Live Oak Park Berkeley
A serene Berkeley park with a charming creek, wooded paths, playgrounds, and a community center, perfect for relaxation and events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful study or relaxation
Live Oak Park Berkeley
Best Time
Peaceful study or relaxation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Berkeley park with a charming creek, wooded paths, playgrounds, and a community center, perfect for relaxation and events.
"It's a nice city park with a mix of amenities and spaces for meeting up with friends."
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Great for picnics with friends, especially in the grassy areas near the creek.
🌳 Study Sanctuary
An underrated spot for studying outdoors with beautiful scenery and bird sounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Idyllic Creek
Runs through the park
A peaceful stream meanders through the park, offering a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy nature's sounds.
Community Center & Theater
South of the main lawn
Home to performing arts and community events, this area adds a cultural dimension to the park experience.
+1
Playgrounds & Courts
Near the community center
Features playgrounds suitable for older children, plus basketball and tennis courts for active fun.
Berkeley Art Center
Across the street (Area 2)
Explore local art in a free-admission gallery, a great addition to a park visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nature Vibe
Check for Events & Activities
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Great for picnics with friends, especially in the grassy areas near the creek.
🌳 Study Sanctuary
An underrated spot for studying outdoors with beautiful scenery and bird sounds.
🎭 Check Event Schedule
The park hosts theater and festivals; check listings to catch a show or fair.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paths and creek bed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Great for picnics with friends, especially in the grassy areas near the creek.
🌳 Study Sanctuary
An underrated spot for studying outdoors with beautiful scenery and bird sounds.
🎭 Check Event Schedule
The park hosts theater and festivals; check listings to catch a show or fair.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paths and creek bed.
🎨 Art Center Visit
Don't miss the free admission Berkeley Art Center across the street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Live Oak Park is appreciated for its natural beauty, especially the creek and wooded areas, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation and picnics. It also serves as a community hub with playgrounds, courts, and frequent events. However, some visitors find the park can become noisy with children and parents during busy periods.
"I been to his park in my day program plenty of times before and earlier today doing a video project. The Atmosphere is nice and it’s great to have barbecues during the summer."
Brendan Harris
"Live Oak Park is a nice city park with a mix of amenities and spaces for meeting up with friends. There are several distinct areas for different activity types, and this park is especially popular with families.
Between Shattuck and Walnut Streets, there is a green space for groups and families to hang out. There are some nice trees and an idyllic stream where you can catch nature vibes.
Directly south of the lawn and separated by the stream, there is the Live Oak Community Center and Live Oak Theater for community events and performing arts. This side of the park contains playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The playground amenities are much better for older children than toddlers. The varuous ball courts are in decent-but-not-amazing condition.
Across the street (between Walnut and Oxford), there is a smaller park "Area 2" with some picnic tables and a grill. There isn't much green space on this side, but you can visit the Berkeley Art Center while here. I recommend stopping by if you are visiting when the Art Center is open (12pm-5pm, Fri-Sun, free admission)."
Anon E. Mouse
"Decent sized small park with lots of nooks and crannies to chill. Calm, peaceful and a little creek runs right through it- a huge bonus."
Luís Arnold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Live Oak Park is located between Shattuck and Walnut Streets in North Berkeley. It's accessible by public transport, with bus stops nearby. Parking can be found on surrounding streets.
Street parking is available around the park, but it can be competitive, especially during events or peak hours.
Yes, biking is a great option. There are bike racks available, and it's a pleasant ride through the North Berkeley neighborhood.
The main paths are generally stroller-friendly, but some areas near the creek might be uneven.
From downtown Berkeley, you can take a bus heading north on Shattuck Avenue or enjoy a scenic bike ride of about 10-15 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Live Oak Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Entry is free for all visitors.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like the community center may have separate hours.
Tickets are usually required for specific events like theater performances or festivals held at the park. Check event details for ticketing information.
While there are many picnic spots, reservations are typically not required for general use. For larger organized events, contact the Berkeley Parks and Recreation department.
Yes, the Berkeley Art Center, located across the street from the park, offers free admission.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking paths, relax by the creek, have picnics, use the playgrounds, basketball, and tennis courts, or attend community events and performances.
Restroom facilities are available, typically located near the community center and playgrounds.
The park has playgrounds, but they are noted as being better suited for older children than toddlers. The creek area and open spaces are enjoyable for all ages.
Berkeley parks generally have leash laws. Dogs are usually allowed on leash, but check specific park signage for any restrictions.
Expect to see mature trees, a flowing creek, and various bird species, creating a peaceful, natural ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Live Oak Park is situated near the shops and restaurants of Upper Shattuck Avenue, offering various dining options.
The park is a popular spot for barbecues during the summer. Grills may be available in designated areas.
Yes, picnic tables are available throughout the park, particularly in Area 2 across the street.
The Upper Shattuck Avenue area offers a range of cuisines, from casual cafes to more formal dining.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged for picnics and gatherings in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The creek area, mature trees, and the community center architecture offer picturesque backdrops for photography.
Yes, the creek, foliage, and birdlife make it a lovely spot for capturing natural scenes.
Personal photography is generally allowed, but professional shoots or extensive event coverage might require permits.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks. It's best to check with Berkeley Parks and Recreation for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you're looking for a more relaxed experience with little ones. Be prepared for potential noise from other families during peak times on weekends.
📚 Students & Remote Workers
Key takeaway: The park offers a peaceful ambiance, especially during weekdays, making it ideal for focused work or study away from typical campus or cafe distractions. Remember to bring your essentials, as amenities might be spread out.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
+2Must-do: Check the park's event calendar before your visit to align your trip with a performance or festival for a richer cultural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serene Creek and Natural Ambiance
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and idyllic, a welcome escape from urban bustle. The mature trees offer ample shade, enhancing the park's natural charm and making it a pleasant place to unwind. This natural setting is perfect for those seeking a moment of solitude or a picturesque backdrop for a picnic. The gentle flow of the creek and the surrounding greenery create a restorative environment. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature, even within the city.
Community Hub: Events and Activities
+2 These events bring a lively energy to the park, offering visitors a chance to experience local culture and entertainment. The park also features amenities like playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts, catering to active recreation. For those interested in the arts, the Berkeley Art Center is located just across the street and offers free admission, making it a convenient addition to a park visit.
Family-Friendly Features and Considerations
+1 While the playgrounds are noted as being more suitable for older children than toddlers, the overall park environment is welcoming to families. The shady spots and picnic areas provide comfortable spaces for families to gather and enjoy outdoor time together. Parents looking for a break might find the park's serene creek area a good spot for a moment of peace, though some reviews mention that the park can get busy and noisy with children and parents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit