Top 10 Things to Do at Lake Del Valle

Photo Credit: @leeeset

Located just minutes away from the bustling scene of Downtown Livermore and more than 50 Livermore Valley wineries, Del Valle Regional Park is one of our favorite places in the Tri-Valley to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors. This 5-mile long lake features 16 miles of shoreline, two swimming beaches, a marina, a brand new Visitors Center, and a variety of recreational activities to enjoy year-round.

Before planning your visit, check out some of our top things to do at Lake Del Valle below.

Photo Credit: @frappistrunk

Rent a Boat

Luckily for all you skippers out there, Lake Del Valle is extremely boat-friendly. Bring your own boat (launching fees apply) or select from a variety of rental vessels at the marina. Pick from the fleet of paddle boats, motorboats, pontoons. Boat rentals are first come first serve, and they go quickly, so make sure to get to the marina early to secure your spot!

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Photo Credit: @graceyloufreebush

Swimming

Lake Del Valle features two swimming beaches on opposite sides of the lake with life guards on duty during busy summer months. For those feeling a little more adventurous, visitors are welcome swim at their own risk year-round anywhere north of the boat ramp. Don’t forget your floaties at home!

Photo Credit: @snapndee

Search for Wildflowers

Every year is different, but Del Valle Regional Park is usually a hot spot for various booms, including California poppies. The best time to see pretty petals scattered on the hills surrounding Lake Del Valle is between mid-February and mid-May. Be sure to stay on marked trails at all times, and take care to not step on any wildflowers during your search.

If you’re truly on the hunt for beautiful blooms, check out additional areas known to host a variety of floral activity in our Where to Find Wildflowers in the Tri-Valley blog.

Photo Credit: @tarynkro

Water Activities

Lake Del Valle doesn’t usually have an aggressive wake, which makes it great place to try your hand at certain water sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding. If you don’t own your own gear, rent a stand up paddle board, kayak, or windsurf from the rental stand on the swimming beach closest to the marina.

Take a Hike

Boasting miles of rolling hills, steep ridges, and gorgeous lakeside views, Del Valle Regional Park is home to both scenic strolls and challenging hikes. Share the trail with resident cows, equestrians, mountain bikers, and other explorers like you.

Looking for Instagrammable places to stretch your legs or strike a pose? Check out our 7 Scenic Places in the Tri-Valley blog.

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Photo Credit: @nonchalantgarage

Mountain Biking

Del Valle Regional Park is a mountain biker’s playground, offering up a dynamic terrain with a variety of interlinked fire roads and single track trails. Amateur and seasoned mountain bikers alike enjoy the wide-open, remote surroundings and amazing lakeside views at every turn.

Check out some of our favorite places to bike in the Tri-Valley.

Bring a Picnic

Visitors are welcome to pack a picnic and set up at any of their picnic tables with accompanying BBQ’s. Picnic tables are first come first serve, so make sure to arrive early to snag a spot. Take your pick from the many tables that line the lake’s shores, or bring a blanket to settle down on the beach or one of the large lawn areas.

Looking for more places to enjoy a picnic? Don’t miss our Perfect Picnic Areas in the Tri-Valley blog.

Courtesy of EBRPD

Head to the Visitors Center

The newly renovated Visitors Center features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits offered in both English and Spanish including live animals, a build-your-own topography sand box, a water level control game, an Instagrammable wall painting that allows visitors to compare their wingspan to a bald eagle’s, and more. Open to visitors on Saturday and Sundays between 9:30am-3pm.

Photo Credit: @chris_orona

Stargazing

With virtually zero light pollution for up to 100 miles south of Del Valle Regional Park, visitors are able to spot star clusters, nebulae, and based on the time of the year, even Jupiter! While some of these celestial beauties can be seen from the naked eye, we recommend bringing a telescope.

Stay for the Sunset

Del Valle Regional Park’s rolling hills and sweeping scenery make for a gorgeous place to watch the sunset. For the best spot for sunset viewing, park on Del Valle Road about a mile before the park’s main gate, near the Del Valle Ridge Trailhead.

Board a Boat Tour

At certain times of the year, visitors are invited to tour the lake via boat with a naturalist staff member. Learn about the lake’s history and wildlife all while soaking in gorgeous views from every direction. Call the Visitors Center for more information (510) 544-3146.

Photo Credit: @celarmie

Tent or RV Camping

Del Valle Regional Park is home to 150 family campsites, two of them wheelchair accessible and 21 of them with water, sewage and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). These sites feature centrally located bathroom facilities with showers. For reservations up to 12 weeks in advance, call 1-888-327-2757 or book online. Group camps for groups more than 11 people are available by phone reservation only at least 5 business days in advance.

For more information about camping at Lake Del Valle and other camping opportunities throughout our region, check out our Where to Camp and Glamp in the Tri-Valley blog.

Go Fish

Lake Del Valle is known as an angler’s paradise for its abundance and accessibility. Outside of the lake being regularly stocked with catfish and trout, it also hosts native species such as large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and panfish. Anglers 16+ years of age are required to purchase a District fishing access permit in addition to having a valid State Fishing license.

Photo Credit: @naturesocean

Horseback Riding

Planning on bringing your horse with you? Del Valle Regional Park is a popular spot for horseback riding, featuring plenty of open, undeveloped space to equestrians. If you’re planning on staying the night, the Little Chaparral horse camp area features 4 small paddocks, with each paddock housing 1-2 horses. A reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp, as Little Chaparral isn’t suited for large groups. To reserve, call 1-888-327-2757.

Blog, Hiking, Things to Do

What To Do at Lake Del Valle