Lake Merritt, Oakland

This is a great place to watch the beautiful people who workout. They walk or run at all times of the day. There is a staircase on Lakeshore that people run up and down. On Saturdays they have a nice Framers Market under the nearby freeway. At 18th st & Lakeshore they have the historic Lake Merritt Bakery. Known for their fried chicken and late nite meal.

For kids there is Fairyland and bird watching area which is the oldest in the USA.Plus you can visit the Japanese garden or sail on a boat or use a canoe.

A block away is the Oakland Museum. They have a great cafe with fantastic soups.

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Genuine Venetian gondolas were transported to Lake Merritt a few years ago.

You will be serenaded by faux gondoliers as they navigate around the Lake to romantic couples, business partners and curiosity seekers. Servizio Gondole offers, food, wine or just a turn around the Lake.

Check it out.

This is the largest natural saltwater lake in America, and it's in downtown Oakland. It's a great place to walk or jog. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk around. There is a gondola service, lots of park area, and a japanese garden here. You can even fish, but I wouldn't eat them. I've seen 30-pound striped bass swimming near where the bay connects. There is also a wildlife estuary for migrating birds. As you will notice, many of the Canadian Geese stopped migrating years ago, and have chosen instead to make Oakland their home. They're everywhere. Watch out for their droppings!

This is a wonderful park in Oakland with a decent sized lake. It take me a while to get all the way around it and I still do go and walk it. I like it here. Its beautiful. Refreshing. And makes me wonder why I dont live here.

Located near the center of Oakland's business district lies Lake Merritt, a scenic area that brings serenity to the surrounding areas. Take the time to walk around the area--it's well-lit at night time.

Lake Merritt is a man made lake located in the heart of Oakland near downtown. On a beautiful sunny day a walk along the banks of the lake can be quite enjoyable. Children's Fairyland (a place for 2-5 year olds) is nearby as is a small bird zoo, library and park.

Sailing on Lake Merritt near downtown -- rent a little Toro sailboat and scoot around on the water and enjoy the views of the surrounding park, hills, and downtown!
Not many tourist would think of doing this, and it's a great way t o get out of the traffic for a while!

Oakland's crown jewel is also America's largest urban saltwater lake. Its surrounding park boasts the nation's first wildlife refuge (1870) and one of its original theme parks (1950). Also featured are lawn bowling, show gardens, children's art/science center, boat rentals and events. The spectacular 'Necklace of Lights' shines nightly around the 3.5-mile perimeter of the lake.

Walk around Lake Merritt
Beautiful neighborhoods on one side, the downtown skyline on the other, lots of birds and water in between. One of the most beautiful places in the East Bay.