San Leandro Bay in California

Trip Overview

Nestled in between the busy City of Oakland and the Oakland International Airport lies a quiet refuge to paddle. The main body of San Leandro Bay offers some nice paddling for the beginner who is just starting in the sport to the advanced paddler. Since the bay is a refuge it offers some nice views of shoreline birds and the wildlife in the area. Heading East outside the bay puts one into the San Francisco Bay. Here one can paddle up the coast a bit and put into Robert Crown State Beach for a brief snack or a relaxing nap. Or paddle farther to view the historical aircraft carrier, USS Hornet.

Heading North will put one into the Oakland Estuary. One can paddle up through a combination of industry and residential homes that dot the shores. One can have a nice lunch or dinner at Jack London Square or one of the restaurants that line the estuary. California Canoe and Kayak (510-893-7833) has a shop in the heart of Jack London Square for your paddling needs.

Since San Leandro Bay is quite shallow in some parts, One should check the tides and stay in the channel during low tides.

Accommodations:

The park offers a open field and picnic area, running water, and toilets.

Fees:

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline offers FREE parking and FREE launching from it's boat ramp.

Directions:

From Freeway 880 take the Hegenberger Road exit and head West to Doolittle Drive. Turn Right onto Doolittle Drive and head North for a mile. Entrance will be on the Right side.