Parks

The Bay Trail connects over 130 parks along the shoreline, giving visitors a rich variety of options and experiences.

Credit
Joey Kotfica

India Basin Shoreline Park (San Francisco)

With a definitively urban character, this urban gem on the southern shoreline sits in the center of a rapidly evolving waterfront. Next door to the north is a shuttered power plant that will soon feature a new segment of Bay Trail, and to the south is the Hunter’s Point Shipyard, a massive former naval facility undergoing redevelopment that will feature several miles of prime Bay Trail — someday.

Ryder Park-Seal Point Park (San Mateo)

Bring the entire family to enjoy these award-winning parks that offer something for everyone. There are picnic tables, a water play structure, a playground, a large open grass area, outdoor classrooms and beautiful landscaped paths that showcase native plants along the bay. Cross the bicycle/pedestrian bridge to explore adjacent Seal Point Park, a former landfill, and enjoy views and public art from the top of the hill.

Alviso Marina County Park

At the southernmost tip of the bay, this former marina welcomes you to a day by the bay in a landscape that has transitioned from man-made to natural. Go for a stroll or bring a kayak to see the bay from a new perspective.

Marina Park (San Leandro)

This terrific 30-acre shoreline park has it all. Large group picnic areas with BBQs, two playgrounds, shoreline trails, a sand volleyball court and a large grassy area for soccer or to toss the ball or a Frisbee around.

Union Point Park (Oakland)

This largely unknown and hidden park is off Embarcadero between Dennison and Kennedy Streets. It boasts a children’s playground, a spiral hill path that leads to spectacular views of the Oakland Estuary, a Wave Oculus sculpture that lets you walk over the Bay waters, a small picnic area and a large grassy field.

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (Oakland)

If incredible views of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge are what you’re looking for, this 38-acre park is for you. With a large picnic area with BBQs, lawns, extensive waterfront trails, a multi-story viewing tower with scopes, an amphitheater and a small beach, this park has it all. It’s also one of the few places you can get a close-up view of the Port of Oakland’s large cargo cranes at work.

Adventure Playground (Berkeley)

At the Berkeley Marina, you’ll find Adventure Playground where kids can be kids. This innovative play area taps into the creativity of children, and lets them run around, go on ziplines, use all sorts of tools, and build forts, towers and whatever else they want!

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Richmond)

This 2,315 acre park is the former site of a dynamite plant. Now, the only exploding going on here is the laughter from people having fun! With over 12 miles of trails, several picnic areas with BBQs, a play area, volleyball court, horseshoe court, a popular 1,250-foot fishing pier and amazing views of Mt. Tamalpais and San Pablo Bay, there’s something for everyone here.

River Park (Vallejo)

With a paved segment of Bay Trail running along Wilson Avenue on its east side and natural surface trails running along the shoreline of Mare Island Strait, this park offers great views of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard and a bit of green in the midst of urban Vallejo.

Kennedy Park (Napa)

A city park that runs along the Napa River, its 350 acres includes five reservable picnic areas, softball, soccer, volleyball, boat launches, hiking, a children’s playground and the 18-hole Napa Golf Course. A connection to Skyline Wilderness Park can be made via the River to Ridge Trail, one of several trails connecting the Bay Trail to the Ridge Trail around the region.

John F. McInnis County Park (San Rafael)

This 450-acre park adjoins extensive bay wetlands and is a multi-use sports and outdoor activity facility that provides an award-winning skate park, two softball fields, two soccer fields, a canoe launch, four tennis courts, a group picnic area and nature trails. A private concessionaire operates the McInnis Park Golf Center.