Lake Merritt

Uptown Oakland for a business trip? No better place to unwind than Lake Merritt. I’m guessing a little over three miles circumference. Clean, peaceful, and safe for an enjoyable daytime jog or walk.

It's always nice to walk around the park and enjoy the outdoor space. I enjoy all of the culture. The lake is near so many restaurants. Lake Merritt is a good place to get some activity or take a date. 😍💯

The five stars is because the lake is photogenic. The surrounding buildings and condos make the pictures fantastic. The park felt safe. We went on a weekday morning. There were several people jogging and walking for exercise. Parking was 3 dollars. Make sure to keep any valuables out of sight and lock your car doors.

I moved near lake Merritt last week and it has been great place for evening walk. The environment is really happening. Lake is surrounded with pretty lights with proper walk way. Lake Merritt is good for picnic with view of downtown too. It gets little windy sometimes and chilly after sun down. Overall amazing place for walking, running and cycling.

Lovely place, great for picnics or workout! Parking is easy and sufficient. Enjoy the sun, shop, kayak in the lake or run, skate or bike around the lake. There is something for everyone. You can bring your blanket and lie on the grass or sit in the benches. On weekends you might get to enjoy the local drummers and watch people dance away to glory. Oh and I forget it’s great for dogs and your canine friend will thank you for the walk .

Lake Merritt 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!

The lake was already pretty good to enjoy before the soon to be competed major renovations (see pics). As of Dec 2018, the walking and jogging double paths are mostly complete, much of the landscaping has gone in & we're so excited to enjoy Lake Merritt in the spring!

I am drawn to the water no matter where I have lived. The lake and surrounding free use areas adjacent to the lake are wonderful, exciting, informative and down right essential to my "Ness". I meditate often at the Bandstand, walk leisurely thru the botanical gardens, ride my bike pleasantly along the sidewalk on the lakeshore and so much more. I love Oakland so much.

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.

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.

Lake Merritt is a wonderful place for a walk, especially if you have a dog. My dog loves it here, and it's always a great time walking around the lake. The path offers beautiful views and a refreshing atmosphere. However, be prepared for a lot of geese poop along the way. It's definitely better to visit during the day for safety and visibility. For those who have never been, it's important to note that this is not a lake for swimming. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the outdoors.

Lake Merritt is not a place where you have freedom to enjoy. Lake Merritt is a place where those who come to enjoy are subservient to those who wish to do harm. Lake Merritt has the potential to be one of the most beautiful public green spaces in California. Heck there's a large lake with beautiful trees all the way around it. But the city has lost control of the area. It is riddled with garbage and filth from vagrants and the profoundly mentally ill who are seeking lakefront property. It's been a few weeks, but Lake Merritt is also a place where there's a reasonable chance you will be murdered. There are regular murders on the sidewalk around Lake Merritt. There are no police or security guards watching the area. There are no visible close circuit TV cameras, or anything else that might deter crime. As a long time resident of Oakland, it's saddens me that such a potentially amazing place is so dangerous and filthy.

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 :)

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.

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.

Absolutely beautiful. It's about a 3 mile walk around the lake, walking at a slow leisurely pace to take in the sights, takes me about an hour and 15 minutes to go around. Different parts of the lake provide different views. My favorite parts are the skyline views. It's especially beautiful through sunset and as it gets dark with the string lights and skyline lights. Additionally, in the daytime, the variety of birds to see are a nice addition. Most recently, it looks like some baby ducks have hatched. There's also a boathouse with boat rentals available, which is a nice thing to do on the lake. This is definitely a must see sight in Oakland. It's at the top of my list for all ages.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Versatile park area with a lake, garden, trail, fairytale kids park ect it's a pretty large spot, with lots of people. You've got bicyclists, couples, families with kids, etc. It can be quite packed, especially on weekends. Trying to find parking is kind of horrendous. But it's still worth the beautiful sight of ducks on the water, people having picnics, and so on. The public bathrooms are disgusting and not functional. I would recommend bringing hand sanitizer and tissue paper because they didn't have any running water or toilet paper in the lavatory.

