Cesar Chavez Park
About
90-Acre Bayfront Park on a Former Landfill
Cesar Chavez Park sits on a 90-acre peninsula on the north side of Berkeley Marina - built on a former landfill, now grassy hills with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island. One of the Bay Area's best kite-flying spots.
What Kids Can Do
The open hilltop is one of the best kite-flying spots in the Bay Area - prevailing afternoon winds. The Burrowing Owl Sanctuary on the east side offers viewing tubes to spot the small protected owls in winter. Solar Calendar art installation teaches kids about solstices and equinoxes. Off-leash dog area separately fenced. Paved waterfront path (1.5-mile loop) for stroller walks and bike rides. Picnic tables and shoreline access [marked: Burrowing Owl Sanctuary viewing best November-March - empty most other times].
What's Included
Free day-use of all paths, picnic areas, and viewing tubes. Berkeley Waterfront includes adjacent Adventure Playground and Shorebird Park.
Experience
Plan 1-2 hours. Almost entirely outdoor on flat grassy terrain. Layers required - waterfront cold and windy even on warm Bay days. Stroller-friendly throughout. Free on-site parking. Open dawn to dusk.