I have heard of Lake Merritt but never understood what it was- a broad body of still water that offers woodsy beauty and peace, amidst Oakland's modest city buzz and blurs. Like many lesser known experiences, which resides in big cites that do noy enjoy an established and fabulous reputation, they suffer from underdeveloped marketing. But, now I am one who will chant that Lake Merritt, is not just a good place to stop by, but a touristy spot. It certainly does not match the green, show, and institutions that reside withing San Francisco's Golden Gate Park but this park certainly offers much to classify it as a stop of interest, at some point in a Bay area vacation. The lake was expansive, however, its wooden and green motif was subdued but present. It was not a garden Nymph dancing and twirling in an elegant, sequenced dressed, it was more of a Nymph resting in a floral dress atop a moss colored trunk and twisted branch. The first nymph was appreciated in action and engagement, while the second nymph is admired for its hypnotic lay. Meaning that Lake Merrit inspired by the tranquil messages its nature told, not by the actions its nature inspired a stroller to take. To make my metaphor more specific in lived experience, I offer the first impulse I had when I approached the lake, which was to sit. For you see, my friend Denise and I had just attended the nearby Lake Merritt farmer's market where we scored the most scrumptious dim sum. And when we neared the lake, my impulse was to sit and take in the non-moving atmosphere of the lake. I was compelled to view the people around the park and not judge their purpose and movement, and to accept the pure stillness of the water, its land, its air, and to finally realize that on this morning my job was to sit and enjoy the view of the lake. This is viewing a nymph at rest. If I were to see the other nymph, I would run into fields of wild flowers so I may know their colors of the skin. After eating the dim sum, Denise and I took a walk. Serendipitously, we saw some ladies with three telescopes, a table, and pamphlets. Can I see through the telescopes I inquired? I was not sure what I would see, but seeing through the telescope should yield a new view of what was around me, I thought. One of the ladies positioned the telescope so I may view some pelicans at rest. And I saw through the telescope, I saw the birds up close. Like I could see them clearly, while I was not near them. I did not know that a telescope could eliminate the perception of distance in such a clear way. And then it happened I saw a pelican open its mouth to yawn, and my world view expanded because I saw a beak bloom. Like the beak did not open up wide, horizontally, it open into a three leaf flower. The top of beak went up, while the bottom of the beak opened wide to two points. I was left in wonder because I saw nature in a different way, I saw a bird, in brilliant and arresting motion, when they were not in flight, but still I saw something span fully, like a three point bloom. As we continued the walk, the sightseeing continued. I saw a small mote filled with pigeons. I stepped into it and approached the birds, imagining a flock in a flurry. But the birds remained still, and did not fly away at my coming presence. I wanted to run to spook them into action in flight, but unfortunately my own fear of drowning kept me from advancing into the plank with reckless abandon. My trip happened on a winter's day, when the air was crisp and the green on trees was minimal. But still the land was not barren, it was simply gathering its might for it to roar in gem, in the coming months. I did capture some trees in pictures that were all twigs and branches. They had become skeletons, but still their was beauty in their lifeless trunks. For the trees branches were gnarled and twisted as a prideful reminder that what is lost can be returned and thus even in lack of visible might something can hold quiet dignity. Plus the blue and white sky created a dynamic background for some of the unadorned trees. As one walked, one can also admire the surrounding buildings. My favorite building, as witnessed from the lake, was a cathedral that looked modern and made out of glass. It was the palace across the land, and blue. Due to all the distractions, Denise and I did not walked the whole loop which would have take at least an hour, especially since I tend to observe and engage, even while in a restful stroll but if I did not I might miss, waters that sparkle in still-life, birds that yawn like flora on parade, and buildings that are uncommon sight. So yeah this place is more than a stroll around the lake it is a mindfulness walk with lots to engage with, if you have the time and patience to embrace the softer side of wild nature. read more

