If you haven’t yet discovered San Leandro’s Marina Park, read on. With a flat, waterfront path with a rocky shoreline for walking, biking, scootering, and pushing a stroller, this location offers a view of the Bay that can’t be beat on a sunny day.
Numerous planes are flying overhead as they approach the Oakland Airport, thrilling little ones, as if the two playgrounds were not enough. Public bathrooms are available. A wide-open grassy field invites a game of soccer, football, Wiffle ball or frisbee—or simply a picnic. Marina Park is a 20-minute drive from Oakland.
Marina Park Playground Features
Location: 14001 Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577
Unique Features: Two playgrounds separated by a large grassy field. On the north side, a traditional playground is filled with features that are just right for tots, like slides, tunnels, airplane wheels, and fun concrete sculptures to climb all over. On the south end of the park is a modern playground that’s all about climbing and swinging. Older kids can traverse rope climbing structures, rush down an old-school metal slide, and soar on the zip-line or swings.
Swings: Yes. The north side park has baby bucket seats, while the south side park has traditional swings and a chair swing.
Fenced in? No, though there is fencing next to areas closest to the parking lot
Surfaces: The playground has a combination of wood chips and soft springy surface
Bathroom: Yes, there are public toilets next to each playground
Lunch tables & seating: Several tables with large umbrellas overhead are situated next to the play areas, plus grills and benches nearby.
Parking: Easy and free parking is widely available.
Shade: There is no shade on the playground area, but shaded spaces are nearby in the picnic area and bordering the grassy field.
Pros: Variety of equipment; playground at south end of park was recently updated; clean and well maintained.
Cons: Limited shade; windy; families with mixed ages may need to split time between the two playgrounds
Things to know about San Leandro’s Marina Park
- Wear layers because of its waterfront location.
- One of the best places to play Pokemon Go in the Bay Area!
- Dogs are allowed on leash, and there is a dog park within the park too.
Location: 14001 Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro
Website >
Related: This park is adjacent to Monarch Bay Golf Course (see our post about foot golf there!)
