Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Super great view and the people as well. 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.if you have a chance to visit GOO
OttoOtto
20
Cool view of the city. Very hard for me to walk away without a sour taste for this place. The bonsai garden is the reason why I went. It closes at 5:00 and I can live with that. That's not why this place gets a three. The public restroom I used was the most disgusting bathroom on the men's and women's side that me and my girlfriend have ever used . there was a lot of shady activity going on around the lake as well specifically over by the restroom near the bansai garden. We continued to walk around and there were a few piles of what I could only imagine what they were on the sidewalk. The homeless gentleman got very angry with me when I denied to give him money. It's sad that they put all the money into this place cause it does have the potential to be something great for the city of Oakland.
Anthony CaligiuriAnthony Caligiuri
50
I love Lake Merritt, I had the absolute privilege of living right by it and really took advantage of it. The lake has a wide paved trail the way around, great for running or walking. All over the lake are different things to do. There's a parking area that skaters use which is super fun to watch, there's fairyland, aka the perfect place for children, there are tons of great restaurants, and also some local vendors too. Love that! Bathrooms are terrible so try to go before or I use the bathrooms at Lakeshore. LM is the perfect place to hang with friends, and just enjoy Oakland. Lots of great migratory birds too.
Heather ZulimHeather Zulim
90
Whether you walk during the morning or evening time, the lake is always a great place to exercise or just sit on a bench and reflect. The lake is really my favorite part of Oakland. The sunsets here are truly magical. Best sunset i've experienced so far has been in the month of June...beautiful pink skies. On weekends when it's sunny outside, there are lots of people and families around the lake playing games or having a barbecue or simply running around. It's a beautiful vibe to live nearby.
Heliana ManoHeliana Mano
10
I love running around the lake after dawn🏃♀️. The trail (~3.2+ miles) is flat and easygoing for runners of all levels. There's something about the tranquility and stillness of the waters that give Lake Merritt almost ethereal vibes in the mornings 😊. Do have to say for safety's sake that some parts of the lake are "sketchier" than the rest. As long as you're attentive to your surroundings, the path is well-traversed and safe in the daytime 🧐
Vanessa SVanessa S
00
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 .
swatisikta chandswatisikta chand
20
Nearby Attractions Of Lake Merritt
Children's Fairyland
Snow Park
The Gardens at Lake Merritt
Laney College Flea Market
Americas Best Value Inn Oakland Lake Merritt
Lincoln Square Park
Level 13 Ultra Lounge
Pine Knoll Park
The Terrace Room Events
Dax Lee's Barber & Apothecary

Children's Fairyland
4.5
(715)Click for details

Snow Park
4.4
(457)Click for details

The Gardens at Lake Merritt
4.6
(458)Click for details

Laney College Flea Market
4.4
(334)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Lake Merritt
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
Portal
Rockin Crawfish
Jong Ga House
Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant
Kamdesh Afghan Cuisine
Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine
Ahn's Quarter Pound Burger
Molcajete Cocina Mexicana
Maya Halal Taqueria

The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
4.2
(1.3K)Click for details

Portal
4.4
(735)Click for details

Rockin Crawfish
4.4
(593)$$
Click for details

Jong Ga House
4.4
(600)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Oakland, CA
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(416 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
relaxation
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon in the center of Oakland, California, just east of Downtown. It is named after Samuel Merritt, Oakland's mayor, who built a dam turning the tidal lagoon into a salt water lake. It is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods.
attractions: Children's Fairyland, Snow Park, The Gardens at Lake Merritt, Laney College Flea Market, Americas Best Value Inn Oakland Lake Merritt, Lincoln Square Park, Level 13 Ultra Lounge, Pine Knoll Park, The Terrace Room Events, Dax Lee's Barber & Apothecary, restaurants: The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill, Portal, Rockin Crawfish, Jong Ga House, Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant, Kamdesh Afghan Cuisine, Biryani Tika Kabab (برياني تكا كباب حلال)Halal Indian & Pakistani Cuisine, Ahn's Quarter Pound Burger, Molcajete Cocina Mexicana, Maya Halal Taqueria

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