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Grotto Rock Park

4.3 (6 reviews)

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View from the top ft. Karl the Fog
Megha T.

Looking for sweeping views of the Bay but don't want to deal with a bunch of other people? Grotto Rock Park is perfect - don't bother going to Grizzly Peak or Indian Rock Park next time you wanna watch a gorgeous sunset! Using Google Maps and the address listed on Yelp took us straight to the park. There was a lot of street parking right next to the rock formation when we went at 8pm on a Friday evening, but that might not always be the case since you're in a neighborhood. You can climb directly up or take dirt paths that go around the rock formation. There are steps/paths carved in the rock at multiple entry points, but for the easiest access, I'd recommend taking a right when you enter the park, walking up for about a minute, and then you'll see the easiest rock path up. There's a cute stone bench carved into the rock near the top, where my boyfriend and I ate pizza and watched the sunset. Climbing difficulty is on the easier side and there were only two other people when we went. As always, be respectful when you're at the park! Aka pick up your trash, don't blare music - you're in someone's neighborhood.

SF silhouette from grotto rock
Cassera C.

Grotto Rock is an undiscovered gem! Way less pop than Indian rock but infinitely better The views are better considering it is higher up and there are less trees in the way. It is a lot bigger than Indian Rock, and also more rugged. There are steps carved into this giant rock, but there are some parts that demand physical adeptness, especially on the way down. Youngins, super oldies + unbelievably clumsy people beware. Because of its size and its relatively unknown status, this awesome rock formation has plenty of places to sit, chill, think, watch the sunset or scope views of the bay + SF. I've been here on weekends during sunset with barely a handful of other people, unlike Indian Rock which gets really crowded (and couple-y).

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Codornices Park

Codornices Park

(161 reviews)

Berkeley Hills

This park is just really cool. On afternoons and weekends it's usually packed full of people. It…read morecan be hard at times to find a parking spot but shouldn't be too difficult to park on a side street if needed. There are several parts to this park. One is a flat area with a play scape and a cement slide. There's actually a tunnel nearby that goes under the road and crosses over to the rose garden, which is really cool. The cement slide is a must see for anyone with kids and even if you're an adventurous adult. There are plenty of cardboard boxes around for you to try it out. When I first heard about the cement slide, I didn't think it would be very fun, (cement and sliding didn't go together in my mind) but it is great! Then just a little bit south, above that play scape area, there's a baseball field. So many different people come here to meet. Some people for picnics, some people play soccer, some people play softball, some people bring their dogs. And then inside the woods behind the park, there are a picnic benches. I have a friend who had her wedding reception there. You can reserve them with the city. And then behind the picnic area, there's a hike and if you're very adventurous, there is a waterfall hidden, but it's not easy to find if you don't know about it. I highly recommend this park. During the winter, the baseball field is blocked off with Fence to protect the grass but other parts of the park are accessible.

Nice park, good playground for toddlers, and for babies, nice large grassy area, sort of a mini…read morehike to walk around, some barbecue / camping table spots, right next to the rose garden, bathrooms.

The Berkeley Rose Garden - The Berkeley Rose Garden

The Berkeley Rose Garden

(270 reviews)

North Berkeley

Visited today with BB -- our first time here. We definitely picked the wrong season, as most of the…read moreroses have already been pruned. Even so, the garden itself is peaceful and well maintained. What really stood out was the view -- you can see the Golden Gate Bridge from the garden, which is beautiful and unexpected. There's also a constant sound of rushing water nearby (not sure if that's always there), but it added to the calm and made the few roses still in bloom more enjoyable. The garden is wheelchair accessible, though I will note the hill leading up to the entrance is very steep. They do have public restrooms and tennis courts on site, which is nice. Street parking only -- and be careful, cars come around the bend quickly. Overall, even though we missed peak bloom season, it was still worth the visit for the views and the atmosphere. I'd love to come back in the spring when everything is in full bloom.

This is a great spot for a quiet time of reflection and a stroll among some beauty. The roses were…read morein bloom many spots while we were there, and the benches along the edges gave both spots for stopping and places for reflection. I loved the set up and how you could get close to many of the blooms, as well as see all of the space from the top of you weren't inclined to walk around. They have a water feature at the bottom and some other aspects that helped add to the tranquility. It was a lovely visit and I would highly recommend going there often if you are in the area or live close.

Shorebird Park Nature Center & Adventure Playground - View from across the Bay

Shorebird Park Nature Center & Adventure Playground

(146 reviews)

West Berkeley

This Adventure Playground is a very unique place for kids. Unlike regular playgrounds with fancy…read moreequipment, this one is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, and hands-on play. Children can explore a more primitive, open-ended play environment where they are free to build, paint, and create. Instead of just slides and swings, kids get to use real tools like hammers and nails, paint wood, and build their own little structures. It's amazing to watch how children use their imagination here. They learn problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and confidence while playing. Kids can: Learn to use simple real tools (hammer, nails) Paint and decorate wood Build small structures ‍ Climb and explore the handmade wooden playground Sometimes playgrounds don't need to be fancy. What kids really need is freedom to create and explore, and this place gives them exactly that. Best part: Free admission Kids can play for hours Encourages creativity and independence Beautiful location near the water Shorebird Park Adventure Playground 160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA A great spot if you want your kids to play, explore, and use their imagination instead of just sitting with screens.

OK early morning stop. I wanted my parents and kids to see some water and we stopped by since we…read morewere in the area and this park is open early. It's too cold to go into the water but you can see a bit of San Francisco on a clear day. Its actually a perfect representation of the Bay Area for visitors. Cold, sky is gray, and rocks near the water is covered with slippery seaweed. At the very end of University Ave you can find plenty of parking and two of the odd/unique attractions. There is a giant sundial near the pier. Its 10 foot in diameter and a gift from Berkeley's sister city Sakai, Japan. There is a giant proto-asian culture style statue called "The Guardian" on the grass. The Guardian is an extrapolation of a six-inch clay and wood sculpture in a Buddhist temple in Penang. The city fiercely resisted Frederic Fierstein's plopping of the Guardian. Fierstein fiercely fought back. Fierstein gathered signatures and placed an initiative on the ballot in support of the Guardian. The worst thing about coming so early are there was a person smoking weed in their car and kept loudly cursing on the phone even with kids and old people visibly around.

Grotto Rock Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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