We recently explored this picturesque dog-friendly park in Berkeley, CA with our cocker spaniel, Zoey. There is a large paved parking lot with bathrooms. They have both paved and dirt trails along the tidelands. The park extends through multiple nearby cities, ending near the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Despite being so near the freeway, it's a lovely pace to walk. We found out that some of the trails are not ideal for a dog stroller! At one point, we saw an unusual looking building on a small hill in the distance. We asked a fellow hiker, who said it used to be the facility for Golden Gate Fields. The picture with my husband shows the building in the background. We will probably return in the future to check out more of this park. read more

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park - My husband and Zoey - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Well paved easy trails. Great for birding, boat watching. Well maintained bathrooms

A nice park near the Berkeley Marina!! Lots of dirt trails, with the fence keeping you from venturing off. I've accessed this park at the corner of Frontage Road and University Avenue and also at Marina Blvd. There are plaques explaining the history of this area in the park. This park is bigger than I think it is, I also don't think I've been on all the trails yet. Definitely gotta check this place out more again!! read more

See all

Park near Berkeley Marina. Its a park I've driven by probably dozens of times - something overlooked. For whatever reason I was never drawn to this place. Its a great place to take a walk near the bay and between that and the highway. Its all fenced off between the marina and the park - witch can make it seem isolated. I like the marina much better than this place. I'd rather walk at the marina near the water. read more

With as populated as the Bay Area is, it can be more challenging than some might think to get a taste of nature without leaving the city. This takes me the Emeryville/Berkeley area where I had the opportunity in visiting "McLaughlin Eastshore State Park". There is no actual street address here but it is where University Ave. & W. Frontage Rd. meet. It is also about 1/2 mile from I-80 so it is quite easy to get to when traveling my car. I had come here during the evening of Saturday 6/23/2022 at around 7:45pm. The weather was a comfortable 64°F while being crystal clear with no clouds in sight as well as no Bay Area fog for that matter. What makes this state park convenient is that they offer a sizable parking lot (which is free of charge) as well as several trash bins and a few porta potties within a mere 50 yards from the bay water and trails. The hours of operation are from 5am to 10pm seven days a week. Since this is a protected open space preserve area, the park actually extends 8.5 miles along the East Bay shoreline from the Bay Bridge to Richmond, This includes tidelands along the waterfronts of Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany, and Richmond. Since I-80 is a very heavily traveled highway, you can witness joggers, cyclists, and walkers exercising from a distance if you look close enough. Since I arrive right before dusk to check out the sunset, I luckily parked a stones throw from the water, rocks, and sandy beach area. Since this area stretches a very long distance, it never seems super crowded as opposed to a way more densely popular park or bike trail. And if you arrive during the time I did, you can witness some of the most awesome sunsets in all of the Bay Area. With the good things about this park, you also need to consider the not-so good things as well. On any given day, you will spot quite a few homeless people (in tents, sitting in cars, and even just sleeping on the streets). It is the grim reality of many that hit hard times. But for the most part, many people here are courteous and keep to themselves. I felt safe during my visit and was able to soak in some of that fresh bay air while enjoying a perfect sunset. With that said and done, I am going to give "McLaughlin Eastshore State Park" an above average four-star rating. read more

See all

One of my favorite places to walk! The pier goes out on the water and it feels very serene to be out on the water and look into the nearby cities. A lot of dogs out for walks and families enjoying their time here. read more

See all

This is hands down one of my favorite walking paths/trails in my hometown. It's a brisk walk along side Frontage Road and visible from Hwy 80 driving Westbound into San Francisco. It's a great place to watch the sunset, fly a kite, or for a nice leisurely walk. I was recently here on 9/5/21 and I'm in my happy place when I get here. I find parking next to Seabreeze Deli and start my walk there. Once I get to the Ashyby overpass street sign I start my return trip. The walking trip is about 2.7 miles in length. Along the walk you can see a Snoopy barnhouse figure, sailboats, lapping waves, and plenty more. This place will always have a soft spot in my heart and I am so glad it's close to home. read more

See all

I generally like walking here. It's nice being by the water. However, there's an issue because the lot at University and Frontage, where I like to park is very, very dusty. There are some other parking spots, but they are tiny or the space is taken up by homeless people in vans. But, I do like this Berkeley to Emeryville area to walk. People who ride their bikes will alert us when they need to pass. Unfortunately, I don't know my left from my right, so that can be a bit tough. But all and all, it's a good spot to walk, with clean benches, and it isn't as busy as some places can be. read more

