Héctor was such a kind employee with excellent customer service. The location is clean, lifeguards always on duty and attentive, and the vibes are relaxed. I love this place! read more

This is just for the outside area. I haven't been to the swimming area in ages. Most of the time (especially not during summer) you can enter for free, park, walk around, enjoy some nature in the city and relax. There are also a few pokemon gyms located in the area if that is your thing, lol. Great place to have an impromptu picnic with a little privacy from the outside world. read more

Wow! It's hard to beat having lake/beach vibes that is so local to us. Clean facilities and clean beaches/water. Plenty of parking but can fill up during the weekends. Cheap prices to get in for parking as well as into the lake itself. Get here early on the weekends otherwise there is an admission limit that can be easily hit during those hot summer days. There are also lifeguards on duty here making sure that everyone is safe. Couple of caveats. Water is supposed to be chlorinated, but do note that there are wild birds that do swim/poop into the water. The shower facilities are not heated so please keep that in mind. In addition, just be aware that though many places online say that they are open till 6pm, the swimming actually ends at 5:30pm so please plan accordingly. I just cannot recommend this place enough for families, your children will love it here! read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Beach - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

See all

Beachy Lake vibes 30 min away from the bay! Who knew?! Make the short drive to Don Castro Lagoon for a fun day in the sun that screams-summertime! We packed a light picnic and some blankets and headed over for an afternoon filled with swimming, sand sculptures, and clear blue skies. Parking is $5, entrance fee to the lagoon is $3 for kids/senior citizens and $5 for adults. What a fun local experience! read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Good idea to bring a pop up if you're not planning on arriving early to snag a spot under the trees - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

I haven't gone to the lagoon during the Summer months yet, but this park is a sweet, peaceful, slice of nature during then Fall/Winter months. My dog and I really enjoy the foliage and the views. The freeway sounds are a bit of a distraction but it does nothing to hinder this park's beauty. Excellent for quick, serene dog walks. read more

See all

Went here on a Monday to take a quick 1.5 mile walk on the Ridgetop trail. I was pleasantly surprised there is a place in Castro Valley where there is plenty of park space and grass for picnics. This is a great place to take a quick walk and enjoy a change of scenery with nature. Although, the trail signs should be replaced as some were scratched and small print. After a hike, there is a swimming area. Prices are reasonable and a good place where families can enjoy a place to escape the heat during hot days. Snacks and coolers are allowed and lifeguards are on duty. read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Hiking trails - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

Came on Monday around 4 and it was not crowded. Stayed for an hour since they close at 5:30 It was clean. Water was warm. Our kid is 2 and she had so much fun. Shade is first come first serve read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

Not many people here on a Saturday afternoon in late March, made it the ideal place to lay our mat out on the grass, hang out, nap, and just enjoy the fresh air, calm atmosphere, and nature all around. There's a little swim lagoon with a sandy beach setting, in an enclosed area surrounded by fencing, but that's only open during the summer (sign says they have a lifeguard on duty from late May to early September). No fee for parking or park entry during the off season, which we appreciated. There are also several different trails (Ridgetop, Shoreline, Whispering Creek, Twilight, Bay Area Ridge) which connect to each other and allow for a fairly easy hike around the lake and along the creek. Not exactly the most picturesque place, but I liked it. read more

See all

Who knew Hayward had a man made beach hidden on the upper side of B Street... what a gem of a find! The park itself had so much to offer. Picnic tables, green grass, hiking trails, and of course, the beach. Perfect little place to cool down on a hot summer day. You can bring your dog along to hang out, too! Notes: Parking $5. Entrance fee $7 online and can bring a total of 4 ppl. Dog fee $2. Wear water shoes because theres bird poop in the sand. read more

See all

Beautiful dirt trails. Swim Lagoon reasonably priced. Lots of parking. Peaceful setting

We got the membership so parking and swimming for the family are free. There is a beach area and a grassy area. The grass has a lot of goose poop. Sand volleyball area looks fun. Lots of tables and umbrellas. The water is at most 5 ft deep. To swim in the 5 Dr area you need to pass a swim test. It was very unclear where to go to take a swim test. Announcements were hard to hear and it would have been helpful if announcements were in English and Spanish. Swim ends at 5:30pm. read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Swim area - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

