Almaden Lake Park
A serene San Jose oasis with a 32-acre lake, scenic trails, and a vibrant all-inclusive playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Almaden Lake Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene San Jose oasis with a 32-acre lake, scenic trails, and a vibrant all-inclusive playground.
"A little oasis in this increasingly digital world, offering tranquility and community."
🚗 Parking Fee
Be prepared for a $6 parking fee (cash or card). An annual City of San Jose pass is an option for frequent visitors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the 1.4-mile lake loop trail and other park areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
All-Inclusive Playground
Near Winfield Blvd entrance
A newly renovated, fully fenced playground designed for all abilities, featuring unique structures and ample swings.
Lake Loop Trail
Circumference of Almaden Lake
A scenic 1.4-mile paved path offering beautiful lake views, ideal for walks, runs, and bike rides.
Bocce Ball Courts
Near the lake
Publicly accessible bocce ball courts provide a fun, casual activity for groups and families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
New Playground Alert!
Lake Access & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fee
Be prepared for a $6 parking fee (cash or card). An annual City of San Jose pass is an option for frequent visitors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the 1.4-mile lake loop trail and other park areas.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Shade can be limited in some areas; bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
🎣 Fishing Fun
The lake is stocked for fishing, making it a great spot to teach kids or enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee
Be prepared for a $6 parking fee (cash or card). An annual City of San Jose pass is an option for frequent visitors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the 1.4-mile lake loop trail and other park areas.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Shade can be limited in some areas; bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
🎣 Fishing Fun
The lake is stocked for fishing, making it a great spot to teach kids or enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
🐶 Dog-Friendly
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Almaden Lake Park is a cherished community gem offering a beautiful lake setting and a newly renovated, all-inclusive playground. Visitors appreciate the scenic trails, picnic areas, and recreational amenities like bocce ball courts. However, some playground features may be challenging for younger children, and the lake is closed to swimming.
"Almaden Lake Park has a lot of potential and some great features. The playground includes an impressive, all-inclusive swing setup that’s accessible for both kids and adults. However, the only slide is practically unreachable. To use the slide you must climb a rope structure 20 feet up, which proved unsafe and challenging—even for my athletic 9 year old. It seems better suited for older kids, likely around 10 and up, and there isn’t much for younger children or toddlers to enjoy.
That said, the park’s setting by the lake is beautiful. We enjoyed watching geese and ducklings pass by, which added a peaceful touch to our visit. Just a heads-up: this lake has an algae that makes it closed to entering the water. This makes me even more worried with the edge of the lake looking a bit unsafe in spots, so it’s best to keep a close eye on kids and little ones near the water. With a few updates, this park could be an incredible family destination."
The Best In San Jose
"Was there’s supporting racers at the beer city run. Lots of benches in and out of shade/sun. The water faucet fountain was not working which was not great considering it was 100. Park was clean. Bathrooms could use some work"
Bobbie chavarria
"What a gem for the community. Almaden Lake Park is a little oasis in this increasingly digital (all?) world we’re living in. My mom lives within two miles of this park, so I’ve taken her here for nice walks and picnics.
I’ve been here over the years for the fishing - when catching fish is not really the goal. It’s very nice to take a bit of fresh air around beautiful scenery, ducks and geese, kids playing on the several playgrounds, people exercising, couples spending time together, families enjoying the MANY picnic areas (there’s more than you could imagine), people trail “hiking,” people playing bocci ball on the bocci ball courts(!), and more.
There’s so much going on at any time, yet it is somehow tranquil. You can have the experience you need with every visit - at the same place.
The nicest thing is that you feel miles away from the throngs of white Teslas that start lining up and clogging the roads for rush hour around 3pm, yet you are mere minutes away from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
We can all use a break - from work, clients, WiFi, city sounds, traffic, etc. - and this place has the amenities and scenery to give you that chance to unwind…without driving for hours to get there if you live or visit the South San Jose area."
Rick Tracewell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Almaden Lake Park is located at 6099 Winfield Blvd, San Jose, CA 95120. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a parking lot available. A $6 parking fee is required, payable by credit card or exact cash. An annual City of San Jose parking pass is also valid.
Absolutely! The park is connected to the Los Alamitos Creek Trail and Guadalupe River Trail, making it easily accessible for cyclists.
