Codornices Park

A Piece of Berkeley History

Situated in the Berkeley Hills since 1915, Codornices Park is one of Berkeley's oldest green spaces. Sprawling across several acres of hillside, this park has quietly served generations of locals looking for a breath of fresh air and a touch of nature within the city.

Over the decades, it's become a place where birthday celebrations happen, families gather, and Berkeley residents find a moment of peace away from urban hustle.

Nature's Playground

When you enter Codornices, you'll find yourself under a canopy of oak, bay, and redwood trees that create patterns of shade on the ground. The Codornices Creek splits into two forks as it flows through the park, creating a gentle soundtrack - which becomes more pronounced during the rainy season when the water rushes over rocks.

The park's sloping landscape creates natural tiers connected by winding paths and wooden stairs. Explore the hiking trails that thread through wooded areas and you might stumble upon one of the park's best-kept secrets: small waterfalls that reveal themselves after a good rain.

On clear days, the elevation rewards you with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. Even on scorching summer afternoons, you'll find the microclimate here offers a refreshing coolness that's hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Iconic Features

If there's one thing Codornices is famous for, it's the 40-foot concrete slide that has been testing the courage of both kids and adults for decades. Grab a piece of cardboard (there's usually some left by previous sliders), sit down, and whoosh your way to the bottom. Pro tip: keep those elbows and knees tucked in unless you're going for that authentic scraped-elbow childhood experience.

A tunnel running beneath Euclid Avenue connects Codornices to the Berkeley Rose Garden, making it easy to experience two of Berkeley's green havens in one visit. You'll come across the tunnel entrance near the tennis courts - it's like finding a secret passage in your own neighborhood.

At the end of Tamalpais Path, take a moment to appreciate the stairway decorated with Leslie Reed's poetry and various art installations - a subtle reminder that in Berkeley, culture and nature are always intertwined.

Places to Play

The park caters to all ages with thoughtfully designed spaces. Little ones can safely explore the fenced-in tot lot with its age-appropriate equipment, while more adventurous kids tackle the challenging structures designed for older children. All play areas feature bark surfacing to cushion inevitable tumbles.

Sports enthusiasts haven't been forgotten - a baseball/softball field and full basketball court await your pickup games. The spacious grassy area in the center invites frisbee tosses and impromptu soccer matches, but be prepared for some mud if you're visiting after rainy days - the valley-like setting and tree shade mean the ground dries slowly here.

For those whose idea of outdoor recreation involves food, numerous picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, some complete with barbecue pits. Find your perfect spot among trees near the creek, where the burbling water provides a peaceful backdrop to your outdoor meal.

What You Should Know

The park sits just off Euclid Avenue, somewhat concealed from street view - which helps preserve its tranquil atmosphere. Street parking exists but fills quickly on weekends and sunny days, so arriving early is a smart move.

Restroom facilities are basic but available - look for the single-occupant bathroom near the basketball court. If needed, additional facilities can be found through the tunnel on the Rose Garden side.

Your four-legged friends are welcome but should remain leashed. The grassy areas and hiking trails accommodate pets nicely, giving them plenty of new scents to investigate.

Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the main areas. The varied terrain, especially on hiking trails, can get slippery after rain - fashion points for cute sandals won't matter much when you're sliding down (unintentionally) on muddy paths.