The Best Park / Open Space in Bay Area

Kezar Stadium - Kezar Triangle

If you need a track or want to run sprints, this is one of the best public tracks in the city. The Kezar Triangle park adjacent to the stadium is a little doggy get together run, but not fenced, that's best for dogs that are not going to run off,... more

Kirby Cove

Kirby Cove is nestled in a grove of cypress and eucalyptus trees, west of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sites are located approximately 50 to 100 yards from the parking area. Open for camping: April - October more

Kite Hill

Kite Hill is 2.5-acre grassy knoll located in the central portion of San Francisco, near the intersection of 19th and Yukon Streets. The views of the city from this hill are impressive. An ornamental garden exists on the north side of the park. more

La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve

One of Midpen's largest and most diverse preserves, La Honda Creek offers immersion into a historic ranchland with grazing cattle, views of the San Mateo County Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains and pockets of redwood forest. Since first opening to the... more

La Plaza Park

2 Upcoming events

Lafayette Park

With its grassy lawns, lovely views of the city and the bay, tennis courts, playground, picnic tables, and off-leash dog-play area, this hilly park is a source of respite and recreation for residents of San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. more

8 Upcoming events

Lafayette Reservoir

The Lafayette Reservoir is an open-cut man-made terminal water storage reservoir owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Completed in 1933, it was intended solely as a standby water supply for EBMUD customers.  EBM... more

Laguna Grande Park

Laguna Seca Recreation Area

At the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, visitors can camp on the surrounding hillsides for a serene view of the Salinas Valley.  Both RV and tent camping are available in a clean, friendly environment.  The park is just a short drive from the M... more

Lake Anza

Located in Tilden Park, Lake Anza is surrounded by great walking trails. Lake Anza has a sandy beach has lifeguards during the swim season. There are fees when a lifeguard is on duty and payment can be made with a credit or debit card.   Duri... more

Lake Chabot

The 315-acre Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. There are also bass, crappie, and other fish. A popular event is the annual spring fishing derby. The several fishing piers include one with access for the disabled, and there is a wheelchai... more

Lake Cunningham Regional Park

Lake Cunningham's acres of open space and 50-acre lake offer something for everyone. Tackle the par course - perfect for jogging or walking. Bring your own volleyball and horseshoes for the perfect barbecue picnic, and grab your rollerblades for a la... more

Lake Lodoga

East Park Dam (Lake Lodoga) is an agricultural irrigation dam and reservoir on Little Stony Creek, about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Orland. more

Lake Merced

The light dancing off the water and reeds is always a beautiful sight. The 4.5-mile loop is somewhat flat, perfect for runners, walkers and bikers. The loop is packed on weekends when the weather is nice. -------- Lake Merced, a large freshw... more

2 Upcoming events

Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon that lies just east of downtown Oakland. It is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. A popular 3.1 mile (5 km) walking and jogging path runs along its perimeter. It is historically significant as the Un... more

Lake Merritt Amphitheater

Off Lake Merritt Boulevard, near the lake's most southwest corner, sits the open air Lake Merritt Amphitheater. The paved walking path that runs around Lake Merritt protrudes at this spot to provide an adequate stage area. Most of the time it's jus... more

Lake San Antonio Recreation Area

Lake Sonoma

Nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma County, California, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by world famous vineyards and land that is rich in history. Created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam in 1983, the lake provides for flood contro... more

Lake Sonoma Resort

Lake Sonoma Resort Marina is a publicly accessible waterfront facility that offers access to the water and provides space to moor or dock boats and yachts. In addition to docking and storage, the Marina provides services such as fuel and marine suppl... more

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park is best known for Lake Merritt which is one of the most celebrated and accessible parks in Oakland with hundreds of visitors enjoying the park and its unique amenities daily. There are so many enjoyable activities and places to have an... more

Lakeside Park Garden Center

Lakeside Park Garden Center (Marsha J. Corprew Memorial) at Lake Merritt was founded in the 1950's serving as a cultural and educational center through the efforts of Oakland East Bay Garden Center and the City. The Lakeside Park Garden Center is cen... more

2 Upcoming events

Lakeview Ashton Mini Park

There's no park-like infrastructure - club house, bathrooms, play structure, but this little rocky hilltop open space offers ocean views and native plant life for walkers willing to hike up to the top. more

