Lake Anza, Tilden Regional Park

Lake Anza has separate, adults only swimming lane surrounded by gorgeous scenery. It's about 40 meters long, and the water is somewhat clear. If you can get past the screaming kids that are having entirely too much fun on the sandy beachfront, you can swim undisturbed. During the summer break, kids are having a blast splashing around in the water, running on the beach, and eating snow cones from the snack bar. Actually, Tilden Park is great to go to because so many people, young and old, utilize it year around.

Facilities: Restrooms and food service is available. Swim fee is $2.50. Swim season is May through October 13.

Map of Tilden.

All kinds of options for a ride or brick workout.

Tips:

Tilden Park has many attractions that are not just for kids! Be sure to see the beautifully painted wooden carousel animals at the nearby merry-go-round and the miniature steam trains. If you want to get in a quick run, the Tilden Nature Area is within two miles and has several trails. Jewel Lake has a short looped path called the Upper and Lower Packrat Trail where you might see deer in the thickets, or large turtles sunning on a log in the middle of the lake. Some of this trail is single track, and you must climb over or under a few tree limbs to get through. For longer mileage, you can get continue to the Wildcat Creek Trail, a less scenic, wide, fire trail with some rollers.

Here is a 13M-looped run to Inspiration Point, one of the highlights of Tilden Park.

Even though you are in the East Bay, Berkeley is generally a few degrees cooler, and often has a breeze. Even on hot days, the water can feel cool.

Directions:

From Berkeley: On Spruce Street, you can follow the signs to the Tilden Park.

From Highway 24 westbound: Take the Fish Ranch Road exit and turn right on South Park Drive. Follow signs to Lake Anza.

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