Great outdoor places for easy escapes in the East Bay ---
To create new habits, people often need easy options. Below are four local parks that are easy to access and make part of your family events, exercise program, or for a simple escape to a place of nature and relaxation.
These parks are part of the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD), which comprises 65 parks and more than 1,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding and nature learning. It represents a huge number of outdoor activities and places to enjoy nature throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. More details about these and other parks are at www.ebparks.org.
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline - Oakland
Next to Oakland International Airport is a 741-acre park with several picnic areas, a children's play area, and one of the largest turfgrass playing fields in the District. There is also birdwatching, hiking, bicycling, and fishing.
To reach the park - From I-880 in Oakland, exit at Hegenberger Road and head west. Turn right onto Doolittle Drive (Hwy. 61) and right again onto Swan Way. You will then turn left into the park. Continuing on Doolittle Drive will bring you to a boat ramp, picnic areas, and fishing piers.
2. Garin / Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks – Hayward
Garin Park and Dry Creek Pioneer Park neighbor each other in the hills of Hayward. Located off of Mission Blvd., they are easy to access for picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, kite flying, and dog walking. The more than 20 miles of trails give you the opportunity to explore the 4,794 acres that comprise these parklands.
To reach the park - From I-880, exit at Whipple Road and head east toward the hills. When you reach Mission Blvd, continue straight onto May Road. The park is at 1320 Garin Avenue.
3. Hayward Regional Shoreline - Hayward
Hayward Regional Shoreline consists of 1,811 acres of salt, fresh, and brackish water marshes, seasonal wetlands and public trails. Hayward Shoreline has five miles of graveled public trails along the shoreline. Activities at the shoreline include hiking, bicycling, jogging, bird watching, picnicking and fishing. Fishing is allowed from the levees, except in the marsh areas. A California State Fishing License is required for people aged 16 and over. Picnicking is permitted, but there are no picnic tables at the park.
To reach the park – exit the I-880 freeway at West Winton Avenue and follow West Winton westwards toward the Bay to the staging area.
4. Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline – San Leandro
An astonishing diversity of wildlife can be seen at this shoreline park just south of Oakland International Airport. Marsh hawks, black-shouldered kites, red-tailed hawks, and shorebirds abound. Views of the bay are spectacular. Seven group picnic areas are nestled among the trees and along the multipurpose trails. These interior trails lead to a view site topped by a sculpture titled "Rising Wave." Toilet facilities are located by the picnic area and new lawn area.
To reach the park - From I-880 in San Leandro, exit at Marina Blvd. and drive west. Turn right onto Neptune Drive. Parking is at the end of Neptune Drive.