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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
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.
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!).
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!!
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.
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.
A great place to see shorebirds after high tide. I visited the park on 8/7/21, and the walkways were very clean.
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.
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.
Toilet paper, soap, water, and paper towels were actually available in the restrooms here--miraculous for a far-flung park.
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. read more
Unique park with sunning San Francisco skyline views. Lots of parking and places to sit and eat but I feel the land is not being utilized very well at all. The park needs more. For such a beautiful place I feel it is a total waste of resources and land. Nobody is here. It feels like a spooky ghost town. The unusual location near the shipping docks is probably part of the reason why but still - I would rather see this luxury piece of land better used. How could it be used? I'm not a developer - I don't know the limitations and zoning - but if maybe housing could be built or community space or business I would be pleased. Right now the only business here is goose business and it is all over. The geese can take their business elsewhere. Lets get this set up for humans to enjoy. And housing will always be needed unless humans stop reproducing - and I don't see that happening anytime soon. read more
This is a little known park with excellent views of the Bay, San Francisco and the shipyard. It is usually practically empty with plenty of parking. There are lots of benches along the way so you can sit and watch the boats go by. You have an excellent view of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. It's great for taking children on a bike ride, scooter ride or skating because there are many paved surfaces. You can park directly in the first parking lot when you come in or you can drive down to where you can watch the cargo ships load and unload their containers. Young kids love to watch that. Minus one star for the barren landscaping but other that that, a great place to check out. read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
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 read more
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. read more
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!). read more
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!! read more
6 years ago
3 years ago
Nice place to walk, play a musical instrument, and bird watch. They have clean restrooms, BBQ area's, and fishing. read more
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. read more
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. read more
5 years ago
A great place to see shorebirds after high tide. I visited the park on 8/7/21, and the walkways were very clean. read more
15 years ago
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. read more
15 years ago
5 years ago
17 years ago
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. read more
14 years ago
The irony of this review is the fact that this wonderful, hidden gem will now be more exposed. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is an oasis tucked away in the middle of the busy, Port of Oakland. I discovered this park a few years ago as my dad always worked for one of the Container companies located off of 7th Street. I remember many years ago when this patch of land was left untouched and languishing until it was restored and made into a park on the bay. Middle Harbor is hardly ever crowded, but that leads to the charm of the park. In my humble opinion, I like it that way. The park is pretty easy to get to whether you go there by car or better yet, bike. Once you get to the park, you get to see some of the most incomparable views of the San Francisco Skyline with the Bay Bridge and the Transamerica building as your backdrop juxtaposed to the ships and cranes of the port. Also, there is an observation tower where you get to see the beauty of the bay with your naked eye or the telescopes on hand. read more
Both times I've been here it's been completely empty. Brought friends, grilled steaks, drank wine and watched the sunset over San Francisco and the Bay Bridge through the (free) binoculars on the dock. It's a beautifully well-maintained park so deep inside the Port of Oakland that the riff raff haven't discovered it... yet. No cops came and told us to get rid of the wine, I guess we were fortunate. There was one employee walking around but he didn't even notice us. read more
12 years ago
Do not underestimate the geese poop! But as long as you're wearing shoes and don't have any small children trying to eat it, you should be fine! Great little park. Not very busy when we went even though it was a warm day. Wonderful views of the city! We returned a few hours later to watch the Blue Angels for Fleet Week and the place was actually packed! read more
7 years ago
20 years ago
Well, I almost hate to give-up this little gem. It is not a park that you stumble across, unless you work for the Port of Oakland. A well-kept secret, the East Bay Middle Harbor Park is tucked into the edge of the 4th largest seaport in the nation. This calm oasis set amid the hustle and bustle of the 4th largest seaport in the nation offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and ship traffic in the Estuary. park map: http://www.ebparks.org/resources/pdf/trails/middle_harbor_map.pdf A recently converted Naval Supply Depot, the park offers views of the bay that have not been available to the public for the past 100 years. Because of the relative seclusion, I like to have BBQ's with my friends here because there are always picnic tables available. Oh, and did I mention the views? Be sure to check out the observation tower located in the Western Pacific Mole area of the park. read more
9 years ago
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. read more
11 years ago
View of West span of bay bridge and some of SF is ok. Good number of different shorebirds to look at too. Ok 1.5 mi path from end to end. Also, there is security that patrols lots, presumably because the area demands it. Most of the park grass is dead presumably due to water conservation in effect for CA. And i understand thats necessary. However, between the depressingly parched ground and the gritty light industrial 2+ miles to get here, I'd go to parks on Alameda or Berkeley/Emeryville shoreline parks first for great views and a more relaxing atmosphere. Oh yeah, and you don't get much of a view of new eastern span of bay bridge (see pic). read more
16 years ago
A great place for a walk on a sunny day! There are wonderful views of San Francisco, Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge but I enjoy getting a closer view of the container cranes. There are few people around, even on great days and I personally like it that way. I know how crowded some parks can get in the East Bay on nice days, but this isn't one of them. The park is also well-maintained and there are a few informational kiosks detailing the surrounding ecology, history and wildlife. Be aware that getting here by public transportation requires a bit of patience. Last time I checked there was only one AC Transit line that came here and it only came once an hour and ONLY on weekends. read more
13 years ago
This place is such a hidden gem. And it's definitely hidden...this isn't an area you just go cruising by on your way to somewhere else. It's located smack dab in the middle of the Port of Oakland. On your way there, you'll see all kinds of tire tracks from people doing drag races and sideshows in the middle of the night since it's so deserted out there. The views are great, there's lots of historical information posted, and tons of picnic tables and benches all over the place. Plus, there's amazing views of one of my Oakland favorites: the port cranes. A perfect place for a jog, a leisurely stroll, or to take the kids on a sunny afternoon. And yes...there are a lot of geese here, and their poo...it is what it is. read more
14 years ago
like most of the reviews say- this place is a hidden gem. came here on a cold saturday and we weren't surprised that this place is quiet. its clean (except the goose poop on the grass), the view of the city and the bay was awesome. the beach was clean, the hiking trail and observation deck were cool. everything seemed to be new. can't wait to come back read more
17 years ago
So I had to attend a "group" event at Shoreline Park today and it was a nice spot although it was cloudy and super chilly! A great spot to watch SF from the East Bay and check out the workings of the Port of Oakland. The Canadian Goose poop was way out of control to the point where the individuals who set up the event had to ask for the park people to come out and use.."Natures Sweeper" to clean up the grass. Parking was plentiful, other than the goose poo the place was pristine. Even the bathrooms were in excellent shape- and that is saying something for a park. I could totally see coming back to explore more on my own time just to see what else this place holds. read more
7 years ago
15 years ago
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More info about Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
2777 Middle Harbor Rd
Oakland, CA 94607
West Oakland
Directions
(510) 627-1111
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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…
Review Highlights - Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
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