Tilden Regional Park spans more than 2,000 acres across the Berkeley Hills and offers something for everyone: hikers exploring 39 miles of trails, families enjoying the historic merry-go-round and steam train, swimmers at Lake Anza in summer, and naturalists touring one of the world’s most complete collections of California native plants.

The park opened in 1936, named after Charles Lee Tilden, an influential early Berkeley resident who championed open-space preservation. Today it remains one of the East Bay’s most visited parks, drawing locals and tourists year-round.

Getting There

Tilden has multiple entrances, making it accessible from different directions. The main access points are Grizzly Peak Boulevard from the south and Canon Drive from the north (where you’ll find the Environmental Education Center and merry-go-round). Wildcat Canyon Road provides eastern access from Orinda. Free parking is available at most areas. By public transit, AC Transit buses 7, 65, and 67 serve the area; check current routes before visiting.

Main Attractions

Lake Anza is a spring-fed swimming lagoon surrounded by sandy beach and redwood groves. Open May through September with lifeguards on duty, it charges a small fee and offers showers and concessions. The water is tested regularly for safety.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden showcases nearly every native California plant species, arranged by geographic region so you walk through desert, coast, meadow, and forest habitats. Autumn through spring are ideal visiting times; the garden closes at 5pm most of the year but stays open until 5:30pm in summer.

The Tilden Steam Train operates year-round on weekends and holidays, running scenic 15-minute rides through redwood forest on an authentic 1911 locomotive. The Merry-Go-Round, a hand-carved 1911 carousel, operates nearby with 39 original animals and hand-painted scenes. Both are inexpensive attractions that appeal to children and adults alike.

Little Farm is a working farm where kids can feed animals and learn about sustainable agriculture. It’s free and open daily, with programs on seasonal crops and farm practices.

Hiking and Recreation

The park’s network of well-maintained trails ranges from short, easy walks near the attractions to challenging ridge hikes with Bay views. Popular routes include the Nimitz Way (a paved path to neighboring Wildcat Canyon) and trails leading to scenic overlooks like Inspiration Point. The golf course offers an 18-hole public course within the park boundaries.

Practical Tips

Visit on weekdays if you prefer fewer crowds. The park sits at elevation (some areas above 1,600 feet), so dress in layers—mornings are often cool even in summer. Bring water for longer hikes; shade is plentiful in redwood groves but sparse on ridge trails. The park is open from 5am to 10pm daily. Check the East Bay Parks website for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures before you visit.