Honestly? Alviso Marina County Park isn't really bad after all. The first time I went was a few years ago when I visited after a rainy day and that the trails are very muddy. Rarely any people came here. However from this visit, I came in the right time. It was sunny during the day and many people came here for a reason. Keep in mind that it's not a regional park but rather a wetland. When you look at the water, it's colored slightly red from its edges. Also, the trails are light since there is no elevation here. It's really good for jogging and biking. I've seen people do that here. The trails are very long which is why I selected a stop so I can turn back to where I started. Ideally, you want to come here in earlier in the morning so that you can hike longer and end sometime in the early afternoon. It was hot outside and I prefer not to hike longer. Basically, I powered walk from halfway. It's not necessary to bring hiking shoes due to light trails but you should use them if it's muddy. Perhaps, I should come here way earlier so that I can maybe hike longer. read more

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Mostly dog friendly location in Santa Clara. There are a few decks that dogs are not allowed but it's like 1% of the whole thing. The views are jaw dropping! You can see the mountains in the background. Very clean and well maintained. I love seeing the wildlife. I've seen so many different bird species, plants species and I've even seen a seal once. Super special place indeed. read more

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This park is beautiful! I love the mountain ridge in the backyard, the pink salt ponds (pink at least in December though I'm pretty sure they last a while), the variety of birds wandering around, the tall marsh grasses, and wooden boardwalk. It's so scenic and enjoyable. Sometimes big bunches of white and grey birds (seagulls or gulls of some sort) will sit out on the water and then suddenly soar up in the sky at genuinely a count of more than 100 which you can see in one of the pics. You'll also see cranes, squirrels, much smaller birds with a yellow belly, and other birds (possibly sparrows). My parents visiting from out of state loved the walk and took some time to read the informational signs. The temperatures are really enjoyable in the morning in the winter, though I've been here multiple times throughout the year and it's always temperate conditions. It would be really nice to have a circular route, but it makes sense that we can't cut through the salt ponds. It's sad to see at the farther end of the route all the trash people have littered -- it's likely volunteers are cleaning it up and gathering it into the bunches that we saw, but omg why?? Why is anyone littering here? People also like to go down right next to the pink water for aesthetic pics despite signs saying not to -- they've barred it off better now but please don't go down regardless! Nesting birds can make their home there and it damages the environment for all the animals who need it. Most people are otherwise quiet and respectful here though and overall it's a beautiful atmosphere. Usually the only louder source of noise is an occasional train passing by. Free parking too read more

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My first time here and really enjoyed the sunset and the walk here. I got my steps in. I would come back whenever I am in town to take a walk. You can see a nice salt pond here. Great park to walk. Bring a jacket as it was windy here today. read more

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I was in the area decided to go on a walk. Parking is free so I loved that. The parking is small so you may have to park on the street. I really like that there was bathrooms as soon as you talk in. There was some tables and benches as well. There walk way everywhere you go it is dirt not paved. You can also ride your bike. You can get a pretty good walk or run here. One thing I did not like is there's absolutely no shade so make sure you take a hat. Overall nice relaxing walk. read more

Alviso Marina County Park - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

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Alviso Marina Park has free parking and restrooms, and the area is open from 8 a.m. until sunset. A lot of people mention the nearby salt pond that sometimes turns a bright red color, but we couldn't see that in November. The wide-open space makes it a great place for photos or an easy, relaxing walk with friends or family. It's peaceful, scenic, and a really nice spot to just slow down and enjoy the views. Overall, it's a simple, chill park to visit if you're looking for fresh air and pretty scenery without the crowds. Well it wasn't crowded while we were there, but I can imagine this place being crowded depending on when you go. read more

