HomeCaliforniaBerkeley › McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,918 Google reviews · Running trail in Berkeley, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Shoreline refuge features tidal marshes, beaches & trails that provide panoramic views of the Bay.

What runners say about McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,918 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“I found the scenery beautiful, and saw some good birds while I was there, and some water birds.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“Beautiful bay views and improved pathways make it a great place for a jog or walk.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It's peaceful, calming and relaxing.”

Besides there being a lot of traffic right next to the path this is such a nice walk. Little beaches to pop down into. Beautiful views of the Bay, parking at different spots up and down the path. Not great for off leash walks with your dog, in my opinion.

★★★★★ — Danielle , Jan 2021

Beautiful bay views and improved pathways make it a great place for a jog or walk. Restrooms are available in a paved parking area close to the Sea Breeze café south of University Avenue.

★★★★★ — John , Mar 2023

It' a very nice trail to relax.. it has a amazing view.. it is also safe and amazing to exercise!!!

★★★★★ — Claudia , Apr 2021

I've run through this area nearly every day for the past decade. It's amazing how many things have changed and how much has stayed the same. Great animal watching, plant watching, and people watching year round, and at every hour.

★★★★★ — Kevin , Jul 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,918 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 20 mentions

“Also, it's kind of windy there, but I could see the view of San Francisco, and a lot of people go sailing on the ocean.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“That's a nice place to chill with friends for 🅿️ free parking, but their restrooms didn't open when I went on weekdays.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Not great for off leash walks with your dog, in my opinion.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“That's a nice place to chill with friends for 🅿️ free parking, but their restrooms didn't open when I went on weekdays.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“It's peaceful, calming and relaxing.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteparks.ca.gov
  • Phone(888) 327-2757
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–10 PM
Thursday 5 AM–10 PM
Friday 5 AM–10 PM
Saturday 5 AM–10 PM
Sunday 5 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find McLaughlin Eastshore State Park State Seashore

Berkeley, California

Get directions

Running trails near Berkeley

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

San Francisco Bay Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews

Berkeley, CA

under a mile away

Shorebird Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 778 reviews

Berkeley, CA

Scenic

Scenic marina park offers picnic sites, play areas & a nature center with fish & wildlife displays.

under a mile away

César E. Chávez Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,888 reviews

Berkeley, CA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Popular, 90-acre park featuring kite flying opportunities, a dog run, bay vistas & more.

under a mile away

Beach Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 13 reviews

Berkeley, CA

Scenic

1.3 miles away

Albany Waterfront Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 120 reviews

Albany, CA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Beach with a paved path; also popular for dogs, as well as a trail with bay views, plus outdoor art.

1.6 miles away

Walking Trail Surrounded by the Water

4.8 ★★★★★ 121 reviews

Emeryville, CA

Scenic

Scenic bayside trail for walking and cycling, with picnic areas.

1.8 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.