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)

The fountain is over run w homeless and trash. Dry. Urine soaked. Ugh. I liked things better during Covid.

Lake Merritt is a place where all aspects of Oakland goes to display themselves. Like anywhere else it has it's up sides and down sides and since it's located in Oakland those up sides and down sides have much more contrast than most places. With that said, Lake Merritt is by far the best part of Oakland. I have lived close by for the past 4.5 years and I still end up there almost daily. The pros: - prime people watching location, there always something entertaining going on - beautiful views of the lake/ downtown - lots of birds - great place to walk/ run - diverse community - lots of open space - local vendors - pretty good parking most of the time - great gathering place - Fairyland! Cons: - people trash the area, especially during the warmer months - limited bathrooms - not enough garbage cans for the volume of people that visit when things get busy - lots of homeless encampments - reoccurring violent crimes in certain areas - the water is littered with garbage, especially after it rains

Used to be my favorite, but I see it slowly deteriorate. Dirty...so many homeless... And only one public restroom... at least have porta potties around children's playgrounds!

Pros Great place for a walk and capture some beautiful snaps during the sunset Ample parking and family friendly This place is well maintained and fairly clean Tons of great restaurants in close vicinity as well

Went here for fun on Saturday. It was a blast. A great time. I'm so glad to have just moved here and find a nice place to have a great time as needed.

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!

Lake Merritt is one of the best places to go for a nice walk or run in the city of Oakland. It's a little over 3 miles around the lake and you'll see people rollerblading or skating, dancing, working out, walking their dogs, biking, and enjoying time outdoors. I rate it 3 stars instead of 5 because there is a lot of litter, the water is polluted, there's a fair amount of smoke, sadly a large number of homeless camps, and lots of broken glass about. It's also safest during daylight hours unless you're in a group. It's quite stunning at night with a string of lights that circles the lake, so if you have a partner you can walk with, an evening stroll when the crowds have calmed down is lovely. It's busiest on the weekends, where you can find all sorts of food trucks, picnics, and stalls, and then after work hours on weekdays.

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.

Lake Merritt is a nice park for folks who can walk there from the surrounding neighborhoods, but I never considered it a "destination." It seems to have become a destination during the pandemic -- so if you have a vehicle and can travel to less popular parks, I recommend you steer clear and visit EB Regional Parks just a little farther away. It's not worth the risk to create a situation of overcrowding!

This is my first time going to lake Merritt, it's a really nice place to chill out and read a book! anddd very peaceful!

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!

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.

Everyone loves a great stroll around the lake. While it's not quite the gem it used to be, I have a lot of nostalgic feelings about doing the 3.5 mile loop around the lake. These days, there can be some safety issues around the lake with recent shootings that would make anyone nervous, but more often than not, this is a great place for a day time stroll by yourself or with a friend!

***My 700th Review*** Before I really knew Oakland, I knew Lake Merritt. This was my escape. The place that I went to vent. The place that I went to take a walk. The place that I went to cry... or to catch a sunset. This big body of water is filled with so many memories. Memories of great times with friends. Heartfelt conversations and liberating runs and walks along the lake. Passionate kisses and painful arguments. Picnics and parties on warm summer days. So many memories, some of which I'd like to rather forget. But, what I will never forget is the feeling that I get whenever I come here. Lake Merritt is the most prominent Lake in the Bay Area. It's widely known and heavily trafficked. But Lake Merritt is so much more than just a "Lake" to me. It's therapy. It provides a place for me to clear my mind. It provides visuals to sooth my eyes. It showcases the beauty of a city that is still so underrated and that doesn't get the recognition that it truly deserves. You see, the ripples in this lake are like ripples of memories. Memories that I relive whenever I come here. The walking path represents me moving forward in life. Moving past the bad memories. The surrounding city view represents the beauty of the past, and is elevated at night and during those wonderful sunsets. This is one of those few places where everybody likes to go. Everybody. Whether you're rich or poor. Black or white. Young or old. So many people find solace and happiness at this lake. There are no judgements. Just a bunch of people from all different walks of life who come here to enjoy the serenity of Lake Merritt. A serenity that I find with each and every visit.

