Bay Area’s Best Swim Spots

Yippee…Let’s Go Swimming!

McNear's Beach County Park

You wouldn’t dare dip a toe in those frigid Bay Area waters…or would you? It all depends on where you go. Even beyond the community pool, there are definitely ways to enjoy swimming with the family. Here are some hotspots to consider for the warmer weather that’s been creeping up on us little by little.

Lake Anza in Berkeley

Grab the goggles and swimsuits and head on over to the Lake Anza swimming facilities in the Berkeley hills. In spite of how crowded this favorite gathering spot can get, swimming here always feels like a local secret, tucked away in the midst of hiking trails, below the picturesque hills. This stretch of beach typically gets plenty of sun, while the surrounding landscape protects your wet ones from the wind. Hungry swimmers can recharge at the Lake Anza Beach Club with nachos, smoothies, sandwiches, ice cream, and more. The Lake Anza swim season opens May 1st, with lifeguards at the ready. Adults pay $3.50 to get in, and $2.50 for the kids.

Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore

If you’ve found yourself in Livermore in the summer, you know how scorching hot this part of the Bay (far outside the fog belt) can get. Del Valle Regional Park offers the perfect solution, with not one, but two swimming beaches opening for the season. While swimming is permissible through much of the five-mile-long lake, the East and West beaches offer lifeguard services between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. from mid-June through the 22nd of August, with no fees required. And when the family’s all toweled off, the park has picnic facilities, boat rentals, and a visitor center to keep you occupied.

McNear’s Beach County Park in San Rafael

This public pool is a traditional go-to swimming spot for families in the know. While it’s not the same as an outdoor lake, the large pool is surrounded by a view of the San Pablo Bay, with a beach park and concession stand nearby, grassy lawns to play in, and picnic facilities available for the post-swimming BBQ. The swimming season begins after Memorial Day, when the pool is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a $4.00 per person fee.

Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch

Here’s an alternative to the big West Coast waves and icy waters … what about a nice, protected swimming lagoon in the heart of an 80-acre reservoir? That’s Contra Loma for you, with a sandy beach and lifeguard included in the swim zone. Boating, picnicking, biking, and nature study are also popular here. Swimming is open for the weekend beginning May 1st and open daily beginning June 14.  Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cost is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids and seniors.

Parkside Aquatic Beach in San Mateo

This San Mateo gem of a spot has nary a wave or the nasty whirlpools that come alone with them. On one side of the quaint swimming beach, there’s a playground for kids, and on the other side, there are picnic tables if you prefer to keep the sand of your sandwiches. The waters are part of the Marina Lagoon, between San Mateo and Foster City. Restrooms and boating are also on the premises.

Oyster Point Marina/Park in South San Francisco

In addition to having a 33-acre park for hiking and jogging, a fishing pier, and picnic tables with a view of the Bay, Oyster Point Park in South San Francisco has a sandy beach over two acres wide, with access to peaceful waters for swimming. The site includes a range of other activities on the premises, with a full boat dock, office spaces, restaurants facilities, and a yacht club. But the swimming beach is a great place to escape from it all, and it’s open to the public.

Crissy Field Beach in San Francisco

With ample parking, mild bay water and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field Beach is  popular destination for San Francisco families with little ones pretty much any day of the week. Building sandcastles, flying kites and exploring the wetlands are all popular activities for active kiddos. Bonus: The beach and waterfront promendade is dog-friendly (under voice control) and there are bathrooms and a new cafe nearby.