Don Castro is lagoon located within Hayward's residential area. It is a good go-to spot to have family fun as it is a small cost to enter the beachy area and to park. There isn't always a charge to park and I recommend you check the swimming hours beforehand. You can bring in food and your own sun shade, chairs, beach blankets, etc. They have big bathrooms with showers and a few sun shades available on the beach for public use. The park area is also ni e to picnic and bbq. read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - By the lake - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

This was my first time to Don Castro Regional Park. I was looking for a nearby place to go for a hike without driving too far. I was pleasantly surprised to find a great little recreational area so close to home. Although it's smaller than other regional parks, there are plenty of hiking trails for all kinds of hikers to dog walkers. There's several picnic areas and a recreational swim area with a beach and lifeguard station. (It was closed for the winter, but looked like a fun place to cool off in the summertime) I enjoyed my walk around the reservoir and look forward to visiting again. read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Don Castro Resevoir - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

Named after a "noted Californio ranchero" according to Wikipedia, it's very well hidden in Hayward's residential area across from Castro Valley next to 580. I just happened to be in the area when it dawned on me that despite the rumbling freeway traffic, it might be a quiet place to take my daily constitutional between rainstorms. Turned out I was right for a change, and there was quite a large empty parking lot. Solitude can be a wonderful thing. This hundred-acre park was the result of a mid-century decision to dam San Lorenzo Creek. It created a bucolic lake from which they created a swimming lagoon. The lagoon was closed, but the lake was open for some muddy hiking. The most challenging aspect was trying to minimize the mud caking on the bottom of my hiking boots. However, the aptly named Whispering Creek Trail made for a mostly pleasurable albeit brief walk with a lot of birds and trees to ease the soul. RELATED - Exploring Hayward? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2UOvM6X read more

See all

Great place. The rangers are cool, too. They called me when they spotted my lost cat and helped me get her down.

A lovely local recreation area! Don Castro Recreation is an excellent spot to spend some leisurely time in nature. It's equipped with a small beach, hiking and walking trails, picnic tables, barbecue pits and lots of green space. This is also a popular fishing hub as I've spotted several people out fishing when I've visited. I've come here for hikes and leisurely strolls around the reservoir. During the off season, this place is almost like a ghost town and the trails are so serene and peaceful. You can connect to several other parks through the hiking trails behind Don Castro. These trails connect to Garin Park, Lake Chabot Park, and Five Canyons Open Space. The Whispering Creek Trail is my favorite because it makes you forget that you're in the Bay Area for a minute as you wonder through the beautiful meadow. Of course, the reservoir is the best part in my opinion. Beautiful views and the perfect place to sit and enjoy while having a picnic or reading a book. I love watching the ducks swimming peacefully in the water. There's lot of shady spots here and it doesn't seem to get too warm other than during the typical hot summer season. Parking is usually free during the off season unless there's some type of event going on. A true gem of a spot in Hayward. read more

See all

Wow, who knew there is a pretty awesome beach and swimming lagoon 20 mins from Danville, in Hayward! No need for a 2-hour drive to Carmel! Don Castro is a pretty nice place for a picnic, BBQ, swim/wade, or just to catch a few rays. Who cares if the beach and lagoon are not 100% natural, there's plenty of things to like! 1. You can enjoy shaded grassy area on the outer perimeter for picnics/BBQ, or venture into the really hot golden sandy beach. In the center is the lagoon with clean water for swimming/wading. You'll see ducks and seagulls share the water with you. 2. Plenty of lifeguards all stationed around the lagoon and, all dressed in red swimwear. Like in the old TV show Baywatch, LOL! They offer free swimming lessons, life jackets, and do a fine job of keeping the peace. 3. Super clean restrooms (located outside the main entrance). Plenty of garbage cans, recycle bins, and places to dump hot coals inside the park. 4. Plenty of parking, though bring cash ($5) 5. Low-cost entry like $8 for a family of three. read more

