Open Water Swimming: Bay Area

Here is a list of different swimming areas that allow open water swimming in the Bay Area. We've grouped them into 2 categories Salt Water and Fresh Water.

Ocean Salt Water locations:

Aquatic Park, San Francisco - Aquatic Park is a small lagoon nestled between Fort Mason and Fishermen's Warf. It nearly encircled by two piers with a small opening out to the Bay. The water temperatures range between 53 and 62 degrees. However, it can drop as low as sub-50.

Foster City Lagoon, Foster City - The water temperature varies from season to season and is reflective of the air temperature.

Coyote Point County Recreation Area, San Mateo - The water temperatures range between 57 - 58 degrees. However, on warm days it can rise to the mid 60's.

Lake Fresh Water locations:

Almaden Lake Park, San Jose - Open water swimming is allowed on Wed 6pm-7pm during the summer months. Participants swim a marked 550 yard triangle direction course in the lake. Wearing a wetsuit is required and please sign in with the Lifeguard before entering the water. This lake is also the swim course to the Silicon Valley Olympic Triathlon

Tilden Park Lake Anza, Berkeley - There is a beach access fee of $3.50 to the swim area, which has changing rooms.

Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch - The lake's swim lagoon has a sandy beach with restrooms and a concession stand. Swimming is permitted in the lagoon only, in the summer when lifeguards are on duty. There is a beach access fee $3.00

Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda - The water is warm and shallow at Crown Beach. At the west end of the beach is a bathhouse with changing rooms. Swimming is permitted during park hours year round. No lifeguards are on duty

Lake Del Valle, Livermore - Del Valle offers two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Year-round swimming is allowed in much of the lake, at the swimmer's own risk.

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area, Hayward - There is a beach access fee $3.00

Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, Pleasanton - The lake offers a marked swim lane 40 feet off the shore and measures close to 125 meter in length. People wanting to swim the entire lake can sign up for the Shadow Cliffs Open Water swim team. Once a memeber you can swim around the entire lake (with a partner). Shadow Cliffs is the triathlon course for the Tri for Fun Series in the summer.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area - The swim complex, including the white sandy beach, restrooms, vending machines and lifeguard service, is open year round. There is a fee $3.00 entry into the swimming complex.