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    Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

    4.3 (99 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Montage of images from Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
    Ed U.

    Even though it's been around since 2004, I had no idea there was an actual park at the Port of Oakland. This is no small patch of greenery but 38 acres of recreational area with a huge canopied area full of picnic tables and separately a substantial observation deck standing amid the gigantic shipping cranes. I only discovered it when I was watching Doug McConnell's OpenRoad TV series and scratching my head trying to figure out where it was. I thought it was just a quick stroll from the Bay Bridge Trail... But no, there ain't nothing quick about navigating this heavily industrial, eerily desolate area filled with trucks, trucks, and more trucks. I would've never come here had I not known about this special destination. Once there, I was surprised how well maintained it was, starting with the panoramic views of the bay. There's a substantial concrete pier with several tower viewers. It leads to the narrow Port View Park on the right, and on the left is a rocky beach not fit for swimming but still quite relaxing. In fact, it's Oakland's only public beach. The nearby salt marshes attract a lot of birds, and the promontory jutting out to the water is anchored by the observation tower (photo). Surrounding the park are the monstrous cranes and stacks upon stacks of metal cranes, which have been getting a lot of news coverage lately due to anticipated delays in holiday deliveries. Don't be put off by the isolated location. Yes, it's still an urban space, so don't leave stuff visible in your vehicle. At the same time, the clean condition of this shoreline park is an indication that Oakland wants our love. RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

    Landmark observation tower
    Lionel C.

    Great spot by the Bay Shore. Inviting picnic and bbq spots with grills. A wonderful, panoramic view of SF. I do admit that I heard that this is an alternative spot to watch the Blue Angels perform during Fleetweek. You do get to see the Blue Angels in flight, but honestly, the view isn't spectacular. I'll have to search for another spot on the E. Bay to see if I can score a better view next year. There's distant observation area, if you head left for a quarter of a mile once inside the entrance. A small structure is there at the end, that's a short landmark observation tower. Yeah, it's not the best spot if you're a Blue Angels fan. But if you're out to enjoy the sun and shore in a broad, open area, you'll like it here. Just a quick note, don't be daunted by the little parking area to the left, once you enter. There's a much bigger lot of spots to the right, but the entry way is easy to miss, if you're just focused on the small lot on the left.

    More space!
    Suzie A.

    What a hidden gem! One of my favorite things about living in the Bay Area is that although we have wonderful cosmopolitan cities, we're also smack dab in the middle of some breathtaking nature. This park perfectly captures that. Wide-open spaces, with trees, all kinds of wildlife, history, surrounded by the San Francisco Bay and the hustle and bustle of the Port of Oakland. This place is ideal for a peaceful walk (or run!), a picnic, fishing, or a lazy afternoon of birding or watching the activity at the port. There is so much to do, and you don't even have to leave Oakland! This park is usually devoid of crowds, and I kind of selfishly want to keep it that way, but that would have been wrong, right? So check out this beautiful urban nature space ... or don't (more for me!).

    Phil A.

    Great Park right in the Port of Oakland area!! This park is huge!! Great views of SF!! Probably the closest you can get to San Francisco while still being in Oakland. Getting here can be a little dicey sometimes, it really depends on when you go. Sometimes driving here is like a ghost town, there is zero traffic. Other times you're dealing with wall to wall trucks coming and going. Like I said, this Park is huge, so it does feel somewhat isolated. And it stays open late, until 10PM everyday. But I did see a security car driving around. But it's great place to be able to see the ships leave fully loaded, and they are massive. They are set up for huge parties, the picnic area here is a very large area with loads of tables and benches!! I like this place a lot, a great place to walk or run and catch some views while doing so!!

    Kimson D.

    Massive urban park with public shoreline and unobstructed, panoramic views of the SF skyline and beyond. It may feel a bit desolate and empty but it is a well maintained park with benches, trails, restroom, and an observation tower. There was a security car patrolling around, which made this urban area feel more safe to wander solo, but still recommend staying alert and leaving no trace of belongings in your parked vehicle. The views are amazing here! Truly a photographer's paradise. You can walk right up to the shoreline and watch the sunset. There's a lot of ducks, geese, and pelicans which I enjoyed bird watching before sunset :). It gets really windy here and some seating areas (picnic tables and benches) can be found tucked into little areas with wonderful views. You can watch the huge shipping containers being unloaded/ loaded on at the port of Oakland. Great spot to spend a few hours and admire the views.

    San Francisco, CA

    Nice place to walk, play a musical instrument, and bird watch. They have clean restrooms, BBQ area's, and fishing.

