What Do You Know About Lake Merritt?

Aerial view of Lake Merrit

I remember over the summer when there were nothing to do, my friends and I would lay down on a field of green and glaze into the tranquilizing body of river that flows from the estuary. This body of water, Lake Merritt, is a large lagoon that spans 155 acres and is located east of downtown Oakland. No one expects a beautiful lake surrounded by parklands and city neighborhoods to be in Oakland but nevertheless, it exists.

Lake Merritt is actually one of Oakland’s hidden gems and has pathways around the perimeter of the lake for people to bike, jog, walk, etc. The lake is approximately 3.1 M (5km) and many people like to come here to exercise.

Couple on a gondola ride in Lake Merrit

I remember there were multiple times when I was younger, my parents would make the family go to Lake Merritt and exercise. It is not like any of my family members were athletic or anything but it was because my parents though it was a good idea to breath in some fresh air and to spent some quality family time together. We went for a total of five times and never went back as a family ever since. However, I know that my sister runs the lake every Sunday and I occasionally bike around the area for fun.

Besides exercising, there are actual activities people can participate in the lake. Besides swimming of course! During the day, many people like to go kayaking, sailing, or canoeing. You would assume that a lake in the middle of Oakland would not big enough but think otherwise. The lake spans 155 acres, so imagine combining 35-40 football fields together. Any one can kayak for some time in this kind of distance!

"Necklace of Light"

People can go on gondola rides! Yes, gondola rides! By making a reservation at Gondola Servizio, you get to experience Venice in Oakland with your own personal gondolier. I have seen one before but I have yet to go on one. People who go on this ride can definitely experience a 360-degree view of Oakland’s cityscape. Especially in the evening, with late reservations, people get to see the city with the lights turned on.

There are 126 lampposts and 3,400 pearl like bulbs that encircle the perimeter of Lake Merritt. These pearl like light bulbs come together to form a string and attaches to the top of each lamppost, making the resemblance of a necklace. This necklace is called the “necklace of lights” and when turned on, illuminates Oakland.

Necklace of Lights

Right before the sun sets, with the “necklace of lights” and surrounding buildings light up, Lake Merritt is mesmerizing. Many people expect to see Oakland trashed and in penury but beauty does exist from within. Lake Merritt is one of them and I encourage people to come see this so called hidden gem for themselves.

P.S. Experience like you have never before!