I have heard of Lake Merritt but never understood what it was- a broad body of still water that…read moreoffers 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.

A great place to run and walk during the early mornings. Lots of residents and visitors come out to…read morewalk run and bike in the morning. Not too crowded a nice cool breeze to keep you cool while exercising and enjoying the view of the lake. There are bathrooms located around the lake some at the lake Merritt library but beware they are very rough. Safety wise lots of people and nothing crazy.

The Bay Trail, which runs all over the Bay, is always a good choice!!…read more This stretch through Oakland, in the Jack London Square area, runs right next to the water. It will take you as far north to Emeryville, Berkeley, and beyond. Gets windy here in the evening, but on clear days you can get some nice views. I had a nice, after dinner stroll here!!

Um. This is why I moved to the Bay Area. For me, this trail exemplifies why we pay those high rent…read moreprices and work those stressful jobs. To enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Wow, I'm gettin' real corny, eh?! The Bay Trail is 500 Miles - 47 Cities - 9 Counties long and encompasses the North, East & South Bays and SF proper. Whether you bike, walk, skate or just sit, do expect beautiful views of the Bay. I didn't realize the extent of it myself until I clicked on the website and I'll be damned, this trail is LEGIT. I myself have done from about San Leandro/Alameda thru to Emeryville and man, oh man what a great bike ride. Are some parts a bit sketchy, closed and/or unmarked? Yep, (that Emeryville area is a bit wonky), but you can pick up a free map (and a t-shirt) at any of the parks offices and really follow along to get you back en route. A few more bonuses: along the route you can find some public bathrooms and water fountains (SCORE), and there are a TON of picnic benches in some parts. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yep, Yelp app to find some sammies and boom - picnic! The trail does go through multiple parks (at least on the East Bay side) where parking is available, just an FYI. Exercise, beautiful views and landscapes while enjoying the world outside is how I like to spend my free time. If you do as well, go ahead peep their website and I'll see ya on the trail!

Stair walkway next to Lake Merrit…read more Good for a gym workout if you don't feel like stair master. Very beautiful part of Oakland. Lots of people jogging around the lake. Lots of life. Many food trucks pop up around here on the weekends. No bbq Becky in sight.

I'm continuing my walk around Lake Merritt with my guide who grew up right in this area, like you…read moreknow, even had a paper route (things boys had in those days) right here on Lakeshore Ave. Looking for iconic Oakland landmarks, he wanted to show me this long stairway. This is called the Cleveland Cascade. At the top it comes out at Cleveland Street, but it's actually Merritt Ave. Cleveland Street just goes into some private driveways. It's a beautiful walkway and been here like 100 years or more. It's a good place to come for photo shoots and romantic walks. There's a bench at the top to sit and make out. Well, that's what I'm told anyways! The stairs make a good shortcut if you need to get from Merritt Ave above to Lake Merritt/ Lakeshore Ave. I'm enjoying seeing these iconic landmarks of Oakland. Who knew stairs would be a landmark, but there's a sign at the top explaining the history.

We've rafted twice more with All-Outdoors since my last review - Goodwin Canyon in October 2022,…read moreand then Middle Fork American River again this past month (both 1-day trips). The last time we rafted Middle Fork American was on a cold, gloomy, drizzling day in October 2019 - so we had to give it another go in warmer weather. This time around was just as memorable. Two of us in the boat ended up falling out in the water at Tunnel Chute, which happened so fast that I barely knew what had happened - thankfully, there was a nice calmer stretch of water right after through the river tunnel, so we were easily able to get back into the raft. (Thank you to our guide, Troy, for hauling me back in, and for being an awesome guide in general!) Plus this was one of the photographer spots, so the action was all captured for us to laugh about later. Later, after our tasty sandwich picnic lunch, we had a few unexpected events happen, starting from the portage down Ruck-a-Chucky Falls. Shout-out to all three guides in our group - Troy, Shea, and AJ - for handling things so calmly and getting us all back where we were supposed to be! We had plenty of calm stretches floating down the river as well. The canyon is beautiful and quite peaceful. We saw a ton of dragonflies flying above our heads, masked ducks chilling on rocks and diving underwater, and wild grapes and blackberries growing alongside the river. We'll be back again for another trip with All-Outdoors! Maybe we'll try a 2-day or 3-day trip next time.

This rafting company is the best! We did the South Fork of the American River and had a blast. I…read morehighly recommend this trip and company. Ask for Markus to be your guide. You won't be disappointed.

I signed up for their half day basic kayaking class for today. First off, even though I've been…read morekayaking before, taking the basic course here was very humbling, ha, ha... I'd no idea of how much there's to learn! I highly recommend this class! If you're a novice, by the end of the class you'll be much more experienced. I'm really looking forward to practicing what I learned. One of the things I really appreciated was the detailed list they provide of what to bring to the class. Additionally, the location of the class is the best! I really enjoyed going to Alameda and also the estuary, plus a great view of SF. I look forward to continuing to support this business.

We had a great Kayak rental experience and fresh air sunny day. Soo was the person working…read moreyesterday. He was helpful, efficient and got us all set up. All while juggling customers there for a Kayak sale. The location and dock so easy. We popped right into the water and took off toward Alameda and then up toward Brooklyn Basin. We got the perfect day. A bunch of fun summer sailing camps were out on the estuary. We'll definitely be back. Thank you!

Truly a hidden gem. Unless you lived in Alameda, this place will be hard to find. This is where…read morewe launch our kayaks from time to time. Beautiful homes nearby. I'm glad it's open to public.

When my Dad moved our family to Alameda decades ago, the island still had barren undeveloped land…read more One such place was Ballena Bay. Today it's the home of a large marina, modern homes, Pier 29, beautiful bay views, and a office building. Hey, my Edward Jones advisor is at Ballena Bay! Locals know it can be a place for bad cellphone reception. But visitors can come and walk around anytime. During the early days of Covid-19, someone put up "No Visitors " signs on the pathways. Yeah right. Back in the old days, when I was a little kid, Ballena Bay was the place with that " secret fishing spot." Drop your line, and pull fish out of the bay. Guys were pulling crabs out of the water with their hands. Ballena Bay is part of the City of Alameda, the Island City.

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.

Great park! First time there and my 4.5 yr old daughter loves it. Clean and big playground. Has a…read moretrail to walk around and if you have your doggy, great trail to walk around. Downside to this park, small parking lot!