Community Corner
Local Swimming Holes
Need a place close by to dip your toes and cool off? Try out one of our picks this week for our favorite swimming areas all within the East Bay.
With the temperatures on the rise, head out to one of our local East Bay Regional Parks picks for some wonderful swimming areas close by where you can swim in nature.
Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park
Lake Anza Rd., Berkeley, 1 (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4563
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http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (through Aug. 26)
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If you want the feel of a wilderness lake without the actual trek to the wilderness, this is the idyllic spot for you. Since it’s closer to the bay it tends to be a bit cooler, so plan accordingly. Lots of sun and shade is available. Lifeguards are on duty. Dogs are allowed in the lake in a specific area, separated from the family beach. You can also hike around the lake, but be aware of the poison oak. It is popular so plan ahead for parking if you are going during a peak time such as the weekend.
Cost: $2.50 for kids 1-15 years old; $3.50 for adults 16-61; $2.50 for seniors 62 and older or for people with disabilities; Under 1 year old is free. No parking or dogs fees.
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Center
18627 Cull Canyon Rd., Castro Valley, 1 (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4523
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. (until Aug. 28)
This swimming hole is an especially good swimming area to take small children to. It has a nice white sandy beach, with a good amount of shade. Lifeguards are plentiful. You have to pass a swimming test to swim in the deeper areas, which are limited. Dogs are allowed in a special area.
Cost: $2.50 for kids 1-15 years old; $3.50 for adults 16-61; $2.50 for seniors 62 and older or for people with disabilities; Under 1 year old is free. No parking or dog fees.
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area
22400 Woodroe Ave., Hayward, 1 (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4527
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. -6 p.m. (until Aug. 21)
The swimming area features filtered water and a sandy beach with lifeguards on duty. No dogs are allowed in the swimming areas. Not a lot of shade, so bring your own.
Cost: $2.00 for kids 1-15 years old; $3.00 for adults 16-61; $2.00 for seniors 62 and older or for people with disabilities; Under 1 year old is free. Parking is $5.
7000 Del Valle Rd., Livermore, 1 (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4524
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (until Aug. 21)
Lake Del Valle has two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty. It can be sizzling in the summer, but the water is refreshing and there are lots of shade trees available. The beach is gravely so swimming shoes are good to have. There is also a beach for dogs to play at. Parking is plentiful.
Cost: $6 per vehicle; $2 per dog
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton, 1 (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4557
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (until Aug. 21)
A former rock quarry, Shadow Cliffs swimming area isn’t the most picturesque setting, but is close by and easy to get to. Not a lot of shade is available, so bring your own. The swimming is limited to a roped area, and there is a separate place for dogs to go frolic as well.
The main attraction however is the four-flume Rapids Waterslide, which is privately owned and operated. For more information about the water slides, visit http://www.shadowcliffs.com/.
Cost: $6 per vehicle; $2 per dog.
And don't forget you can also take a dip in the water right in Dublin at the . For a list of admission prices, hours and rules, click here.
