The East Bay is the perfect microclimate to soak up the summer—sunny and warm but not as hot as Silicon Valley, Wine Country, or the Tri-Valley. And when it comes to getting in the water, you've got options.
From sandy bayside beaches and lakes to public and hotel pools, here's where to go swimming in Oakland, Alameda, and Berkeley this season.
Lake Anza at Tilden Park in Berkeley(Courtesy of @kurt.ribak)
Lake Anza in Tilden Park, Berkeley
Tilden Park's Lake Anza is a bucolic East Bay getaway. Its sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind—perfect for sunbathing—the water's ideal for cooling down after a morning hike. Make a day of it and bring along a picnic or grab refreshments from The Lake Anza Beach Club. While at the park, don't forget to check out the Botanical Gardens, the Little Farm, and the Merry-Go-Round. Spend the day for $5 for adults and $3 for those under 18 and over 62. // Open May through September; Lake Anza Rd. off of Central Park Dr. (Berkeley), ebparks.org
Crown Beach, Alameda
This is the closest you're going to get to a real, sandy beach in the Bay Area. The water is warm and shallow, so you can feel free to frolic and swim without worrying about the frigid winds and freezing waves you'd encounter at SF's beaches. At the west end of Crown Beach is a bathhouse with changing rooms. And if you're not interested in getting wet, rent a sailboat, kayak, or inflatable raft and set out to sea, or stay on the shore and fish. Next to the beach there are also picnic tables, barbecue pits, a lawn area for games, and scenic bike trails. // Open year round; Eighth St. and Otis Dr. (Alameda), ebparks.org
Strawberry Canyon in Berkeley(Courtesy of @ucberkeleyrecwell)
Strawberry Canyon, Berkeley
Located above Cal's Memorial Stadium in the Berkeley hills, Strawberry Canyon is a favorite hot spot for students and families alike. The six-lane pool is heated to a toasty 80 degrees, and while three lanes of the 25 yard pool are dedicated to lap swimming, the rest are for play. There are also locker rooms, hot showers, kick boards and other pool toys, a pool lift, and ample parking in the lot. Bring your own towels, and come early to stake out a space on the grass where you can soak up some sun after your swim. Day passes must be purchased online in advance and cost $15 for ages 12+ and $5 for younger kids. // Open Saturdays and Sundays, May through October; Centennial Dr. (Berkeley), recwell.berkeley.edu
Robert's Pool, Oakland
Located near a lush grove of redwood trees off Skyline Boulevard, the Roberts Pool complex has a 5,600-square-foot, heated (!) swimming pool with a depth ranging from three to nine feet. Although there's no diving board, you can still have tons of fun: bring a picnic (or grab something from the vending machines) and catch some rays on the lawn areas. The complex recently added a new pool deck, is fully ADA-compliant, and has a public changing area with gender-neutral retrooms. Special times are set aside for lessons, recreational swimming, and lap swimming. Spend the day for $5 for adults and $3 for those under 18 and over 62, plus a $5 parking fee. // Open June through September; 10570 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), ebparks.org
The pool at Claremont Resort & Club in Berkeley(Courtesy of Claremont Resort & Club)
Claremont Resort & Club, Berkeley
If you'd prefer to sip cocktails poolside, then consider joining The Club at The Claremont and you'll get much more than just a pool to splash around in. The aquatics include a heated recreational pool, a heated lap pool, a kiddie pool (with waterworks), and an outdoor jet-stream whirlpool to relax in. Other perks include tennis courts; a fitness center and weight room; extensive cardio, strength, and yoga classes; gorgeous views of the bay from the bar and restaurant; and more. Plus, you'll get discounts at the spa, and on dining and retail. Bonus fun fact: This is where they filmed the pool scene in Mrs. Doubtfire! // Open year round; 41 Tunnel Round (Berkeley), claremontresortandclub.com
Temescal Pool, Oakland
Dip your toes into the sunny Temescal pool or tan on the pool front property. Temescal Pool is located at Oakland Technical High School, adjacent to Studio One Arts Center, and serves the Downtown and North Oakland community with fun recreational programs. Pool use includes multiple daily lap swim periods; swimming classes and lessons for tiny tots, children, and adults; and recreational swim Mondays through Fridays from 2:15pm to 3:45pm. Fees range from $2 to $7 per person, depending on age and time of day (multiday passes are also available) // Open year round; 371 45th St. (Oakland), oaklandca.gov
