Don Castro Regional Recreation Area

First time here, hidden gem. You can come swim on Saturday and Sundays only clear water.

There is plenty of space to chill on the grass. So bring a blanket and some refreshments and have a great time with the family.

I also saw people fishing, so there's something for everyone to do.

Don Castro has great easy trails for walking. You can walk around the lake and sit on the benches. The water foul are ducks, blue herons. The picnic areas are clean and so are bathrooms.

This "Swim Lagoon" is a large man-made pool, with sand on the sides.

Enough space to spread out your beach blankets, maybe even a beach tent ⛱️🏖️

They provide some beach umbrellas but would be a good idea to carry your own as well.

Very kid friendly, the 3-feet areas are clearly roped off and there are several life guards on duty

The max depth is only 5 ft, but kids are required to have life jackets or floaters to go beyond the 3ft rope.

On weekends, they close off entry when when they reach capacity, probably by noon or 1pm. It's advisable to reserve your spot in advance if you are going on a hot weekend/holiday. $3 per adult, $2 per kid, $5 parking on weekends

A nice place, would have been 5 ⭐ if water had been clearer

Went to the Pond today to spend my Birthday. 1st time I've taken my birthday off from work in 21 yrs. Grew up around the neighborhood & only ever swam in the Lagoon & hiked around/hung out in the park. Never fished there (or at all, ever) but friends have & still do to this day. Saw everything from ducks (with ducklings!), a couple black cormorants, a few grey herons & even a hawk that swooped in & grabbed a fish straight out of the water (!!) Plus - I caught a 3lb trout, too. It was a GLORIOUS Day doing something, but yet nothing. 🥳🎣

It's a really good place for hiking. There is plenty of parking and it is free on weekdays. The hike around the lake is quite easy except around Twilight Trail which is a bit steep and narrow. The trail is broken by the San Leandro Creek where there is no bridge. You can safely cross the short distance by stepping on the stones except during rainy season. My only complaint about Don Castro is the signs are unclear especially around Twilight Trail. You can literally get lost in that particular area.