One of the most beautiful things about living in the East Bay is the shoreline. We have miles of waterfront, bay views, and peaceful paths right in our backyard, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite things about calling this place home. Whether I need a quick reset or a longer adventure, these are my go-to walks and hikes when I want fresh air and beautiful water views.
Lake Merritt — Oakland
~3.4 miles | Easy | Fully paved
Lake Merritt is the OG East Bay water walk and one of my favorite places in all of Oakland. The loop around the lake is flat and paved the whole way, making it accessible for pretty much everyone, whether you’re walking, jogging, or just strolling with a coffee. I love coming here in the morning when it’s quieter and the light hits the water just right. The Gardens at Lake Merritt side is especially pretty, manicured, peaceful, and a little unexpected right in the middle of the city. This one’s a classic for a reason.
Lake Temescal — Oakland
~0.8 miles | Easy | Paved/packed dirt
Short, sweet, and seriously pretty. Lake Temescal is tucked into the Oakland hills and has this calm, almost hidden feel to it even though it’s super easy to get to. The loop around the lake is quick but I always leave feeling refreshed. The mix of trees, water, and hills gives it a nature-y feel that’s hard to find this close to the shoreline. It’s a great option when you want to get outside and breathe some fresh air. I especially love it in the spring when everything is green.
Alameda Beachfront (Crown Memorial State Beach) — Alameda
1–2+ miles | Easy | Flat
This one surprises people every time I bring it up. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda has wide open bay views, a long flat shoreline, and a beautiful stretch of East Bay coastline that feels like a proper beach escape. It has a totally different energy, open, breezy, and relaxed. I love coming here to walk the shore, watch the kite surfers, and just slow down. It’s the kind of spot that reminds you how gorgeous the East Bay shoreline really is.
Berkeley Marina + César Chávez Park — Berkeley
2–4 miles | Easy to Moderate | Paved + trail
The views from the Berkeley Marina are genuinely stunning. On a clear day you get the Bay, the Golden Gate, and the entire SF skyline laid out in front of you. The flat marina path is beautiful on its own, and if you want to make it a more substantial outing, add on the César Chávez Park trail. The park sits right next to the marina and has rolling hills that give you panoramic water views in every direction. The elevation change is gradual and the payoff at the top is so worth it. Together, you can easily put together a solid 3–4 mile loop. Bring a layer because it gets breezy out here, and that Bay air is part of what makes it so good.
San Leandro Marina — San Leandro
~2 miles | Easy | Flat
San Leandro Marina is a hidden gem and I will stand by that forever. It’s peaceful, the bay views are beautiful, and it has a laid-back local vibe that feels totally unique along the East Bay shoreline. The path along the water is flat and easy, and there’s something so calming about walking here with the water right beside you. If you haven’t been, it’s absolutely worth the trip.
Have a favorite East Bay water walk I missed? Drop it in the comments — I’m always looking for new spots to explore! 🌊