A Park With A View: Glendale La Loma Park in the Berkeley Hills - 510 Families
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A Park With A View: Glendale La Loma Park in the Berkeley Hills

Glendale La Loma Park is a three level terraced park tucked away up in the Berkeley Hills with truly stunning views of the Bay. There is a parking lot, which is rare in the hills, fenced tot lot, old-school bigger kid playground, bathrooms, green space, and did I mention the views?

Glendale-La-Loma-Park-Berkeley-View
The view from the top level is expansive and breathtaking on a clear day (we were here early morning so it was still a bit foggy) | Photo: Julie Herson

Glendale La Loma Park Park Features

Location: 1310 La Loma at Glendale Avenue, Berkeley 94708
Unique Features of Playground: 5 acres spread out among three terraced levels; top level is the tot lot with train and slide play structure; second level for bigger kids; third level is a baseball field and half basketball court.
Swings: Two bucket swings and one regular swing up top; two regular swings on second level.
Fenced in? Top level is fully fenced; second level is not, but it’s well contained; third level is partially fenced.
Surfaces: Cushy rubber mat surface near the play structure with wood chips in the rest of the tot lot; sand in the second level playground; grass in the third level.
Bathroom: Yes, you’ll need to walk down to the third level though. Bring sanitizer.
Unique Features of the Park Overall: Stunning views; fun tot train structure; old-style big kid playground; lots of green space to run around; beautiful redwoods and eucalyptus trees provide for a lovely natural vibe.
Lunch tables & seating:
Lunch tables in the shade of redwoods on the top level; several benches surround the big kid playground; several benches and lunch tables on the third level.
Parking: Small-ish parking lot at the top level tot lot.
Shade: With lots of trees all around, there is always shade to be found. The play structures are pretty exposed to full sun though.
Covid-19 Restricted Occupancy: 7 in the tot lot; 10 in the big kid area; I didn’t see a posted sign in the baseball field.
Pros: Mixed-age appropriate; lots of wide open space; sports facilities; views; parking lot; big trees and natural environment.
Cons: You’ll end up going up and down the hill a lot to visit all the levels; big kid play structure kind of rickety.

Glendale-La-Loma-Park-Berkeley-Totlot
The upper tot lot is great for the under five set | Photo: Julie Herson

Glendale La Loma Park’s Three Levels

The first level has a super cute train that your littles can sit in, climb on and create imaginary games around. My two year old loves sitting inside the train and eating snack, while my four year old prefers to climb on top of the structure to be King of the Train. There is also a nicely sized tot play structure with a slide and several swings. It is fully fenced and parents can find a nice shady spot under the redwoods to sit and enjoy the lovely setting.

More fun places to Play Outside with Kids in the East Bay >>

Glendale-La-Loma-Park-Train
If you miss the train they once had at San Pablo Park, you’ll love this one | Photo: Julie Herson

Walk down the path to the second level and you’ll find an old-school wood play structure with an extra long metal slide similar to those I remember loving as a kid (the park was originally built in the 1960’s). The climb up to the top of the slide is a bit precarious for smaller children, so I’d say best for ages 5+. The slide can also get hot on hot days; go figure. There is also a jumpy bridge, log roll runner, monkey bars, swings (they are removed at the moment; they’re supposed to be replaced) and plenty of sand to dig and play in.

Another great old-school wooden play structure to inspire imaginative play >>

Glendale La Loma Park Berkeley
A jumpy bridge is always a fun draw for my four year old | Photo: Julie Herson

The third level is accessed down a flight of uneven stairs. My two year old has tripped both up and down these stairs, so hold hands with your smaller children. This bottom level has a baseball field where I’ve seen everything from actual little league being played to Tai Chi groups and dogs of leash. The bathrooms are directly to the right of the stairs once you reach the bottom. Bring your own soap or hand sanitizer. There is also a newer half court basketball court on the back right side of the field.

For another terrific multi-age appropriate park check out Heather Farms in Walnut Creek >>

Glendale La Loma Park Sports Field
The third level offers plenty of space to run around or throw a baseball | Photo: Julie Herson

The Bottom Line on Glendale La Loma Park

You’ll feel like you found a real little hidden gem when you visit Glendale La Loma Park in the Berkeley Hills. Try to go on a clear day to catch the stunning views of both the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges. The convenient parking lot, multi-age play areas and large trees make this park a great option to add to your playground circuit. Try to go during off hours during the Covid-19 times since the capacity limits are rather small. 

More Berkeley Parks and Playgrounds to check out >>

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