John Hinkel Park

A Hillside Haven with History

Located in North Berkeley's leafy neighborhoods, John Hinkel Park spreads across 4.9 acres of hillside woodland. Since 1918, when local philanthropist John Hinkel donated the land for public enjoyment, this urban sanctuary has been offering residents a quick escape from city life.

Nature's Embrace

Walk into John Hinkel Park and you're immediately wrapped in green. Native oaks, bays, and buckeyes create a dense natural canopy, while magnificent oak trees and redwoods stand like ancient guardians across the grounds. A small creek meanders through the property, occasionally tumbling into a charming waterfall that provides nature's own soundtrack as you explore.

The paths here wind organically through the terrain, inviting you to wander and discover. It's exactly as one regular puts it - feeling "like a jungle within the city." Unlike many manicured urban parks, John Hinkel was designed to celebrate rather than replace its natural landscape, resulting in a space that feels authentically wild despite being minutes from bustling Berkeley streets. If you're up for a bit of a climb, the hilly terrain rewards your efforts with some great views from the top.

A Stage Among Trees

Perhaps the park's crown jewel is its rustic amphitheater, constructed in 1934 by the Civil Works Administration. This isn't just any outdoor venue - it's a place steeped in cultural history. From the 1940s through the early 90s, music filled the air here, dance brought the space to life, and notably, the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival called it home for twenty years from 1971 to 1991.

The tradition continues today with free theater productions often taking place during summer weekends. Just remember to bring your own seating - a chair or pillow will make your experience much more comfortable. Also worth noting: since performances are typically non-amplified, you might want to sit closer to the stage to catch every word.

Today's Touches

While preserving its historic charm, John Hinkel has evolved to meet modern needs. The playground area showcases a thoughtful renovation featuring natural wood features that blend seamlessly with the park's woodland character. Kids particularly love exploring the reclaimed smooth log structures, swings, and slides - though they're best suited for younger children.

Scattered throughout the park are three picnic areas with tables, well-suited for everything from impromptu lunches to birthday celebrations. If you're planning something larger, you might want to reserve a space ahead of time, as these spots fill up quickly, especially when weekend weather is nice.

For practicalities, you'll find porta-potty restrooms in the small parking area, which offers four spaces (including one accessible spot). The surrounding streets provide additional parking options when needed.

Dog owners will appreciate that the park is dog-friendly, making it a popular spot for daily walks with four-legged friends. Open from 6AM to 10PM daily, John Hinkel Park offers that rare combination of natural tranquility, community spirit, and historic significance - all within city limits.