City of San Jose

Lake Cunningham

Park Hours: 8:00 a.m. until one-half hour after sunset

Parking: Fees are collected on weekends and holidays, and daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Parking is $6.00 per car.

Admission fees are collected for Raging Waters.

Lake Cunningham is easy to reach by
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority buses.
For information on routes, schedules and fares, call the following:

(800) 894-9908 Palo Alto and North County
(408) 683-4151 Morgan Hill and South County
(408) 321-2300 Elsewhere in the County
(408) 321-2330 Teleprinter for the hearing impaired.

[Map] [Rules] [Picnic Information]

Lake Cunningham's acres of open space and 50-acre lake offer something for everyone. Tackle the par course - perfect for jogging or walking - or try out water sports like sailing, boating or fishing. Bring your own volleyball and horseshoes for the perfect barbecue picnic, and grab your rollerblades for a lakeshore cruise. You can also link to the map, Raging Waters and history information from here. See Sailing Information See Picnic Information

The Velma Million Marina is unique to San José, in the many amenities available to park visitors. The Marina features a public boat launch ramp, dock space and boat trailer parking if you wish to bring your own boat. (Please, no gasoline engines, 16 ft. max length.) In addition, there are pedal boats, row boats, and sailboats for rent. There is a concession stand offering soft drinks, light snacks and tackle supplies. A Ranger Station and First Aid Station are also located here. The Marina is open weekends beginning in the spring and daily during the summer season through Labor Day.

Snack Shop Available at the Marina

Restrooms near the Marina

Sailing Programs

Lake Cunningham Regional Park offers several summer sailing programs. These programs teach new sailors the basics of small boat handing and offer sailors with some experience the chance to sharpen their skills and learn more. Sailing camps run Monday through Friday with both basic and intermediate camps.

Pre-registration is now open for the sailing classes. Cost is $80.00 for each class or camp. For ages 12 and up. Call 277-4319 for further details.

........................Park Rules...................

While visiting Lake Cunningham, please help protect our valuable park resources and wildlife, and assure an enjoyable visit for you and all of the park's visitors by complying with the following rules and with any posted regulations. Lake Cunningham is a water oriented park with numerous activities for your enjoyment. Please remember to use it safely.

No swimming, wading or windsurfing allowed in the lake.
No kite flying.
Park closing time is one-half hour after sunset.
All boats must be off the lake by one hour before sunset. Life jackets are required to be worn by those 12 yrs old and under.
Motorcycles, mopeds, minibikes and all other motor vehicles are to be operated by a licensed driver only on the public roads, not on service roads, walking paths, hillsides or in picnic areas.
The speed limit is 15 MPH.
Beer and wine are allowed in picnic areas only.
All state fishing laws apply, including: Persons 16 years old and older are required to have a valid California fishing license. No live bait except worms.
Dogs are not permitted in the park due to the abundance of wildlife who make the park their home. Assistance dogs are, of course, excepted.
Stay on the designated roads and paths. Climbing, sliding or riding bicycles on hillsides is DANGEROUS to yourself and others. Climbing and shortcutting also creates serious erosion problems which will result in permanently scarred and barren hillsides.
Please pick up all of your litter!
Inflatable jumps with reservation only.
Do not feed the wildlife.
All San José Municipal Codes and Park Regulations are strictly enforced. Further information can be obtained at the Ranger Office.

An Amply Stocked Lake

Lake Cunningham has become a haven for migratory birds and other forms of wildlife. Great Blue Herons, Snowy White Egrets, and even White Pelicans are frequent visitors to the park. Hawks frequently soar overhead. A large flock of Canadian Geese, as well as several species of waterfowl, make the park their home a few months out of the year. Jack rabbits and squirrels can also be found in many areas.

Please remember that all park animals are wild and we ask that you not feed, capture or chase them. This is their home.

A Range of Picnic Areas
[BBQ and Picnic Information]

There are numerous picnic areas throughout the park which can accommodate small to very large groups. Several are available on a first come, first served basis (One adult may save only one table). The picnic areas surround a large open turf area open to all for fun and games. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are available; just bring your own equipment. Designated picnic areas are available through advanced reservations for a nominal reservation fee.

The Cypress Pavilion can accommodate 400 people comfortably and is a prime area for large group or company picnics. It boasts large covered patios, complete with a cooking and serving area that includes BBQ grills, electricity and running water. It also offers a small stage as well as nearby restrooms and parking.

Six BBQ grills are offered with two sinks

A small stage is available at one end of the BBQ area.

Home of Raging Waters.
Entranace fees are charged by the water park.