Waterfront Amenities
Enjoy parks, play and picnic areas, restaurants, a hotel, and more at the Berkeley Waterfront.
Explore parks, experiences, and scenic views along the shoreline. Whether you're here for a family outing, a quiet picnic, or a bold adventure, the Berkeley Waterfront offers a mix of nature, recreation, and city-facing views.
View the Berkeley Waterfront Map
Parks & Recreation at the Waterfront
César Chávez Park
Walk wide-open trails with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, bridges, and city skyline. Open fields invite flying kites, lounging in the grass, or watching dogs run free in the off-leash area. You’ll find benches, art installations, and quiet pockets for taking in the breeze.
Shorebird Park
Families will enjoy the playground, paved walking trails, picnic tables, and grassy areas for recreation. Perfect for families, this park is adjacent to the Nature Center and Adventure Playground, in a protected cove overlooking the Bay.
Adventure Playground
Here, kids take the lead. They build forts with real tools, paint, balance, climb, and ride a zip line. This hands-on play space is unlike any other, designed to spark imagination and creativity. National Geographic and Architectural Digest have both featured Adventure Playground as a standout destination for children.
Shorebird Park Nature Center
Learn about the wild species who call the Waterfront home on land, air, and sea. Open to walk-in visitors, the Nature Center also hosts environmental education programs for children and adults.
Shorebird Park Beach
A small rocky beach where the water meets the land. Find place to sit close to the bay, watch shorebirds, or dip your toes in the shallows.
Picnic Site Rentals
Shorebird Park and César Chávez Park have walk-up and reservable picnic areas with BBQ grills and tables. Some sites allow one bounce house with advance reservation from an approved vendor.
Event Venues
Waterfront venues for bigger events include Marina Mall, South Cove, Gateway Pier, and the South César Chávez Peninsula. To inquire, email marina@berkeleyca.gov, or call (510) 981-6740.
Large-scale events may require a special event permit.
Outdoor Wedding Venues
Host your wedding ceremony at a scenic Berkeley Waterfront location with views of the San Francisco Bay. Waterfront wedding locations include Horseshoe Park, with space for up to 250 guests, and smaller options like Spinnaker Way Vista and Yacht Club Point, each suited for up to 60 guests.
Activities, Experiences, Dining, and Hospitality at the Marina
A number of private businesses offer opportunities to dine, stay, learn, shop, or play at the Waterfront. Businesses include:
- Berkeley Boathouse Restaurant
- Berkeley Marine Center
- Berkeley Racing Canoe Club
- Berkeley Sportsman’s Center
- Berkeley Yacht Club
- Cal Adventures
- Cal Sailing Club
- Doubletree Hotel
- Hana Japan Restaurant
- Marina Seafood Dockside Patio
- Modern Sailing
- Roaming Bean Coffee
- Skate's On The Bay Restaurant
Charter Boats
The Marina is home to permitted cruising, event, and fishing charter boats that can take you out on the Bay. Explore our list of permitted charter boats and contact captains directly to book your next unforgettable fishing adventure.
Parking
Looking to visit the Berkeley Waterfront? We've got you covered with convenient and easy parking options! Whether you're here for a stroll along the shoreline, enjoying local restaurants, or catching stunning views of the bay, parking is hassle-free with plenty of spaces available. Come explore the waterfront and make the most of your day. View the parking map of the waterfront.
Boater WiFi
The Berkeley Marina Wi-Fi upgrade is an initiative underway to establish reliable Wi-Fi connections across all Marina docks for Berkeley Marina boaters, resulting in broader coverage and improved Wi-Fi connectivity across the common 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz bands. Read terms and conditions.