Came here on Sunday to celebrate Father's day and have some family fun. I read on yelp that I could bring my dogs and that they could SWIM... HUGE selling point for me! The park was packed. Despite how thick the crowds were the vibe was pleasant; nothing crazy going on, no drama, just a sea of families and children enjoying the park. Parking is $10 and $2 PER dog. :(. I brought the two boys so $14 total. I asked the guy at the kiosk where the dog area was and he pointed us in the right direction. Note: the guy wasn't really friendly.... he told me what i needed to know and i felt kind of shooed away. :(. oh well. To get to the dog lake you have to hike up a bit. I pushed my 2yo in her stroller bc her little feet wouldn't have made it. it's not very steep but way too difficult for a toddler. Once we got to the lake we let the dogs run free. They played with other dogs (which were super friendly and good company) and got their swim on. The people were friendly, not like some crazies that you run into from time to time at a dog park. The little dip for the dogs to get into the lake is kind of small. I was thinking "can this really fit all the dogs without getting crowded?" it's fine. looks like a small area but the dogs make it work. Dogs of all sizes are there. We had a great experience. I have mini dogs and they didn't get run over at all. My daughter got a tail to the face bc a big lab was super excited to jump in the water and she was rock skipping with our puppy. lol. She didn't mind and our puppy jumped infront of her and started barking... awww, what a guard dog...! lol. Lots of fun. I've been here for BBQs also but the highlight is the dog area for me!! will be back for sure :) read more

Just returned from going here on a Monday afternoon with a friend and our dogs. We walked the obvious trail along the water, but things got more interesting when we climbed to the top and then walked down the trails on the other side. It was extremely quiet and mellow in there, plus it was pretty. We saw water lilies, lots of geese, blue jays, small bodies of water, trees, etc. It was a lovely surprise and we got in some nice exercise. Not sure what it's like on weekends, but it was a nice walk on a weekday. read more

Went fishing here for the first time. I thought the park was clean, well kept, and it was beautiful. Caught no fish yesterday but still enjoyed the water and being outside in the sun. I would like to rent a boat or kayak the next time. Looks like a great place for a picnic too. read more

The atmosphere is perfect however the employees here are the reason I won't be returning. Poor attitudes and rude.

Can't wait to come back and explore more! I brought my dog here over the weekend because not only is she allowed off leash on the trails but she is also allowed to swim in the lake! For a sunny Sunday afternoon the trails were surprisingly not busy, we ran into a few other people and dogs and everyone was really friendly. While walking along the trail I noticed they have a ton of private areas to fish off of. When you first come in there's an area to rent peddle boats. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

The area is lovely and the water looked inviting, but there was poop - piles of it - lining the waterfront - mostly from seagulls (green), but dog piles that dog owners chose not to pick up. How does anyone get to the water without stepping in poop and how can anyone let their child play in the sand not knowing what their child might be sitting in or digging up? We could even smell the poop as we got near the sand. It's probably nice to come here to take a hike, walk a dog, or go boating...and maybe even have a picnic if one can find poop free areas. But we came so we could let a little one paddle in the water and dig in the sand and didn't feel comfortable allowing her to do either. read more

Took a long walk around this park today. They have paddleboats for rent, a place to swim, fishing, ducks and geese and a boat launch. The $6 for parking seemed a little steep but I was impressed by the picnic area and could see that this would be a great place in the spring and summer. They also have several bathrooms, a place to clean your fish, and canisters to dump your coals after using the barbeques. Someone had brought their kids and was letting them bigwheel their heart out in the parking lot. I saw lots of guys fishing but not sure if they caught anything. They have a boat launch and I'm sure that the little manmade lake is really enjoyable and full of boats in summer. read more

$6 for parking doesn't excite me, but it's still a lot cheaper than a movie ticket, and here at least you get some fresh air. It's a great oasis in the middle of the suburban sprawl. read more

Awesome for trout and bass fishing. The back lakes really have some lunkers in them waters.