I guess I've been to the Eastshore State Park without really knowing it. It wouldn't be the first time I've basked in a pool of ignorance without knowing I was drowning. When I looked up the park online, it actually includes Point Isabel in Richmond (review: http://bit.ly/2J1LuUx), the Albany Bulb (review: http://bit.ly/2x2hWR2), and Cesar Chavez Park and the Marina in Berkeley (review: http://bit.ly/2PDV56p). I think it also includes the pathway to the pedestrian/biking trail on the Bay Bridge. However, the stretch I'm talking about is the concrete path between Emeryville and the Berkeley Marina, probably the least park-like area of the official park unless you count the sea birds who appeared to be avoiding the auto traffic. Jamie W. and I were looking to add steps while we were in Emeryville and started off from the back side of Trader Vic's where a boardwalk begins and winds its way to the Chevy's (photo: http://bit.ly/2ECKG9Y). From there, we saw a small beach and dilapidated plaza where some remnants of the 1960's-era mudflat sculptures remained (photo: http://bit.ly/2ECLv2y). From there, we just kept walking on the path next to the water and precariously close to the speeding 880 traffic pouring onto the frontage road. The constant hum and fumes didn't seem to bother the locals hanging out at Berkeley Beach (photo: http://bit.ly/2RVJIIF) nor Snoopy who appeared to be chasing the Red Baron on the water (photo: http://bit.ly/2CPfp1X). Not a bucolic walk but our step goals were accomplished walking to and fro. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trod: bit.ly/2OsCCsK read more

See all

Review #076 - 2020 One thing that I've learned about this whole shelter-in-place situation is that many people will do what they want no matter what, and we shouldn't be so quick to give away our freedom out of fear. I refuse to go inside Costco or Wal-Mart during this time. "Why?" You ask... Well, for one, if the virus is as contagious as many people think, why would I want to go somewhere that's crowded as heck? Plus, you're breathing in everyone's recycled air. I'd much rather be outside, where there's less people, fresh air and sunshine! While I'm outside, I keep as far from other people as I possibly can--6 feet, you say, more like 20 feet or more. For their safety & for my own family, as well. I drive by this beach almost every weekend and I have never had the urge to stop by, but when you just need a breath of fresh air & some sunlight, it's good enough. We showed up at around 6:15 PM on Saturday, April 18th; and surprisingly, the parking lot was full. I guess most people just stayed inside their cars, as there weren't that many people outside. There were a couple of people sitting on the beach, and a few people were walking/jogging/running/biking. It's probably not the cleanest beach nor the safest, but just come before sunset & you should be ok. There's quite a few homeless tents in the nearby proximity, but not on the beach itself. Parking is free. read more

See all

A beautifully maintained park with plenty of paths and trails to explore. Maps in all the right places and great signage. I love stopping here as it just a quick run from my home away from home! read more

A sunny spring day requires a healthy long walk. I left my whip in a nearby Chevy's parking lot and took off down the Eastshore path. It's a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay. Plenty of walkers, runners, and cyclists. Growing up in the area, I fondly remember fishing from the shoreline as a kid. Sure enough, there were a few anglers trying their luck. It about two miles from the restaurant to the Sea Breeze Cafe. Just perfect for a short rest stop and a turn about. Walking time for me was about 1.5 hours round trip. read more

We are always looking for a place to exercise and WHERES it's safe to get out of the house during covid-19. It was a beautiful hot day and the breeze on this trail was perfect while running. read more

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Came here last minute because we had to make a trip to Berkeley, and we felt like our daughter deserved some time in the outdoors before we drove all the way back home! It is beautiful here. Such an interesting environment. There's graffiti and concrete slabs everywhere mixed in with colorful flowers, other wildlife and great water front views. It was an exceptionally clear day so we had an amazing view of the city line and two bridges. During this quarantine, it was a nice place to go because there are wide paths and enough space to keep your distance, but you're still getting to enjoy the sunshine, outdoors and being around other humans. Tons of dogs too! It is a very dog friendly place where the dogs are allowed into the water and on the paths. There's a nice long concrete path that turns into a dirt path about half a mile down, but we didn't make it that far, so I can't say what was beyond there. There's also this super cute little wade pool that is enclosed with rocks down the concrete path. It's so pretty with the water and city scene behind it. Great place for photo ops! Again, it was a really beautiful and clear day for us, I'm not sure if it's always like that. But we had a great time. read more

