Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is a large heart-shaped tidal lagoon just east of downtown Oakland, California that serves as the focal point for the surrounding parks and gardens. Its rich history and importance to the city has earned it the distinction of the "Jewel of Oakland", while its natural significance led to it being designated as America's oldest protected wildlife sanctuary in 1870.

Visitors will can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking along the paved trail surrounding the lake, boating on one of the available vessels for rent from the Lake Merritt Boating Center, strolling through the numerous themed gardens at the Gardens of Lake Merritt, letting your children's imaginations run wild at the Children's Fairyland, taking in views of the lake from the Pergola or the Amphitheater, learning how to lawn bowl at the Oakland Lawn Bowling Club, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.