Skip to content

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area

ExploreHayward, East Bay4.3/5

About This Place

A family-friendly East Bay park with a chlorinated swim lagoon, sandy beach, fishing lake, and short hiking trails in the Hayward hills. The swim lagoon has gradual depth for waders and toddlers. Seasonal lifeguards and a bathhouse with showers.

Info

Age Range

0-2, 2-5, 5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

$

Best Time

Summer for swimming; year-round for fishing and trails

Parking

$5 weekends, free weekdays at 22400 Woodroe Ave.

Tips

Swim lagoon open May-September. Fishing year-round — stocked with trout. Short loop trail around the lake. $5 parking on weekends.

Stroller FriendlyChanging StationDining On Site--Reservation Needed--

Tags

swimminglakefishingtoddler-friendlyhiking
Official Website

Location

Hayward, East BayGet Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
boat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class