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Grew up a stone's throw from what Oaklanders officially reference as "The Lake." Growing up my little brother and I would ride our bikes around the Lake while my mom speed walked. I moved away decades ago and always planned to revisit the Lake Merritt for old times sake. Well the day had come. I enjoyed beautiful special exhibit at the Oakland Museum and rounded my afternoon with a walk around the lake. The weather was perfect, an uncanny, warm February late afternoon for Oakland. Walkers, joggers, friends, families of all ages and shades: a lovely representation of the human tapestry of Oakland. My walk was a sweet, nostalgic memory of my childhood in Oakland and countless visits to Lake Merritt. read more

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Positive ..years ago basketball ..over 5 years ago ..lake Merritt ...interesting downtown similar

Very good brisket flavored/seasoned well tender only complaint is when cutting up the meat please remove the fat!!! Eeeeeyyyuuukk!! I had a herd time eating due to having to pick high fat chunks out of my fries ! I'd buy again but watch while cutting to make sure the fat is not put on my food ! read more

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I might even be generous with this rating... Quality/Quantity - Summer is here, and I wanted to do the 3.4 mile walk around the lake and it was a fail... Took a detour to the farmer's market, see pictures. Walked Grand Ave. After being consistently disappointed, we decided to go to San Leandro Marina to finish our walk, see other reviews and pictures. Atmosphere - Metered parking, free limited parking across the street. But be careful of car break-ins, ETC! Sadly, not the most comfortable environment for parking. Too many suspicious people hanging around cars, looking at cars, etc. So I chose to park away from the lake and walked. I don't want (another) car break-in to ruin my day/week. Be safe. Sadly, near the end of the lake, towards the library, there was low tide. The smell reflected it. Just like Jack London Square, Coliseum (Arena), etc. there is so much potential here. But the city just can NOT see it. At least I like the Oakland Zoo! 155 acres. Beautiful water views in Oakland, well at least most of it. Service - None, not even at the farmers market, Starbucks, the library, etc... Price - N/A. Owner Comment - An amazing amount of history since 1869, too much to write here. read more

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Lake Merritt is an iconic Oakland staple. It's a lovely place to walk around. The whole loop takes me a little over an hour. There are plenty of interesting birds to see along the way. Additionally, the views at different times in the day or at different seasons of the year are really nice to see. A couple parts of the lake are my favorite, more so on the downtown side, where you get the beautiful skyline view. However, on the other side of the lake, you get to see all of this from much further, so really nice views from all around. There are plenty of benches scattered along the way for those that want to take breaks to enjoy the view. A word of caution that some parts of the lake aren't as nice. For example, some people sit in their cars and hotbox while smoking. Those are the areas I personally just speed through because the nice ambience isn't there. Parking is paid around much of the lake now as a heads up whereas it used to be free in the past. Catch Lake Merritt during sunset for beautiful colors as well. Overall, a beautiful spot to checkout, and highly recommend to anyone coming to Oakland. read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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It's always something going on at the lake and it felt good to be back for Lake fest. You got joggers trying to outrun their bad life choices, smokers smoking that Mary Jane, drum circles that start randomly, and some women who swear they're the next Erykah Badu with a Bluetooth speaker and a dream. The lake is a huge oval shaped circle (yeah I said it idc) it's about 3.5 miles. You'll pass, some wildlife, unhoused individuals, hustla's, sometimes roller skaters, cooks and all of thee above. There's always some food trucks or you can head to the Grand Lake area to get a bite. Never trust the ducks. They will try to punk you for your snack. The parking... man It's Oakland. Just pray to find one. Lake Merritt will definitely entertain you and it's a vibe. It's Oakland's living room, dance floor, gym, and sometimes therapy office. Come for the views and stay for the characters. Just don't wear no brand new white shoes, just trust me. read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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On the neighborhood side of Lake Merritt, various species and plant life resides peacefully. Joggers pass by smiling dogs along the water. Music from swing to soul to hip hop fills the air. A coffee house and a lounge-like restaurant book end each side. And it seems to be always sunny over here. read more

Lake Merritt - a sunny view - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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Lake Merritt is an Oakland institution! It's a meeting place of people from all over the Town and the Bay in general. The walk/ run is just over 3 miles around the lake. You can easily get to the farmers' market, shops around the lake, the theatre, etc. I've enjoyed the walk around the lake for years, going to Fairyland with my family as a kid, and with my students as a teacher, shopping, picnics/ parties, runs, and so many celebrations. read more

