Explore Lake Merritt in Oakland, California
Discover a bird sanctuary, tranquil gardens, and the city’s vibrant spirit.
Enjoy an afternoon stroll around Oakland’s Lake Merritt to immerse yourself in a carnival of joie de vivre. Along the paved 3.4-mile trail, you might pass roller skaters discoing, salsa dancers spinning, black-crowned night herons strutting, gondoliers serenading, couples exchanging vows and kisses, families barbecuing, and teeter-tottering toddlers squealing as ice-cream vendors chant in Spanish, “Helado, helado, helado!”
“Lake Merritt is not just a scenic spot; it’s where the culture of Oakland thrives,” says Shayla Jamerson, the co-producer of LakeFest (more below). “You see fitness groups, artists painting by the water, and street performers adding to the park’s soundtrack. Whether you’re here to picnic with friends or just take in the views, the lake has an energy that makes you feel connected to the city.”
Similar to its famous Golden Gate Park cousin across the San Francisco Bay, Lake Merritt and the surrounding 122-acre Lakeside Park provide a natural respite amid a bustling city. But the relatively compact “Jewel of Oakland,” as Lake Merritt is often called, is worth a special trip for the way this endearingly eclectic playground reflects its hometown’s diverse, creative, and “we’re all in this together” community spirit.
For the Birds
In 1870, this tidal lagoon became the nation’s first official wildlife refuge. An archipelago of five protected “bird islands” still draws thousands of feathered guests like a luxury avian resort. Start at the Rotary Nature Center to learn how to spy common species, including herons, pelicans, egrets, cormorants, and coots.
The David Sibley–approved book Birds of Lake Merritt by artist Alex Harris also helps. Harris recommends that beginners use an app like iNaturalist or eBird to check for seasonality, then pick a species to try to spot. “Scan the islands, and carefully inspect their edges for any birds hiding in the shadows,” he says. “Or just see what you notice, and let your curiosity lead you from there.”
Garden Bliss
Discover pockets of deep peace among the park’s seven acres of themed gardens, whether you visit the veggies and herbs in the Edible Gardens, rest by a waterfall in the Japanese Garden, or feel humbled by an approximately 1,600-year-old juniper in the Bonsai Garden.
Tiny Thrills
Celebrating 75 years, Children’s Fairyland offers an amusement park that’s perfectly pint-sized for kids under nine. A wee Alice in Wonderland–themed carousel, mini Ferris wheel, and Jolly Trolly train thrill the littles. Don’t miss the puppet show—or the audience’s contagious giggles.
Shake It
Movement swirls around the lake, from runners trying to beat their personal bests to the meditative flow of yoga and tai chi practitioners. Salsa by the Lake hosts one of the most popular ways to swivel your hips by the shore. On sunny weekends and evenings, check the group’s Facebook page to see if they’ll be gathering under the bandstand’s limestone arches or near the Pergola. Isaac Kos-Read, who co-founded the group with his wife, Mary Massella, describes the welcoming, all-ages dance party as “a little piece of the Cuban vibe right here in Oakland.”
Tasty Bites
On Saturdays, fill your picnic basket at the nearby Grand Lake Farmers Market. Favorites include Here and There’s brisket barbacoa sandwich, Rize Up Bakery’s sourdough bread with masala seasoning, and vegan coconut ice cream from Kubé. The waterfront Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill provides an upscale dining experience every day of the week. Come here to slurp oysters and sip champagne on the restaurant’s expansive dock.
Set Sail
For a visual feast, hire a romantic evening cruise from Dolce Vita Gondola at Lake Chalet. The 100-year-old “necklace” of 3,000-plus lights glows around the lake after sunset. During the day, the Lake Merritt Boating Center rents pedal boats, rowboats, kayaks, and canoes to anyone willing to work for their panoramic view. You can also watch people glide on land at the adjacent boathouse parking lot, a popular gathering place for roller skaters, skateboarders, and cyclists.
Top Time to Go
On June 21, 2025, the park hosts LakeFest, an annual celebration of the city’s culture, creativity, and community. Families can dance to live Latin, Afrobeat, and hip-hop music; make crafts and brave a miniature obstacle course in the Kids Zone; and sample a wide range of culinary delights, from Filipino lumpia to vegan soul food. Jamerson says, “Everywhere you turn, you’ll see local entrepreneurs, performers, and families coming together to enjoy a space that feels like home.”