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Renting This Park
You can reserve a facility and/or sports field at this park. Learn how to rent a picnic area, community center, wedding area, or other facility. Learn how to reserve a time slot at a sports field or court.
César Chávez Park, built on the site of a former landfill, offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in a marina setting with spectacular views of the three bay bridges, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.
Features
- Biking Trail
- Boat Access
- Dog Park
- Lawn
- Off-street Parking
- Picnic Area
- Vista/Overlook
- Walking Trails
- Wheelchair Accessible
César Chávez Park spans 90 acres of open grassy fields, paved trails, and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. A 1.25-mile accessible loop, part of the Bay Trail, winds through the park, drawing walkers, joggers, dog owners, and nature enthusiasts.
Located on a peninsula, the park offers panoramic views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the East Bay hills. Wide open fields and strong bay breezes make it a favorite spot for kite flying.
Open spaces, bay views, and trails
Benches and picnic tables tucked throughout the park, offer spots to rest, picnic, and take in the scenery. Barbecue grills are available throughout.
Trails connect to the nearby Berkeley Marina, linking visitors to Shorebird Park, Adventure Playground, and the Shorebird Nature Center.
Find portable toilets' near Spinnaker Way and Marina Boulevard, and Spinnaker Way Circle. You can park in nearby lots or on nearby streets.
Dog area, picnic spots, and wildlife habitat
A large, designated off-leash area gives dogs room to run and play, if they’re under voice and sight control. Please leash your dog when entering and exiting and keep them leashed if they’re aggressive or disruptive. You can bring up to four dogs, as long as you stay with them. Make sure your dog doesn't dig, and is licensed, tagged, and vaccinated. Bring bags and clean up after your dog. Please stick to paved paths if you’re worried about foxtails.
The park is also home to the César Chávez Memorial Solar Calendar, a project created by the community. It shows the changing seasons by marking the solstices and equinoxes. At the north end of the park, a wildlife area gives birds a safe place to live, including burrowing owls during the winter. Signs along the path teach about local plants and animals and remind visitors to give wildlife space.
A pollinator garden, cared for by City staff and volunteers, adds color all year and gives bees and other pollinators a place to thrive
Explore the Berkeley Waterfront
Right next to César Chávez Park, the waterfront offers even more to explore with grassy picnic areas, a shoreline beach, and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.
You'll also find walking and biking paths, picnic areas, a hotel, and places to launch boats or take charter rides on the Bay. The area includes waterfront restaurants like Berkeley Boathouse and Skates on the Bay. Parking is available at the Adventure Playground South Cove West lot.
Event Rentals
You can reserve parts of César Chávez Park for special events and small weddings in an open-air setting with waterfront views. To protect the park, the City requires reservations and enforces certain restrictions.