Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is such a lovely place to spend your time. Walking, running, biking , picnics , science center, local restaurants , animals, just... this is Oakland. When I think of Oakland, this is it.

Feel very lucky to have this lake nearby even though the water can get a bit stinky. Many people use it for running, biking , picnicking , and boating.

Great place to crush a simple 5k run and get your mileage count of the week. In the fall and winter, bring a headlamp if you plan on running after 6!

lake merritt is a lovely place to walk, run, meet up with friends for a picnic-i’m a fan.

Lovely walk around the lake - around 3 miles or so

@Lake Merritt is the oldest wildlife preserve in the country . It is home to thousands of migrant birds. Its also consider the "Crown Jewel" of Oakland.

Go early evening right when sun goes down great views and great place to walk. Don't believe the hype the boogie won't get you lol

A unique fresh and salt-water lake , the largest such lake located within an urban area consisting of 3.4 miles around the circumference and the United States ' 1st official wildlife refuge since 1870.

The lake is a perfect 5K (running once around), and the Cleveland cascade is a nice spot to get in your stair work!

For a great warm-weather outing, rent a boat (canoe , kayak , rowboat, sailboat, or pedalboat!) from the Lake Merritt Boating Center. http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/opr/s/boating/OAK029815

Don't call it a come back! Since restoring the tidal flow with the Oakland estuary , wildlife has returned and the smell has mostly gone. A great place to get your steps on.

Awesome place to spend a sunny Sunday. Weather in the area can be tricky though. You can see what's happening using this <aclass="entity url"rel="nofollow" href="https://thesunshine.co"target="_blank" data-sig="GTxqT+WHn/lOuzQ0TJegL30trt8=" onmousedown="fourSq.ui.OutgoingLink.mousedown($(this), event)" data-source="tip-text">https://thesunshine.co</a>

A nice place for a simple walk with a loved one or a rigorous run alone. This makes for a perfect serene experience or a place to meet the locals.

Great place for an afternoon stroll. Watch out for the pooping geese tho! Lots to do around the lake and great place to live!

ahhhhhhhhhhhh just one of my favorite places in the city . come on a weekend and watch all the cute puppies prance on by

If you have a picnic weird guys or homeless people will bother you. If you're alright with that feel free to picnic !

Nice place for lunch time walk around the lake . But keep your eyes out of your phone. Your still in Oakland!

It is actually an estuary so bay and fresh water mixed together fish and ducks live in the lake but as my brother says don't eat the fish or fall in or swim

Lake Merritt is a perfect short ride for families.

One lap around the lake is 3.1 miles. There are pull up and dip bars , plus adult-OK playground equipment.

Makes for pretty views and correspondingly higher rents, but I wouldn't want to come into contact with anything that has touched that water, much less lives in it.

Nice place to take a date, do some running or just spend some time. Nice views at sunset

Beautiful place to walk around, have a bbq , or do whatever you like!

Took me about an hour and a half to walk around the entire lake , going at a fairly leisurely pace.

Great spot for dating and/or a leisure walk.

Take a walk around the lake . Great way to see Oakland.

Beautiful lake ! Take a friend, go kayaking , enjoy the geese.

Nice place to go walking. Did a total of 8.1 miles but we also did the Cleveland Cascade stairs.

Beautiful place for a run and bird watching

Enjoy a walk around the lake , great views and fantastic places to stop along the way

Grab tacos from the nearby Tacos mi Rancho truck and have a picnic .

Always smells like pot so wear a breathing mask to avoid the strong scent of Losers! Also wear headphones to avoid getting hit up for money.

Nice relaxing place to walk around on a sunny day.

If you have young children, Children's Fairyland Park is great. There is a historic Veterans building for dance classes . Farmer's market Saturday Grand Lake is awesome. Read more

Great nature scenery and paved running path.

Walk your dog. Don't be a prick about that shit. WALK YOUR DOG. Don't let them just sit inside.

The Pelicans, and other birds and wildlife .

On a beautiful day, bring family, friends, n take a beautiful walk around the lake . It is definitely one of Oakland's gems...

Best place to run or take a walk in Oakland

A beautiful advantage to living in Oakland.

Such a great area for a walk or run

Great for a run!

Grand Lake Coffee House great spot to work or chill ...free wifi !

Just about everything. 3.2 mile loop.

Great place to walk around and do some exercising.

No better place to run around and soak up the sunshine.

Love running/walking here. Everyone in Oakland goes 'round this lake . The best people watching . Best Oakland Pride.

Beautiful place to go for a run.

Drink the Lake water to become immortal but be careful. Im being hunted by the Highlander.

Listen on the hours for a bell chime, and sometimes a whole song. Amazing Grace, how sweeeeeeet the sound!