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The Atascadero Lake Park includes a well-maintained trail around the Atascadero Lake, a playground, paddleboat rentals, restrooms, picnic tables, and a volleyball court. There are many stone benches, and a few exercise stations along the trail. The trail runs along the edge of the lake, is wide enough to accommodate multiple people, and has plenty of trees that provide a nice amount of shade. You can enjoy a scenic view of the lake by driving or walking along Lake View Dr. Barbecue areas are available for reservation if you call.
Construction of the city hall began in 1914 and was completed in 1918. The building sustained significant damage in a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in 2003, but reopened ten years later after extensive repairs and retrofitting. Today the building is again home to the local government, and to a museum maintained by the Atascadero Historical Society. Docent-led tours of this California Historical landmark are offered Wednesday noon-2PM & Friday 1-4PM, or by appointment.
Charles Paddock Zoo is a community zoo located on five park-like acres within Atascadero Lake Park. It has been accredited since 1991 and is one of the smallest accredited zoos in America. Exhibits include over 100 animals and 45 species including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Species of particular interest include a pair of red pandas, Malayan tiger, fossa, lemur, meerkat, wallaby, kinkajou, and sloth.
Conceived by the city's founder, the Sunken Gardens were inspired by the "Grand Basin" at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Statues, an impressive fountain, and walkways fill this park. Farmers markets and other events are held here, and during the summer movies are sometimes shown on an inflatable screen.