Tilden Regional Park

Tilden Regional Park, also known as Tilden Park, is a 2,079-acre (841-ha) regional park in East Bay, part of the San Francisco Bay Area of California. It's between the Berkeley Hills and the Ridge of San Pablo. Its main entrance is in the vicinity of Kensington, Berkeley and Richmond. The park is adjacent to the Regional Park of Wildcat Canyon. The park is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, created from the first land purchased by the District in 1936. Tilden Regional Park was named in honor of Charles Lee Tilden, a Bay Area lawyer and businessman who served on the first Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District.

 

One of the three oldest parks in the district, Tilden has been called the jewel of the system, and its recreational activities have become a happy tradition for generations of East Bay youth. From a carousel ride and a picnic to a swim in Lake Anza and a stroll through the Botanic Garden, Tilden has a variety to delight everyone. Yet there are plenty of quiet spots in Tilden's 2,079 acres to shelter wildlife and preserve natural beauty.

 

Tilden was named Charles Lee Tilden, the first president of the Park District Board of Directors. The park is reached by Canon Drive, Shasta Road, or South Park Drive, all off Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley.

 

Park Features

 

The Botanic Garden 

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden contains the world's most complete collection of native California plants, including rare and endangered species. The visitor center (wheelchair accessible) offers tours and lectures throughout the year. The Botanic Garden offers accessible drinking and toilet facilities.

 

Tilden Park Golf Course

The Tilden Park Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course. It was designed by architect William Park Bell and built by WPA workers. It was formally opened to the public on 11 November 1937, although there were previews of the openings from 6 November to 11 November for various groups, including WPA workers, golfers and local notables.

 

The Brazilian Room 

This historic indoor / outdoor facility is popular with weddings , parties, corporate events, etc. The setting is upscale and elegant, with a breathtaking view of Tilden Park and beautifully landscaped gardens. It has 150 seats or 225 standing guests. It features a commercial kitchen, a large main room with windows and doors opening onto the flagstone patio.

 

The Merry-Go-Round

Tilden's Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round is a gorgeous antique menagerie carousel with hand-carved and beautifully painted wooden carousel animals to ride, and calliope-style music to make every child's heart sing. The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible snack stand, drinking water, toilet and parking.

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Popular Trails

The park contains numerous trails, providing hiking, horseback riding and cycling facilities. While most of the trails are dog-friendly, dogs are not allowed in the Tilden Nature Area north of the park. Some of the main trails include: the Tilden Nature Area is the undeveloped northern part of the park. It's a 740-acre reserve with 10 miles of hiking trails. These trails include a climb to Wildcat Peak, a trail and a wooden boardwalk around Jewel Lake.