Lake Merritt - Lake in Oakland - , USA

Lake Merritt is definitely my favourite place in Oakland! It is such a beautiful lake, and it is really peaceful to just sit on a bench, view the lake, and enjoy the weather, especially in the summer. There is also a path that goes around the lake that a lot of people use to walk, jog, or run on. I also love how there are public washrooms by the lake. I had a really nice time here!

The five stars is because the lake is photogenic. The surrounding buildings and condos make the pictures fantastic. The park felt safe. We went on a weekday morning. There were several people jogging and walking for exercise. Parking was 3 dollars. Make sure to keep any valuables out of sight and lock your car doors.

Live here, love here. The beating heart of Oakland. All the communities meet here for joyful expression!

This place is full of life. Biodiversity is respected.

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 .

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.

The lake was already pretty good to enjoy before the soon to be competed major renovations (see pics). As of Dec 2018, the walking and jogging double paths are mostly complete, much of the landscaping has gone in & we're so excited to enjoy Lake Merritt in the spring!

I am drawn to the water no matter where I have lived. The lake and surrounding free use areas adjacent to the lake are wonderful, exciting, informative and down right essential to my "Ness". I meditate often at the Bandstand, walk leisurely thru the botanical gardens, ride my bike pleasantly along the sidewalk on the lakeshore and so much more. I love Oakland so much.