Oakland’s Lake Temescal has already partially reopened for the summer swim season, and starting June 12th, guests can visit seven days a week to take a swim or relax with a picnic along its sandy shoreline.
This historic lake is the focal point of the Temescal Regional Recreation Area and is easily reachable by both car and public transportation.
Visiting Lake Temescal this summer
Lake Temescal features a sandy beach and a designated swimming area staffed by lifeguards during the summer months.
2026 swim hours are as follows:
- Apr. 29 – Sept 17 on weekends and holidays
- June 12 – Aug. 18 daily
Visitors must pay a $5 parking fee to visit Lake Temescal from April through October.
Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy fishing, walking or jogging along the wheelchair-accessible path that circles the lake, birdwatching, or simply sunbathing. The park also includes two playgrounds for children.
The lake is located at the intersection of Highways 24 and 13, approximately a 20-minute drive from San Francisco. Public transit is also a convenient option: take a 20-minute BART ride to Rockridge Station, then transfer to a bus for an additional 10–15 minutes. AC Transit routes 51A, 51B, 660, and 79 depart from Rockridge and stop close to the lake at either Broadway Terrace & Sheridan Road or Florence Avenue & Broadway Terrace.
As with other East Bay lakes, it is important to check the water quality before swimming. Lake Temescal undergoes weekly testing for bacteria and blue-green algae, with results communicated through a stoplight system: green indicates low health risk and open conditions, yellow signals increased risk while remaining open, and red means the beach is closed. Even when conditions are rated “green,” it is recommended to avoid ingesting the water and to shower after swimming.
History of Lake Temescal
Lake Temescal was created in 1868 when the Contra Costa Water Company built a dam across Temescal Creek to supply drinking water to the East Bay. The 600-foot dam was constructed by Chinese laborers, with wild mustangs used to help compact the soil.
In the late 1800s, the area became a favored campground for bohemian artists, including painter J.H.E. Partington and poet George Sterling. The site was designated a public park in 1936, and in 1938, the Works Progress Administration built the lake’s distinctive stone beach house.
🌐Learn more: East Bay Regional Park District
