The weather is heating up here in the San Francisco East Bay. Take a break from the local swimming pool, and cool off in a nearby lake instead.
Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore has two swimming areas, East Beach and West Beach. Swimming is free, but there is a $6.00/vehicle park entry fee.
Is Livermore a bit too much of a drive for you? Check out a lake closer to your home, all managed by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRP)…
- Lake Anza, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley
- Temescal, Oakland
- Cull Canyon, Castro Valley (our favorite!)
- Shadowcliffs, Pleasanton
- Don Castro, Hayward
For hours and entry fees, visit the EBRP swimming page: www.ebparks.org/activities/swimming
hike.wander.wonder 
I remember some fun times swimming in lakes when I was a child. It is a nice change of pace.
LikeLike
There’s something about swimming someplace with sand underneath your feet and a pretty view. It’s a very different experience from a swimming pool.
LikeLike
I’d love to jump in!
Have a great weekend
love
Dina
LikeLike
Refreshing!
LikeLike
Good reminder! We recently went swimming at Lea Lake in Bottomless Lakes State Park, NM. We made sure to first consult the lifeguards about the water quality.
LikeLike
Good policy to incorporate!
LikeLike
Hi Linda, I agree that Del Valle and Shadow Cliffs are great local places to visit and explore; however, the water quality this summer has been terrible. Not especially safe for swimming with little ones. You can check the current water testing: http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/_Nav_Categories/Stewardship_Resources/Weekly_Water_Test_Results/Shadow+Cliffs+-+Water+Quality+Conditions.pdf
LikeLike
I’m ALWAYS skeptical of the quality of water in a natural water-source, even if the stats say it’s OK (grew up backpacking in the Sierras, where things would appear fresh and clean, and was taught at an early age NEVER to drink the fresh water). You make a good point… we asked the kids we were with to keep their heads out of the water while there. They had an awesome time splashing around anyways! It’s so shallow in the roped off area, they can wade out about twenty yards, without putting their heads under!
LikeLike