    Carol C.

    Date: 8/13/2016 Time: 12:42 PM 70° Sunny My husband and I have never been to this park. It's our first time here through an invitation on Facebook from one of my sister's classmates (shout out to Oakland Tech CO '69) for a BBQ picnic. Actually let me do a shout out first to the alumnus of Oakland Tech - "Bulldogs in the house" at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. Woot, woot...woof, woof..."bow wow wow yippee yo yippee yay...nothing but the dawg in me..." Party time with my Tech homies and peeps, even though they all graduated in the 80's and the 90's. LOL. This park has a spectacular and panoramic view of San Francisco, part of Alameda Point and the cranes of Port of Oakland. The location is in a secluded area and quite a way from any nearby businesses and residential neighbors. One cannot get to this park by public transportation (as in other park venues - Mosswood, Dimond, Washington in Alameda). Thus, the good thing is blast the music, party, get down on it cause ya ain't botherin' anybody or disturbin' the peace. However, alcohol consumption is not allowed, and no dogs are allowed at this park. There is also plenty of parking. The park is very spacious and has several picnic tables, BBQ pits and benches along the pathways. I am somewhat amazed that I did not see no smoking signs. Some of the grassy areas of the park is dry The park is okay during the day, but at night I would not be hanging around out here. My husband and I were driving in West Oakland at night a few months ago, took a wrong turn on 7th Street and ended in this area, which was not that well lit. We almost got lost at night. Thank goodness for GPS on my mobile phone we were able to get back on the right track. Then another reason I don't recommend this place at night is because of the number of black tire treads on the roadway leading in and out of the park to and from 7th Street. I can only speculate that sideshows are done here at night.

    Sunset at Middle Harbor
    Ron L.

    Middle Harbor Park is in a location you'd never think of going to. And it has a feel of "them", whoever them is, taking some vacant land on the water and making a park out of it. Whatever, it sounded like a good idea at the time, and turned out to be a good idea. It was developed as an industrial area, and has remained an industrial area ever since. This is the general vicinity of the auto ferry to and from San Francisco before the Bay Bridge was completed in 1936. Which means that it's remote enough that one can smoke pot, sell other drugs, vandalize a car, or rape his girlfriend, and there will be few witnesses and the police are extremely unlikely to be just passing by and stop it. It doesn't look like a crime-ridden park, but the potential is absolutely there to pull the job off easily. Especially seeing that you drive through a ghetto to arrive here. Be alert. So what do you have? An unusual view of San Francisco is the highlight. Shipping cranes to the right and behind you. Picnic tables, and a pavilion for groups. A large grassy area that gets watered only by the rain. Lots of wind from the bay. Canadian geese, oh poop. Signs warning you to not swim or wade because the mud is soft and deep. So you can eat dinner, go for a jog, the kids can throw a Frisbee, and add to your photo essay of Oakland. Overall, Middle Harbor Park feels like a 3.. The view takes it up by one, the potential for danger takes it back down by one.

    Sharon L.

    A great place to see shorebirds after high tide. I visited the park on 8/7/21, and the walkways were very clean.

    Teresa D.

    Toilet paper, soap, water, and paper towels were actually available in the restrooms here--miraculous for a far-flung park.

    Anne Marie M.

    My favorite park in Oakland. A total hidden gem. The park has recently been restored so all the fixtures and facilities are still shiny and new, unlike some of Oakland's other parks (Mosswood, Dimond etc.) The park itself has little bit of the feel of Seattle's Gas Works with a skyline only San Francisco could provide. Despite the fact its a little bit of a hike to get to, I'm always surprised how few people are here. Although, I have to admit, it's kind of nice in that way. Yeah, yeah there's goose poop but it's a much better situation than Lake Merritt in my opinion. I love taking a Sunday bike ride (or a Friday ride with bike partaaayy) and ending here. There's a great lookout point, barbecue pits, tons of green space . A great place to bring a group of friends and just hang out. Or if you're solo, bring a book and enjoy the sunshine.

    randolph m.

    I've often heard that Oakland is to San Francisco what Brooklyn is to Manhattan. After a lengthy panoramic view of the "City by the Bay" from the shores of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, I cannot deny the similarity of this comparison or the disparity between the forgotten industrial blue collar town I currently call home and its posh, famous sister across the bridge. San Francisco has the European flavor, the landmarks, the rich and famous, the exclusivity, the art galas and benefits and festivals, the hustle, the bustle, the 28-year old CEO's, and $20,000 boob jobs, - the American dream. The California facade. But we have character too. And diversity, cleaner air, less congestion, top notch restaurants, music, art, and a ton of upside. And hope. And a few treasures a bit off of the beat path like this park, a great place to run, bike, roller blade, practice your latest Kata or just chill as the cool harbor breezes blow through your brushy bangs or thoroughly lubed Jheri curls.

