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Where to Swim: East Bay Lakefront Beaches, Pools and Lagoons (Summer 2024)

Where to swim in the East Bay w/ open-water lakefront beaches, chlorinated lagoons, tree-lined pools, and bay shoreline beaches
By - posted 7/8/2024 No Comment

The 2024 swim season is in full swing, with most East Bay Regional Park District swim facilities and shoreline beaches open daily. Swimming fees vary by facility.

The East Bay Regional Park District swim facilities include six open-water lakefront beaches, three chlorinated lagoons, two pools, and three bay shoreline beaches.

Open for Summer 2024

Beaches are typically tested for bacterial levels weekly from April to October and twice a month from November to March. Please check out the links before visiting so you can learn more about the current levels.

Del Valle (Livermore) – Del Valle Regional Park offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Year-round swimming is allowed without lifeguard service north of the boat ramp. $6 parking fee. Open weekdays through August 16. Open Weekends and holidays April 27 – September 15. Lifeguard hours: 11 am-6pm

Lake Temescal (Oakland) – Located in the Temescal Regional Recreation Area, the swim area is open spring through fall, with lifeguards on duty during posted periods .Lake Temescal has an accessible Beach House adjacent to the swim area which offers changing rooms and showers. Swimming is allowed without lifeguards. Swimming is generally prohibited November through March, because of poor water quality.

Lake Temescal Swimming Fees

$3.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
FREE under 1 year
$5 Parking Fee

As of 7/7/24 the beach is CLOSED.  There is a DANGER advisory for blue-green algae posted.

Lake Anza (Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley) – Located in Tilden Regional Park, just over the hill from Berkeley, Lake Anza is a favorite getaway. Its sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, with lifeguards posted during the swim season.

Lake Anza Swimming Fees

$4.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
FREE under 1 year

As of 7/7/24 the beach is CLOSED.  There is a DANGER advisory for blue-green algae posted.

Shadow Cliffs (Pleasanton) – A haven for swimming and fishing can be found at Shadow Cliffs, only a mile from downtown Pleasanton on Stanley Boulevard. Located in the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, the 80-acre lake has a swimming beach with a bathhouse and refreshment stand, open on weekends in spring and fall, and daily during summer months. Plus there’s ample parking and picnic grounds. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, but swimming is allowed throughout the year in the designated area, at the swimmer’s own risk. $6 Parking Fee

As of 7/7/24, there is a Caution Advisory for blue-green algae is posted at Shadow Cliffs

Quarry Lakes (Niles Beach, Fremont) – Located in the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, the Horseshoe Lakes (Niles Beach) swim complex includes a sandy beach, a bathhouse, vending machines, and lifeguard service.

Quarry Lakes Swimming Fees

$3.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
FREE under 1 year
$5 Parking Fee

As of 7/7/24, there is a Caution Advisory for blue-green algae posted at Horseshoe Lake.

Don Castro Lagoon (Hayward) – Don Castro Regional Park is a 101-acre urban oasis on the boundary between Hayward and Castro Valley. The clear blue waters of the swim lagoon are a favorite with central Alameda County residents. Located in Don Castro Regional Recreation Area, swimming in the chlorinated swim lagoon is a main attraction from the end of May through September. There is a bathhouse with shower, vending machines, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty. Several picnic tables and charcoal BBQs are available for use inside the swim area on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Don Castro Lagoon Swim Facility Fees:
FREE under 1 year
$2.00 age 1-15
$3.00 age 16-61
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
$5 Parking Fee

Cull Canyon Lagoon (Castro Valley) – Located in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area, the swim complex, including bathhouse, vending machines and lifeguard service, is open during the warm weather season. It is ideal for families with small children, who will enjoy splashing in the shallows and playing on the white, sandy beach of the chlorinated swim lagoon. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty. Several picnic tables and charcoal BBQs are available for use inside the swim area on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-register for Weekends & Holidays
Due to the popularity of swimming at Cull Canyon, the swim facility reaches capacity very early on weekends and Holidays.

Cull Canyon Lagoon Fees

Swim Facility Fees:
$4.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
FREE under 1 year

Castle Rock Pool (Walnut Creek) – Located in Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area adjacent to Diablo Foothills Regional Park, the Castle Rock pool complex features a 30 feet by 70 feet chlorinated swimming pool and deck areas.  Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty.

Castle Rock Pool Fees

$4.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
FREE under 1 year
No Parking Fee

Crown Beach (Alameda) – At Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, the water is warm and shallow. At the west end of the beach is a bathhouse with changing rooms. Swimming is permitted during park hours year-round. No lifeguards are on duty.

No Beach Access Fees
$5 Parking Fee (Memorial to Labor Day)

Roberts Pool (Oakland) – Located in Roberts Regional Recreation Area, the newly renovated Roberts Pool complex features six competition swim lanes and two cool down lanes (approximately 5,600 sq. ft.) including additional shallow areas for recreation, swim lessons, and training.

Roberts Pool Fees

$3.00 age 16-61
$2.00 age 1-15
$2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled
FREE under 1 year
$5 Parking Fee

Keller Beach at Miller/Knox (Richmond) – Keller Beach is at the north end of Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. There, visitors can wade and swim in San Francisco Bay. No lifeguards are on duty. Picnic tables and restrooms are nearby. No Beach Access Fees.

Closed for Summer 2024

  • Contra Loma Lagoon (Antioch)
    Swim Lagoon Closed for 2024 Swim Season

    Due to ongoing renovations, the Contra Loma swim lagoon is not opened for the 2024 swim season.

Open status may change due to water quality conditions. Be sure to check facility status and hours before you go at www.ebparks.org/swimming.