Article

By Ben Lilly

July 23, 2024—The heat has arrived. And here in Silicon Valley, unlike our temperate fog-cooled neighbors in our bay and coastside sister cities, we know about real summer heat —and the desperate craving to jump into cold water that comes with it.

Unfortunately, between historical quicksilver mining and recent warming-triggered algae blooms, good local swimming spots are among Silicon Valley’s rarest amenities. But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist! That’s why we’ve gathered this list of contenders for you to plan your plunge.

Note that we’ve focused on spots that are truly in the South Bay—even spots with some quirky caveats—instead of more obvious choices on the coast, in Wine Country and further afield. (You don’t need us to tell you that the South Bay is within a couple hours of the choicest landscapes on earth.) Here we intend to fulfill the need for Valleyites to find their humbler local options.

1. Memorial Park in Loma Mar
Choice creek-stomping in the central Peninsula

Follow a windy road high above San Mateo and before you get to the coast, you’ll get to Memorial Park. The area here is large for a campsite and manicured park, which is what much of it is. But it’s tiny for an open space preserve, so it’s quick to loop around the several trails and find your favorite beach along Pescadero Creek, which winds through the property. This is a perfect place to trek on the hottest days–as it has the added bonus of shady redwoods. And if you need to pull the cool-off emergency parachute, Pescadero and the windy wet microclimate of the coast are just seven miles away. ($6 per vehicle. 3500 Pescadero Road, Loma Mar. County of San Mateo’s Memorial Park website.)

2. Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont
Small lake & park close to East San Jose

Quarry Lakes’ Horseshoe Lake offers a sandy swimming area at Niles Beach. It’s a pretty spot in a great location, and while there is a boat dock and the lake is stocked for fishing, motor boats are not allowed—so it’s nice and quiet. While cyanobacteria, the blue-green algae that has closed other swimming spots, is sometimes present here, the city tests the water regularly and rates conditions on a green-yellow-red scale—a quick post-swim rinse at the nearby shower is recommended. ($3 per person/$2 for seniors and children. 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont. East Bay Regional Parks District’s Quarry Lakes page.)

3. Don Castro Swim Lagoon in Hayward
A faux-natural and well maintained swim lagoon

Don Castro Swim Lagoon offers the best of both worlds: the parklike shoreline that makes swimming in nature so relaxing, and the carefully maintained (chlorinated) water of that makes the “lagoon” as safe as a giant, landscaped pool. That means that both the friend who’s concerned about water quality and the friend who’s turned off by the vibes of a manmade swimming pool can breathe sighs of relief. This East Bay spot may be a trek for some, but that might mean this fun swim spot will be a discovery. Be aware that there is a limit of visitors; if the lagoon is too full, you won’t be let in—so come early or call in advance! ($3 per person/$2 for seniors and children. 22400 Woodroe Ave, Hayward.
East Bay Regional Parks District’s Don Castro page.

4. Henry Coe State Park in Morgan Hill
An epic full-day hike to China Hole

The South Bay foothills of the Diablo Range have no greater showcase than the dramatic, rolling landscapes of Henry Coe—the biggest state park in Northern California. The park also hides a stunning swimming hole which competes with the best that the more swimmer-friendly regions of NorCal have to offer. We’re talking a sandy beach, shady cottonwoods blowing in the breeze, and crystalline water that gets up to eight feet deep. However, the 10-mile round trip hike to China Hole in Henry Coe’s exposed terrain is not for the casual hiker. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, and get your hands on a Henry Coe map—you’ll find China Hole in the top left quadrant; parking at the main visitor center is likely most convenient. ($8 per vehicle. 9000 E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill.
California State Parks Henry W. Coe State Park page.

5. Stevens Creek County Park in Cupertino
Wild creek spots along a shady canyon byway

The lush microclimate of Stevens Canyon, which climbs above Stevens Creek Reservoir in Cupertino, is always a marvel on a hot Valley day. As well as the shallow creek-stomping area by the picnic area at the base, the winding length of Stevens Canyon Road is dotted with unassuming pullouts and rustic climbs down to various pools. (The best of them are adequate in depth for a cold plunge, but nowhere in the creek can you do true swimming.) You may need to do some exploring to find one that you like, so make sure to bring good shoes and don’t attempt any climbs down where you don’t feel comfortable. A final word to the wise: water quality is not a given. The solution? This swim spot is best enjoyed while water is high or seek out the sections higher up Stevens Canyon Road, upstream from the majority of structures. (No entry fee. 11401 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino.
Santa Clara County Parks Stevens Creek Park page.

Honorable mention goes to the following swimming pools which offer public access via day pass. None of them offer any tromping or hills, but sometimes floating in water—any water—is just the connection with Mother Nature and her elements that you need. Check hours for these online before you go, as many of them have only limited free swim times while other times are reserved for classes and laps.

• Morgan Hill Aquatics Center: $12 kids, $15 adults. 16200 Condit Road, Morgan Hill.
• CaliBunga Waterpark: Ticket prices vary. 2333 South White Road, San Jose (Same spot at the old Raging Waters, if you remember that!)
• Eagle Park Pool: $5 Mountain View residents; $6 non-residents. 650 Franklin Street, Mountain View.
• Crowne Plaza Hotel pool, hot tub & gym: $15 kids, $25 adults. 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.

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