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From a purely visual standpoint, this park is beautiful. It offers a wetland escape from the busy Bay Area that's different from the usual mountainous hike. Walking along the pathway to the salt ponds was such a surreal experience. A couple of elements could use improvement. The large circular trail around the salt pond needs some resting areas. I didn't come across a single bench while walking across half of the loop. Now that I think of it, I don't think I saw anywhere to sit throughout the entire park. With a view this beautiful, especially on a day with superb weather, having to stand the entire time is such a missed opportunity! The lack of seating leads into the second problem. With nowhere to sit, a cool looking salt pond pit, and only three measly signs prohibiting visitors from disturbing the natural habitat, it's no wonder that ~30 people walk through the pit every evening. There aren't any workers enforcing the rules either. In summary, beautiful park but not enough infrastructure. read more

Definitely a unique spot in the South Bay to disconnect! The trails here go on for miles and miles, most of which are wide enough to accommodate both bikers and pedestrians. In the wintertime it's a little hit or miss, especially in the rainy seasons. Id avoid coming right after a storm since most of the trails are dirt and get very slippery/muddy when wet. There is no shade on the trails, but you get unobstructed views of most of the South Bay on a clear day which is really something! I wouldn't say the immediate foreground is particularly breathtaking, at least not when I went this past weekend, but I'm so glad we have a sanctuary for our wildlife so close to home. Parking was not an issue as there are tons of spots in the lot. read more

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This is one of my favorite spots. It's unique, and a good place for bird-watching sometimes. There's a stream & a salt pond (which is pink in color). In summer, it is pretty dry. Other times, you can see the pink lake. Also, you can't get down to the lake during summer. They have information on boards as well. The bathrooms are pretty clean. The greenery & walk gives village vibes. There are some pretty photogenic spots. The only downside is the smell coming from the pond - it can be pretty strong even for walks. read more

Alviso Marina County Park - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

What a lovely place for a stroll! There is currently a restoration project underway at this park, and I am so happy to see a community wanting to maintain their habitats. Even though the park lot was full; it was still quiet and everyone was able to enjoy themselves. 10/10 wonderful park. read more

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This became a tourist attraction for visitors and local influencers due to the red algae in the water that turned the salt pond pink. I enjoyed the scenery of the marsh, where the platform trail is easy to walk, but it gets muddy when you walk on the dirt path. Do not wear your nice, clean shoes if you are not willing to give up. The restrooms have an outdoor boot scraper brush to use after completing the trail. This is a nice place to take photographs during sunset. Expect to be crowded on weekends on sunny days because parking will be full. read more

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My sister came to visit me in San Jose and asked "Can we see a sunset somewhere?" Yelp lead me to Alviso Marina and boy did it deliver! Free parking, no cost to explore. The restrooms were clean. Bring a picnic or some snacks and follow the path to a bench where you can catch the sunset over the Bay, or wander along the salty shoreline and challenge your balance on the rocks. I've come here twice and both times were beautiful sunsets. I believe the park closes at 8:00, so you won't get to stay for a full setting of the sun, but you'll get a nice view. Wear solid shoes like gym shoes, not flats or flip flops, as you'll need to have some support if you are going to walk along the shoreline. read more

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Fantastic event on the bay, clear weather. The event was very successful with shuttle buses, multi cultural events, pumpkins for the kids, resource booths, and best of all there were free medical care for everyone. My best event is going on the boat and learning all about the slough. Great trip n saw lots of herons, egrets n even a hawk. Hope to go again next year. read more

Alviso Marina County Park - 2 herons - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

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It's a very unique and unusual place. The water drys up leaving salt making it look like a plain of snow. Has a very nice flat walking path. I would recommend going. read more

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Nice peaceful place on the trail system but air traffic is fairly low from the San Jose airport so it will interrupt the calming vibe of birds & insects. You'll find flat walking/cycling trails that connect to a bigger trail system. There will be small wildlife, reptiles, and birds. Fishing is not allowed from the bank... you'll have to bring a boat for that. Duck hunting is allowed in the designated areas but the those areas are far from the trails and only accessible by boat. There are two boat ramps and one of the docks has been sinking for a year and is currently unusable. You can take the channel to SF Bay but it's quiet a distance if you're paddling. There are maybe 60 total parking spots for cars and boat trailer vehicles get about 7 more long spaces. There is informational signage and a memorial for the Jenny Lind steamboat disaster as it launched from Alviso to carry people & cargo toSan Frandisco and farther. Parking is free with you Santa Clara county park pass. There is a public restroom near the parking lot but it gets messy if a lot if people are visiting. One other thing... I have been it's smelly, probably fue to the marsh & low tides at certain tomes of year but it's not often. It would be five stars if the dock had not been in disrepair for so long and the bathrooms should get cleaned more often. read more

