Neat lake in the center of Oakland with several mile circumference and great walking path around the water. Check out the wild life reserve with ducks and geese! My favorite part of the walk is the bunch of food trucks at the east end which supply a diverse mix of ethnic foods. Great for families, pickniking, biking, running and games! One more great social service provided by the town of Oskland for its residents and visitors.
Lake Merritt is a great place to walk around. On Saturdays, there is a Farmer's Market with lots of fresh food. There are lots of vendors with clothes and accessories. Walk around and then try one of the many restaurants on Lakeshore and Grand Avenue. There are a lot of shops also.
A lovely place to enjoy any time of the year. Be careful not to lie down on the duck droppings though, or step on the occasional syringe (yes, sadly this is a city and we have druggies). In the early morning you may feel a rat run by too. But that said, in the day time it's a lovely (almost) 3 mile, flat loop that is attractively maintained and easy to jog along. Or stop and read a book. Or catch the Saturday Farmer's market up by the Grand Lake theatre overpass. You can rent a small boat too or enjoy a meal overlooking the lake at Lake Chalet.
Start early at the farmer's market on Saturday, then walk the lake and enjoy the birds and ducks before all the families arrive with kids and dogs. Lots of cozy little places for brunch are nearby as well. Lake Merritt is one of Oakland's treasures!
Lake Merritt is a jewel in downtown Oakland. It has a 3 mile circumference and a newly renovated walkway around it. It is used by many people in Oakland to get their daily walks. There is a garden center with seasonal displays of flowers. There is Children's Fairyland for the yound children, with fun attractions to see and play on. It is a safe and attractive place for walking and there is a parking area (pay).
This is a true snapshot of Oakland - walkers, runners, rowers, bikers. Picnics, music, BBQ. People, dogs, geese, herons, ducks. Fairyland, gardens and, gazebo and playground. Shops, food, drinks, movies, tattoos, museum and library all within walking distance. About 3 mile walk around. Can't go wrong.
Lake Merritt is Oakland's scenic jewel as well as the concrete evidence that Oakland truly is about its glorious diversity. Strolling Lake Merritt allows you to witness the people of Oakland as they jog, push strollers, walk dogs, roller skate, and picnic in nearly perfect harmony.
Picturesque lake with several park areas sounding it. Always have an excellent time here, whether it's for a picnic, a jog, or just a stroll. The bathrooms aren't always open, though. So be warned! :)
I have lived in the area for 22 years and the Lake becomes more vibrant every year. Now there is real path and landscaping, bathrooms and water fountains, coffee shops ... it has become a real pleasure. The gardens are a real hidden gem, the happy hour at Lake Chalet is great.
The weather was perfect. Lots of activities on the waterfront. Great place to walk, drink some coffee and visit the outdoor market. Parking might be an issue some days.