Top 14 Lakes around San Lorenzo
Best lakes around San Lorenzo, California, offer diverse recreational opportunities within a short distance. The region provides access to various natural and man-made lakes, catering to different outdoor activities. These bodies of water are set amidst varied landscapes, from community parks to redwood forests and marshlands. The area is characterized by its blend of urban proximity and natural escapes, making it a destination for water-based recreation.
Best lakes around San Lorenzo
- The most popular lakes is Lake Chabot Marina,…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Lake Chabot Marina
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Hayward Regional Shoreline
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East Shore Trail — Lake Chabot Regional Park
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West Shore Trail (Lake Chabot Regional Park)
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Eden Landing Ecological Preserve
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Tips from the Community
Long gravel stretch was no issue for my hybrid commuter on a dry day. Nice and quiet, it's a lightly populated trail.
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Lake Chabot Marina is a scenic area that has boating, bike paths, and over a dozen hiking trails. Visitors can rent boats, fish, and kayak in the lake. There is a cafe here, or just vending machines for snacks, restaurants, and picnic areas.
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On the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Eden Landing Ecological Preserve spans about 5,040 acres in size. It was formerly an industrial salt pond from Oliver Salt Company, and the remains can still be found today. Ongoing restoration efforts have rehabilitated over 1,000 acres of marshland as bird habitat. In April of 2016, new trails and a kayak launch were opened to the public.
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Hayward Regional Shoreline encompasses 1,811 acres of salt, water, fresh water, and brackish water marshes, as well as seasonal wetlands and public trails for visitors. The shoreline features five miles of public gravel trails along the waterfront. Keep an eye out for remnants of timber at landing sites along the trail that become visible during low tide, offering a glimpse into this historical landing's history.
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This paved trail on the east side of Lake Chabot is flat and a great spot to warm up before a long ride. It's shaded, with a flat grade, and cooler right next to the lake.
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Lake Chabot Marina is a scenic area with boasts, bike paths, and over a dozen hiking trails. Visitors can rent boats, fish, and kayak in the lake. There is a cafe here, or just vending machines for a snack, restaurants, and picnic areas.
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Swimming is not allowed in Lake Chabot, but you can carry in your own canoe, kayak, or sculling watercraft as long as it's no more than 20 feet long. The launch fee is $3. If you don't bring your own watercraft, you can also rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, pedal boats and small boats with an electric trolling motor. Fees do apply. See https://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake-chabot for more information.
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Paved section of a flat and smooth trail along the east shore of the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for recreation near San Lorenzo?
For diverse recreational opportunities, Lake Chabot Marina is a top choice, offering boating, fishing, and extensive trails. The Loch Lomond Recreation Area provides a serene escape in redwood forests with boating and hiking. For a local option, the San Lorenzo Community Park Lake is ideal for enjoying fresh air.
What activities can I do at Lake Chabot?
At Lake Chabot Marina, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, pedal boats, or small boats with electric trolling motors. The area also features bike paths and over a dozen hiking trails, including the paved East Shore Trail. Fishing for Largemouth bass, Striped bass, and Rainbow trout is popular, though swimming is not permitted.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. Lake Chabot Marina provides boat rentals and picnic areas. The East Shore Trail — Lake Chabot Regional Park is a flat, paved, and shaded path suitable for all ages. The San Lorenzo Community Park Lake also offers a boardwalk and green space for relaxation.
Where can I observe wildlife or birds near San Lorenzo's lakes?
The Hayward Regional Shoreline is excellent for birdwatching, encompassing salt, fresh, and brackish water marshes. Similarly, the Eden Landing Ecological Preserve, a former salt pond, has been restored as a significant bird habitat with new trails and a kayak launch.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near San Lorenzo?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Chabot is regularly stocked with trout and catfish, and anglers often catch Largemouth bass and Striped bass. Horseshoe Lake and Lake Temescal are also recognized for good fishing opportunities in the wider region.
What kind of hiking trails are available around San Lorenzo's lakes?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. The East Shore Trail — Lake Chabot Regional Park is paved, flat, and shaded, ideal for easy walks. The West Shore Trail at Lake Chabot is also paved and offers views of the dam. For a different experience, the Hayward Regional Shoreline features five miles of gravel trails along the waterfront. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around San Lorenzo guide.
Are there mountain biking trails near these lakes?
Yes, the area around San Lorenzo offers mountain biking opportunities. For example, routes like the 'Redtail and Brandon Skyline Trails loop' and 'Mountainbike loop from Anthony Chabot Regional Park' are popular. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around San Lorenzo guide.
Are there wheelchair-accessible paths near the lakes?
Yes, the East Shore Trail — Lake Chabot Regional Park is a paved, flat, and shaded path that is considered wheelchair-accessible, offering scenic views along Lake Chabot.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near San Lorenzo?
The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is open seasonally between March and October. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and boating, avoiding the hotter summer months or potential winter rains. Always check specific park hours and conditions before visiting.
Can I bring my own boat or kayak to the lakes?
At Lake Chabot, you can bring your own canoes, kayaks, or sculling watercraft up to 20 feet long for a launch fee. Loch Lomond Recreation Area also allows private boats, with rentals available. The Eden Landing Ecological Preserve also has a kayak launch.
What makes Loch Lomond Recreation Area a unique destination?
Loch Lomond is unique for its serene setting within the redwood forests of the San Lorenzo Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains. It's a reservoir known for its beautiful scenery, offering a tranquil escape with opportunities for boating, picnicking, and hiking. It operates seasonally and has an admission fee per car.
Are there any running trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails. Popular options include the 'Brandon Trail – West Shore Trail loop from Lake Chabot' and the 'Wes McClure Boat Launch loop from Hayward Regional Shoreline'. More running routes can be found in the Running Trails around San Lorenzo guide.
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