Lake Merritt, Oakland
Facts and practical information
Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon in the center of Oakland, California, just east of Downtown. It is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. It is historically significant as the United States' first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870, and has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1963, and on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966. The lake features grassy shores, several artificial islands intended as bird refuges and an interpretive center called the Rotary Nature Center at Lakeside Park. It has a boating center where sailboats, canoes and rowboats can be rented and classes are held. There is a fairy-tale themed amusement park called Children's Fairyland. The Gardens at Lake Merritt is also inside Lakeside Park. It is a 7.5 acre garden which contains seven themed gardens as well as community garden plots for growing food. The Gardens host the Autumn Lights Festival annually in late October, bringing over 100 artists to the garden with fabulous illuminated and digital art. A popular walking and jogging path runs along its Lake perimeter. The circumference of the lake is 3.4 miles and its area is 155 acres. ()
Lake Merritt – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Children's Fairyland, Camron-Stanford House, Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland Museum of California.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which popular attractions are close to Lake Merritt?
How to get to Lake Merritt by public transport?
Bus
- Lakeshore Avenue & Hanover Avenue • Lines: 29 (5 min walk)
- Lakeshore Avenue & East 18th Street • Lines: 14, 29, 33 (8 min walk)
Metro
- Lake Merritt • Lines: Blue, Green, Orange (17 min walk)
- 19th Street Oakland • Lines: Orange, Red, Yellow (18 min walk)
Train
- Oakland-Jack London Square (28 min walk)