Roberts Regional Recreation Area
1 / 19

Roberts Regional Recreation Area

4.8
·903 reviews·Oakland, United States

A serene 82-acre park featuring towering second-growth redwoods, a newly remodeled pool, and ample picnic spots.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Roberts Regional Recreation Area

Roberts Regional Recreation Area

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 82-acre park featuring towering second-growth redwoods, a newly remodeled pool, and ample picnic spots.

4.8
(903 reviews)

"Beautiful redwood trails and great facilities make this park a must-visit for picnics and recreation."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Pass Perks

Consider an annual @regionalparksfoundation pass for free parking, saving money on multiple visits.

🥾 Trail Navigation

Some visitors note a lack of clear direction signs on trails; be prepared with a map or GPS.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Redwood Trails

Majestic Redwood Trails

Throughout the park

Wander through towering second-growth redwoods, offering a serene escape and stunning natural beauty.

Newly Remodeled Roberts Pool

Newly Remodeled Roberts Pool

Adjacent to main parking

A fantastic spot to cool off with a newly remodeled pool, great facilities, and lifeguards on duty.

Spacious Picnic & BBQ Areas

Spacious Picnic & BBQ Areas

Various locations

Ideal for gatherings, with ample grass, picnic tables, and BBQ pits perfect for family events.

Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground

Near main parking

A large, fun playground with diverse features catering to both younger children and older kids.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Plan your visit to Roberts Regional Recreation Area to avoid the midday sun and peak crowds. Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience, especially during warmer months. Consider the pool's operating hours if you're planning a swim.

Getting There Without a Car

While driving is common, reaching Roberts Regional Recreation Area without a car can be challenging and costly. Public transport options exist but may require significant walking or additional rideshare services. Factor in potential ride-share availability and costs.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Pool is open, lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Live Ricardo Arjona!🥰 #ricardoarjona #ricardoarjonafans #tomamecomoaltequila #parks #robertpark #oakland #loveoutdoors #2022 #HolidayOREOke
@daniaemv
6.2K likes • 125K views

🚗 Parking Pass Perks

Consider an annual @regionalparksfoundation pass for free parking, saving money on multiple visits. Instagram

🥾 Trail Navigation

Some visitors note a lack of clear direction signs on trails; be prepared with a map or GPS. Reddit

A huge cordon is in place in Oaklands Recreation Ground following the tragedy #westmidlands #birmingham #news #police
@birmingham.live
3.9K likes • 135.5K views
Roberts Pool — Oakland Newly remodeled Roberts Pool in Roberts Regional Recreation Area, an @ebrpd, is the place to be when it’s hot! Great pool. Great facilities. Easy parking. Wheelchair accessible! Lifeguards on duty. Swim vests available for loan. Hot tip: buy an annual @regionalparksfoundation pass for$105 for the family and get free parking and free entry at all regional parks! Hard to ...
amom2kidsandapark
76 likes • 6.5K views

🏊 Pool Entry Fee

The swimming pool is affordable, with low entry fees for both kids and adults. Reddit

🧺 Group Area Booking

The park offers great group areas, perfect for events like baby showers. Reddit

Visiting Roberts regional recreation area Oakland ca pt3
keon21nature_east_bay
3 likes • 222 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Pass Perks

Consider an annual @regionalparksfoundation pass for free parking, saving money on multiple visits. Instagram

🥾 Trail Navigation

Some visitors note a lack of clear direction signs on trails; be prepared with a map or GPS. Reddit

🏊 Pool Entry Fee

The swimming pool is affordable, with low entry fees for both kids and adults. Reddit

🧺 Group Area Booking

The park offers great group areas, perfect for events like baby showers. Reddit

💨 Be Aware of Smoking

Some visitors have noted instances of pot smoking in neighboring areas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(903 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Roberts Regional Recreation Area for its beautiful redwood trails, spacious picnic areas, and family-friendly amenities like the adventure playground and affordable pool. While the park is generally well-maintained, some reviews mention issues with slow entry processes at the kiosk and a lack of clear directional signs on hiking trails.

"I read all the reviews before coming here. Every review is accurate.
Lovely big park, bathrooms on site. Lots of grass and picnic table areas for parties. Beautiful redwood trails, so many I didnt know which way to chose. Definitely coming back."

Vic

"Really nice park. Big, fun playground with lots of features for older and small kids. Swings, slides, climbing. Large grass area with bbq pits. Clean flush toilets. Nice walking trails all around with bbq pits and picnic tables. The swimming pool in the same parking lot is only $3 for kids and $5 for adults."

ne maez

"Inept management at the kiosk resulted in a very slow process of entry. A Mile long line of cars with engines running polluted the air while a very slow entry operator failed at her job. Need automation. Park is well kept with bbq pits and beautiful areas."

David Cash

What People Like

Beautiful redwood trails
Spacious picnic & BBQ areas
Fun adventure playground

What People Dislike

Slow kiosk entry
Trail signage
Occasional pot smoking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Getting to Roberts Regional Recreation Area without a car can be tricky. While the 33 bus can get you closer to the Skyline Gate, you might still need a Lyft or Uber, which can be expensive and have limited availability in the area. Rideshare costs from nearby transit hubs like 12th St or Fruitvale can be around $30. Reddit

Yes, public transportation like the 33 bus can get you to Montclair, which is closer to the Skyline Gate of the park. However, further travel to the park entrance might still require a rideshare service. Reddit

Parking is available at the park, and there is an entry fee. Purchasing an annual pass from the @regionalparksfoundation can offer free parking benefits. Instagram

Yes, you can use ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber. However, be aware that availability might be limited in certain areas, and costs can add up, especially for longer distances. Reddit

Drive times will vary depending on your starting location in the Bay Area. It's recommended to check real-time traffic conditions before you leave.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entry fee for the park. The swimming pool has separate, affordable fees: $3 for kids and $5 for adults. Reddit

Yes, an annual pass from the @regionalparksfoundation can provide benefits like free parking, which can be cost-effective for frequent visitors. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official East Bay Regional Park District website for the most current hours of operation for both the park and the pool.