    Nelly J.

    AMAZING views, it's quite and peaceful, but no playground for kids, and bird poop all over the walking path :/ But still a nice spot to check out. There wasn't many people there on a hot Saturday, which is a plus to me.

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    Nice park with walking trails and a view of the city. Clean restrooms and picnic tables.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

    Has anyone seen the Blue Angels from this location? Any pointers if coming with a toddler?

    Last year my husband and I were at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park to watch the Blue Angels. The park offers a panoramic view of San Francisco. You can see them in formation from that park at a far distance. I don't have a young toddler. I can't say… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

    Bring your camera, the port is amazing and the views of the bay bridge and the city are breathtaking.

    Mentioned in 23 reviews

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    Doyle Hollis Park

    Doyle Hollis Park

    4.4(25 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Found a surprisingly nice little park!…read more It's not very big, but the design is thoughtful, clean, and comfortable There's plenty of shade , so even on sunny days it's not too hot--perfect for a relaxed playtime. Playground features: Slides, climbing structures, and spinning toys--great for kids of different ages There's also a toddler area , so little ones can play safely Special highlight: There's a community-donated free toy area Lots of different toys to play with--kids will feel like they've discovered a new playroom Bonus: There's a small path running through the park Kids can safely ride scooters or bikes--spacious and easy to move around Amenities: Restrooms (big plus!) Benches for parents to relax Heads up: Parking nearby can be a bit difficult, so plan some extra time or go earlier

    I've been evaluating playgrounds during this covid time and have gone to at least 3 dozen…read moreplaygrounds in the bay area to determine which ones I'll be bringing my kids to and this is one of them. The perimeter is set nicely. It's not all fence, but the demarcation using walking paths and greenery is successful. Entry off the corner is clear. You know who's coming in and out of the playground which is #1 for safety. Seating areas all around which is another good mark for safety. You want to be able to watch over your kids as they're playing. Architecturally, the place looks pristine from every angle. Well laid out. Shows intention. Someone was doing their homework. Wasn't just slapped together like some places. They definitely had a landscape designer on board when they built this place. Nice touch Emeryville! Although the play structure isn't huge, it's one of the best for kids 5 and older. It has a very good variety. Long tall tunnel slide which kids absolutely love. The view from the top I'm sure is amazing and one of the choices for getting up there is by way of the rock climbing wall. Younger kids may have a hard time finding a place to play though. The area designed for younger kids is more of a art piece than an actual play area. You'll know what I mean when you get there. Ko

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    Doyle Hollis Park
    Doyle Hollis Park
    Doyle Hollis Park

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    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

    4.7(46 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    Never disappointed with a visit to Jean Sweeney Park. Our daughter enjoys the various play areas as…read moreshe navigates between the different areas, existing in some spaces longer than others. After parking, if you can find a spot, the first play area includes a trampoline, climbing structure, a wide metal slide and an oversized musical chime. To the right, a spacious mesh swing spins with kids constantly filling and spinning it. Directly in front is an ample sand area with a brick barrier surrounding it. To the left are three picnic tables. In front of the sand area is the smaller kids play area which is directly next to the restrooms and water fountain. To the left of the little play area is the zip line. When you go further in to the park, there is a covered area with lots of picnic tables and seating grouped together, more benches and lots of grass to play and explore further. There are paths to ride bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards. During warmer weather this park is packed. When we visited, following a prior event, there were already lots of kids on a gray, windy, overcast day. This park is spacious on the interior but parking on the exterior is limited. The parking lot is minimal for the amount of space to explore, which is awesome but makes it difficult to navigate up close parking. Street parking is not really existent unless you enter on the opposite end of the park.

    An amazing open space park, with room for plenty of activities and a playground large enough to…read morehold a large amount of kids! The playground has multiple areas for activities; sandpit, toddler play structure, large metal slide, and rope climbing jungle gym. The best part? The long rope swing! Parking was plentiful, and there were plenty of logs for parents to enjoy the shade while being close to their kids. Bathrooms are present as well as picnic tables.

