Codornices Park

Nestled in the foothills of the Berkeley Hills, near the city of Oakland, lies the picturesque Codornices Park—a true green oasis and one of the oldest and most charming recreation spots in this part of the USA. This natural corner, spanning over 10 acres, harmoniously combines untouched woodlands with well-planned recreational areas.

The park owes its unusual name to history: the Spanish word "codornices" means "quails," which were once the rightful owners of these lands. Today, the park's main features are its ancient redwoods, a babbling creek, and an extensive network of trails winding through lush vegetation.

One of the unique features of this attraction is its connection to the neighboring famous Berkeley Rose Garden. They are linked by a pedestrian underground tunnel, allowing tourists to easily combine a walk through the wild forest with a visit to an exquisite garden. The park is ideal for both active family leisure and peaceful solitude in nature.

For details about events or picnic area reservations, you can contact the park administration. The park is managed by the city's Parks and Recreation department.

The main magnet for visitors of all ages in this park is the legendary 40-foot concrete slide. Sliding down it on a piece of cardboard is a mandatory ritual and a source of pure excitement. Children will also appreciate the modern playgrounds, divided into zones for toddlers and older kids, complete with swings and intricate climbing structures.

Sports enthusiasts should check out the athletic facilities: baseball and softball fields are available here, as well as a basketball court. If you prefer quiet walks, head along the shaded paths of Codornices Creek. Wooden bridges and majestic redwoods create the atmosphere of a real fairy-tale forest.

The park is an ideal spot for a picnic. Spacious grassy lawns and specially equipped areas with tables allow for a comfortable outdoor lunch. By passing through the historic tunnel under Euclid Avenue, you'll find yourself among thousands of roses in the neighboring garden, which makes for a wonderful conclusion to a busy day.

The attraction is located in the scenic Berkeley Hills at 1201 Euclid Avenue. If you are traveling from downtown Oakland, the most convenient way is by car or using Uber and Lyft services. The drive takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.

For those who prefer public transport, you can take bus routes heading toward the UC Berkeley campus. From the university, you can walk up Euclid Avenue to the park or take a short bus ride. The nearest BART station is Downtown Berkeley, where you can easily transfer to a taxi or bus.

If you arrive by private vehicle, free parking is available on the surrounding streets. However, keep in mind that on sunny weekends, spots fill up quickly, so it's better to plan your visit for the first half of the day. The Tamalpais Path is also an interesting pedestrian route that leads to the park through charming residential neighborhoods.

Codornices Park received its exotic name from the Peralta family, who once owned vast land holdings in this part of the USA. The word "codornices" is Spanish for "quails"—birds that were once abundant in the local foothills and along the banks of the creek.

The public space officially opened in 1915, making it one of the oldest municipal parks in the region. At the time, it was designed as a place for city dwellers to connect with nature. Some historical infrastructure elements have survived to this day, such as the old stone fireplaces in the picnic areas, which serve as a reminder of early 20th-century recreation traditions.

The park's modern appearance is largely thanks to local residents. In 1980, the "Amigos de Los Codornices" (Friends of Codornices) organization was formed, led by Professor Francis Violich. Through the efforts of volunteers and Boy Scouts, a major reconstruction was carried out, and in the 1990s, they successfully restored the natural channel of Codornices Creek, turning a former parking lot into an ecological zone with lush vegetation.

To leisurely walk along all the trails and appreciate the beauty of the local nature, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 3 hours. If your goal is just a quick picnic or letting the children slide down the famous concrete slide a few times, one hour will be quite sufficient.

For those planning to combine a visit to the park with a walk through the neighboring rose garden via the underground tunnel, it's best to budget half a day. This will allow you to enjoy both active recreation in the shade of the redwoods and peaceful contemplation of the floral collections without rushing.

The park is open to the public daily, typically welcoming guests from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This allows you to enjoy both the morning freshness of the forest trails and the evening coolness by the creek.

As hours may vary depending on the season or scheduled public events, it is recommended to check the official City of Berkeley website before your trip to confirm the latest information.

The park's location in the hills makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the East Bay. Academic landmarks and cozy urban spots are nearby and worth including in your itinerary.

A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to see the famous university campus and enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.