General 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. Bring your own volleyball and horseshoes for the perfect barbecue picnic, and grab your rollerblades for a lakeshore cruise. 

• Hours: 8 a.m. to half-hour after sunset
• Acreage: 203
• Council District: 8
• Contact Information
  • San José Park Ranger Office: 408-794-6200
  • Permits & Reservations: 408-794-7275
  • Action Sports Park: 408-794-7579 

Park Updates

Summer 2026 at the Lake Activations

Outside event organizations are planning a variety of activities to keep Lake Cunningham Regional Park buzzing with energy all summer long.

From water play days and live music to maker events, outdoor movie nights, BMX and skate showcases, and more, we're exploring ways to bring the community together and keep the park active while work continues behind the scenes.

Looking to make a splash this summer? Recreational swim opportunities will also be available at Overfelt, Mt. Pleasant, and Silver Creek high schools. Visit sanjoseca.gov/sjswim for City pool and swim information, and additional local fun resources to dive into.

Stay tuned here for updates as activities and event details are finalized.

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The Flow Through Wetland project for Lake Cunningham Park will begin soon. The scope of the project is to evaluate the existing shoreline water condition and to design improvements to restore the wetland through a natural filtration process.
Resource: Shoreline and Water Quality Study: Baseline Conditions and Treatment Measures Report

Picnic Areas

This location both reservable and non-reservable picnic areas. Non-reservable picnic areas are occupied at a first-come, first-serve basis.

Reservation permit holders must arrive at the reservation site on the date reserved prior to 10:00 a.m. and remain at the site with a copy of the approved picnic application. The site will be opened to the public for general use at 10:00 a.m. if the reservation holder is not present. An adult representative from the group must be present at all times.

Visit the picnic areas' individual pages to view its amenities and fees:

• Alder Leaf
• Alder Leaf North
• Alder Leaf South
• Cascade
• Cypress Pavilion
• Marina
• Meadows End
• Ruby Creek
• Silver Creek

PICNIC RESERVATIONS >

Park Map

 

Parking fees

Parking fees are $6 per day, and subject to change. 

Parking fees are collected daily. Each automated machine accepts exact cash (change is not dispensed) and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card). Parking space is not guaranteed and re-entry may not be allowed when space is unavailable. Annual passes honored at Alum Rock Park, Lake Cunningham, Almaden Lake, Kelley Park and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

For more information on parking, contact Parks at 408-794-6504.

Type of Pass	Daily	Annual
Regular Parking Pass	$6	$80
Discounted Parking Pass Seniors (60+) Disabled Person Parking DMV Issued DP Paperwork needed Military Veterans, or Active Military DD214 or active military card for eligibility	$2	$30
Holiday Parking Pass Easter Sunday Mother's Day Father's Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day	$10	N/A

Amenities

FIND A REC CLASS >

• Sports/Activities:
  • Lake Cunningham Trail
  • Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park
• Youth Playground:
  • Playground ages 2-5
• Restrooms: Yes. Located near the reservable group areas except Meadows End. 
• Telephones: Located at Parking Lot C restroom, and some are located at front entrance of CaliBunga. 
• Parking: Parking lot
• Boating and Swimming: Not permitted
• Nearby Facilities:
  • Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park
  • CaliBunga

Rules and Regulations

• Photo permits are required for all commercial photo shoots. This includes professional wedding photographers.
• General Rules:
  1. Loud radios are prohibited in all areas except Cypress Pavilion.
  2. Beer and wine are allowed in picnic areas only; no hard liquor.
  3. Dogs are allowed on a leash. No other animals are permitted this includes ponies. Ponies are allowed only at Alum Rock Park.
  4. Picnic areas must be left clean.
  5. Air jumper with City-approved vendor is permitted at reservable picnic sites upon approval by Parks Division office.
  6. Dunk tanks are not allowed.
  7. Helium balloons, kites and drones are not allowed.
  8. Party/Costume characters are not allowed to collect money on City property.
  9. Smoking is not allowed in City of San José parks.
  10. Events are not allowed in the parking lots.
  11. All San José Municipal Codes and State laws apply. 

REPORT A CONCERN >

Additional Resources

• Lake Cunningham Regional Park Brochure
• Lake Cunningham Map
• Lake Cunningham Rules & Regulations
• Lake Cunningham Picnic Area Fees