hiking-har
We have been there when our kids were still young and flew their kites. Now we enjoy a short hikes around the perimeter of the park. On clear days you have a great view of the bay and the surrounding hills, and you can catch the beautiful sunset.
mini
We have visited Cesar Chavez Park area a number of times. On our visit today, it felt spring like. On other days, it can be windy and there are numerous people out flying their kites. On those days also, the crystal clear views of San Francisco can be stellar.There are also views from here of the Berkeley Hills, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate, and the Richmond Bridge. There are also scenic water views.Its a fun one for all ages. Besides kite flying, its a nice one for -picnics, walking, and just having fun. And there are places just to sit and enjoy the views.One can usually find a parking spot, which is free.
RyanJ206
You don't realize you are so close to San Francisco and Downtown Berkeley - the park is great for running or just spending the afternoon. Saw people flying kites - was pretty cool!
102cindyp
The best thing about this park is the view across the bay of San Francisco. There is ample parking and easy trails. There were lots of people walking, jogging, and walking dogs on leashes. We walked over from another park - it is all connected. Allow more time if you want to walk around the inlet. You can see lots of birds. There were even nicely maintained porta potties on site (bring your own hand sanitizer). It tends to be a little breezy.
dorothea57
The paved path that circles the park has some of the best views of the Bay in Berkeley. A haven for birds, dogs, and humans, the windswept park is popular, but doesn't feel crowded because of its huge open space in the center. Port-a-potties rather than more civilized toilets and a frequently very windy micro-climate are the only things that put me off, but the windiness lends itself to kite-flying, which is one of the things the park is popular for. Definitely a must-visit if you spend any extended time in Berkeley.
33KW
At the foot of University Avenue - over the freeway you are on the old dump, now a park. Get to the end and bear right to Chavez Park. Walk to the top of any hill and behind you are the Berkeley hills. To the west is the bay. You are right across from the Golden Gate. Best on a clear morning or evening.
D0rcasK
This is a great park to take the dogs and let them roam off-leash (in the off-leash area) - lots for them to sniff and a few trails for them to run on. Plus, good views of the surrounding bay area. I often stop here as a good place to let the dogs run a bit before a longer drive. And, when I've been there, the port-a-potties have been clean (a remarkable feat in the Bay Area!)
Ashbyplgirl
This park juts out into the SF Bay and is surrounded by water on three sides. The views of SF, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills is spectacular. The paths are clearly marked, the surfaces are smooth and the terrain is flat, so the hike is pretty easy. The views, the sea air, the native plantings make this a very special place. Parking is pretty easy as well.
KEZC29
LIving in the Bay Area for over a decade and never visited this park until yesterday when our friends asked us if we were willing to go with them, since we talked about the day before (Saturday, July 26, 2014) because it was a chaos trying to take University exit since the Kite Festival was in place, Saturday and Sunday, so we though since it was late probably could be less jam, but it was not the case, but we were lucky enough to park at the public parking and still have sometime to enjoy the leftover from the Festival: petting zoo, painting face, and still one huge kite following for lots of medium and small different shapes kites! I couldn't believe how well organized this Festival is with the food stands from different parts of the World, life African, Salvadorian, Indian... to bad we were late but maybe next time we were able to enjoy it now that we know how nice it is. After that we walked around and enjoy the strong breeze from the sea. It is really breeze at the park that's why it is an excellent place for the kites! We found out that there is a bus service for free for the festival's days. Therefore, it is an excellent option to avoid the traffic and parking issues, by the way the parking fee is $15.00 per day!
TriciaBY
We came across this by accident as we were going to the old Hospital and found this in it's place. The history was interesting but there is not a lot to see. The garden was lovely. Free to enter. Worth a visit if you are in the area but not worth a long drive.
julie248
I can't say enough good things about this great park - I took my dog here for a walk every morning we were in town, and we both loved the breeze and sun and views here. There is a paved perimeter trail around the park, the west side of which has fantastic views across to San Francisco over the Bay. The east side has lovely views of Berkeley, to boot. And the interior of the park is laced with both paved and dirt paths through the high grass and patches of trees in the park. The dogs LOVE this place - it's off leash in the center, and there are many many happy, well-behaved dogs chasing ground squirrels and jack rabbits and the breeze here. Lots of runners and walkers too, sans dogs. Great place. Wish it was in my backyard!
MSWMom50
I have walked the path around this park next to the Bay several times and have enjoyed it every time. There are great views looking towards San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate and Angel Island. Park benches are placed along the way so you can rest and take in the views. There is great birding, always plenty of waterfowl in the water, so don't forget binoculars. During my last walk a week ago I watched cormorants catching fish and gulls trying to steal the fish from them. From January until April there are several burrowing owls that take up residence and can be seen with a careful eye in a protected area off of the pathway. What a thrill this is! The grassy hills are perfect for kite flying, I really enjoy seeing the beautiful kites in the air. You can walk a loop on the pathway or go straight towards the marina and see the boats. This is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and the beautiful outdoors. This is a treasure in Berkeley, one of my favorite cities!
MarianaFerreira2013
Really great place to take friends and family, and dogs! We've been enjoying for years, starting with the Adventure playground, where kids build structures with materials (nails, hammers, paint) supplied to them on the spot. Moving on to many different trails on the shore, with incredible views and lots of wildlife. Today, incredibly, there was a wild turkey running around... Only in Berkeley!
Jerryama
This park has excellent walking paths, surrounded by not-so-well maintained grasses and treed areas. But it has a wonderful view of the bay, across to San Francisco, and is easily accessed from downtown Berkeley. The facilities are minimal, but for a semi-wilderness park of this type, I wouldn't expect any more.
ormond42
The park has a lovely walking path with beautiful views of the Bay. It is free and easily accessible. No problem with traffic.