See all

This land became a state park several years ago. And it's one of the more unusual state parks in the system. It's basically a marsh and a bike/jogging trail. Can't build anything on it, not even a hiking trail. So why is it there? Methinks to preserve one great view. As you go this way, either on the trail, the frontage road, or the freeway, look to the west and you see the bay, both San Francisco bridges, SF from the Financial District to Pier 35ish, Alcatraz, Mt. Tam, and (if it's good weather) a lot of sailboats. There are also several places to get out and stretch. The biggest is Waterfront Park, at University Drive in Berkeley. If I lived toward Richmond and worked in Oakland, I'd commute by riding my bike down this way. As it is, when the weather gets warm, it's an enjoyable place to bring a lunch and sit out here, enjoying the beautiful, bountiful, blustery bay. read more

I call this my secret spot. It's peaceful and serene. I usually come here after a long day of work to run and watch the sunset at the little sandy area. This is the closest destination to a beach without having to drive to the city or Santa Cruz for me, so I definitely take full advantage of it. Ideal spot for a coffee break as well. read more

See all

A nice little urban park which I mostly appreciate as I pass through on bike rides - it's great that this stretch of land has been designated as a park which preserves our ability to enjoy splendid views across the bay. For any other deficiencies which other posters may not - I can only say: at least this space isn't being taken up by another Chevy's with a glaring neon sign or horrible apartment towers that block the view of the sunset and clog up the shoreline. yay for urban parks! read more

Fabulous trails absolutely love the Vista right in the middle of everything 10 minutes from San Francisco 10 minutes to Alameda right in Emeryville a wonderful place to just pass time read more

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park - One of the many vistas of the trail you can see all of San Francisco most of Oakland Emeryville and so many great places to eat - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Such a fantabulous place to go for a walk, meditation or a great photo opp spot! You can feel safe, there is always parking and the water, believe it or not, is warm! LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Cannot believe it's right near Frontage Road! Come visit! read more

See all

ooh, I guess I'll be number 2! Wait a minute...never mind. I work around here and it's a nice spot to run and feel like you're sort of out the city and into the open. Sometimes the last thing you want to do is run in a gym that smells like your 5th grade teacher in tight polyester pants. It's a nice 2mi jaunt each way depending on what you choose. The path is and flat and calming by the water--that is if you don't turn your head. You see, I HATE running towards traffic, especially if it's angerballs on I-80. And the path pretty much runs parallel to the freeway. Joy of joys. At least I have my moments where I can actually say I'm running faster than the cars....in traffic. I'm not brave enough to take off my shirt and tan here while running, but sooooooommme people like to get the attention. read more

The bf promised the frog that we'll take him out, so we headed to Berkeley Aquatic park only to find out that it was kite fest! So we drove back and decided to check out the shoreline next to I-80 between Emeryville and Berkeley. Oh yeah yeah yeah! We found parking in Pt Emery and decided to walk along the shoreline to find a chuck-it spot for the frog (he's actually a dog, but we got bored at calling him a dog, so now he's a frog.) Jog around 2 blocks from Pt Emery toward Berkeley direction and we found a sandy/mini beach area with people kiting, camping, bbq-ing, so we decided to chuck it with the frog there. What a nice area with great view, and great wind too! The bf chuck-it with the frog and the frog was happily chucking-it in the water. Imma buy a kite next time to take advantage of the great wind! Hmm and possibly a portable grill to grill some meat! now we're talking! The frog returned home a happy, soggy and salty frog. Everyone's happy. The frog slept through the night, no whining, no compainting, highly satisfied. read more

There's something magical about the Albany Bulb part of Eastshore--yes, it was the dump pit for the tear down of expressway and there's lots of concrete and (watch out if you're climbing around) rebar sticking out, but much of the concrete has been decorated with art of VERY varying quality, a dreamy copy of the Mona Lisa next to some moron's personal tag. Once upon a time, the Bulb was scary, with derelicts camping and popping out of the bushes like "Night of the Living Dead" ghouls, but they're gone (and the fact that our dog's now a German shepherd helps). So it's full now of paths and tiny trails, a cliff to climb, the sight of hundreds of shorebirds/seabirds, redwing blackbirds, hummers, and the dog's favorite--ground squirrels. His lifetime record so far is squirrels 1000/dog 0). The views of the City and the Golden Gate are pretty spectacular, too. Only reason for one star off is the allowing of dog walkers to bring 6-10 off-leash dogs. No way one person can control all those dogs, let alone watch and clean up their poop. GET IT TOGETHER East Bay Parks! read more

