Lake Temescal

Temescal is a small reservoir in the Oakland hills, set next to the Highway 24 and 13 junction, with a sandy swim beach and a Beach House that has changing rooms and showers. Lifeguards cover the swim area on summer weekends, and swimming is only allowed April through October. The park tests the water weekly and posts algae advisories, so read the sign at the beach before you get in.

Directions

Photo: Lagringa · Public domain

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Latest reading · SwimScore 92/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 24°C, wind 5 km/h, UV 7. Updated 23 Sept, 20:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Getting in: East Bay Regional Park District recreation area; the North (Broadway) entrance is closest to the Beach House, with a smaller South (Broadway Terrace) entrance and walk-in gates. Park open 5am to 10pm; vehicle gates 8am to 10pm.
Parking & transport: About 180 spaces in the north lot and about 20 in the south lot; $5 per vehicle, charged April through October when the kiosk is attended (cashless).
Lifeguards: Lifeguarded swim area 11am to 6pm on weekends and holidays, May 16 to Sept. 27 (2026 season); otherwise swim at your own risk.
Water quality: EBRPD and Alameda County Environmental Health test the beach weekly for bacteria from April to October, post stop-light signs with the results, and post blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) advisories when blooms are found.
Season: Swimming allowed April through October; prohibited November through March.
Watch for: Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms
Elevated bacteria after rain: avoid swimming for 3 days after a storm
No lifeguards outside posted hours
Facilities: Beach House with changing rooms and showers · Accessible restrooms · Beach wheelchairs · Fishing pier