If you're looking for a great spot to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors near Alameda, then you're in luck! There are plenty of parks and trails that offer a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. From picnicking at Lake Merritt Loop to exploring the giant redwoods at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, there's something for everyone. Lake Merritt Loop is a popular recreational center and tourist attraction that offers plenty of activities, such as picnicking, visiting the botanical garden with its bonsai trees, and renting paddle boats at the boat shed. For those who are looking for a more adventurous experience, Dimond Canyon is the perfect spot.
It has two main trails - Bridgeview Trail and Old Cañon Trail - that run along Sausal Creek. The most popular option is to park on Benevides Avenue, take the Old Cañon Trail to Route 13, and then return to Bridgeview Trail. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is another great option for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban environment. This wilderness area offers hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails, camping, giant 150-foot redwoods, and diverse wildlife.
To explore the area, it's best to park in the south parking lot and walk to Pointview Park. The Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is also worth checking out. It's adjacent to Alameda Creek and the Alameda Creek Regional Trail, which follows the banks of Alameda Creek from the mouth of Niles Canyon (in the Fremont District) westward to San Francisco Bay - a distance of approximately 12 miles. For more information about these parks and trails, visit the East Bay Parks page which has detailed maps of all the trails.
The Army Corps of Engineers, Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and East Bay Regional Park District are also great resources for exploring this area.
