California
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

6 Lazy Rivers & Lakes Around San Francisco That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

Discover the best lakes and rivers near San Francisco for tubing and water activities.

Updated Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Julian Garr

Fog City has relatively mild summers - It's one of the things that we love about San Francisco. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself with fun in the sun. If you're up for an adventure, there are plenty of lazy rivers near San Francisco where you can try out tubing, river floating, or even lazy river rafting. Explore some of these lakes and rivers near San Francisco - we have so many opportunities for water fun around the Bay area!

1. Russian River

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Flickr/Brian
The Russian River is the classic river getaway for city and Bay area residents. If you're looking to enjoy the best of Northern California, look no further. There is no better way to experience the beauty of the mighty Russian River than to take a trip down it. There are a number of worthwhile tubing locations along the river.

2. Bass Lake

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Flickr/Amy Meredith

Bass Lake is the perfect spot for anything fun and summery near San Francisco. Before you arrive, make sure you are prepared to hike. This is a lake for all occasions and wonderful amusements. Tubing is just one of the many attractions here. You're also not far from one of the most beautiful waterfalls near San Francisco: Alamere Falls.

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3. Lake Berryessa

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Flickr/Dan Brekke
Looking for the perfect destination to relax for a weekend? It doesn't get much better than Napa. Lake Berryessa is perfect for thrill-seekers and relaxers alike. If you want to get away and have some real summer thrills, check out the heart-stopping view of the glory hole: it's wild and looks like an optical illusion, but it's real life. If you prefer something a little more chill, take a tube and enjoy one of the best floats near San Francisco.

4. Spring Lake

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Flickr/JJG53

Spring Lake is the perfect place to visit for the entire family. Kayaking, canoeing, floats, and tubes are all fantastic options for enjoying a day out on the water. Spring Lake Regional Park is massive and such a delight. There is a lot to do in this Santa Rosa park!

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5. American River

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Flickr/Ken Lund

The American River offers up so many options for fun that will make your day bright and joyful. If you have a tube or inflatable, the section from Ponderosa to Upper Clementine is a particularly easy put-in spot for relaxing down the river. If you've never been rafting down the American River, it's one of the most enjoyable activities in Northern California and definitely belongs on your bucket list.

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6. Sacramento River

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Flickr/Bureau of Reclamation
Willing to explore a little? Head out towards Sacramento. Along the Sacramento River, you'll find plenty of tubing action. As the longest river in Northern California, there's more than enough room for fun here!

Whichever one you choose, be sure to remember the sun protection! Have you ever been to any of these lakes and lazy rivers near San Francisco? Share your experiences in the comments! Want even more waterside fun? Check out these waterfront trails near San Francisco.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Here Are 8 Swimming Holes Near San Francisco That Will Make Your Summer Epic

Discover top swimming spots around the Bay Area for cooling off during hot weather.

Updated May 27, 2023

Written by 

Julian Garr

When the weather gets hot, the tough get swimming. If you're looking to get wet and have some fun, then check out these Bay Area swimming holes around San Francisco. Let's start swimming!

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1. Lake Temescal - 6500 Broadway, Oakland, 94618

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Akiko N/Yelp

This is one of the closer spots to swim near the city. The swim area has a sand beach bordered by a beautiful green area. Many avid water enthusiasts will love the swimming opportunities here.

2. Bass Lake - Mesa Rd, Bolinas, CA 94924

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Ole Holbech/Flickr

When you leave the city, pass by the lovely Golden Gate to this beautiful lake. Be prepared for a 2.7-mile hike to this lake though. This is a popular spot with lots of hikes and natural beauty around as well.

3. Crown Beach - 8th St & Otis Dr, Alameda, 94501

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Tri P/Yelp

Very close to the city, and better yet you get a sandy beach in the Bay Area. The water is warmer than what you get in the city and shallow, so you can swim with ease. Crown Beach is an ideal spot for a day trip from the city. Get a closer look at this beautiful beach:

4. Lake Del Valle - 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, 94550

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Michelle B/Yelp

Not too far from Fog City, this man-made lake has everything you could want for swimming or just cooling off. Lots of activities here including fishing, boating, and beach fun.

