Glendale La Loma Park — Berkeley

Two play areas, a grassy sports field, and breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Glendale La Loma Park is a multi-level park in the hills of Berkeley. The top-level has a parking lot (not huge & can fill easily). Next to the parking lot is the gated toddler play area with a small structure, a climbing tunnel snacking spot shaped like a train, a small swing set with bucket only swings, a sensory table, and a hillside climbing wall next to steps that lead to a perfectly shaded picnic table. The play structure is very small with only steps & a sidewinder slide. Most of the flooring is rubber padding but there is a small area of wood chips.

Down the hill a bit is the bigger play area. You can walk either side of the toddler play area, left side for a bit steeper path but a cool way to go. Watch out for banana slugs and don't miss the neat climbing tree. The right side is paved & a lesser grade & along this path you’ll find some grass perfect for a sunny picnic (it’s a bit uneven so maybe not great for soccer).

The larger structure is made of wood! It has monkey bars, a zip line, a straight metal slide, steps, ladders, a bridge, a rolling balance log, two bottomless slides (these are so weird but the big kids like them). There are lots of different platforms & lookouts. There’s a swing set with standard swings. Really it’s just so fun!

The lower level is a big grass area with a ball field & on weekends hosts a ballet class (listen for the music. it creates a great atmosphere). The only bathroom at this park is on this lower level.

Now the best part & why you need to go on a clear day.... the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s as if the trees were cut to perfectly frame the Bridge or just knew exactly where to root to allow the most perfect view of it. It’s hard to see in the photo but if you look really hard it’s there.... or hey, why not try to peep at it on a fun family outing!