I left my heart in Oakland, California...although the infamous Tony Bennett song infers the real city by the bay. This seminal song comes to mind whenever I think of this iconic lake (which technically is a lagoon) in the heart of the city of Oakland, whose shape reminds me of a gigantic heart. And why shouldn't it? As it is the beating soul of the other city by the bay as it is perfect for outdoor activities from walking to jogging to even rowing and boating, but it is also well-known for hosting numerous noteworthy city festivals and events from music and food festivals in the 1980's and 90's to more recently being the epicenter of a couple of victory celebrations for the Golden State Warriors, who until last year called the city of Oakland their home. Lake Merritt represents what is good about Oakland, from being the epicenter where eclectic and lively neighborhoods from downtown to uptown to Chinatown to Adams Point to Cleveland Heights to Merritt all meet up, to being a safe space for those looking for refuge from the chaotic city under the bright sunny skies that only Oakland can give its denizens. I have gone to Lake Merritt to do everything from full-on exercise routines with an instructor tutoring us, to brisk walks with friends around the entire circumference, to taking the niece and nephew to Children's Fairyland which for generations had been entertaining Bay Area youth, to even enjoying Happy Hour with views of the lake at Lake Chalet restaurant, there's nothing you can't do at this urban oasis. A leisurely walk with a friend on a recent Friday afternoon took about an hour as we stopped and started over and over again taking in all the sites and sounds and hourly metered parking on nearby Grand Avenue was a cinch since it was the weekday and everyone else seemed to be working. What I do like is they have made major improvements in the paving of the walking trail and the overall remodeling of the area to the south of the lake known as the Lake Merritt Amphitheater. It is here you will catch people sitting in the sun, walking their dogs, and taking part in an exercise class, which I have done at least once in my life, all with the hopefully soon to be restored Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center overlooking the entire grounds. I also love the restored natural habitats of foliage that greets you at every turn, which makes your walk even more pleasant especially on a sunny day. What I don't necessarily love is that there still seems to be quite a heavy homeless population that camps out for what seems to be long periods of time right under the newly rerouted street bridge that serves as Lake Merritt Boulevard. This has certainly allowed for a more expansive route for drivers and more pleasant street crossing for pedestrians, but now provides refuge for the downtrodden, which can make a stroll on an sunny afternoon make you question if it's all worth it to make even a trip out here. Whether it's by car or by Bart ride and short walk from the nearby eponymous subway station, Lake Merritt is "the Jewel of Oakland" and remains is the largest man-made saltwater tidal lake in the United States. The "necklace of lights," which helps light up the lake at night serves as a romantic beacon at night, which when early enough as the sun sets is quite lovely but the later it gets at night, it is probably not very smart to walk the entire perimeter, even with another person. Nevertheless the lake symbolizes what is so great about Oakland to begin with, a small community that beams with pride. It needs to be both celebrated and cherished in equal parts. To paraphrase the lyrics to the song at the beginning of my review, "my love waits there in Oakland, above the blue and windy lake, when I come home to you, Oakland, your golden sun we partake."

Town Biznezz!!! Lake Merritt sweet sweet Lake Merritt. Love to just be here. My city. The water. People. I love to just walk or lay on the grass. BBQ. This place takes me away from crazy busy week reality.

Came here on a weekend morning and there were already a lot of people walking around. The lake itself is really beautiful especially when it's sunny out as the buildings are reflected onto the lake. The water and some of the neighboring area is not very clean or safe I would say. Tips: - It takes around 1.5 - 2 hours to walk around the entire lake so mentally prepare yourself for that. It does look unassumingly small. - There are a lot of restaurants and stores nearby to shop around after your walk. - Very kid friendly, even if your kid falls into the water it's not very deep. - They seem to have a mini-market of food stalls and other stands selling trinkets around on Saturdays?

In the Bay Area of California there are very few lakes. Lake Merritt is a lake that is in the middle of Oakland. This lake is the first national historic landmark in the United States. This lake is also massive with a surface area of 140 acres. Lake Marriett is surrounded by a ton of buildings. There is something about being surrounded by buildings and having a huge body of water next to you. Here you can find beaches, docks, and plenty of businesses near the shore. Once this was a place of hunting and fishing for the native Americans but over time this lake changed due to its surroundings and continues to change today.

Alwayz a chill vibe at the Lake.. Sunday was the 1st Annual Lake Festival. Lots of vendors and good food. Seen a few live performances and had a few cold ones o yeah always a chill vibe...

Nice, runners, walkers, etc, especially on weekends when there are vendors & farmers' market

I've been running around this lake since my sister lived here since 2014! It's always so lively and has so many people around either running, biking, kayaking, or just hanging out with friends and family. I typically run around the lake from my sister's place and it's a relatively flat route around the lake. From my running apps, it's about 3.3 miles around the lake depending on which route you take. I run on the path right by the lake so it's a little shorter than if you go on the sidewalk. There are a couple bathrooms and water fountains around the lake too if you need to use it during your workout! The nature and cute ducks and seagulls make the run very enjoyable!

LAKESIDE: love it for the greenery the sunshine the walkability score and people watching. My daughters were born and we lived here we would just come to the lake to get lots of fresh air and walk and have picnics and now we only a block away and it's just As beautiful . It has a way of bringing people together to run walk picnic chill and BE together . I love this area especially in the spring and the summer! Come check it out !

Review #3,800 belongs to Lake Merritt. Like totally. I've driven around it for decades, especially in the 80's and 90's when I lived in the East Bay, but only recently discovered it as the ideal urban setting to get my required FitBit steps in. Instead of exploring the nearest pizzeria or ramen house as once was our artery-clogging habit, Jamie W. and I have been searching for places to clock in our 10,000 daily steps, and a full circle around the lake almost does the trick. The lake itself covers 155 acres, and the path that hugs the lake tightly is 3.4 miles long. It takes less than an hour to complete including rest stops, and it's most worthwhile, especially after sunset when the Necklace of Lights come on and freckle the dark with bright white dots (photo: http://bit.ly/2hr9uTQ). For us, it begins and ends at the Pergola and Colonnade on the eastern end of the lake, which despite the graffiti, lends a classical aura to the lake (photo: http://bit.ly/2wKpuL2). We can't help but be drawn into the community drum circle known as Soulbeatz as they beat their drums in undulating rhythms that are most intoxicating, especially to the people who randomly dance on the spot (photo: http://bit.ly/2yALDJ4). We usually walk clockwise and find a lot of the geese, herons, and mallard ducks swimming around the artificial islands or sunning themselves on the docks (photo: http://bit.ly/2ykZ66M). Particularly arresting is when the white pelicans swim in a circle and dive into the water in unison in what looks like a choreographed ballet movement (photo: http://bit.ly/2hq3xGs). Passing by an interpretative center and a boating club, we find ourselves at the bandstand (photo: http://bit.ly/2xnMgI8) where we once participated in one of those "Where the Hell is Matt?" videos dancing with a couple of hundred other people. This appears to be a big barbecue gathering area on weekends, especially as we walk past the perimeter of Children's Fairyland, one of a few inspirations for Walt Disney when he was building the original Disneyland. Swinging around the northern tip where I once worked very close by at 180 Grand, there's still a lot of construction going on which makes the path a bit more difficult to maneuver as it narrows. The Lake Chalet comes into view, a place I took my dad to once for a festive Thanksgiving buffet (photo: http://bit.ly/2wdlD4T). This is also where you can pick up a gondola if that floats your boat (photo: http://bit.ly/2y0S8HZ). The southern path narrows somewhat, but there are several benches along the way that provide tranquil lakeside views (photo: http://bit.ly/2xxB5vX). When we start to hear the drums again, we know we're in the home stretch and ready to reward ourselves with a snack at Holy Land where the hummus is quite delicious. Did you know Lake Merritt was not only the first wildlife refuge in the country but also the largest saltwater lake entirely within a city? I always thought it was man-made but no, it connects circuitously with the bay through an estuary, something Oakland city planners are planning to develop in the future. Love this weekend walk.

