Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Lakefront park offers 471 acres of space for picnicking, swimming, fishing & non-motorized boating.
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is rated 4.6 / 5 from 2,060 Google reviews and sits about 1.5 km (19 min walk) from Union City station.
General overview
About Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is a 350-acre East Bay Regional Park District recreation area in Fremont, centered on former gravel-quarry lakes. It is popular for swimming at designated beaches, fishing, picnicking, walking, bird-watching, and non-motorized boating. Details below are based on general training knowledge and have not been live-verified.
- Designated swimming beaches at Horseshoe Lake, typically operated seasonally.
- Fishing for species such as trout, catfish, bass, and sunfish, subject to California regulations.
- Flat, accessible walking and bicycling trails around the lakes.
- Large picnic areas, lawns, and reservable group picnic facilities.
- Non-motorized boating, including kayaks and similar vessels, where permitted.
- Bird-watching and wildlife viewing around the lakes and shoreline.
Things to do here
Swimming
Seasonal swimming is available at designated beaches, generally during the warmer months and often with lifeguard coverage during posted hours. Swimming outside designated areas may be prohibited.
Fishing
The lakes are stocked or managed for recreational fishing at various times. A California fishing license is generally required for visitors age 16 and older, and District rules and state limits apply.
Walking and bicycling
Enjoy mostly level paths and trails around the quarry lakes. Some shoreline areas can be exposed to sun and wind.
Picnicking
Day-use picnic tables, open lawns, and barbecue areas are available. Some larger picnic areas may require advance reservation.
Non-motorized boating
Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and similar craft may be allowed on designated lakes, subject to launch rules, water conditions, and boating restrictions. Personal flotation devices are recommended and may be required.
Bird-watching
The lakes and surrounding grassland provide opportunities to see waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and other Bay Area wildlife.
Bring water, sun protection, swimwear, towels, and shade for warm-weather visits. Parking areas can fill on summer weekends. Follow posted directions and use only designated access points.
Advance booking is generally not needed for ordinary day use. Reserve group picnic facilities ahead of time if organizing a large gathering. Check swimming operations and water conditions before travel.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
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Most asked
How to reach
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is about 1.5 km (~19 min walk) from Union City station on the BART (San Francisco Bay Area).
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Safeway
Restaurants · 5 min walk
★ 4.1
MalaTown
Restaurants · 6 min walk
★ 4.8
Alameda Creek Regional Trail - Isherwood Staging Area
Places to visit · 23 min walk
★ 4.6
Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park
Places to visit · 32 min walk
★ 4.7
Tropics Mobile Home Park
Hotels · 38 min walk
★ 4.3
In-N-Out Burger
Restaurants · 55 min walk
★ 4.6
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area from Union City station?
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is about 1524 m (roughly 19 min walk) from Union City station on the BART (San Francisco Bay Area). Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area rated?
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 2,060 reviews.
What's near Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Safeway, MalaTown, Alameda Creek Regional Trail - Isherwood Staging Area.
Is Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking.
Is there parking near Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area?
Google lists these parking options near Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area: paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking.
Is Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area good for children?
Yes — Google lists Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area?
Yes — Google lists Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area as dog-friendly.
Can I swim at Quarry Lakes?
Yes, swimming is generally available at designated beaches during the seasonal operating period, subject to staffing, water quality, weather, and posted rules. Swimming is not necessarily permitted throughout the lakes.
Do I need a fishing license?
In general, anglers age 16 and older need a valid California sport fishing license, and all state seasons, limits, and regulations apply.
Are boats allowed?
Non-motorized boats may be permitted on designated lakes. Check current launch, inspection, flotation-device, and vessel restrictions before bringing equipment.
Is there an entrance fee?
The park is generally accessible for day use, but vehicle parking has historically carried a fee, commonly around $6. Fees and payment methods should be confirmed before arrival.
Can I reserve a picnic area?
Some group picnic facilities can generally be reserved through the East Bay Regional Park District. Ordinary individual picnic tables are typically first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs may be allowed on leash in designated areas, but restrictions commonly apply around swimming beaches and other developed facilities. Follow current posted signs.
Is the park good for children?
Yes. The developed areas, level paths, picnic facilities, and designated swimming area make it family-friendly, but children require close supervision around all water.
How long should I plan to stay?
Plan on two to four hours for walking and a picnic, or a half day or more if combining swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.