Shadow Cliffs is actually right over my back fence. It's a great park. They have lots of parking. My kids jump my back fence and walk all over the trails. Some of the other nieghborhood kids fish there. It's not expensive to get in. Good for bikers rider and joggers too. read more

The swimming area and slides are ALWAYS packed on hot summer days, so if you're just there for yourself or your kids, I'd say go elsewhere, cause in my opinion, that section is overcrowded and annoying.... BUT! If you're like me, and just out to find a cool spot for your off-leash dog to play and swim, this place is the BEST!! I've been here 3 times so far, and my dog loves it. He'll run around the bank with the other dogs, then go jumping into the lake and swim out to cool off. We stay for an hour or so, and he comes home tired and happy. Whether you have a puppy that hasn't been near the water yet, or an older dog that swims like a fish, this is a good place to visit. My dog hadn't been around the water much, and after coming here and being around the other dogs, he thinks he's Michael Phelps in the water... Parking is $6.00 + $2.00 dog fee, but you can park a distance and walk the mile or so to get in if you wanna do it for free. read more

Excellent for kids/families. The drive is short and convenient. Life guards all around since there are many kids but you watch your own. Only $6 for parking and that's it. No other charges. Bring your canopy, shade, chairs, foods and enjoy the picnic read more

Our group had a really good time riding the pedal boats and skipping rocks on the water. We also enjoyed making huge sand castles. This park is great for fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, parties, and so much more. I certainly suggest Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area for anyone just looking to have a fun day at the beach with family and friends! read more

Hot and there is duck poop everywhere!!! But went there to see my nephew at the Outrigger Regatta competitions. read more

Us Trader Joe folk had our store summer party held here. Let me just say that I had a blast. Nice open grass areas, plenty of picnic tables and places to relax. We started out the afternoon swimming in the lake, which was great. Pretty clean for what it is. We of course had our BBQ, frisbee throwing, and chatting it up. Heading over to the waterslides was the best though. We all rode those things for a straight hour and a half. No stopping! And we are all 20+ in age! Just enjoyed the heck out of it. But be careful! You are most likely going to be real sore the next day! read more

We made our first visit here on the 4th of July. IT WAS SUPER PACKED! We got there early and got our spot on the sand in the shade very close to the water so it was perfect. I would imagine any other day (then the 4th) this place would be wonderful! Parking is close. Swimming is fun. Lifeguards on duty and very alert. $6 parking fee and no swimming entry fee like some places. Shade is plentiful. Grass areas are clean and very large - great for groups with picnic tables and BBQs for you to use. They have a snack bar, but we didn't use it, very close to the water and many people were purchasing things (even with all the BBQs going on). They have water slide across the other side of parking - about 4 slides, and you can choose your time in the park which equals the price you pay. Only 4 slides, so small and elementary, but good for a quick thrill. Bathrooms were yucky and I imagine this was because of the crowds. Very large and they have many throughout the park. read more

Love to take my dogs here, it is the go-to place when it gets really hot and my dogs need to col off. very clean, lots of trash bins so you are not carrying your poop bag for miles, and the back area that the dogs are allowed to run is PERFECT. keep up the good work! it is a beautiful respite!!! read more

Very nice trail. We went with kids and had lot of fun. Picnic areas are well mentained and the vuew from top is mesmerizing

Very crowded and filthy park! The toilets are unhygienic, most of them closed and no water or toilet paper. Not sure how are they justifying the $6 entry fee at the gate. read more

Good fishing! Front and back lakes!!!!! The park is always well maintained. The greatest aspect in my opinion is the del arroyo creek that runs through the back of the park. Great scenery and always many birds to see. read more

The park is great for fishing and enjoying a day at the park or even taking the dog for a splash and a hike in the arroyo. The staff are amazing and super helpful! read more

4 stars for the sand, proximity to Pleasanton center. 2 stars for the many ducks who poop in the water.

Great lake to swim in. Join a club and swim outside lane lanes. Swim to Cove and back. Swim throughout winter. Great place if you like open water swimming. read more

a highly enjoyable way to spend an hour or two for a nice hike. not too taxing, lots of flat parts, and very peaceful with lots of waterfowl. (Did we just see two pelicans?!?) read more

I went kayaking with my chocolate Lab today and was told not to let my dog swim in the lake. I wondered why but did not ask because I was going to let him swim anyway. I then noticed trash all along the banks and under water. The lake would be better off without humans. What harm can a dog pose to a large body of water. He just swims. It makes no sense. Just another stupid rule. read more