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One of my fave places ever. Back in the day, I lived on the other side of the lake and my fondest memories are when I would with friends around the lake, coffee in hand, or walking my fur baby Kobe who a few years back crossed the rainbow bridge. This lake gets some flack for not being safest, but I've never had any issues whatsoever. I recently moved back and I'm closer to grand this time around - I now have two new fur babies and walking crisp Sunday mornings around the lake is our favorite thing to do. Depending on the day and time, it can get a little crowded and obviously, if you're at the lake at like 11PM at night, you have to use a bit of discernment, like any other major city. The lake is kept up nicely and I never notice heaps of trash everywhere. People are also, for the most part, respectful to throw their trash away and pick up after their dogs. It's a beautiful place to relax, and exercise. Check it out! read more

Lake Merritt - Enchanting - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

The walk around the lake is about 3 miles and takes an hour or so. The water is pretty and calming and the walk is more of a stroll so perfect for a run or for people that don't want any sort of uphill. It seems very social and communal here with lots of people hanging out, I didn't get the overrun with tourists vibe like I do when I'm at places in San Francisco. There are many food and other vendors out along the path. At the northern end on Grand Avenue there are some restaurants and bars to get food after. Also really worth checking out is the Lake Meritt Gardens on the Northern shore. read more

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We came on a beautiful, sunny Sunday and really enjoyed walking around the lake--it's a peaceful and scenic spot that makes for a lovely outing. Most of our walk was great, but we couldn't help noticing that the kids' playground is in desperate need of attention. The equipment looks worn out and neglected, and the area doesn't feel inviting or safe for families. Kids definitely deserve better, especially in such a well-visited space. Also, along Grand Avenue, the grass could use some regular maintenance. A little more care would go a long way in making the entire area feel more welcoming for everyone. With just a bit of upkeep, this spot could be truly top-notch read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've helped organize fundraiser walks around the lake and have attended various events here over the years, such as the Autumn Lights Festival, and it's always a joy to be in the vicinity of this beautiful landmark. Waterfront restaurants, easy trail wrapping around the lake, a gorgeous pergola visitors can walk underneath, and plenty of waterbirds to observe while appreciating the lovely ambience of this park and lagoon. The beautiful gardens at lake merritt add to the appeal of this place. It's also a great spot to go running, with the peaceful atmosphere and captivating views. And street parking along the border of the park is cheap and convenient. I didn't give 5 stars cuz during my recent visit it seemed a little run down and unkempt, polluted with litter and more homeless encampments than I remember. But it wasn't terrible, and it's still one of my preferred destinations in the city of Oakland. read more

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On a beautiful sunny day, Lake Merritt is the perfect place to take a nice long walk. My friend and I wanted a change of scenery from our usual walking grounds so we decided to make our way to Lake Merritt with the intention of stopping by OMCA. Parking was surprisingly a lot easier than I thought. On a Saturday late morning, I easily found parking on the street on the neighborhood side of the lake. From there, we walked towards OMCA, only to find that what we came there for was not there, so we ended up just walking all the way around the lake. It's not a long walk. We had some breaks in between, but I'd guess you can walk the whole thing in an hour or less (~3 miles around). In that walk, you'll get to see such a beautiful picture of community. Folks walking around solo, with friends, with families and with pets. People were fishing (though tbh, prob not the best idea in this lake). People were biking, running, and rollerblading. Some people were having a picnic or just sunbathing or reading a book. There was music and people having a great time. You stroll by fairyland and the cathedral and the courthouse. Definitely a walk that made me sad for Oakland as it is now - I wish everyone could see it's beauty in moments like this. Anyways, enough sappy, need a good walk? Lake Merritt is a solid place to go! read more

Oakland staple! Can't go wrong with a nice chill day and with a joint in hand and the scenery. read more

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Lake Merritt has become something of a landmark in Oakland. It's a place everyone knows and is central to so many great stores, restaurants and businesses. There's a lot of parking in nearby garages and close to BART. Great little area to run around during the morning and afternoon and sports great views. The surrounding park areas seem well maintained. Overall nice place to visit locally. read more

Today was a beautiful day to take a walk in Oakland around Lake Merritt. It was in the mid 70's. Perfect weather for shorts and tshirts. The lake is lined with people jogging, walking, and pushing strollers. Lots of dog walkers take their dogs around the lake for a good workout. You're never alone if you walk around the lake. In addition it is flat the whole way. Parking is all street parking. There is no private lot. Be prepared to parallel park. read more

Soooo pretty. Went for Slug World 2025 on a Tuesday afternoon and it was just so beautifully sunny and warm. People were with their kids, dogs, cycling, just out for a stroll. There's a nice big grassy area by the amphitheater. The water and sun really soothe the soul. read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

One of my fav hangouts.. the vendors out there are selling everything from food, clothes, weed, cocktails...gotta love it on a nice day. Lots of attractive women walking around. But the women should be bigger. i can't holla unless you're 150 pounds and employed read more

Lake Merritt is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places that exists. Waterfowl of all shapes and sizes, such as pelicans, cormorants, ducks, herons, and geese live there, along with other beautiful animals such as barn owls and even leucistic raccoons - very beautiful and rare, and an honor to see these animal families enhancing the marvelous ecosystem of the bay. Under the water, a host of lovely creatures as well, including bat rays, leopard sharks, and more! The water seems to have a life of its own - I suggest taking a stroll at the same time each day or evening, and see how much it changes along with the changing weather. Amazing. And then -- the people! People of all walks of life, backgrounds, diversities... it is a magnificent gathering place for all. I love it, my family loves it, it is the perfect urban nature spot. Go on the weekends for festive music and dance! read more

I love taking a walk around the "Necklace of Lights." It's a true Oakland gem for people-watching, exercising, or just relaxing by the water

The people's park. Everyone out here doing their own thing. Runners around the lake, sunbathers on fairyland side, live music and dancing at the pergola, generally a bunch of folks coming out for some sunshine and nature, enjoying this slice of Oakland. read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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The Lake is probably one of the best features Oakland has. It's kept somewhat nice. Walking around the lake during sunrise or anytime for that matter can be a pleasant experience. The variety of birds are always a highlight for me. The different plants, trees, even the squirrels that scurry across the grass really gives me an opportunity to forget the concrete jungle that I live in. Especially after a night of rain, the fresh air is just what I need to stop and smell the roses. But there are not so good things about the lake as well. Slowly (how should I say) the disenfranchised community has moved in which brings along with it a lot of litter and food waste. With that, it draws a large rat population in the evenings, but during daylight it's not an issue. The smell from the geese that live at the lake can be intense. And of course anyone walking the lake should never forget that they are still in Oakland, so watching your back is a must, cause when you least expect it, the criminal element within the Town will pounce like a lion on it's unsuspecting prey. Hopefully Lake Merritt can be maintained and kept nice for future generations. It's really the heart of Oakland so it must be preserved. read more

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Great Lake. fun place for picnics, long walks, running, bicycling. my only wish is that the place gets cleaned up. lots of rubbish in the water, that can be harmful to the wildlife. I also wish their was more bathrooms especially ones that aren't locked because lots of people seem to be using the lakes surroundings as a toilet, so it often smells of human waste when you're walking around the lake. read more

The jewel of Oakland! Every year during the holiday season, they put string lights around Lake Merritt. When the days are short, and the evenings come early, its such a great sight to see the string of lights shimmering of the calm water of Lake Merritt. This is one of the best afternoon walks in all of Oakland. Its 3 miles around the lake. All flat. And all paved. On a busy weekend afternoon it can get a little busy with runners and those darn electric bikes, but otherwise this is generally a very relaxing walk. I suggest stopping at Whole Foods to grab a bite and then pausing on your walk to eat on the grass. There's lots of benches and shady grassy areas. Perfect for a little picnic. read more

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Great place to go for a run or hang out with friends/family. Just be aware of the ducks though. They're all over the place and also leave things in the grass read more

Sadly, there are some homeless encampments here and there, but I only go during the day and I always feel safe. I love the string lights that wrap around the lake! It looks so pretty when lit up at night. I would say, during the day, it's so great to come here for a walk. I heard that going all around the lake once is 5k in distance, about 3.1 miles. I like to come here alone and listen to a podcast or audiobook while walking around. It's a great way to get your steps in, soak up some sun, and keep your mind active and learning! It takes about an hour to make your way around the lake once. For an ideal walk and parking situation, I would recommend coming before rush hour, like before 4pm on a weekday - if you can squeeze in a midday break. I have found that later in the day, it's hard to find parking around the lake. I take the 580 and get off Lakeshore and just go down until I find a spot. It's also a great spot to meet friends and have a picnic. It can get pretty popular when the weather is nice, especially on the weekends. Though for the most part there is enough space to social distance, it's not NOT crowded- so just beware, especially during COVID times. The vibe is fun, sometimes people are blasting music. Plenty of dogs and runners around. I highly recommend going to a nearby business and getting some takeout food or dranks and then bringing them to the lake to chill! Room 365 for example has cocktails to-go. Bacheesos Mediterranean food is so bomb lol you can grab their food to-go and then find a grassy spot across the street to eat! Of course, always come prepared with a blanket if you're gonna chill and picnic! There are also some vendors serving food in food trucks! Basically, come hungry to the lake haha, and enjoy! read more

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Beautiful big lake very walker biker dog friendly Beautiful during the day and when it's well lit at night Happy to be living near it :) read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

I love the lake. Many years ago, I walked around the lake every evening after work. It was absolutely beautiful. They have changed the grounds a bit, for some character? But the local charm is gone for me. My dad also lived on the lake for almost 30 years. He found an apartment and had a beautiful view. There was a park outside and people would gather for BBQs and picnics. But now, it's full of unhoused people and tents. I wish the city of Oakland would do something about it, not for the inconvenience of the residents, but for the unhoused people. My dad's rent didn't go up because of rent control, but the people moving in around him pay through the roof. I do like to come by here to enjoy the people watching, the birds (although hungry Canadian geese are aggressive), and seeing all of the places I used to know - the Cameron Stanford house, the spot where Burly, the tree, took his last bow, and Fairy Land for starters. But there is so much more to see and do. I love this gem of a place and look forward to more treks around this wonderful, beautiful body of water. read more

One of the most beautiful places in Oakland! It's a nice walk especially close to sunset. The lights are beautiful and the mixture of buildings, trees, and water is just perfect. It's a bit chilly so make sure you bring a jacket! read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

Beautiful lake! Calm waters and stunning views make it perfect for relaxation. Great spot for nature lovers. Clear waters reflect the sky's colors, making sunrises and sunsets unforgettable.Love this lake! Peaceful atmosphere, beautiful views, and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for a relaxing get away read more

The lake offers an amazing view for a trip with the family and friends - or for when you just take a nice stroll around. There are many rest areas where you can truly take your time and enjoy the sunlight. You can also walk to many of the local shops and eateries in case you need a break. read more

If it's a sunny beautiful day, taking a stroll around this lake is worth it. Didn't get a chance to walk the entire area but for the short walk I did, it was super nice. One of the unique things I noticed about this place was the amount of BIRDS. Think geese (tons and tons of them), storks, this one funky chicken/duck hybrid thing and etc. For the most part, the birds are harmless and it was pretty cool to see so many in one place. For those who enjoy jogging and such, there is a paved trail. Everything else in general was pretty clean and during the day time, didn't see much sketchiness. There were a few tent encampments in the random areas but overall, felt pretty safe walking around the lake. As for the scenery, there is a pretty view of the smaller like islands and some interesting flowers. Hopefully I can venture out further around this lake next time! read more

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Lake Merrit is definitely my favourite place in Oakland! It is such a beautiful lake, and it is really peaceful to just sit on a bench, view the lake, and enjoy the weather, especially in the summer. There is also a path that goes around the lake that a lot of people use to walk, jog, or run on. I also love how there are public washrooms by the lake. I had a really nice time here! read more

