McLaughlin Eastshore State Park

A Linear Oasis Along the Bay

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park winds along 8.5 miles of San Francisco Bay shoreline, creating a green ribbon from Oakland to Richmond. Established in 2002 and renamed in 2012 for environmental champion Sylvia McLaughlin, this 1,854-acre park blends tidelands and uplands into a diverse landscape.

As you wander through, you'll discover a fascinating mix of natural and restored habitats that tell the story of how nature and human intervention can work together. The panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco skyline are worth the trip alone - and sunset visits offer particularly beautiful views.

Ecological Areas

The park contains several distinct ecological zones, each with unique characteristics. The Emeryville Crescent, a 558-acre tidal marsh near the Bay Bridge, hosts up to 14,000 shorebirds and thousands of other feathered residents.

Head north and you can find the Albany mudflats, equally impressive in their bird populations. The park's 260 acres of uplands provide crucial sanctuary for increasingly rare Bay Area birds like the Western Meadowlark and Northern Harrier.

If you're into birdwatching, you'll have plenty to keep your binoculars busy in the wetlands. And don't be surprised if friendly squirrels and other small critters make an appearance during your visit.

Houseboats docked at the marina adjacent to the park

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Park Sections

You can explore everything from rich marshes and mudflats to restored meadows, beaches, and constructed shorelines. The park is divided into several sections, including the Berkeley Meadow, North Basin Strip, Brickyard, Albany Plateau and Neck, and Hoffman Marsh.

Brickyard Cove offers nice waterfront access, but it could use a bit more TLC in terms of maintenance. If you're planning to spend the day, you'll discover several picnic areas with tables, benches, and some with grills ready for your use.

A crane in a vibrant green meadow

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation Opportunities

One of the park's highlights is its segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail. This multi-use path is meant for walking, jogging, or cycling while taking in breathtaking views of all three Bay bridges.

The trail network has grown over the years, with recent additions filling important gaps and making it easier to move along the shoreline. The paved paths make this an ideal spot for a quiet stroll, a family bike adventure, or a rejuvenating run.

Dog owners will find designated areas where their pets can exercise. Most people are good about keeping dogs leashed in the required areas, which makes for a pleasant experience for everyone.

The slightly flooded north shore during high tide with Mount Tamalpais visible in the far distance

Photo: Jef Poskanzer (CC BY 2.0)

Amenities and Access

You'll come across several parking areas within the park, and the good news is most of them are free. Need a restroom break? Clean facilities are available near the paved parking area close to the Sea Breeze café, south of University Avenue.

Picnic tables dot the landscape, offering perfect spots to enjoy a meal with a waterfront view. The park welcomes visitors daily from 5AM to 10PM, so you can catch both early morning mist and evening color shows over the water.

The rocky shoreline along the south shore with park grounds visible to the left

Photo: Sam Wilson (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Conservation Legacy

This park exists thanks to decades of passionate citizen efforts to protect the San Francisco Bay as a public resource. It's a recreational space that works with nature rather than against it, providing essential green breathing room in one of California's most densely urbanized regions.

For many locals, McLaughlin Eastshore State Park is that hidden treasure - a peaceful escape that can completely change your mood and disconnect you from city stress, all while being just minutes away from Berkeley, Emeryville, and nearby communities.