Ever see that Cialis commercial where the old couple is sitting in individual bath tubs overlooking a majestic valley? Well it seems like they "made it" in life. Alternatively, you can eschew Eli Lilly's premier pharmaceutical product and gallivant to Eastshore State Park with a friend. This park overlooks the Bay and then you can be introspective as you enjoy the views. Tis a great place to unwind! Enjoy the little moments! Pharrell! The view of San Francisco is amazing. Look at Marin County to the north, too. Damn We biked here from my friend's apartment, and then we continued onto the Oakland International Container Terminal (which is the coolest place ever to bike at night). There are a bunch of people doing wheelies, donuts, 18-wheeler trucks are driving by, you can see these HUGE shipping containers, the industrial vibe is surreal, etc. Then we biked around Lake Merritt in Chokeland, but then we either heard a gunshot or a firecracker (probably a gunshot). Then we went back to the "Rottenest City on the Pacific Coast," Emeryville, Ca. read more

Only nasty thing is losers littering and leaving their dog's poop on the trail. This is my favorite place to come for my long training runs of 9+ miles. I run starting at the Emeryville Police Station on Powell, down along the bay trail ending up somewhere in Cesar Chavez park, though could definitely go further. The course is flat and easy. I like that it is cool down here even on hot days. I usually start running before 6:30am so I always find parking. Lots of bathrooms on the course which is a HUGE plus! read more

This review is for Point Emery. I do not know how to change it. It is quiet and windy today. A lot of bikes are out. I am walking with my boyfriend. He is doing Tai Chi while I rest. A lot of joggers are out, too. It is sunny. The city is foggy. The water is nice and cold for the kids and dogs to play in. The frontage road has parking. I am sitting on a large concrete bench. They have wood benches, too. Bring a sweat shirt with a hood. Gloves because your hands will be cold. It is cold because you are near the water. Picture of the Golden Gate Bridge in fog. read more

See all

Part of the 8.5 mile shoreline Park that includes Berkeley up to Richmond, Emeryville's East Shore Park is probably one of the prettiest if not one of the better kept secrets in the East Bay. The tip of the park where the end of the marina is, there are numerous well-maintained picnic areas almost each providing a bbq grill and one area that even has a fire pit for evening campfires. The trails offer gorgeous views of the City, and all the areas surrounding the Bay. You can walk down the long fishing pier and imagine you're in another part of the world as you watch the sun set. The weather is a bit warmer and clearer on this side of the Bay so for us San Franciscans that are either fogged-in or blown away by the cool breezes, East Shore State Park is a quick warm getaway. The public facilities are clean considering it's a public area and although dogs frequent the area with their owners, the walkways and the grassy areas are virtually free of pet waste. There are several stations along the way that provide disposable pooper scoopers if you don't have one readily available. Even for a warm, sunny Sunday, the park was not inundated with people and there was lots of parking to be found. There were very few cyclists & probably 1 roller blader so for those that enjoy these activities, this is one of the best places to go to without worrying about traffic or getting run over! I highly recommend this part of East Shore Park but don't let the word out too much because it needs to stay the way it is - peaceful, safe, uncrowded and clean. read more

Amazing paved trail for biking, running, walking, or just relaxing and admiring the scenery. You get panoramic views of the Bay including SF and Oakland. There's also a small beach where you can let the dogs run around or build a small sandcastle. All those drivers stuck in traffic on highway 80 are missing out big time. If you live in the East Bay, don't pass up on this gem of a trail! There's some street parking on W Frontage Road or you can also park at the official parking lot. No excuses! read more

I prefer this marina over Berkeley's. It's closer to the bridge, so the view isn't as complete as in Berkeley (treasure island blocks some of the view of SF), but the actual park is in much better shape and isn't as crowded as it is in Berkeley. I came here to watch Berkeley's fireworks display. Perfect spot for the 4th, but make sure you go to the area near the water that skirts Chevy's. A little apprehensive about sharing this gem with others bc it's nice coming out sometimes to enjoy the view with little distraction. A place like this however, should be enjoyed by many. read more