See all

It's my niece birthday and she requested to celebrate her birthday picnic style. We had about 20 people and reserved the area called Whispering creek which was a perfect spot. There were 5 picnic tables and actually good for upto 70 people. We had no choice but to get it since there weren't anymore spot to reserve on. Our spot was close to the parking lot so it was perfwct especially we brought a lot of stuff and food. We also had a wonderful view of the swim lagoon wherein you can pay $5 per person if you decide to go swim. $5 for parking and $128 to reserve plus $25 alcohol fee. Their restrooms are clean and that's a big factor for me. You can also walk since they have a nice trail plus they also have horseback riding options. I wish I had taken more pictures of the area but was so busy preparing and entertaining people lol. We'll definitely come back again next year for sure. read more

See all

Update - The lake silted in a year or two ago and there are currently no plans to dredge it. So, the lake is now a puddle, there is no fishing, and much of the wildlife has left the area. Really unfortunate because Hayward needs spaces like these. read more

We went as a family on a Sunday in August. There was plenty of parking. We arrived before opening and there were already people waiting to get in! There were two lines - one with reservations and the other without. We made reservations and for some reason, they were letting the line without reservations enter first? I'm guessing it was protocol for crowd management. There were umbrellas available around the perimeter of the lagoon and they were first come first serve. Water was not that cold! And it was shallow by the sand which was perfect for the little ones. There are restrooms and changing rooms available. Summer weekends seem to be busy. Don Castro opened daily for summer and unfortunately, we missed that but would love to come again on a weekday for next summer! read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Lagoon - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

When arriving at Don Castro they overfilled the parking lot and I drove around for 30 mins looking for parking. After paying and driving around for 30 mins I decided to park on a patch of dirt. After parking and walking way from my car I was called an amigo by an older lady with a cowgirl hat, which I dont appreciate Im an American citizen who isn't Mexican. After that she argued with me proving her point why she assumed I was a certain race she went to the front gate and intimidated me with her coworker. When I got in the water with a large floaty she came up to me and told me I cant have that in the water take it to the beach, honestly the rules are the rules and I did what she said but I think professionalism is lacking at this place and it seems like there is no structure or chain of command. I will not be returning ​ read more

Organized, clean and staff are helpful. You do have to come really early bc it is cheap to get in and just relaxing there is always a line to get in and if ur not there by 10am you probably wont be able to get in for the day. read more

See all

Lots of clean up needed. Many trails were closed so we were disappointed. It was super quite in the park now due to closure of the trails. The swim lagoon also closed. It would be a quiet park now to visit for picnic. There are some pretty poppies and yellow flowers in the park. read more

See all

We've been going here for years. It's a very family friendly place. Also a nice last minute trip in the summer time to swim.

My 80 year old dad, 5 year old daughter, and I came to the Don Castro swimming lagoon around 4:30pm on summer afternoon in August and had a nice time. It wasn't too crowded (though I understand weekends get very busy here and that pre-registration is recommended), the sandy beach was pleasant, and the water was pretty warm and perfect for swimming! My only complaint was the mandatory 15 minute break for kids 15 and under that the lifeguards imposed - this really took away from our already limited swim time (the lagoon closes at 5:45pm). (Also, we had a hard time understanding the lifeguards' announcements through their bullhorns). Overall, a lovely public swimming spot! read more

You can't swim here on a hot day without pre-registering online. The park closes after maximum capacity of 1200 people is reached. You can still pay for parking and enjoy a picnic on the lawn but the swimming area will be closed off. read more

What a hidden gem! I've never been to this place even though being from the Bay Area. Came here on a Monday with the kiddos. Wasn't packed at all. Got here around 1pm and there was plenty of space on the beach. Gatta pay to get in, but it's super reasonable. The lady at the front was super nice. I like how they have picnic benches and bbq pits to sit, I didn't use them but it's nice for the future. Huge parking lot. They have umbrellas and life vest you can use at a first come basis. We ended up bringing our own tent and chairs. I heard from one of the life guards that during the weekend it can get super packed so Idk If i would ever come here on the weekend. The water is great for little kids. But you have to pass a swim test if you want to pass the rope to the deeper section. I can't wait to come back again! read more

See all

We are choosing trails based on wheel chair accessibility because we want to bring our two kiddos. It was muddy at times but pushing/ lifting a double stroller definitely made it more fun and challenging! I will add a wheelchair bound individual would not be able to complete this loop. read more

Love the picnic area and swimming area!! The snack bar is easily accessible, as well as the bathrooms.

