A picture and information for visitors to Lake Merritt in
Oakland, Alameda County, California. Lake Merritt
is a 140 acre, tidal, saltwater, lake located adjacent
to Lakeside Park in Downtown Oakland. Its depth varies
according to the tide, but its maximum depth is about 10 feet.
Lake Merritt has more then 3 miles of shoreline.
Popular activities include boating, birdwatching, and
walking and jogging on the trail that surrounds the lake.
Wikipedia Introduction to Lake Merritt
Article with information about Lake Merritt's
history, rainy and dry season birds,
plants, improvements, clean-up efforts,
restoration programs, and the "necklace of lights"
surrounding the lake that is made up of 126 lamp
posts and other lights.
Lake Merritt Wild Duck Refuge
This national historic landmark was the first official
wildlife refuge in the United States when it was
established in 1970. It is a 160 acre salt water
lagoon that provides sanctuary to thousands of
wild ducks every winter.
Lakeside Park
This park adjacent to Lake Merritt features
bicycle trails, a nature center,
a bonsai garden, a Japanese garden,
a boating center, a sailboat house, lawn bowling,
a 10 acre outdoor for young children known as
"Children's Fairyland", five bird islands within the lake,
and the Edoff Memorial bandstand, built in 1923.
Children's Fairyland
Storyland theme park for young children
situated on the shore of Lake Merritt,
in Lakside Park.
Cleveland Cascade
This multiple level waterfall built in the 1920's
flowed down a steep hill from Cleveland Heights into Lake Merritt,
and it had a flight of steps on either side.
By the 1950'd it had deteriorated, and its water flow
was turned off and its cement basins were planted with
rosemary bushes. Restoration of the Cleveland Cascade
began in May of 2004. It is being completed in phases
as funds can be raised.
Lake Merritt Boating Center
Offers pontoon boat tours and
rental of canoes, kayaks, pedal boats,
row boats, sail boats, and pontoon boat tours.
Located at 568 Bellevue Avenue in Oakland.
For more information call 510-238-2196.
Lake Merritt Rowing Club
Competitive and recreational rowing club based
at Lake Merritt that was founded in 1962. Programs
include a summer youth rowing program,
a mixed intermediate crew for recreational rowers,
the San Francisco Bay Blades LGBT rowing team,
and men's and women's competitive teams for advanced
rowers.
Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders
Running club founded to promote running and
walking for health and fitness. Club activities
and events include races for all levels of abilities,
fun runs, relay races, guest speakers, and social events.
Gondola Servizio
Offers Italian style gondola cruises on
lake Merritt. Based at the Lake Chalet Seafood
Bar and Grill, Lake Merritt Boathouse,
1520 Lakeside Drive.
Rotary Nature Center
This nature center built in 1953 offers
interpretive programs and education
about the Lake Merritt area and wildlife refuge.
Located at 600 Bellevue Avenue in Oakland.
Gardens at Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt's gardens include a Japanese garden,
bonsai garden, a citrus garden, a rhododendron garden,
a rose garden, a Mediterranean garden,
a community garden, and several others.
Lake Merritt Institute
Organization founded to work with the
community volunteers, local schools, and the
city of Oakland to preserve and protect
lake Merritt, keep it clean, and share
the history and facts about the lake with
Oakland visitors and residents.
Hotels Near Lake Merritt
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Lake Merritt Hotel Extended Stay Apartments
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Other Hotels in Oakland
Restaurants Near Lake Merritt
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Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill
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Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel
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Sidebar Restaurant
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Merritt Bakery and Restaurant
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Other Restaurants in Oakland
Transportation to Lake Merritt
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Lake Merritt Bart Station
More Lake Merritt Resources
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City of Oakland Lake Merritt Article
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Lake Merritt Waterfront Improvement Projects
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Lake Merritt Breakfast Club
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Lake Merritt Monster T-Shirts
Visitor Attractions in Oakland
Oakland Travel Guide
About Alameda County
San Francisco East Bay Area
