Atascadero Lake Park

We were so excited about this local tamale festival we drove all the way up from Riverside County. You can imagine our disappointment when we discovered that all of the tickets were sold out before they even started, the lines were out into the streets, and 30 minutes after the «festival» started, 4 vendors were sold out. We were told all vendors but two would be sold out before who were in line got to the front. We did get to watch all of the cozy city council people get priority and sit in front of us eating tho. Won’t be coming back here again… if the planning is this bad, more years of practise won’t even be able to improve it.

Gorgeous park! Although there’s no water in the lake, this park is still very beautiful in its nature and well maintained by the city. My sister-​in-​law and I walk here often and everyone we pass by are very friendly. Love this park and will come here time and time again!
Oh, and did I mention my future husband-​to-​be proposed to me here July 18, 2015? :)

I really like this park. It has a lake, well kind of, needs a little water, a veterans memorial, and a zoo on the site. Awesome for a family outing. This place is great for the little ones with so much to do. If you have not been here you should give it a try!

It’s a nice park — great for young children. Lots of swings, including toddler swings. The lake was dried up while we were here because of the drought… So sad. I bet the park is even more impressive when there is «really» a lake. I didn’t dock stars for that though.
The only negative — lots of creepy people. We saw about 4 men there solo… A couple were walking dogs (fine). And, one was sitting in the parking lot in his car, looking creepy, and watching us. And, another was walking with a cigarette in his hand, to a beat up truck — my son started saying «who is smoking?»… he must have smelt it, but didn’t see where it was coming from, and I think the guy heard, and then he started staring our way, and glaring at us. Yikes… Off to the car we GO! ;)
I would never, ever allow kids of any age to go to this park alone.

This is a pretty beautiful park — the past three times I’ve been the water level in the lake has been pretty low, though, which is kinda sad.
This is the ideal scene for the stroller striding mommies — A nice 1-​mile loop around the lake, a big playground, lots of open green grass, picnic tables, a kid’s care center, and the zoo. Little more you could ask for really!
I, however, am not a stroller striding mommy, nor a mommy at all. I enjoy coming here with my mommy friend, though, and see the overall appeal. Don’t know if I would drive up here otherwise all the way from SLO, but it’s a great addition to the neighborhood. Check it out!

Still has the swingsets, the picnic tables, and the Pavilion, but where did the «lake» go? Sure we have some new cinderblocks with tree roots stuck to them out in the lake bed, easier access to the bird sanctuary island (sorry birds) and cracked, parched out ground, but the surface of the water is just pitiful.
All in all it is still a nice place, with the Veteran’s Wall and new parking on the Charles Paddock Zoo side.

Great place to go with the whole family. Lots to do, a park, zoo, BBQ and picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and even a gazebo to get married in! There’s about a mile long path that goes all around the lake which I love for exercise and fresh air! Very dog friendly area. Also great for concerts in the park during the summer!

This is a gorgeous lake smack dab in the middle of Atascadero! It truly is unique. In the summer evenings it makes for a gorgeous stroll around the water. People walk hand in hand with their loves, children, and dogs. Lots of joggers as well. The neighborhood that surrounds the lake is quite beautiful. I enjoyed my stroll overlooking the water, and looking the opposite direction at the homes. If you live in Atascadero or close to, I recommend a nice evening stroll around the lake, very serene.

Atascadero Lake Park is a fantastic bit of nature tucked into our little community. There’s ample grass space for letting the kids run around or play football, baseball, etc.
They also have rentals for foot paddle boats if wish to toodle around the lake itself. You can also fish out of the lake, but I don’t recommend eating what you catch, but rather releasing it. During the fall and winter, they have Thanksgiving and Christmas events in the pavilion or nearby streets handing out hot cider and so forth. Pay attention to the local community calendars for more details.

I agree with other posts. There is also a Viet Nam War Memorial adjacent to the park, at the front of it, on the Morro Road side. No one else mentioned this, so I thought I would.
The Zoo was recently remodeled & has a new entrance, etc.
If you have small kids, buy a family membership & take them to the zoo a lot. That is what I did for years, even when my son was in a stroller, then a walk around the lake. Also, if you buy an annual Family membership they give you a list of other zoos around the country where you can go for free, which I think includes Santa Barbara Zoo, as they have a reciprical agreement. It was only about $ 23.00 for a family membership the last time I bought one, so it is a great deal. We also went to the Lodi Zoo & some others free.

The Lake Park is terrific. Huge Trees, Lots of shade, the walking track around the lake, and events, events, events. With the zoo right there, and lots of picnic tables. This is a great place to enjoy a lazy afternoon, or enjoy an evening concert! We are lucky in Atascadero to have this wonderful park!
OH yes — and the kids playground and the horse shoe pits and …

Fun playground for all kids. Great path around the lake for casual biking, walking, or running (It’s 1.1 mile). Nice area to feed the geese and ducks. Lots of trees and it has a large picnic area. In the summer there is a kiddie pool… lots of fun for kids six and under. The zoo is right there too. It’s the perfect spot for a fun, simple afternoon in the sun.

Way cute park! Great place to stop when passing by. Nice restrooms and lots of big trees for shade! Lovely lake and geese to enjoy! Made our list of stops for future road trips!

This park is a beautiful little gem in Atascadero. Being mostly a city dweller, it was incredible to see such a large, amazing park tucked away in the more rural Atascadero. The front of the park is grassy, covered in beautiful trees, and has plenty of group sites for BBQs, picnics, and parties. During the warmer months I’ve attended a baby shower as well as a couple of picnics here in the past.
Go further back and you’ll find a gigantic playground perfect for younger kids to one side and a pier leading out to the lake on the other. The lake is a beautiful view, and it’s possible to go out ont the pier and feed ducks if you bring food. It’s also a good place to take a stroll.
The park boasts other things to do, including a volleyball court and a place to play horseshoes. Seriously, I get bored easily and think I could find things in this park to keep me occupied all afternoon. I wish all of Atascadero were this fun and charming!