Yes, the paved 1.4-mile loop trail around the lake is perfect for strollers, making it easy to navigate with young children.
The park is conveniently located near major roadways in San Jose, making it easy to access from various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general entrance fee for the park itself. However, there is a $6 parking fee per vehicle.
Park hours are generally from sunrise to sunset. Specific facility hours, like restrooms or concession stands, may vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check the official City of San Jose Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services website for the most current information.
No, the playground is free to use once you have paid for parking. It's a great spot for kids to play and explore.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. There are numerous picnic tables available throughout the park for your convenience.
Almaden Lake Park occasionally hosts community events, festivals, and performances. Keep an eye on local event listings or the park's official channels for announcements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, biking on the paved trails, fishing in the lake, playing on the playground, and using the bocce ball courts. The park is also great for picnics and enjoying nature.
No, swimming in Almaden Lake is not permitted due to algae. The water is closed to entering.
Yes, restrooms are available within the park. Some reviews suggest they could use some work, but they are functional.
The park offers beautiful lake views, scenic mountain backdrops, and abundant wildlife like ducks and geese, making it a great spot for photography, especially during golden hour.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Almaden Lake Park, making it a perfect destination for a walk with your pet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a full-service restaurant within the park. However, there is a seasonal concession stand that may offer snacks and drinks.
Yes, Almaden Lake Park has numerous picnic areas, many with tables, making it an ideal location for a family picnic or gathering.
The concession stand typically offers casual snacks and beverages. It's best to check its operating status and offerings closer to your visit, as it's seasonal.
Yes, the park is conveniently located near South San Jose, where you can find a variety of restaurants and dining options, including popular chains and local eateries.
While specific barbecue grills are not explicitly mentioned, the park's numerous picnic areas suggest it's a popular spot for outdoor dining. It's advisable to check park rules regarding open flames or grills.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself, with its reflections and surrounding scenery, is a prime spot. The new playground also offers colorful backdrops. Look for areas with ducks and geese for wildlife shots.
Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer beautiful lighting for landscape and portrait photography. Early mornings can also be serene and less crowded.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
You can often spot ducks, geese, and various bird species around the lake. Keep an eye out for them during your visit.
Drone usage in city parks often requires permits and adherence to specific regulations. It's best to check with the City of San Jose Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services for their drone policy before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The 1.4-mile paved loop trail around the lake is also perfect for strollers and young walkers. While the playground has diverse features, some parts might be challenging for very young toddlers. However, the ample swings and open spaces provide plenty of fun. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as the seasonal concession stand might have limited offerings. The lake itself is not for swimming, but watching the ducks and geese can be entertaining for kids.
🚶♀️ Active Adults & Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 The park also features bocce ball courts, providing a fun, low-impact recreational activity. Beyond structured activities, the park's open spaces and scenic lake views make it a pleasant environment for outdoor exercise and mindfulness. The relatively low crowds on weekday mornings offer a peaceful setting for your fitness routine.
🎣 Anglers
Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before you cast your line. While the lake is not suitable for swimming, its banks provide accessible spots for anglers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New All-Inclusive Playground
+2While praised for its inclusivity, some visitors note that certain features, like a high-up slide requiring rope climbing, might be more suitable for older children. Despite this, the playground's design aims to foster a sense of community and shared fun, making it a valuable addition for families in the San Jose area.
Adjacent to the playground, you'll find convenient amenities like a parking lot and restrooms, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The playground's opening was celebrated as a milestone for inclusive play in San Jose.
+1Exploring the Lake and Trails
+1While the lake is beautiful, it's important to note that swimming is not permitted due to algae. However, the park is a designated spot for fishing, and many visitors enjoy casting a line. The trail also connects to longer trail systems like the Los Alamitos Creek Trail and Guadalupe River Trail for those seeking extended outdoor adventures.
Beyond the trail, the park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including ducks and geese, which many visitors find to be a peaceful and enjoyable aspect of their visit.
Community Hub and Relaxation
A unique amenity at the park is the public bocce ball courts, which are often bustling with activity. This provides a fun, accessible game for people of all ages to enjoy. The park's proximity to the Santa Cruz Mountains also adds to its scenic appeal, offering a picturesque backdrop for relaxation.
Despite being close to urban amenities, the park provides a sense of tranquility, allowing visitors to unwind and disconnect. It's a cherished local spot that offers a chance to enjoy nature and community without having to travel far.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit