Lake Merritt

Walk or jog around the lakeside path, rent a sailboat and relax on the water and enjoy bird-watching when you visit Oakland’s sparkling centerpiece. 

Paddle your kayak toward Lake Merritt’s artificial islands and be alert for Canada geese, American coots or other birds in their peaceful habitat. Join the joggers on their early morning run around the lake or take the path at a more leisurely pace. Don’t miss the stunning Necklace of Lights when the sun goes down and over 4,000 bulbs glitter on the water.

Lake Merritt is a tidal lagoon just east of Oakland’s city center. In 1870 it became the first area to be designated a wildlife refuge in the United States and it continues to attract numerous bird species to its shores. Covering 155 acres (63 hectares), the lake and the adjacent park are among Oakland’s most popular recreation areas.

Wake up early and jog the 3-mile (5-kilometer) trail that runs around the perimeter of the lake. Enjoy breakfast in one of the nearby cafés and then head to the Lake Merritt Boating Center. Rent a kayak, a canoe or a sailboat and spend a relaxing day on the water. Learn a new skill and book a sailing lesson from the center’s staff.

Watch closely for local wildlife. Snowy egrets, herons and pelicans are among the bird species that have made this wildlife refuge their home. Keen botanists will note that many of the plants are not native to America, but come from all over the world. One of the most prominent is the evergreen manuka tree, from New Zealand, with bounteous white blossoms in spring.

Kids will enjoy a visit to Children’s Fairyland in the surrounding Lakeside Park. Here they can listen to talking storybooks and see fairy tales brought to life by a range of different exhibits.

Stay around in the evening to witness one of Oakland’s finest sights. As the daylight dims, the 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) of bulbs that make up the surrounding Necklace of Lights flicker on and reflect onto the surface of the water.

Lake Merritt is accessible every day of the year. There is a BART station a short walk away and parking is also available nearby for a small charge.