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This is a beautiful county park with easy to walk paths. The scenery is Instagram worthy and each time I come, the scenery looks a bit different depending on how much salt there is during the visit. The park is also close to Top Golf. read more

Such a scenic area and 'hidden' gem in the South Bay!! It wasn't packed and the walk was easy going. Not sure where the route leads, but the view is pretty the further you go. It's VERY windy at the beginning/entrance from the par, but it'll be less windy once you keep walking on the route (from my experience at least!). The route here is definitely unassuming until you actually get to the park and see the pink water. Parking was partially full on a Sunday evening, but there were some spots available, and lots of street parking around! read more

Alviso Marina County Park - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

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If you're looking for a spot to pop into for some quick sightseeing that is equal parts beautiful and otherworldly, then Alviso Marina County Park is perfect as you. Hopefully you can catch it when the water is pink like we did! My family and I recently visited the Bay Area, and coworker Dan L -- a South Bay extraordinaire if I ever saw one -- recommended this park as something different to see. And wow, was he right. The salt ponds at the park turn a dark pinkish color in the late summer and early fall when microorganisms in the water thrive in saltier, warmer conditions. And in the distance white bits of encrusted salt mounds jut out of the water, like mini icebergs. It felt alien but also accessible at the same time. We were able to park close and walk along the board walks to the beach. This is a great spot for photos -- by the beautiful, out-of-this-world bay as well as through the door ways that dot the walkways. Thanks, Dan, for such a great recommendation! read more

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This is such a scenic park to stroll around! Came here in early May and stayed for the sunset views which were fantastic. Easy, flat trails to walk around, and free parking. Spotted a snake on the side of the path too! You can walk down closer to where the salt marsh is at the beginning of the trail. Definitely makes for a good photo spot! read more

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I like going to Alviso marina, to walk around but only draw back is to many rules, can't do this can't do that, can't bank fish anymore, no dogs on trails, also some of the Rangers are very rude, I don't go there anymore. read more

Alviso Marina Park has always been a special place for Lulu. She loved that area, and of course, we can all see why. The blue sky stretched for miles, and the yellow house with just a frame made this place extra special for my Lulu. She would run up to the house like she thought someone would open the door. I would whisper "My sweet girl, there's no door." read more

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Alviso Marina County Park is a gem north of San Jose. Currently, the water is pinkish red because of high salt levels. Check it out soon as the water color changes over the course of the year. The salty sea foam is fun to pick up. The park is very pleasant to walk around, but there are a lot of flies in some parts! I also love the free standing walls in the wetland area. read more

Alviso Marina County Park - pink water at sunset - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

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I thought it was going to be underwhelming when I parked, but when I walked to the salt pond area, it was absolutely beautiful! Definitely worth my time to be there. The salt pond was a beautiful pink color. I went to take a mini photoshoot and it was gorgeous! It was super muddy so be prepared to bring shoes you're okay with getting dirty. Also walk further along the trail if you wanted a more private location. Easy parking and if the lot is full, there's should be nearby roads to park on that are less than a 5-10 minute walk. read more

Alviso Marina County Park - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

Overall: - Not crowded - Peaceful - Breezy - Salt pond is red because high salt levels, on the trail you can view a regular blue pond & the river - Lots of tiny flies on the trail but you don't notice them until you're a good section into the hike or if it's sunset time (You should be fine by the doors in both scenarios) - Opposite of the doors is a dock where you can see the river up close For sunset: - Came at 7pm - Walking into the park was fine - Walking out of the park was less fine because al the tiny flies start flying at face level so I was just frantically scrunching my face and Naruto-running through the path - The salty pond looks sooo pretty during sunset, very blue-white with iridescent tones For noon: - Arrived at 1pm - Temperature was 83 degrees but the water made it feel cool - Great breezes - Flies were at feet level so less annoying - The salty part of the water looked so magenta/purple/red during this time, very surreal Other: - No dogs allowed, but also "no poop fairy signs" - Bikers are common, so beware bc the paths can get narrow - Someone on Yelp said this area is great for picnicking but I have yet to see a suitable patch of grass - Speaking of grass, my sisters and I saw a SNAKE crossing the path so I don't recommend sitting in the grass... - Mysterious orange substances were found further in the trail, reminded me of the Lorax - Saw people boating on the river read more