My family and I didn't really like it. We just thought that we can drive somewhere in the bay area and find something a lot better. The beach had a lot of duck poop. I can't imagine having my kids play in the beach and step on those. There wasn't much of a view either. We just moved to Pleasanton and were looking for a good place to spend a nice day out n the sun. We paid the $6 parking fee but ended up staying only for 10mins. We were disappointed. We ended up spending the afternoon in our neighborhood park and having a blast. I wouldn't recommend it. read more

nice park. great lake. lots of places to dunk your pole. i especially like the smaller ponds. you need to get here before dawn to grab the good spots i.e. the docks - which is probably the case for any lake in the east bay. :) read more

Came here with my 2 year old twins and they had a lot of fun. The beach is pretty shallow so they were able to have a lot of area of walk/swim in. This was very nice. They also enjoyed playing in the sand. We also had plenty of space to set up our towels and such. The beach was not full at all. They have life guards walking the water and one in the tall lifeguard seat. We brought an EZ up tent for shade. Glad we brought it as there is not shade on the beach. I think there was a snack bar selling ICEEs and milk shakes. You can also rent paddle boats. The water was cool, perfect for a summer day. A handful of tables in the shade, but those are first come first serve. One woman said she got there at 6:00AM to grab them. But there are other tables further away from the beach that you can reserve. $6 fee/car I felt was a good deal for family fun. Water slides are an extra fee. And the parking lot is not far from the beach. I didn't see a problem with goose poop, but I did see lifeguards walking with a rake and a shovel. read more

Great location for family gatherings. Fishing,swimming barbeque our family always enjoys this park.

It used to be GREAT many years ago. But now a days there are so many people who bring their very young kids into the water with their poopy diapers on....and you know the results. Water tests show high levels of bacteria. But officials (we can trust them, can't we???) cough cough.....claim the water is safe. Okay, YOU drink it. read more

This lake is beautiful , you can swim , fish , exercise , bbq and enjoy time with your family in the outdoors . I love this lake , its my super favorite place to hang out with my family . Must check it out . read more

I am still shaken and scared about what happened today-we have an toddler and a preschooler. After swimming as a family, we found a group of unsupervised kids playing with my childrens beach toys and their sand castles!!!! As their ages ranged from 5-14, I was quite surprised and told them its ok to share but that they should have asked first. They actually told me everything was theirs and became belligent, at which point I told them this is not acceptable and they have to ask first. However, I still let them 'share'. They started to take everything and my children were crying, at which point my husband told them to go somewhere else.this had lasted 30 min, with NO parent in sight. This was answered witth less than polite responses from the kids, who kept passing besides us and taunting us.. A few min later, their mothers, cousins, husbands, etc,,, came charging at us, yelling and attacking us verbally with numous f bombs and even bodily threats were made, after we were repeatedly told to STFU. Their older sons started splashing mud towards my 1 year old! My oldest was completely traumatized, and the adults made fun of him for that. One of the mother advanced towards me threatening me and then my husband, at which point my husband asked for the lifeguards help. Most didnt even ackowledged us, the rest said there was NOTHING they could do for a 'toy fight' and were extemely dismissive and condescending!!! So I guess its cmmon practice there. Only when my husband asked to speak to a police officer did that family suddenly hudled together and ran the other way. The damage was done and we had to console our Sons that bad people arent everywhere. DEPLORABLE for all involved. Tahnk you for being the first people to make my Sons scared of people at the tender ages of 1 and 3. read more

came here sunday july 3rd for a fam n friends get together. place was packed! i know it's 4th of july weekend but i didn't know it would be that packed! luckily we brought a grill n canopy. we set up right at the edge of the sandy beach. i think it's a really nice place to go bbq n do on land activities.. they even have water slides. i haven't had a chance to do that yet. i like that there are life guards on duty and every now and then they will make everyone get out of the lake so they can comb thru n make sure no one got hurt. they also have life jackets u can borrow. and a store u can buy food n beach gear. BUT DO NOT GO INTO THE LAKE!!!! it smelled a tad funny but i didn't think too much of it. can't expect a man made lake to be super duper clean. so my son played n d water along with 4 other children frm our grp. i stayed extra close to them because u can lose them very easily in the sea of ppl. we had a fun sun burned day. couple of days later my son as well as 3 of the other kids got sick with vomiting and diarrhea. there was no one sick in our group nor did we come across anyone sick. so it had to b the lake. probably from all those people in it kicking up the ground and probably secretly peeing or doing only god knows what in the water! EWWWWWWW!!!!! and i just learned today from a friend who took her kids there few weeks prior also got sick frm the water, i won't be coming back and will stick to water parks from now on. they get one star for nice looking park read more