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5. Garden of Eden - 210 State Rt 9, Santa Cruz, 95018

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Joaquin Jamison/Google

Expect and enjoy natural beauty, clear water, and a lush ring of redwoods. The Garden of Eden is truly mesmerizing. This is a spot in the Santa Cruz area that attracts swimmers of all types, so expect anything goes mentality here.

6. Russian River - Monte Rio Beach - 20488 Hwy 116, Monte Rio, 95462

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Victoria E/Yelp

Believe it or not, you can find free activities in wine country. Swimming is free and fun and what better way to stay cool than visit this epic river? The recommended area here is Monte Rio Beach on the Russian River.

7. American River - Discovery Park, Sacramento, 94203

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Nicky N/Yelp

This is a more relaxing spot for lounging on the river, relaxing on the beach, picnics, and of course swimming. The American River is popular, so expect big groups, especially for tubing and weekend gatherings.

8. Shadow Cliffs Park - 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, 94566

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Winnie G/Yelp

This is the perfect place for families and gatherings, and most importantly to swim. Wander around the park and spend time at Shadow Cliffs as this is a hidden gem in the South Bay. Check out the sights you’ll see here:

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Have you been to any of these Bay Area swimming holes? Do you have any favorite secret swimming holes? Let us know and share your experiences in the comments. Share this story too! If you're curious about the best swimming holes then check out this lazy river near San Francisco.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

10 Perfect Places To Kayak And Canoe Around San Francisco This Summer

Discover top spots for kayaking and canoeing around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Published Aug 19, 2017

Written by 

Julian Garr

Summer is fading away, but not over. Enjoy the last month or so of summer in style. Check out these places to kayak and canoe around the San Francisco Bay area.

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1. South Beach Harbor - Embarcadero at Townsend, San Francisco, 94107

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Natalie S/Yelp

Kayaking in San Francisco is quite unforgettable for many reasons. City Kayak offers rentals for adults and children. All levels are welcome here, and the views are more than worthwhile as well.

2. San Francisco Kayak - 350 Townsend, San Francisco, 94107

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Neil F/Yelp

You have two options for kayaking and canoeing in San Francisco. You can either use City Kayaks or San Francisco Kayak & Adventures, and you won't regret it. The views from this ride will be memorable and more than Instagram worthy.

3. Lake Chabot - 17930 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, 94546

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Carlie R/Yelp

The East Bay has a number of options. Lake Chabot is close to the city and quite fun to explore. You can kayak as well as canoe, in addition there are other boat rentals available.

4. Sea Trek - 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 94965

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Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center/Yelp

Head over the bridge to Sausalito for some water fun. Experience awesome views of the city, get in a workout, and possibly see some seals. Honestly, you can't beat a day on the Bay!

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5. Lake Merritt Boating Center - 568 Bellevue Ave, Lakeside Park, Oakland, 94610

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Rosie E/Yelp

Lake Merritt offers pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and rowboats for rental. This is an affordable place, so you can be on the water for as little as a half an hour or more.

6. Parkside Aquatic Park - 1097 Seal Ct, San Mateo, 94497

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Jessica G/Yelp

This spot includes a sandy beach you can bring a kayak or canoe. Also, you can rent a kayak or canoe. Parkside offers picnic areas, BBQ grills, and areas to relax.

7. Shoreline Lake - 3160 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, 94043

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Karen L/Yelp

Down in the South Bay, Mountain View offers some good places for water activities. At this lake, you can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and more for affordable prices.

8. Lafayette Reservoir - 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, 94549

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Jayson C/Yelp

This is a serene spot for getting away from the city. You have more kayak and canoe options here. Also, you can stop to picnic area/BBQ spots at different points here.

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9. Quarry Lakes - 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, 94536

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Kathleen N/Yelp

Another nice spot is in Fremont for canoeing and kayaking. Quarry Lakes has a beach for swimming, plenty of fishing areas, a fruit grove, and picnic spots.

10. Berkeley Aquatic Park - 80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, 94701

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Michelle H/Yelp

Berkeley offers some great opportunities to get on the water. You can rent canoes or kayaks at Berkeley Aquatic Park. If you are feeling bored with the water then check out the golf course here.

If you're curious about other cool stuff near the city then check out The Tiny Beach Town Near San Francisco You Need To Visit.

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