Alviso Marina County Park — Attraction in San Jose

I first scoped out the Alviso marshes when I signed up for the free boat tour, the "Salt Marsh Safari". Going north on Great America Parkway, you can't get more Silicon Valley with tech buildings on both sides, the Convention Center, the Levi's Stadium, ending up the Polycom hill. After going under the 237 overpass where I got a FasTrak violation, there lies Alviso, a ghost town of industries past. It was once a thriving port city in its own right before freight trains replaced ships as transport between Santa Clara Valley and SF. Every time I take my regular jaunt on Mallard trail, cargo trains or the Amtrak run through the east side.

Lying around are decrepit boats near the docks, the dilapidated Bayside Cannery building. The last of the trifecta of damaging industries is the extraction of pure solar salt from the sunlit ponds. Now, the sloughs are one of the largest solar evaporation complexes in the world, courtesy of the bay area's unique geography. On one side, you can see the shoreline salt deposits quivering like meringue. On the marsh side, you can see a spectrum of colors in the flats, depending on the salinity levels to reflect the different algae and bacteria.

If you walk to the other side of the water, you get a good view of the Levi Stadium and the Aloft hotel. Sometimes it feels like the sky touches the water like an infinity pool.

With the salt restoration project, original inhabitants like leopard sharks are returning to their old stomping grounds and endangered species are securing their habitats. Even the billions of shorebirds migrating along the Pacific Flyway are using the wetlands as a temporary respite.

There is a dock where you can launch boats. You can also rent kayaks nearby to paddle up the Guadalupe River, along one of the trails.

There are clean restrooms. There is a free parking lot where you can usually find a spot but there is also plenty of street parking right before the park entrance if you can't.

As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a rude worker that ushers people out at closing time but it doesn't bother me; he's just a guy with...

This is a calm, nature-rich destination offering scenic bay views, wildlife refuge, and boating access—all without an entrance fee. It’s ideal for birdwatchers, boaters, casual cyclists, or anyone craving a quiet outdoor escape. If you're exploring the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge or cruising down the Guadalupe River Trail, Alviso Marina is a hidden gem worth a pit stop.

A peaceful slice of bay-side nature tucked into the southern end of San Jose’s waterfront. With wide, flat paths winding through salt marshes and alongside sloughs, it’s a perfect fit for easy walks, biking, or birdwatching—there are interpretive panels and an observation boardwalk that bring the ecosystem to life. The park is home to hundreds of bird species—including herons, avocets, and even endangered clapper rails—making it a real highlight for wildlife spotting, especially during migration season.

Just a few things to keep in mind: there’s minimal shade, so hot days require sunscreen and water. Trails can get muddy and rutted after rain, and dogs aren’t allowed on boardwalks or levees—so it’s key to stick to...

This place has definitely changed over the years and still is. Besides the on going construction up on the Old Boat Dock Area, you'll find newer walk ways and gravel type paths that reach out a distance. There is a 9.0 walking loop around them. The views of the bay are calming. There is a unique smell, which I believe comes from the local plants and the Bay itself. Adjacent to the Old Boat Dock is a newer one just over into the other parking area, which has plenty of parking too. You'll be able to launch your boat to head out into the San Francisco Bay. You can also find bait, kayak and boat rentals near by at Laine's Baits and Rentals. There is a Charter Rental for site seeing the bay as well. Off the boat launch parking lot, down the gravel path heading south, you'll see a blue building. That is the South Bay Yacht Club that is not open to the public, but has a members following. The history of this place tells a tale of many and boasts an outdoor plaque of 'Mountain Charlie.' If you continue on this southern path, you'll be walking adjacent to the Gautalupe River that heads...