Land's End

Land's End is an amazing walking area from Legion of Honor to Cliff House. The beautiful walking trail is a must for runners or for walking the dog and family. It has gorgeous Golden Gate views, nice ups & downs and the hill climbs make it a fun... more

Landing Green Park at Bay Meadows

If you crave a place to relax and re-energize — say, a three-block long stretch of elegant pathways, discrete alcoves, lush ornamental plantings and dramatic experiential sculptures — then grab a book, food, friend or colleague (or all of... more

Larkey Park

Children's play areas, connection to walking trails, open turf area, picnic areas, restrooms, sand volleyball court, swimming (May-September), tennis. Larkey Park is also home to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society... more

Laurel Park

Laurel Park is a beautiful neighborhood park and reserveable space adjacent to Louden Nelson Community Center. Home to several community events. The park features: * Basketball Court * Playground * Chess Table * Table Tennis * Pickle Ball C... more

Lefty Gomez Recreation Center

The Lefty Gomez Recreation Center is available for renting, equipped with a full kitchen - good for wedding receptions, birthday, meetings and last services. Baseball Fields:  There are 3 fields and 1 has lights for night games.  more

Leo J. Ryan Park

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park offers 20 acres of lawn areas, lagoon access, a gazebo on the lagoon, and restroom facilities. The rental space includes uncovered picnic table son the hilltop. Capacity: 50. For reservation inquiries, please call (650)... more

Leo Ryan Park

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park offers 20 acres of lawn areas, lagoon access, a gazebo on the lagoon, and restroom facilities. The rental space includes uncovered picnic tables on the hilltop. For reservation inquiries, please call (650) 286-3385 or email... more

Leona Canyon

A pristine wooded canyon is protected in this 290-acre parkland near Merritt College in Oakland. Restoration is in progress along Rifle Range Creek along Leona Trail to reduce erosion and protect the riparian ecosystem. Dogs and humans are not allowe... more

Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden

A one-acre hillside garden of mature native California plants, with meandering paths and comfortable benches at especially scenic outlooks; a quiet woodland retreat for the enjoyment of the beauties of nature. Evening is the ideal time for bird lover... more

Levi's Plaza

A nice little stretch of greenery, along with an open plaza, hidden away, right off the Embarcadero. Levi Strauss Plaza, also known as Levi Plaza or Levi's Plaza, is an office complex located in the Embarcadero. It houses the headquarters of Levi Str... more

Leydecker Park

Leydecker Park is located at on Bay Farm Island. The park has: Barbecue Pits Basketball Courts Drinking Fountain Lighted Field Multi-Purpose Athletic Field Parking Lot Picnic Area Playground Recreation Center Restrooms Tennis Courts... more

Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton

Whether looking up into the heavens or down into the valley below, the views from the high point of Lick Observatory can't be beat on a clear day or night. Its overlook from the south end of the valley boasts views to the San Francisco Bay and beyond... more

Lighthouse Point

Also known as Point Santa Cruz, this area forms the northern boundary of Monterey Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in any California urban area. Surfers, tourists, birds - including the rare black swift - and wintering monarch butterflies ar... more

Lincoln Park - Alameda

Established in 1908. Lincoln Park is located on High Street at Santa Clara Avenue. The swimming pool at Lincoln Park is managed by the Alameda Swimming Pool Association. At this park: Playground Swimming Pool Barbecue Pits Bocceball Fitn... more

Lincoln Park - Los Altos

1.1-acres of lawn bounded by Foothill Expressway, Lincoln, University, and Edith Avenues. The large strip offers a gazebo and various public art pieces including “Imagine That”, “Space Dance for Peace”, “Musical Gambol” and “Linear Circles”. Enjoy... more

Lincoln Park in Alameda

Recreation Center and picnic areas can be rented, play lot, baseball / softball field, soccer field, basketball, pickleball court, volleyball court, bocceball, handball court, and exercise equipment / circuit. Rose garden. The swimming pool at Lin... more

Lincoln Square Park and Recreation Center

Lincoln Square Recreation Center is centrally located near public transportation with a lighted outdoor playground and two custom designed rubber-surfaced play areas with ADA accessibility. more

Linda Vista Park

This is an 11-acre site that includes a reservable picnic/barbecue area for 136, two play equipment areas (pre-school and elementary), a fitness station, as well as a large turf area.  Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 408... more

UPCOMING EVENTS