Thank you to Swimply for sponsoring our guide to all the great places to swim in the East Bay and greater Bay Area. Swimply lets you have your own private swimming pool for the afternoon — the genius way. Save 10% off your first Swimply rental with the code SWIM510!
Each summer, we love to share our favorite East Bay swimming pools, lakes, lagoons, and beaches. Read on for dozens of spots where your family can swim.
Private Pool Rental | Public Outdoor Pools | Public Beaches
Swimply Lets You Rent a Private Pool by the Hour
Swimply.com is a marketplace for swimming pools, listed and loved by neighbors; people not using their swimming pool can list it and the rest of us can rent it when we want to take a dip. Depending on the listing, pools can accommodate anywhere from one person to a big group of friends and family, ideal for a small birthday celebration or a BBQ. Many pools include access to games, firepits, or grills.
Browse through the app (available on both Apple and Google app stores) or on the website to see what is available and convenient for you. Search by location, group size, or extra features. Swimming pool rental starts at about $25 per hour, which makes for a pretty affordable swim party if you can buddy up with another family — and the place is all yours!
Use the promo code: SWIM510 for 10% off your first swim. Rent a beautiful private pool today >
Favorite Public East Bay Outdoor Swimming Pools (open seasonally)
King Pool, Berkeley
Right next to the newly renovated King Playground in the Hopkins Street neighborhood, King Pool is a heated outdoor pool that is now open again after recent renovations. Family and recreational swimming is offered every day during the summer months. Grab a 10 Swims drop-in pass for $51 and make it a weekly swim play date throughout the summer! Check the schedule here>Â
Strawberry Canyon Pool, Berkeley
On the UC campus, this large lap pool has a big area for families and a wading pool for toddlers. There is a grassy area to park yourself in for snacks. Opening May 27 for the 2023 season.
Fees: Day pass fees are $15 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, kids 3 and under are free. You must buy admission in person. The hours are impossible to remember so you’ll want to check here and possibly this website.
Centennial Drive just East of Stadium Rim Way, Berkeley
West Campus Pool, Berkeley
This outdoor heated pool in West Berkeley offers both family and recreational swim every day throughout the summer. You’ll need to buy drop in pass through the city website before going, and check the hours here> Our experience is that it’s not always the warmest of pools.
El Cerrito Swim Center, El Cerrito
This popular community pool is currently undergoing a re-plastering project. The lap pool and Splash Park are currently open, but recreational swim is on hold until the project is finished. Word is it should be finished by mid-late May. Stay tuned and we’ll update you when the new hours are up! Splash Park is open Monday – Saturday 9 am-7 pm Sunday 9 am-6 pm. Read more about our visit here>
Fees:Drop-In: $5 per person, 2 years and older; FREE 1 year and under; 10-Punch Pass: $31 Resident / $39 Non-Resident
7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito
Emeryville Swim Center, Emeryville
The Emeryville Center for Community Life (ECCL) runs this aquatic center and community swimming pool for the City of Emeryville including swim lessons and recreational swim time for families. They also offer swim parties for Birthdays. Rec swim for Summer 2023 starts June 23, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1:30 pm-3:30 pm. Drop-in fees: Adults $5 Res/$6 Non-Res, Kids ages 6-17 $3 Res/$4 Non-Res, under 5 is FREE! More info here>
Mills College, Oakland
General public pays $8 at this lovely lap swimming pool at Trefethen Aquatic Center in the hills. FREE for under 3. Large shade tents, no slides or frills. Fill out the waiver before you suit up. Rec swim only available on the weekends, 1 pm – 5 pm.
5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Lions Pool, Dimond Park, Oakland
The summer schedule begins June 3 at this City of Berkeley-run pool and offers rec swim from 2:45 to 4 pm on weekdays and 3-5 on Saturday. Kids pay $1; Adults are $3.
Dimond Park Recreation Center, Oakland
Encinal & Emma Hood Swim Centers, Alameda
Both of these outdoor pools in Alameda offer public family swim times throughout the summer. Summer 2023 season is June 24th- Aug 7th. Drop in is $3-$6 depending on residency. Check their website to make sure they’re open. Summer swim passes are also available and they have fun Theme days. More information here>
Rankin Aquatic Center, Martinez
With pools, slides, and a water play zone with dumping buckets, our kids love this affordable mini waterpark. Rankin Aquatic Center is a family favorite, opening for Summer 2023 on June 10. Check hours.
Fees: 2 and under are free, youth 3-17 are $4, adults 18-54 are $6, and seniors 55+ are $5.
100 Buckley St, Martinez
Favorite East Bay Indoor Swimming Pools
Albany Swim Center, Albany
There are both indoor and outdoor pools, with family rec swim offered most afternoons during the summer (the hours can change often, so check the website before packing up your towels and goggles!). Be prepared for random closures and time changes at this pool (Albany is notorious for staffing shortages). Be sure to check the website before going, or subscribe for email updates. Don’t bring your own toys or floaties (they’re not allowed), but they provide oodles of noodles and balls to play with. Pricing: $4 – $7.50. More information here>
Aquatech, Alameda & Concord
You’ll need to register and pay $15 per person to swim at Aquatech. Capacity is limited so you’ll need to search their online reservation system to find a time to swim. Recreational hours vary by location. More information here>
East Oakland Sports Center Pool, Oakland – Closed
East Oakland Sports Center Pool is located at the East Oakland Sports Center next to Ira Jinkins Recreation Center. The Aquatic Center includes a 9,000 sq. ft. indoor water park featuring a white water slide, activity pools, beach entry pool (sloping pool entrance), lazy river and a two lane lap area ensuring fun for the entire family. Â More information here>
Richmond Plunge & Richmond Swim Center
Both of these indoor pools in Richmond are great options for swimming in the East Bay. The Richmond Plunge is huge and has recreational and tot swim times available throughout the week in the summer. The Richmond Swim Center has similar recreational swim offerings along with a 1-foot deep wading area, and some spray features that offer excitement for little ones. Check spring and summer hours here>
Silliman Aquatic Center, Newark
This crazy fun indoor swim center has loads to keep your little ones entertained. Read our review here> Advanced reservations are preferred, but drop-in is available. Summer rec hours begin in June. Ages 3+ are $12, ages 0-2 are $3. Check the website before going as they sometimes have closures. More information here>
Worth the Drive: Walnut Creek and San Ramon Pools
Castle Rock Swimming Pool, Walnut Creek
This is such a beautifully situated pool in a forest in Walnut Creek. We had a lovely afternoon there and think you will too! Castle Rock Swim Area is part of a larger EBRPD regional recreation area. The Castle Rock pool complex at Diablo Foothills features a 30 x 70 foot chlorinated swimming pool and deck area. The pool opens for the 2023 Summer season over Memorial Day weekend, Open weekends and holidays, May 27 – Sep 4. Open Thursdays and Fridays, Jun 8 – Aug 18. Cash and check only (no credit cards). Hours are 11am to 6pm (water closes at 5:30pm). Starting June 3 to August 21: Thursdays through Sundays only. Starting August 27 to September 18: Weekends and holidays only. Check current opening status at Castle Rock Swimming Pool info >
Clarke Memorial Pool, Walnut Creek
Opening for summer hours in June, Clarke offers a wading pool, recreational section of the 50m pool, and diving well to splash around and play. The Inflatable Obstacle course access is available for $2 extra (read our experience here). The Clarke pool is in Heather Farm Park, so it’s a great day trip for families! Summer Hours Begin June 5: M-F 1 pm-4 pm, Sat/Sun 12 pm-5 pm. Prices: Adult 18+: $7.00, Youth 7-17: $6.00, Child 0-6: $5.00
Larkey Pool, Walnut Creek
Larkey is a favorite and is offering sprayground drop-in starting in June. During recreational swimming at Larkey, the large sections of shallow and deep water are open along with the diving boards and the sprayground. During sprayground only hours, only the sprayground is open and the pool is not available for recreational swim. Summer Hours: Sprayground: June 12 – August 3, Monday – Thursday ONLY 10 am – 12 pm, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Rec Swim: M-F 1 pm-4Â pm, Sat/Sun 12 pm-5 pm. Sprayground Prices: $2/Person Rec Swim Prices: Adult 18+: $7.00, Youth 7-17: $6.00, Child 0-6: $5.00. Check Hours Here >
San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park
The San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park is another favorite of 510 Families readers who are looking for a warmer destination in which they can enjoy a pool. This pool features an awesome play area for toddlers and preschoolers. 2023 Spring Hours are from May 1 – June 4, while daily Summer Hours begin June 5 and run through August 6, 2023. They also offer Memorial Day Rec Swim Monday May 29, 1-4pm Details here>
Favorite Beaches Where You Can Actually Swim (open seasonally)
East Bay Regional Park swim options are awesome and affordable. Crown Beach and Keller are FREE, while the rest listed here are $4 for adults and $2 for kids, infants under 1 are FREE. Drop-in, or check if pre-registration is available if you want to make sure you can get in on busy weekends.