This was a classic high school hang out spot growing up in the Bay. Recently visited again on a whim with some friends trying to kill time, and it ended up being a really great experience. A reggae fest was happening, so we switched off between lying on a blanket in the grass (with perfect Bay Area weather) and going into this area within the columns and dancing with the DJs. Vibes: Amazing place to longboard, meet dogs, jog, lay around with a beer. Groups of friends have their music playing on speakers, picnic blankets, hammocks, etc. If you love people watching, this is a great place. It kind of reminds me of Mission Dolores Park in SF but smaller. The grass is green, the water looks great, people don't bother you, and there are lots of trees with shade. Definitely one of Oakland's finer places, was 10/10 worth the 1.5 hour drive from Stockton.

Lake Merritt is a gorgeous and tranquil park, with just a few small downsides: -modded cars and motorcycles driving circles around the lake revving their engines and squealing their tires for hours at a time, seven days a week -gangs of dirt bikes and ATVs ripping across the lawns and sometimes the footpaths -people using the bathrooms to shoot up, bathe themselves, or do organic Jackson Pollock replicas on the walls -mountains of trash everywhere -liquor bottles and fast food wrappers in every gutter -tents in every bush -car break ins in broad daylight -frequent homeless camp fires -hundreds (thousands?) of hypodermic needles in the water -lake visitors competing to see who can play the loudest music for the longest -and finally, the occasional nighttime shooting to keep things exciting As long as you can get past that stuff, it really is a great place! The best time to visit is when the Warriors are in the Finals and national TV stations set up their cameras at Lake Chalet, because then for a week the city keeps the park sparkling clean!

On a nice sunny summer day, Lake Merritt is definitely the place to be. The breathtaking lake is 3.5 miles shore length long with a depth of 10 feet. The view is also pretty to watch with landscapes and apartment complexes. It is also a great lake to walk, jog, ride a bike or walk Joe Cool (just be sure to pick up the doggy droppings). I was here along with my fellow hardcore Golden State Warriors homies to watch the championship parade and the staged ceremony. We were at the end of the marching parade and not far from the Alameda County Courthouse. This is the second time within the last three years that championship parade and ceremony was held at the beautiful lake. And the Warriors and the city of Oakland could not pick a better spot to hold its festivity. Sadly with the Warriors moving to San Francisco in the next decade, Lake Merritt may not hold much more parades for the dubs. Warriors had some terrible teams for forty years. That is another story. Other than the parade, Lake Merritt is still a beautiful park. The city and county did a wonderful job in maintaining the lake into a friendly lake for people of all ages.

I've been here several times and it's always been a pretty fun time. There are always all sorts of crazy activities going on around the lake, and people exercising along the pathway. This lake is quite literally the equivalent of a watering hole in Africa or Savannah. It attracts every type of animal in the region and every animal in the area comes to hang out and play games. On that note, DO NOT DRINK THE WATER!! Drink your booze, man. I have never actually seen anyone get into the water, and I'm sure it's for GREAT reason. Pure toxic water, and all the actual animals, ducks, swans and what-have-you are splashing, breeding, defecating and all other sorts of nonsense in this water. Your skin would probably melt right off! We came here to watch the Warriors rally, which was a huge mistake. 100 Degree weather, insanely grumpy people and hardly a good view. I suggest you get here early, watch the parade, and then party like crazy in the streets. That's the way to do it!