For general park entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you are planning a large group event or reserving a specific picnic area, it's advisable to check the park's reservation policies.

Roberts Pool typically operates seasonally, primarily during the warmer months. Check the park's official schedule for specific opening and closing dates.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking on redwood trails, swimming at Roberts Pool, picnicking with BBQ pits, and playing at the adventure playground. The park also offers routes for biking and horse riding. Reddit

Yes, clean flush restrooms are available throughout the park. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features beautiful redwood trails, with many options for different skill levels. Some visitors mention a lack of clear signage, so a map is recommended. Reddit

Roberts Pool has been newly remodeled and offers great facilities, with lifeguards on duty and swim vests available for loan. Instagram

Yes, the park is very popular for picnics and BBQs, with numerous grass areas, picnic tables, and BBQ pits available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The redwood groves offer stunning, atmospheric shots, especially with dappled sunlight. The newly remodeled pool area and scenic picnic spots are also great for capturing memories. Instagram

Yes, the park's natural beauty, particularly the redwoods, makes it a popular and picturesque location for intimate weddings and other events. Instagram+1

The redwood canopy creates a unique lighting environment, often with soft, diffused light. Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, dramatic effects. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in East Bay Regional Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official park district regulations regarding drone operation.

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide magical lighting. Midday can be quite bright, but the redwoods offer shade. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Roberts Regional Recreation Area is a fantastic family destination. The adventure playground is a major draw, offering a variety of swings, slides, and climbing structures for different age groups. Reddit The newly remodeled Roberts Pool is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day, with lifeguards and loaner vests for safety. Instagram

Beyond the playground and pool, families can enjoy picnics with ample space and BBQ pits, making it easy to spend a full day here. The redwood trails offer gentle walks suitable for strollers or short hikes with little ones, providing a beautiful natural backdrop. Instagram Remember to check pool hours and consider an annual pass for cost savings on parking. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Roberts Regional Recreation Area offers great value. The park itself has an entry fee, but the affordable swimming pool ($3 for kids, $5 for adults) is a significant draw. Reddit Consider purchasing an annual pass from the @regionalparksfoundation if you plan multiple visits, as it often includes free parking. Instagram

Packing your own picnic and BBQ supplies is a cost-effective way to enjoy meals in the park, utilizing the numerous available picnic tables and pits. Reddit While rideshares can be expensive for getting to the park without a car, exploring public transport options like the 33 bus can help reduce overall travel costs. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Event Planners

The majestic redwood groves of Roberts Regional Recreation Area provide a stunning and atmospheric backdrop for photography, especially during the golden hours. Instagram The park is also a popular and picturesque venue for intimate weddings and events, with its natural beauty adding a unique charm. Instagram+1

Beyond the redwoods, the newly remodeled pool offers modern aesthetics, and the spacious picnic areas can be styled for various events. While the park is beautiful, photographers should be mindful of potential signage issues on trails and check park regulations regarding drone usage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Redwood Trails

Roberts Regional Recreation Area is renowned for its impressive stand of second-growth redwoods. These majestic trees create a serene and almost mystical atmosphere, making it a prime spot for nature walks and photography. Trails like the Camp Trail offer a chance to immerse yourself in the forest's tranquility. Instagram

While the redwoods provide a cool respite, be aware that signage can sometimes be sparse. Visitors often recommend bringing a map or using a GPS app to navigate the various hiking, biking, and horse riding routes. The sheer number of trails means you can discover new paths on each visit. Reddit

The park's redwood environment is perfect for quiet contemplation or an invigorating hike. The towering trees offer a sense of scale and history, even though they are second-growth. It's a beautiful example of nature's resilience and a popular spot for those seeking an escape into the green heart of the East Bay.

The Roberts Pool Experience

During warmer months, the newly remodeled Roberts Pool becomes a major attraction. It's a fantastic place to cool off, featuring great facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere. Lifeguards are on duty, and swim vests are available for loan, adding to the safety and convenience for families. Instagram

The pool is also remarkably affordable, with low entry fees making it an accessible option for a fun day out. Its location within the recreation area means you can easily combine a swim with a picnic or a walk among the redwoods. Easy parking further enhances the visitor experience. Instagram

For those looking to maximize their visits, purchasing an annual pass from the @regionalparksfoundation can be a smart move, often including free parking. This makes the pool and the rest of the park even more appealing for repeat visits throughout the season.

Picnics and Group Gatherings

Roberts Regional Recreation Area is a prime destination for picnics and group events, boasting numerous grass areas, picnic tables, and BBQ pits. These facilities are well-maintained and provide an ideal setting for family reunions, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers. Reddit

The park's spacious layout ensures that even during busy periods, there are ample spots to set up for a day of outdoor enjoyment. The combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities makes it a popular choice for celebrations. Reddit

Visitors have found the park to be an excellent venue for events like baby showers, highlighting the suitability of the group areas for various occasions. Planning ahead for larger groups is always recommended to secure the best spots.

You may also like