I have always enjoyed running on the Shoreline Trail in Alameda!!…read more One would think that this 1.5 mile trail that goes from Westline Drive to Broadway is flat since it runs right along Alameda Beach. Well, it's straight, but not exactly flat. There's a few restrooms and water fountains along this trail. Sand does blow up on the trail, and I have seen some parts get flooded with heavy rainfall. Also, some days it can get crazy windy here. The big parking lot on Westline Drive is free, but only depending on when you come. I've been coming here for a long time and when/if they charge for parking seems to change like the wind. But this trail is good for walkers and runners, I am glad they added a bike lane on the street, because they used to really sneak up on you on this trail quick!!

I have a confession to make…read more I didn't know the pathway between Westline Dr and Broadway is called the Shoreline Trail. I just thought it was the pathway along the Alameda beach. No, it's not perfect. Sand blows up onto the path and then onto the street. But the cool thing about this path is that there's no crossings. You will not have to cross the street, or worry about vehicle traffic when you stay on this walkway. In the old days, before they reconfigured Shoreline Drive, you had to share the pathway (trail) with bikes. Now, bikes have their own bike lane, and only walkers and joggers use the sidewalk. FYI- for anyone new to Alameda....Shoreline Drive used to be four lanes wide. That's why there's anti-cruising laws in place. Not a safe situation for bicyclists, that's why they rode their bikes on the sidewalk with pedestrians. But, that was the old days. Today, bikes have a bike lane, and pedestrians use the sidewalk (or trail). Ok, where does this trail go? At Westline Drive it continues on as a wide gravel trail into Crown Memorial Beach. At Broadway, you have the option of walking on the sidewalk or walking on a narrow trail behind homes along a marsh or bird sanctuary. You will enjoy great views of the Bay and the San Francisco skyline. Also, when walking on the Shoreline Trail, you will always have the option to go walk on the beach. Yes, Alameda's man-made beach! Anyone have any weird experiences when walking on Shoreline Trail? Did anyone else see the "old man in the suit and bow tie" out walking at night? It was about 10-12 yrs ago, I was out walking at 930pm across from the McDonalds. A figure was walking towards me. He stepped into the light, and it was an elderly man in a suit and bow tie, his face was pale white, and he said "good evening Sir." I turned and he disappeared into the darkness. That Halloween I told the story on social media. Three people said they also saw this old man walking at night along Shoreline Drive. They all said they never saw him again. Better enjoy that walk in the daytime!

Heron Bay Nature Trail is one of my favorite local trails for a morning/sunset walk. There's…read moreconveniently parking at the entrance roundabout of the Heron Bay neighborhood. There's only 3 spaces + 1 handicapped space but I've usually had good luck and have found parking. If not, you can also park in the neighborhood right outside Heron Bay or at the Food Net plaza. You'll just have to walk a bit farther. There's two sides to the trail: one that goes towards the San Leandro Marina and the other that goes towards the Hayward Shoreline. The San Leandro Marina side tends to be the most popular as it ends at the park and you can continue your walk around the water and park. From Heron Bay, it's about 1.5-2 miles to the park. The terrain is all flat and paved. There are a lot of people who use this trail so sometimes you may have to step aside into the gravel for other walkers, runners, bikers, etc. This trail is right along the water which is always really beautiful. But know that it also gets windy sometimes. I recommend wearing a hood, hat, or beanie. There's also no shade so plan to wear sunglasses and sunscreen on a sunny day. A lot of people take their dogs walking here as there's a dog park at the end as well. Most folks have their dogs on leashes but there are some who let their dogs roam. If you have an anxious dog who isn't great around other dogs, I'd recommend either skipping the Marina side of this trail or just being very aware. There's lots of regulars on this trail (me included) so if you walk here enough, you'll start to see the same folks. Everyone's always greeting each other with a hello or good morning - a great start to each day/evening!

I to run and walk this trail. Great views of the peninsula and San Francisco. Always a nice place…read moreto visit.

Love this as a short hike! It starts in Lot E of Merritt College. Pretty tucked away (this is the…read moreback parking lot). Parking is $2 for the whole day if you don't have a student pass. Dogs are allowed off leash. +1 just for that! My dog loves this trail! It's not extremely long and does have some fairly steep inclines. The middle of the trail is covered by trees, so on a sunny day you have some protection. There's also a stream that runs along part of the trail that I've seen some dogs splashing around it. Not a crowded trail. Good if you want some peace and quiet and a nice view.

Great hidden trail that is part of the East Bay Parks system. I take my dog here, sans leash This…read moreis a great alternative to the crowded scene at nearby Redwood Park where hikers, dog walkers and bike riders sometimes fight it out for trail supremacy. Perhaps this place is a hidden gem because it's a little hard to find. Take Keller up the hill heading east, pass Skyline Pizza and a little shopping center off to your right then make the first left on Campus Drive. Make your first right into Shadow Woods condo complex and head left or all the way to the back of the condo complex and you will find the trail parking lot. It's about 2 miles of moderate up hill and connects to the Merritt College campus. A creek runs along the trail the whole way. Dogs love it because they can run around and take cooling dips when they want. Even on weekend it does not get that crowded.

Not sure why this park has below four stars. Sure, when I went on a walk it was a bit muddy, but…read morethat's expected after the rains. I went around 4:30pm during the week after putting it off since last July. It was a pleasant walk with lavender fragrant lavender bushes along the way. This walk leads onto the beach across from South Shore and I really wanted to keep going, but it was getting too dark. The pics I posted are from on the way back. Definitely worth checking out. I loved seeing all of the fur babies along the trail too!

Loved the visit this morning to my old 'running space', back when I was a very proud Alamedan with…read morea key to a door of a house in a veritable secret gem of small-town living in big-bad Bay Area! (my huge claim to fame is that I quite literally lived across the street from Xmas Tree Lane (Thompson). So cool every year walking with my coffee mug, and not having to bear the nutsoness of driving my way out of that mayhem. The region of Alameda between the main isle and Harbor Bay/Bay Farm island is a wonderland of nature and beauty, views and water, sea breeze and outdoor happiness. This little Towata park is found just before the bridge crossing over into Bay Farm, just off Otis Dr. Turn right into a space that allows for about 10 parked cars, and from there, enjoy the underpass to the blue pedestrian bridge which parallels the auto one, and enjoy the water from both sides!!! It's really very special, this ability to walk out toward the estuary side and see rabbits and chipmunks, and lizards too. Facing McAfee and the Oakland hills, I came to circle the golden round of Shoreline Park that juts into the water, taking a peek at the Aegean marina folk and the activity on their boats today. On the other side, after making the mile+ circle, one can opt to turn onto the wooden-planked bridge to cross over to the shores of Bay Farm Island.... with gorgeous views of the Bay... Lovely piece of Alameda enchantment. And awesome weather to boot.

Good for a nostalgic stroll…read more Lake Merritt is the center point of Oakland. A place I've been flocking to since I was still riding on training wheels. More recently, I've been paying closer attention to the structures and architecture that hug the Lake. It feels like walking through a time capsule. Spanish Revival, Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern influences, all speckled with reminders that we're definitely in the 21st century. I love that can see so many of Oakland's layers here. And it's also a place to get fed physically and spiritually, especially on a Friday. Sidenote: Seems like I'm seeing fewer geese nowadays? Hmm...

A great place to run and walk during the early mornings. Lots of residents and visitors come out to…read morewalk run and bike in the morning. Not too crowded a nice cool breeze to keep you cool while exercising and enjoying the view of the lake. There are bathrooms located around the lake some at the lake Merritt library but beware they are very rough. Safety wise lots of people and nothing crazy.

The High Ridge Loop Trail is part of the Garin/Drycreek East Bay Regional Parks. This trail might…read morebe considered one of the more strenuous hikes, but also one with great views. You can access this trail from the main entrance "down below," or via the Whipsnake trail. Trail was in good shape today. I was able to traverse it with my mountain bike without any trouble. Not much cover, so can be really hot!

I live super close to this park so I come pretty often. I really love it here :)…read more PROS: - good place to practice your casting skills - peaceful - family friendly - never too packed so it's easy to find street parking - dog friendly (there are some NOT on leashes, but very well behaved) - good place to run/jog if you want to avoid hills I don't really have a negative thing to say about this park, but for safety purposes, come when there are others in the park casting or running with you! :)

"No Trout, but Ducks and Turtles Floating Around Might be Mistaken for Trout"…read more This is a rustic urban park, good for fishermen as well as families with small children. The day that I visited, several fishermen were using the casting ponds to improve their angler skills. The casting ponds have circular objects--I guess that's what you aim for. The whole thing reminds me of golfing, except instead of hitting a little ball you swing hooks at the water. The beauty of this method is that you have fishing line connected to the hook, so it's easy to get the hook back. Just think if they did that for golf how much easier it would be. Next time I'm bringing a fishing line to give it a try. They have signs reminding you to not jump in and swim around. Good idea. Of course the ponds are about 2 feet deep, so it wouldn't be much of a swim, even if there weren't fishing hooks flying overhead. I suppose if they wanted to, they could have designated swimming areas, where the fishermen don't aim the hooks at you. I'm pretty sure that would work okay. The park is reasonably well maintained, but the facility is obviously old. I saw a sign that proudly proclaimed, "Trout Fishing." Even though I'm sort of a chump, I didn't fall for that. Another visitor confirmed there really aren't any trout here. But there is a cute family of ducks and ducklings, and nearby a bunch of turtles. Maybe the sign maker confused ducks with trout. Easy to see how that could happen. Beside the casting ponds, the other ponds are pretty, and young children will certainly find the ducks a good attraction. One visitor pointed out a family of turtles close by. The turtles didn't seem to be doing too much today--just sort of floating in the water. They have several decent picnic tables as well. This would be a pleasant place to bring your family for a picnic. I did not see any restrooms or drinking faucets, but they might be hidden somewhere. So overall, a good place to visit with your young children. I can't imagine staying here more than an hour or so but it's a decent place for a quick visit. Plus, it's 100% free, with close parking as well. Just don't expect to bring home any trout for dinner.

Root Park isn't much to look at: a large patch of green grass, a few tables for sit down whatever…read morewith accompanying garbage cans. the municipal parking lot next to the park is being than the park itself. just street parking. a walkway down to the dry creek may be interesting in the summer. just street parking. located in the Downtown area nearby the municipal offices.

This is a very nice park near the San Leandro/Oakland Border!!…read more It's not much to look at if you're just driving by, but once you stop and explore this small park a little bit, there's more going on here. The statue here is dedicated to the Portuguese Immigrants, and is what stands out here. As you walk around the park, you'll find stairs that lead under the road, or what I now know is a small bridge. Running brought me to this park, and I'm glad it did!!!