I had a meeting at the BART office across the street and was early so decided to walk around the lake. This lake is connected to the ocean so there are a lot of fishes, birds, and even clams that are growing on the rocks but most of them are empty. I thought eventually, as I was walking, that there would be a loop to go around the lake but it was really big so I had to turn around. There are some old wooden pier looking structures in the water. I'm thinking that in the past there were boats that docked there and took people out. The one thing not good was along the edge there was a pretty strong smell.

The vendors were really respectful except one! Always one Asshole in the bunch! One vendor was selling cookies home made its Covid-19. Plus you all have a stripper pole yes stripper pole next to the cookies!!!! One lady said hey don't stop and watch if you aren't going to throw $20. What the hell! She looked dirty and dingy dirty white tank top! She looked pregnant awful. So, I said I'm not looking at her! I was looking at what your selling. So much rudeness we walked off. As we were walking back a third party joined in. Saying home made cookies, this and that! I continued to walk. My daughter sort of stopped. I said hmm maybe we give a donation. I mean it's Black History Month. B4 I knew it a man walked up sharing his oils. I swear the girl said to me Bitch! Go on with you grandma looking ass! I told my daughter oh my did you hear that? My daughter said no. I told her what she said. The God in me didn't allow me to turn around and asks her what the f! Did you say? We're you referring to me. My daughter didn't react so I said I won't mess up our day. When we got to the car I said that kind of bothered me. My daughter said why? I said bc she said that about me. My daughter thought I was saying she said that to someone else. She tried to run back to go talk with them! I said no no it's ok. Thank Goodness she didn't know it was about me at the time! Just rude hood rats! All in all everyone was very kind! Next time I will support vendors.

There's so much to do here at the Lake! If you like to complain about the music, people that aren't bothering you and one to call the police on patrons sitting in their cars not bothering people YOU ARE THE PROBLEM IN OAKLAND. I miss the days when people of all places could come here and relax, be around good people and vibe out. Now you cannot play music on any type of speakers or bbq with your friends like we once could. A real bummer for people like me that are from here that are used to these Lake traditions. Not to mention the people that used to sell ice cream and fruit along the curb. No more. smh. Complainers ought to be ashamed of themselves. I'm glad they finally fixed the bridge so we can walk all the way around. There's porter potties in case you have to go. Occasionally on a hot day, I'd hit the boat area and pedal out on the "acid water". I call it that because it is beyond gross. I try to avoid the water touching me as much as possible. Still a fun experience so I suggest you try it. There's a playground closer to Lakeshore for kids and across the playground is a workout section with pull up bars. People that walk their dogs don't usually pick up the poop so be careful where you step. And always bring a blanket or chair to sit in.

Great lake to walk by and decompress - hard to believe it's in such a busy area. Excellent bars and food all around. Usually some cute ducks and whatnot to stare at, and the lighting is really charming. Some nice hills is you just want to lay out for a while over by Fairyland

I used to be a residence of Oakland about 23 years ago for 11 years. Lake Merritt has changed a lot....and getting better. I used to go to this lake a lot when I was younger and it sure has cleaned up a lot. The weekends are super busy with many walkers, runners and tourists. They have added a section with stone seats at the beginning of the lake which makes a great view of the lake. I really admire what they have done with the place. It's not as dirty as before. I see workers cleaning the lake of debris and trash. It does not smell like pee like before. I don't see as many bums as before. They are doing a little construction still one side of the lake. Parking is now difficult but doable. I will be back for another visit. I am still an Oaktown girl at heart as well!! =) [39/100]

Just gorgeous walking around the lake on a Tuesday night with a full moon. I love Lake Merritt, it always gives you peace and serenity. Yesterday it was really lovely walking in the evening as the full moon was shinning over the lake. Gorgeous!