he IS an animal. And he's protecting his territory (aka his body) from being jumped on by a stranger. Funny, I do the same thing. But since you're asking the question, then let me ask you this, "If your dog doesn't come when called, shouldn't he be leashed?" Look....there are lots of dog parks (Pt. Isabelle and Alameda Dog Park to name a few)where dogs are allowed to run around off-leash all they want. I don't take my dog to such places, so you won't have to worry about running into me and my "dangerous" dog there. But if you insist on breaking the leash law at parks such as Aquatic...then please exercise a little common sense and don't go yelling at me when I'm the one being the responsible dog-owner. And if none of this gets the point across...then fuck it....guess my dog might just have to bite yours. Don't say I didn't try. read more

One loop around the mirror-like lagoon is a little under three miles (rough estimate). There are boat and bike rentals near the entrance of the park (Addison St.), as well as a cute waterside cafe. Further along the trail, you'll find an adorable playground, dubbed Dreamland for Kids, with imaginative wooden structures and swings! Ornithologists will rejoice the presence of several ducks, geese, and other waterfowl that I do not know the names of. The Aquatic Park is also next to an animal shelter for those interested in adopting a kitty! :P The park connects to the Berkeley Marina via the pedestrian bridge, which crosses I-80. Tip: If you are running from Shattuck Ave. near downtown Berkeley, you'll be running about 2.5 miles before you get to the Aquatic Park. In combination with the loop around the lagoon, this is a solid workout. read more

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Stir-crazy toddler, must get out this was the place to go a playground to climb all about, and scamper to and fro. The structure is a nice safe one with lots of slides and stairs and swings, with benches right nearby for parents' watchful stares. When I was just a little kid, this place was such a mess the danger was so palpable, you didn't want to guess what might be in those bushes -- now, a pleasant frisbee course runs all along the waterfront. Would I go back? Of course! read more

To all you negative reviewers, I say move if you can't handle Berkeley. I've never felt danger here, period. There is more than just the cruising side of the park. This place is beautiful and a great representation of our community. I can't imagine a better way to work off my lunch at Vik's than to walk the park. Plus kids can watch the train pass by when playing in the play structure. So grab your bike, pup or kids and head over to the park! read more

When I first arrived here with my pooch, I heard a snap, crackle, and pop. I felt like part of me had died. Something had overloaded and fizzled out. To my horror, my gaydar had completely given out and was flashing some error message about running out of database capacity. I'll hedge a little bit by saying there isn't anything wrong with being gay (or having gaydar for that matter), but the manner in which the McCreepy dudes conduct themselves in this specific park is just a bit off...honestly guys, are there really no other options? But don't believe the reviews, go see for yourself. Just don't back your car into the stalls, or say "oops, I dropped my frisbee over heeere..." read more

This review is primarily for the disc golf course at the Berkeley Aquatic Park. I've visited twice now, and have enjoyed the course, though probably more for the company than the quality. There's an 18-hole course here, going up and back the length of the park. It's not that heavily wooded, but there are lots of water traps on the first and final holes. A lot of the holes aren't that well-marked or maintained, and there's the constant threat of folks coming down the main path that cuts through the park. I'm not sure why I'd come here for a stroll when I could go a couple miles up to Tilden or just walk along the Bay Trail. read more

If you've got kids, this is a phenomenal place to bring them. All in one place you get: 1- An amazing, wood play structure 2- A body of water with ducks the kids can feed with your dried bread 3- Water in the small sand-pit area so on hot days the kids can splash around and get wet (my kid's all-time favorite activity) 4- They have beginner's monkey bars - low enough that a kid just learning to do the monkey bars can get up there without being terrified. If I remember correctly it was a community effort that got this playground built. Love this place and definitely recommend it. read more