This is mainly a review of the running/walking path along the bay next to the frontage road. A great, close-by place to go running, it is marred only by the fact that it is close to I-80, but that has its' charms too, namely when you are running faster than gridlocked traffic! It's set apart from the frontage road by curbing and sand, so you're not right next to the cars, and there is a bike portion of the path and a walk/run portion too. There is a strip of sand that's wide enough for one person to run on through most of it, but it's a little awkward when it gets narrow. I go from asphalt to sand and back again pretty frequently on this path. It stretches all the way up to Costco in Richmond and the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (excellent, busy dog park) and starts here, at Powell St. You'll find bladers, bikers, runners, fishermen, dog walkers, moms with strollers, and lovebirds on the beaches here. For me, it's the closest place to run that is actually a park and is big enough to really feel like you're going somewhere. I try to bike here when I go running, but sometimes I pick up Jessica P. and work and we go down here for a nice after-work run. You can get a decent tan here, too - yeah, that's me with the "300"-inspired rippling muscles with my shirt off and the iPod strapped on my arm. Holla at a Yelpa! ;-) Only problem is - wind is almost always blowing North. So it's smarter to start up at the northern end, where you will have the wind at your back when you're tired, but I live near the southern tip. But besides the wind and proximity to I-80, it's a great place to be right by the water and get some sun and a good workout to boot! Open between 5am and 10pm, for the actual park and parking spaces bits of it? I imagine the path is always open for bikers. read more

This is a great funky little spot if you're looking for a place to walk or jog in the East Bay. I know the masses tend to recommend Lake Merritt for urban runs, but I tend to annoy quickly and easily on that path. There are just way too many people, and most of them moving way slower than I need to. That said, the path between Point Isabel and here were relatively empty - save for the occasional cyclist. It's not the most scenic view -- as others have noted, the path is mostly parallel to 1-80 -- but it does offer some great views of the Bay. Plus, if you start up at Point Isabel and head south to Eastshore Park, you can easily get in a flat, relatively unencumbered four miles (two or so miles down and back). Also, if you wander around the gravel path long enough, you'll eventually stumble upon some amazing found art pieces. Mixed in with graffiti and your typical urban detritus, there are patches here and there of unexplained pop art and sculptural pieces made up of what looks like industrial scrap metal. I'm not explaining it very well, but it's stellar. Go see it yourself. And take your camera too, if that's your kinda thing. read more

Very nice.....part of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Glad I was able to walk part of this trail today on a cool foggy, slight misty Sunday morning. read more

Not too crazy about this place. The intense sun after 10am and the smog from the adjacent freeway I-80 kind of kills the views of SF Bay. You're mainly running on black asphalt or the 18" dirt trail on the side. Lots of cyclists, more than runners. Wind was blowing hard in the westerly direction in the AM so that helps push, but its a drag on the way back. From Gilman and Frontage start point to Powell st and Frontage at the Shell station is 3 miles. Another 3 miles to get back. Shady areas area are rare and long stretches of just sun in your face. Air was dry too but the breeze was cool. Water bottles are a must. All that probably disappears if your run after 5pm. And if you catch the sunset in late Winter, it's beautiful. Wouldn't recommend this for a summer run trail. read more

McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore, which seems also to be called, "McLaughlin Eastshore State Park," takes the form of about 8.5 miles of coastline between Route 80 and the San Francisco Bay. This park is distinguished by what it is and by what it could have been, if it was not for Sylvia McLaughlin. Sylvia McLaughlin formed an organization called, "Save the Bay." The goal of "Save the Bay" was to prevent thousands of acres of the San Francisco Bay from being filled in and used for commercial development. Their most significant adversary was Santa Fe Railway. Success for "Save the Bay" came in 1998 act in California State Legislature that authorized East Bay Regional Park District to buy marshlands, mudflats, and nearby coastal areas. One result is that Ms. McLaughlin got a state park named in her honor. Another result is that visitors have a nice place to watch sunsets (where the sun sets behind a little-known footbridge to the west), to fly kites, to attend the annual Berkeley Kite Festival, to hike or run, to amble through meadows, seasonal wetlands, and coastal prairies, and to take notice of various plants and birds. read more

One of my favorite spots to unwind life's stress and run off all the pounds off my Yelp check-ins! With beauty that surrounds you, I hardly notice that I'm working out. In no time, I add distance. Also being surrounded by your fellow walkers, runners, bikers, and furry friends is another great way to meet friends, become motivated, and enjoy life all in one. Such a treat to do this for yourself. Take life in and breath it slowly out! read more

Just visiting so we don't have much to compare it with, but it was gorgeous! not crowded,

Nice place to walk by or bike ride by on the Bay Trail... I hope they build some trails through the marshland someday... that could be really cool. read more

This is more a review for the Bay Trail, which leads up to here. Absolutely gorgeous!