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    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park - Restrooms to the right and water fountain

    Restrooms to the right and water fountain

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park - Little kids play area

    Little kids play area

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

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    Lake Temescal - The blooms

    Lake Temescal

    4.3(166 reviews)
    5.8 miNorth Oakland

    The Lake Temescal loop is a beautiful easy-medium short walk that's a little over a mile…read more As you walk the only partially paved trail you'll see a ton of wildlife (ducks and fish) and quite a few dogs being walked as well as a waterfall water feature. The views are picturesque and it's quite serene for how busy it is. The second half of the trail (after you loop around near the fallen tree) isn't paved and in poor weather would be likely too muddy to be particularly safe, so I would probably walk elsewhere after a good rain or while it's drizzling. All in all, we had nevr been to this lake before and it was gorgeous so we fully intend to return!

    Great place for fishing or a walk if you live in the area. Its a scenic place for not being all…read morethat large. Parking lot, kids play structure BBQ areas and picnic tables along with a clean walking path around the edge make for a good day with friends or family. I think it had been 35 years since I was last here since a few days ago. I barely remember a company picnic with my parents as a little kid. Obligatory company Christmas parties and picnics I'm sure everybody knows what those are about - and as a little kid it wasn't so bad. I think just now as we get older its the type of thing we look to gracefully exclude ourselves from. Too cool for school, too cool for Lake Temescal - yeah, maybe I think so.

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    Lake Temescal - They have a pay phone. No idea if it works.

    They have a pay phone. No idea if it works.

    Lake Temescal - The lake

    The lake

    Lake Temescal - My dog enjoyed Lake Temescal... perfect walking distance with a beautiful lake.

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    My dog enjoyed Lake Temescal... perfect walking distance with a beautiful lake.

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    East Bay Regional Park District

    4.7(595 reviews)
    9.7 mi

    This park is fantastic. The first time we visited was back in 2018 and honestly we can't remember…read morewhere we parked or which trails we hiked. But I know we enjoyed ourselves. Fast forward to yesterday. We had a restaurant in Albany that we wanted to check out so of course we had to hike first to get our appetites whet. I found a loop I wanted us to try on AllTrails. It's called the Dunn Trail--Monteiro Trail Loop. We parked at the Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center on Skyline Blvd. It was the perfect spot to start. Free parking. Public restrooms (even flush toilets!). If you have a dog, most of this trail is off-leash which I have never seen before. Every dog we saw were well behaved and having a great time. We don't have dogs of our own but I am a big dog person. This particular loop was exactly what I was looking for. It had several different biomes. Despite what AllTrails said, it is not all shaded but it was a beautiful, sunny, windy day. We saw lots of wildflowers blooming. We found there to be a difference between AllTrails and our measurements. AllTrails said it was roughly 500+ ft elevation gain but ours said 1000. That's a huge difference! But I would believe ours over theirs. There were a lot of inclines. Also, their's said it was 3.5 miles but ours said a mile longer. The trails were all very well maintained. We saw gorgeous views, small waterfalls/creeks, redwoods, butterflies--just lovely. It was less busy than I anticipated but we arrived before 9 a.m. We finished by 11. This is a big park and lots to explore. Highly recommend!

    Peak My Interest…read more ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE YELP PAGE FOR REINHARDT REDWOODS REGIONAL PARK*** I was attempting to change the name to the proper moniker that included "Reinhardt," but Yelp mods, being the highly regarded sort, somehow decided in their infinite wisdom that they should change it to "East Bay Regional Park District"?! What the what?? 0_o So, that's on me, kids. My bad. Onto the review... A giant ±1,833-acre redwood forest nestled in the Oakland Hills, this park was a former logging site back in the 1800s. Fortunately, there has been a nice resurgence of redwoods to replace those that were cut down. It ain't old-growth, but we'll take what we can these days. The Good: * Free at certain times of year and at certain entrances (more below) * Mountain biking on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Horseback riding on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Camping available (check website for info and reservations) * Reservable and non-reservable picnic tables (check map & website) * Restrooms available in parking lots, as well as at some campsites * Nearly forty miles of trails with something for everyone * If you're looking for a moderate ±4.5-mile loop, go to the Skyline entrance and take the Serpentine Prairie Trail to Dunn Trail to Golden Spike Trail, then back to Dunn Trail The Meh: * $5/vehicle entrance fee on weekends and major holidays between April and October, only at the Redwood Gate entrance * Most of the trails are pretty decent, but some are in rough shape due to water damage The Ugly: * One of the few parks I've seen with "off-leash" sections for dogs--which is fine, except you know there's a good majority of dog owners who think they can control their dogs but really can't. We saw a panicked guy chasing his dog down a trail at one point, and who knows when--if ever--he caught up to it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Great park with tons of trails and lots to see and do.

    Photos
    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

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    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    Middle Harbor Shoreline Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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