Temescal Regional Recreation Area

Temescal is a convenient urban oasis, popular for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and picnicking, located next to the junction of highways 24 and 13 in Oakland.
 

Originally developed as a drinking water storage lake, Temescal opened to the public in 1936 as one of the first three parks in the District. Works Progress Administration crews designed the handsome stone building overlooking the lake in 1940.
 

House of the Beach

For weddings, parties, corporate events, etc this historic indoor/outdoor Beach House facility is popular. With a panoramic view of Lake Temescal, the setting is relaxed and elegant. It accommodates 80 guests seated or 130 standing. It features a small food preparation area, a bridal changing room, a patio surrounded by gardens, and two rooms linked in an L shape. There's catering open. Call 1-888-EBPARKS OR 1-888-327-2757 for more information; press choice 2. This facility is accessible by wheelchair.
 

Note: At Lake Temescal, no kayaks or personal watercraft are permitted.
 

The swimming area is available from spring to fall, with lifeguards on duty during scheduled hours. Swimming is allowed in the designated swimming area only. The lake and the beach are not approved for dogs. Swimming is also permitted at your own risk if when the park is open from April through October, lifeguards are not on duty. A beach access fee applies.
 

Capacity Note Swim Facilities

If the capacity of the swimming pool is reached, no new entries will be permitted for the safety of the public for the rest of the day or at the discretion of the Park Supervisor). When preparing your stay, please take this into consideration.
 

Trekking

A paved path running the length of the park is usable for wheelchairs. STAY ON TRAILS to help control erosion and avoid abundant interaction with poison oak.
 

Fisheries

The lake is regularly stocked during the winter months with rainbow trout and in the summer with catfish. Other resident fish include largemouth bass, red-eared sunfish, and bluegill. Fishing from the dam, in the swimming area, or in the stream is not permitted. For more information on fishing at District parks, please refer to our Stewardship page.
 

At both ends of the lake, there are picnic areas, some of them reserved for families, and eight acres of grass.
 

Cycling

Inside the park, bicycle restrictions apply. Please observe the restrictions posted. Bicycles must remain on the paved East Shore Trail or on the paved bike path along the eastern boundary of the park, and the 5 mph speed limit must be followed by riders. Bicycles are needed to walk through the swimming beach area during the summer swimming season (April-September).
 

Bookable Picnic Areas

There are open drinking fountains and barbeques in North Temescal, Stream Side, Park View, and Big Rock. The compacted gravel pathway makes Stream Side and Big Rock visible. North Temescal is available by wheelchair. Park View is not available by wheelchair.
 

TRAILS

There is wheelchair access to Landvale Station Trail and East Shore Trail. The East Shore Trail has an open fountain for drinking. There is no wheelchair access to the West Shore Trail and the Oak Bay Trail.