Lake Merritt - Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've watched Lake Merritt change over the past 20 years or so--some parts for the better and some for the worst. The better: Wider, paved, smooth paths to accommodate more people (there are parts of the lake where you can easily stand next to someone six feet apart); neater greenery around the lake (plants used to grow, dare i say, wild around the lake--nearly everything is meticulously planned now) The worse: More people unfortunately leads to more litter despite the city placing more trash cans/recycle bins around the lake--not sure why people aren't willing to walk a few steps just to throw their items away in the bins rather than on the grass :( the increase of people also leads to the increase of crime (we can see this in the car break ins and the assaults+shootings that are only happening more and more frequently) Noise levels have also significantly heightened which leads to the displacement of wildlife--there used to be significantly more birds, squirrels, etc walking/swimming around, now they're not as common Overall, parking is easy, scenery is beautiful, there are bathrooms (very dirty but nonetheless, available), and as long as you don't walk/jog/run during an ungodly hour, you should be okay (bring self protection like pepper spray just in case) read more

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Beautiful lake about a 10-minute walk from Downtown Oakland. I've had the pleasure to live around this area so I've hung around the lake quite frequently! - The lake is about 3.5-miles around and there is a paved walkway throughout. A casual jog around the whole lake can take anywhere from 30 to 40-minutes. - The BEST views around the lake are on the eastern side along Lakeshore Ave. This is were there is ample grass to lay down a blanket, relax, and have a picnic. At sunset, you can get beautiful shots of the sun setting over the Downtown Oakland skyline. - There are Off the Grid food trucks on the south side of the lake every Friday night. - On the north side, there are Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and the legendary Grand Lake Theatre ($6 matinee movies). - If you take BART, it is about a 10-minute walk to the lake. Parking around the immediate lake can be pretty tough (and it's metered from 8 am to 6 pm) so you may have to park in the neighborhoods if driving. read more

Lake Merritt - Best views on eastern side of lake along Lakeshore Ave - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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A very beautiful lake ideal for walking, jogging, or biking. If you're feeling lazy, you can just sit by the benches and green lawn to admire the view or watch people boating, kayaking, or canoeing. Great also for picnic and barbecue parties. I had the opportunity to drop by here one late afternoon and enjoyed a meal at the waterfront restaurant, Lake Chalet. I dined and waited until it was sunset. It's just so beautiful out here. It gave me the feeling of calmness and serenity while immersing myself in the beauty of nature. I stayed very late that I noticed that the entire lake was decorated all around with string lights. It added more beauty in the already very scenic atmosphere in here. I could imagine the place to be very romantic during full moon. Ah, nature at its best! read more

Lake Merritt - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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Excellent location for a morning stroll around the lake. Lots of others walking so you won't feel alone and there are several eateries confidently located for a post walk snack. Grab your favorite buddy on 2 legs or 4 and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine at Lake Merritt! read more

A lake in the heart of Oakland - it is about 3 miles. It's the oldest wildlife refuge. The lake is surrounded by both residential and commercial buildings. During warm summer days, it is usually packed with people walking their dogs, running around the lake, and people sitting on the grass having a BBQ or a picnic. At night, you can see lights hanging around the light poles. There are also ducks swimming around the lake. There is also a boathouse with boat rentals. There is a playground for kids as well. There are lots of great restaurants across the street, sometimes there are also street vendors. Parking can be tough on weekends as there is a farmer's market next to the lake. Would definitely go back if there were fewer homeless around selected parts of the lake. read more

This place was one of my most memorable spots in Oakland. I lovvvved this lake and the surrounding community. My friend and I had just left the Jack Square area and she went back to the hotel and I ventured on my own to see more of Oakland. I am soooo happy I followed my mind and checked out this lake. The weather was beautiful and I walked around the entire lake in awe, people watching and taking pics. I saw people walking, jogging, biking. I was alone and didnt feel unsafe in the early evening. There was a certain area on the lake where you had groups of photographer's getting their shots of the scenery. The buildings right by the water is just something magical to look at. There was some construction going on when I visited. The lake is soo huge that even if its crowded you dont feel like you're bumping into others. I saw people having BBQ's, parties etc... This place is a must see whenever you're in the area. I am so jealous of all the locals who live near this gorgeous lake and get to enjoy it daily. read more

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