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Nice place for photos and walks. Dogs are only allowed on certain areas and have to be on a leash. Lots of parking (multiple lots). For walks, you can take the trails that get you closer to the water. There's another trail that takes you to the train tracks behind a hotel. This place has recently become popular on Instagram for the salt ponds that display a pink to orange hue. read more

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Been here multiple times before and always enjoyed my walks around the ponds but I never visited nor knew of the existence of the red colored salt water pond. This time I made it a point to visit it and it was truly fascinating to see such a large red colored water body. read more

Alviso Marina County Park - Pink/red Salt water pond - Parks Near Me - Alviso, California

Arrived here with a friend for a mini photoshoot around 2:30 pm!! It's a great aesethic spot... with the right weather conditions. The sun was strong and it was quite windy, so it was the recipe for a bad hair day. Before getting to the actual park, parking was a struggle with their 2 lots already filled up. My friend and I, like everyone, parked away from the entrance with street parking with a 5-10 minute walk. There's a lot of people hiking on the trail or taking scene photos by the waters. You're able to find a secluded spot for your photoshoot by walking down the water. Lots of families there for photo opportunities from toddlers, couples, to the elderly. Great weather and a hidden gem that you wouldn't expected from the San Jose area. Would come again read more

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If you wanna get away from it all take a drive to this park. Bring your walking shoes or a bike. Bring a snack, bring your best friend , whether human or pet. Bring your journal in case you want to write down how you're feeling or the scenery inspires a poem. This is a little haven for the Alviso community. We are happy to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. read more

A hidden gem near home indeed. We visited during sunset. There was very little crowd. It was so peaceful and the walk helped me reenergize myself for a busy work week. There is a 10 mile loop around this that cyclists usually take. Will definitely be back! read more

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Nice place, seems like another world. Good view.. feels like you're in Iceland or something

Now it's the dry season and obviously not a good time to visit here. It's basically a big piece of salt land with some puddles, with only a little bit pink. Perhaps we should come again after the rainy season, and hopefully can see the beauty not only on social media. Although there are multiple warnings that ask people to stay on the trials and keep away from the pond, there were still some people who just ignored the warnings and got into the pond. There was a helicopter flying low searching for someone or something, and there were several police cars and ambulances waiting outside the park. It's really a waste of tax dollars. read more

I recommend getting here early on Sundays. The place was really crowded and they have limited parking so you have to park far away or drive around the parking lot until someone leaves. Since summer has passed, it gets really cold after 6pm. This park is really beautiful. The water is actually reddish/pink. Air smells of salt water. There are no steps down to the lake, so be careful as you get down, wear shoes with some grip. I saw someone slip and fall. read more

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Fantastic, easy couple mile walk with some amazing views of the blood red salt pond. When I arrived the county park ranger was just closing the parking lot due to it being full. But I found parking easily on the curb less than 5 minutes from the park entrance. There are some great interpretive signs explaining the scenery. Take a walk around the salt pond. read more

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It's been six years since I've been back to Alviso, but it's just as beautiful as ever! This is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts, especially bird watchers! Alviso is also a historical site, where salt mines once operated, resulting in salt deposits along the shoreline. The body of water also connects to the San Francisco Bay, and you'll see frothy seafoam collecting on the shoreline. This is a great park to go to if you want a flatter terrain to walk, run, or bike on. Or if you're into photography, there's housing frames that you could take pictures at. I'd recommend going around sunset because the sun hits the water so beautifully. Bring a jacket because it does get windy and cold. *Do note that parts of the trail have been closed off due to construction of levees that will help protect San Jose from rising sea levels. Construction is projected to be finished in 2024* Happy trailing and observing! read more