Don Castro is a fairly small lake, but it's nice. Decent hiking trail, plenty of wildlife, swimming area for the kids in the summer and plenty of bbq pits. I mainly come here to fish for trout. Sometimes I'll come here during the summer for catfish. There's plenty of carp to catch as well. Make sure you get the $5 permit and carry your fishing license. read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Caught this carp. - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

See all

Mild shaded hiking trail. lots of trees and lots of photo opportunities. because of covid pools, n picnic area was closed but looks like starting Friday 11/13th they are opening picnic area. Parking is ample and nice park to spend on sunny days read more

See all

Nice place perfect place to relax with the family. We will definitely be back next summer.

Whoo, what a GEM place in the valley. For the facility, it should be 5 star, the swimming pool is clean and blue, sands on the beach is soft and hot during summer. There is safety guard on site, so kids are playing safely here. It would be difficult to find a beach side spot if you come late because it gets crowded in the afternoon. Customer service could be improved, a friend of mine came late and they no longer allow people to come in. We understand that rule is rule, but the attitude is really rude when we asked for permission to let my friend in. read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Beach side - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

I've only been to the beach and it's alright to for lounging. The sand is very rough like pebbles but not too bad with loungers and beach umbrella. read more

Cute and affordable swim option for the kids . Not too far and it has great space all around for swimming and a good amount of shade for picnics. Get there early because it does it full fast read more

First time here recently and I loved it!! A lot of the park was still closed due to covid and construction BUT I was still able to take a nice little stroll and check out all the birds from the floating dock. I could seriously spend hours here just listening to nature and bird watching! Can't wait to go back! read more

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Parks Near Me - Hayward, California

Pool is still closed when we visited 5/19/21 but according to the website they should be opening the pool after memorial day weekend. The pool still looks amazing and I really want to come back and check it out. As a first timer I didn't get to check out the trails but they have maps available for visitors to find them. Parking lot is pretty big and people walk the parking lot instead of trying the trails. read more

We went to cool off on a hot day........ 15min after arriving, we were told to get out of the water. Water Quality issue. Meaning someone pooped!! I contacted both the EBRPD & the life guards. Nobody knew what happens next. Add bleach? Refund your money? Re-test water in an hour? Next day? Won't be back any time soon. read more

This is an interesting little park just off the freeway that we never knew about. We met a photographer here at a small redwood tree patch for our holiday photos. It might have been because of limited crowds due to COVID, but there was ample parking for us. I was surprised to see the little man made lake, and also a community pool (that's empty now) with a beach on one side! How did I not hear about this before? For the amount of land, I'm surprised how much they have available. read more

Five stars with a caveat. Don Castro is just as beautiful a niche as most other reviewers say. A moderate sized oasis for walking dogs and people, birders and runners, wildflower fanatics and insect enthusiasts, and of course grillers and barbecuers. But anglers no longer. Once a perfect pond for an occasional rod or, as far as I could ever tell, a daily stop for some in fish stocking season, this aspect of Don Castro has ceased to be. Since the heavy rains and wind storms of Winter '22-'23 silted up the pond and tore away the wooden dock the company owning the pond, it's a flood management company I believe and not East Bay Parks Department, appear not to want to clear the lake. The silting is heavy and the water, once shallow but covering the surface is dotted with muddy flats and islands. The banks once giving muddy purchase to fishing feet are now crumbling slopes down to the waters edge. I will sadly reflect on that silty surface that hosted my children and their early fishing experiences. I'll remember that day in the rain with my boys as we happily failed to catch anything just the day before the 'Big Storm' closed the lake for good. And I hope that the powers-that-be change their mind and regenerate Don Castro pond for future generations of young anglers. In the meantime I'll still stop there if I have a free lunchtime or if I want a quiet place to call my distant-dwelling parents, but nostalgically, and a little sadly. read more