10 East Bay Beaches & Pools to Keep Cool this Summer

Looking to show off your skill on the high dive? Or perhaps you’d rather kayak along the shore of a local lake. Whatever your aquatic sport of choice, the East Bay offers plenty of options for the whole family. Here are 10 East Bay spots to cool down this summer.

Del Valle Regional Park – 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore
Families flock to Del Valle year-round for fishing, picnicking and water sports of all kinds. Bring your own motorboat, kayak, paddle board or windsurf board (launch fee $2-5 per day), or rent a canoe, pedal boat and more from the East Beach marina and enjoy a day on the water. Del Valle features two swimming beaches and many picnic areas. Park gate open 6am-9pm daily through Labor Day. Park entrance fee: $6 per vehicle, $4 per trailered vehicle. Dog fee: $2 per dog (service/guide dogs free). More info here.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area – 2500 Stanley Boulevard, Pleasanton
Located just one mile from downtown Pleasanton along Stanley Boulevard, this former gravel  quarry has served as a favorite swimming hole since 1971. The 266-acre park offers a swimming beach with bathhouse and refreshment stand open daily through September 18. Don’t forget to bring your fishing gear – trout and catfish are planted weekly at Shadow Cliffs lake. Boats up to 17 feet (electric motors only) are allowed (launch fee $2-5), with rentals on-site available as well. Park entrance fee: $6 per vehicle. Dog fee: $2 per dog (service/guide dogs free). More info here.

Lake Anza at Tilden Regional Park – Lake Anza Road, Berkeley
Surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas, Lake Anza provides summer visitors with a sunny, sandy beach area and refreshment stand in the beauty of the Berkeley hills. In addition to the lake, Tilden Park offers fun activities like a Steam Train, a Merry-Go-Round and an 18-hole golf course. The swim complex is open daily 11am-6pm through September 18. Dogs are not permitted in the beach area. Beach access fee: $2.50-3.50.  More info here.

Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area – 18627 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley
Families with small children come to Castro Valley’s Cull Canyon Reservoir each summer to splash around in the sandy, shallow shores and play on the white sandy beaches along the 1.5 acre swim lagoon. A bathhouse and vending machines are available on-site, as well as picnic areas outside the swim area. Dogs are not permitted in swim area. Beach access fee: $2.50-3.50. More info here.

Lake Temescal – 6502 Broadway Terrace, Oakland

Tucked into the hills just beyond the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland, the sandy beach at Lake Temescal is a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming on a summer day. A beach house features changing rooms and showers. Other activities include hiking and bicycling along the park’s paved trails. Park gate is open 8am – 10pm daily. Parking: $5 per vehicle. Beach access fee: $2-3. Dog fee: $2 per dog (service/guide dogs free). All fees are cash only. Dogs are not permitted on the beach area or in the lake. Current information regarding Lake Temescal conditions can be found here.

San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park – 9900 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon
Featuring a twisty waterslide and a play structure pool with a mushroom-shaped waterfall, San Ramon’s Olympic Pool is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a full afternoon of cool fun. Recreation swim hours are Monday-Friday 12:30-3:30pm, Saturday 11am-4:30pm, and Sunday 12:30pm-4:30pm through August 14. Entry fee: $3-5 per day. Save money with a multiple visit pass available for purchase online. Find additional evening hours and more info here.

Robert Livermore Community Center Pool – 4444 East Avenue, Livermore
In addition to the 13-lane lap pool at Livermore’s Community Center, the park also has a zero-depth pool with an interactive play structure and water slide that’s sure to make a splash for kids of all ages. Open to the public Monday-Friday 1-5pm (activity pool open til 7pm), Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm. Entry fee: $4-6. Save money with a multiple visit pass. More info here.

Dublin Swim Center – 8157 Village Parkway, Dublin 
There’s something for everyone at the Dublin Swim Center, located next to Dublin High School. The main pool includes a water slide, lap area, and a deep end with a one-meter diving board. The facility also includes a wading pool for preschool aged children. Recreational swim hours are Monday-Friday 1-4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm. Evening swim hours Monday and Wednesday, 7-9pm (except 7/4 and 7/13). Daily admission: $4. Multiple-visit and family season passes are also available for purchase. Additional hours and more info here.

Castle Rock Recreation Area – 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek’s Castle Rock Recreation Area features a pool complex, picnic areas, softball fields and volleyball courts. The pool is open from 11am-6pm daily through September 18. Pool access fee: $2.50 – $3.50. More info here.

Monte Vista Community Pool – 3131 Stone Valley Road, Danville
Special family fun days and other special events throughout the summer add to the fun at Danville’s Monte Vista Community Pool, adjacent to Monte Vista High School. Recreation swim hours: Monday-Thursday 1-3pm, Friday 12-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm through August 5 (closed July 4). Daily entrance fee: $2-3. Lap swim hours and more info here.