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There is nothing quite like a noiseless float, especially at the Urbanview Spa and Resort. The What's Left of Summer Guide Places to Get Wet By Erica Pedersen If I could just circle one big toe on the surface of Hearst Castle's outdoor Grecian fantasy pool, I might be cured of water lust forever. But no chance for the toe or the cure. Even Castle employees have to take clandestine dips in the buff under night's cover just to get at that blue, blue calm. Luckily Oakland's watering holes, from public pools to sandy beaches (yes) to lakes, are right here waiting to ease the symptoms of hydrophilia, and drench those dry summer bones. Crown Memorial Beach Bora Bora's oh-so-boring when there's a long sandy stretch of beach with sweeping bay views right here in Alameda County. Daily access. 8th St, Oakl. Free. 635.0135. Lake Anza Open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, the top layer of Anza water is bath warm in late summer. A roped-in patch of lake has a lifeguard, but sneak round the perimeter trail to find secluded areas, and rocks for jumping. There is no entrance fee or lifeguard after 6pm. Daily, 11am-10pm. Tilden Park, Berk. $2-$3. 843.2137. Lake Merritt Boating Center Rent canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and sailboats for cruising on the largest man-made, salt-water tidal lake in the US. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm. 568 Bellevue, Oakl. Rates vary. 238.2196. Piedmont Swim Club Every Friday, this elite private club opens its three pristine, Olympic-sized pools for legitimate Piedmont residents. Bring your papers. 777 Magnolia, Oakl. $5-$10. 655.5163. Robert's Regional Recreation Area Heated indoor lap pool in a redwood park. Mon, 3:30-5:30pm; Tues-Fri, 12:30-5:30pm. 10570 Skyline, Oakl. $1.50-$2.50. Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area One pool for gusty kiddy lessons, and another for languid laps and lounging on a grassy lawn surrounded by shady trees. A word of advice for corneas: wear goggles, this pool is chlorinated. Mon-Fri, noon-6pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-6pm. On Centennial, behind UCB's Memorial Stadium, Berk. $5. Pool Hotline: 643.7470. [ East Bay | Metroactive | Archives ]