California's Former Landfill In Berkeley Is Now A Scenic Nature Park With Less-Crowded Waterfront Trails

A former landfill isn't exactly what comes to mind when deciding where to spend a beautiful day out, but it is not a novel idea to many. On the list of former landfills turned into gorgeous parks, César Chávez Park stands out as a glittering nature gem overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Berkeley. And before you ask how such a transformation is possible, to begin with, the park's use as a landfill is well in the past. It was officially closed in 1991, after which the city enlisted SCS Engineers to be the park's stewards. Their work now includes operating an innovative system that collects landfill gas, repairs surfaces, and overall ensures the grounds are safe for visitors and wildlife.

Visit César Chávez Park and you'll immediately notice how attractive it is. Its sweeping, grass-covered hills jut out onto the east side of the bay, providing wide-open views of the sparkling water and San Francisco in the distance. Parkgoers come to picnic, jog, and let their dogs loose at the 17-acre dog park. The park is often wind-swept, making it a perfect locale for flying kites. Several benches are also sprinkled throughout and are great spots to sit and enjoy the views as the wind flies through your hair. To experience the park in its entirety, take a stroll along its trails. Visitors have glowing things to say about the paths, with one previous trailgoer on Google describing them as "great walking trails," while another wrote that the park has "easy walking trails and amazing views."

Berkeley is known for its bayside beauty and is one of the most walkable California destinations, and César Chávez Park is no exception. The most popular trail in the park is the César Chávez Park Trail, a roughly 1.5-mile paved path that starts at the parking area and then skirts around the entire perimeter. While the trail is often described as popular for runners and bikers, its size makes it feel less crowded. One reviewer on AllTrails wrote that there is "So much space and soothing water views." Photos of the park also reflect that sentiment, with some showing long distances between the photographer and other people partaking in a leisurely stroll.

The César Chávez Park Loop starts at the head of the park before entering and looping around its interior. This trail is also rated as easy, like the larger main trail, but the path is dirt rather than paved. At certain spots, you can gaze upon lush shrubbery adorned with wildflowers. As you walk, you'll have clear views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail can take up to an hour to complete and connects to other paths that crisscross the park.

Benches adorned with commemorative plaques can be found throughout the park, which provide nice places to sit while taking in the views. For example, a collection of benches perches above the shoreline along the César Chávez Park Trail. Bird watchers can also pause to view the various birds that abound at the park. As logged on eBird, interesting shorebirds and waterbirds live there, such as black-bellied plovers, Clark's grebes, and buffleheads.

Berkeley is America's healthiest city with 256 days of sun. To enjoy these sunny days, folks often fly colorful kites above César Chávez Park. If you want to purchase a kite to fly in the park, HighlineKites operates a kite truck, which is stationed at the Berkeley Marina parking lot directly next door. The truck offers a wide range of options, including show kites, stunt kites, and kite-making kits.

Pet owners will love the dog park at César Chávez Park, rated by CBS News as "one of the best places in the East Bay to spoil your dog." As an added perk, there is also a water fountain with water dishes available. While César Chávez Park isn't a national park, you can still review the crucial "BARK" rules before visiting. Dogs here must be voice-trained and must be leashed if they behave aggressively.

César Chávez Park is just past the Berkeley Marina, off Spinnaker Way. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are available at various spots. If you want to reserve a section of the park for an outdoor celebration, you can start the process by contacting the City of Berkeley via its events and facility rentals page. It's important to know that due to serious allegations against the park's namesake, as detailed per Berkleyside, the park will be undergoing a name change.