Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline — Attraction in San Leandro

Beautiful morning, perfect weather, nice wide trails that have some hills that are off-leash for dogs (and their people) to get some good exercise. This would be my favorite trail areas to take our dogs except that there are lots of big dogs. I haven't had a problem with taking our chihuahua and terrier but I do get concerned with so many big dogs that might think our little fur babies are snacks (which actually happened at the marina dog park that's down the street a bit (different place and another story).

This morning we found our regular trail closed off due to safety concerns. They are doing some major enhancements to the park (adding features, landscape, paths, etc) that I figured that the closure and safety concerns are related to them rather than the trails being somehow dangerous. That is just a guess though.

The biggest reasons that I don't give this place 5 stars is that it seems like it's getting to be a popular hangout for transients (aka drug addicts/alcoholics, people of questionable character, etc). I do not feel safe enough to come here alone, with or without dogs. There is also a lot of broken glass along the street where you have to park to access the trail. The glass very possibly (probably) is from car break-ins . That is happening a lot at trail parking areas around here so I don't know how to factor that into my review.

Another negative, and it's only an issue that depends on the way the wind is blowing, is that the park is right next to the dump. The smell can be unpleasant. Luckily there is usually a good breeze off the bay so the full impact of the odors are...

BOYCOTT THIS PARK IF YOU'RE A DOG OWNER!!!

Don't believe these reviews that say you can have your dog off leash. THIS IS NOT A "DOG FRIENDLY" PARK!!! Yesterday, while having my dog off leash, two policemen came out of nowhere and gave me a park citation. Not even a warning! They told me I walked past a sign that said "dogs on leash' but as I told them I had taken a different trail which did not have that sign on it. These policemen seemed incensed that I even tried to disagree with them! They then held my drivers license for 20 minutes in which time I thought I had done something really wrong. After making me and my dog wait all that time they finally gave me the citation and then lectured me about how I should "pick up a brochure" at the front of the park.

How many people do you know pick up brochures at any park? I guess you better at Oyster Bay park in order not to get harassed by the police! This park's off leash laws are so arbitrary anyone is in danger of being cited! I am never coming back to this park! The policemen then left the park the same way they came in, through the Davis side entrance which is only open to official vehicles. It was as if they came in to the park only long enough to fill their quota! I was their unlucky victim! What a waste of my time and my tax money!

Some people who go to Oyster Bay park tell me "Well I never see any cops" as if I imagined the whole incident. My wallet is not imagining this incident!

IF YOU'RE A DOG OWNER BOYCOTT...

a review from @amom2kidsandapark

Oyster Bay offers great views of the bay, sightings of landing planes into Oakland Airport, wildlife, picnic areas, and is the future home to a disc golf course. This is a great spot to explore! With so many different trails, the possibilities are endless! From the entrance, you can walk the entire loop around and end up back where you started. It's paved most of the way but does get very "off-road" at the end. It is 2 miles long. Another popular option is to cut off the paved trail towards the picnic table/lawn area. There are multiple different picnic table sections with BBQs. Here you can find a bathroom that has been locked due to COVID but is said to open soon. From the lawn area, you can venture down some dirt trails (but still stroller okay) and look for the cool Rising Wave art structure. There is lots of renovation happening here (and planned). They’ve really been working on it for years. It will be so cool when it’s completed. It will include a disc golf course! Witnessing a plane land is another awesome thing about this regional shoreline! It's the last shoreline before the airport so the planes are pretty low. There are also so many different coastal plants, birds and animals. Dogs are allowed off-leash when off the paved trail but must be on a leash when walking or running on the paved outer loop. Street parking is easy and plentiful. TIP: If you’re driving here via Marina look at the big tractors just past Merced...