Brilliant little County Park with views that will allow you to appreciate the YAY AREA in all it's glory...well from a nature perspective. A nice place to take a stroll with some stunning views of marshes and salt ponds. I believe you can go boating and kayaking here as well. The "gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This 20.6 acre bayside park, located along Alviso slough and adjacent to the salt ponds and marshes of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Though small in size, the Park offers a great deal of activities within its boundaries and on into the Wildlife Refuge. The pathways and boardwalks of the County Park and trails around the ponds in the adjacent Wildlife Refuge, and the regional trails which include the San Francisco Bay Trail and San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail, offer fantastic views of the mountains surrounding the bay, and of the wildlife that call these ponds home.​" - stolen form https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks/alvison-marina-county-park A perfect description of the park! read more

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Come here around Summer times for the pink salt pond, it is beautiful! This place is not crowded which is great because it is near the residential area. There are plenty of parking and clean restroom. Once enter, you will see the door representing the gate to Heaven or to the pond. Once passed that you will see the pond, it is beautiful with white salt on the ground forming all those years. It is protective so do not go into the pond water. It is recommended going there on a sunny day so the water is more pink. There is trail where you can walk all around the pond. You will heard warning on the speaker that to avoid going near the salt pond, just ignore it! it is a trail, so enjoy it! read more

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Super cool,seeing the salt formations and pink lake is breathtaking. There are also very nice walking trails surrounding it and the ghost town vibes are AWESOME. read more

The water is beautiful! I visited during sunset and took a walk along the trail, which is about a mile before it's closed off. At the beginning, there's a lake on one side, and by the end, there's water on both sides. The walk is very peaceful, you can hear birds chirping, and the sky looks stunning. The water has a unique red hue because of the salt, and the surrounding field is a mix of green grass and dry wheat. Highly recommend coming at sunset for the amazing views! read more

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I went to this park looooong long time ago and did not remember it. I came back recently, and in less than a month I went there again. It is best if you go in the morning when it is cooler because there is absolutely no shade. Bring an umbrella to help with the heat in addition to wearing a hat and put on sun block. The walk is easy since it is a flat and even trail. I did not go all the way to the end, so I have no idea where it leads to, however, I do plan on bringing my kayak there and venture out in to the bay in the near future. There is a landing where you can start your bay adventure. The color of the salt pond is maroonish, pinkish, or any shade in between. The white salt sediment that attach to any surface complete the surreal view of this place. The sound of the birds, and the butterflies and dragon flies that whiz by complete the view. You can check out where the wetland end (from Alviso all the way to the San Pablo Bay by Vallejo and maybe look as well into Wetland restoration. I would encourage you to visit this place, enjoy the flora and fauna of the wetlands. NO DOGS ALLOWED BEYOND THE GATE. read more

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I have to admit that when I was in high school in San Jose, Alviso was not viewed favorably. Because of its bottom-of-the-bay location, my classmates used to call it the armpit of the bay and you had to do pit pumps whenever you drove by. We weren't mental giants. Now here I am, all these years later, embarking on a walk around the red-hued salt ponds. The historic rotten-egg smell wasn't as bad as I recall from the days of yore. What amused me this time were the standalone wooden doorways that were built on the introductory boardwalks to make it seem like you're presumably entering a new world or in this case, an old one where salt deposits have formed like permafrost on the shoreline from the salt mining industry that thrived here a century ago. That's what caused the water to turn a deep reddish brown and apparently draws all sorts of sea birds. The salt ponds are subdivided in a way that allows easy walking on the flat paths that separate them. If there's any drawback to the trails, it's the lack of shade and the redundancy of the same views for extended periods of time, especially if you take the nine-mile Alviso Slough Loop. Bring headphones. It helps. On the upside, the drive here was pretty straightforward from the major freeways, and parking was plentiful on a Sunday afternoon. Want me to do a pit pump? RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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