Located off of Mt. Diablo Boulevard on the west end of Lafayette, the Lafayette Reservoir is a popular outdoor recreation area with hiking trails, fishing, boating, biking, and picnicking areas. The reservoir gets a million visitors per year and it’s easy to see why; the park is large and scenic enough to make you feel like you’re getting out in nature, but small enough that it still feels friendly and approachable. The park features a nice mixture of both wooded and open areas, as well as quality fishing and boating in a lake full of trout, bluegill, black bass, black crappie, and several kinds of catfish.

Check out the Rim and Lafayette Loop Trails, which winds along the grassy ridge of the reservoir offering beautiful views of Mount Diablo. The 7.4 mile trail does have some climbing involved, but the picturesque trail is well worth the hike. The park is open daily (including holidays) and parking is $7 for the day.