With miles of hiking trails and gorgeous views of the bay, Tilden Regional Park would be enchanting enough with its natural beauty alone. But the park also features a public golf course, a scaled-down steam train ride, a botanical garden, lakes for swimming and fishing, and plenty of space for picnics and camping, among other amenities.
Parking and public transportation at Tilden Regional Park
The park has six separate parking lots located close to the park's more prominent attractions, such as the Botanic Garden, Environmental Education Center, and others. All of the lots are free. AC Transit bus line #67 serves Tilden Park, but the route varies on weekdays and weekends. Parking is a breeze, so it's really the way to go.
Best and worst time to go to Tilden Regional Park
Many of the park's attractions are open on a year-round basis, but others such as the steam train, merry-go-round, and Lake Anza are open if the weather permits, so it's usually better to stick with the warmer months. However, Tilden is a popular park, especially in the summer, so parking tends to get a bit tighter.
Admission to Tilden Regional Park
Access to the park itself is free, but the rides, golf course, and Lake Anza charge fees. Rides cost $2 or $3 with discounts offered for buying tickets in bulk, while Lake Anza costs $2.50 or $3.50 depending on age.
Must see/do at Tilden Regional Park
No matter how young or old, everybody seems to love miniature steam trains, so it should be first on your list of things to do. If you're curious about the plants and animals that inhabit the area, head to the Environmental Education Center or the Little Farm.
Other places to visit near Tilden Regional Park
Try visiting the University of California Botanical Garden if you're still in the mood to soak up the beauty of nature, located a short drive away. Also not far is the Lawrence Hall of Science, a wondrous science center that specializes in interactive exhibits and activities.
Insider tip for visitors to Tilden Regional Park
If you want to feed the animals at the Little Farm you must bring your own celery and lettuce, which are the only foods you're allowed to feed the animals.
Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area. When he's not writing he can often be found losing his mind at Oakland A's games in the Right Field Bleachers.
The Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department of the City of Berkeley manages parks throughout the city, including athletic fields, swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, tot lots and playgrounds and a skate park at 5th and Harrison Street. It offers a comprehensive recreation program featuring sports and aquatics, after school and weekend programs and youth summer camps.
Programs such as the Adventure Playground, the Shorebird Park Nature Center and the Marina Experience Programs provide visitors an opportunity to enjoy the bay environment. Berkeley residents can also access camps that are operated by the city at Tuolumne Family Camp near Yosemite and Echo Lake Camp near South Lake Tahoe. A limited number of scholarships are available for all camps. For more information about current programs, visit the administrative offices at 2180 Milvia Street or visit this link.