Crown Beach, Alameda
Crown Beach is open year-round with no lifeguards or fees; changing room is onsite. Check the water conditions before you go; swimmer’s itch has been reported. Ick. We’ve been oodles of times though, all without issue.
8th Street & Otis Drive, Alameda
Lake Temescal, Oakland
Another oasis in the middle of a city, Temescal Park offers ample picnic spots on grass as well as on the sandy beach of the lake. It’s been a while since this local lake has been open for swimming, but apparently, the water is okay this summer. Read more about Lake Temescal > Check the website for more info>
North Entrance: 6500 Broadway Oakland
South Entrance: 6502 Broadway Terrace Oakland
Keller Beach, Richmond
This gem is located in the Point Richmond District at Miller/Knox Regional Park in southwestern Richmond; no lifeguard but lots of sand, water, and pretty views. See Whitney’s review of Keller Beach.
Dornan Drive & Western Drive, Richmond.
Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
A human-made 1.5-acre swim lagoon with a real sandy beach all around the edge in a natural setting surrounded by trees. It also features a bathhouse, vending machines, free life jackets, and lifeguards. Terrific for families with small children with shallow water and white, sandy beaches. There’s also a dock for stronger swimmers to visit. Read about our visit to Cull Canyon > Opening for the 2023 season weekends and holidays beginning April 29 to May 28; open daily May 29 to August 18, weekends and holidays August 19 to September 4. Check restrictions and hours.
18627 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley
Don Castro Swimming Lagoon, Hayward
A sandy beach with a machine-made lagoon gives the best of both beach and swimming pool vibes. We love the toddler-friendly shallows. Don Castro is a family favorite. Opening for Summer 2023 June 6, going through August 19. More information here>
22400 Woodroe Avenue, Hayward
East Bay Swim Clubs
If swimming is a big part of your dream summer schedule, a swim club might be the thing for you. Some are full-service gyms while some are simply seasonally open pools that sell memberships.
See the list of East Bay swim clubs >
Find local East Bay Private Pools on Swimply
We found several wonderful-looking East Bay swimming pools that look lovely and dozens more if we’re up for a road trip to Marin or the South Bay. Some backyards have premium amenities that you can add to your bookings like an outdoor kitchen, trampoline, movie screen, or hot tub.
Would you rather swim at:
- a family-friendly fun pool?
- a suburban oasis with a beautiful garden?
- a view from the Oakland hills?
Favorite East Bay Swim Spots Reopening for Summer 2023
- Lake Anza, Berkeley Opening 4/29/23 after years of being closed. Yay! Check for updates >
- Del Valle, Livermore Swim at your own risk North of the boat launch. Check for updates >
Favorite East Bay Swim Spots Closed for Summer 2023
- Contra Loma Lagoon, Antioch closed for construction Summer 2023. Â Check for updates >
- Roberts Pool, Oakland closed for renovations through Summer 2023. Check for updates >
Big thanks to Swimply for sponsoring our guide to East Bay swimming pools and giving us nearly endless options for a little family swim party. Use the promo code SWIM510 for 10% off your first swim. Offer expires 10/31/23. Rent a beautiful private pool today >
More Ideas to Splash and Cool Off in the Water
See also more great Bay Area beaches available with a little drive outside the East Bay.
Worth the Drive: Inflatable Aqua Park Playground near Sacramento>>
Check out our guide to Bay Area water parks >>
Pick your favorite splash pads for little kids>>
Find pools doing swimming lessons for East Bay kids >>
