Lake Merritt
Oakland, CA
A tidal lagoon in the heart of Oakland surrounded by a 3.4-mile walking path, historic buildings, and a necklace of lights. It was designated as the first official wildlife refuge in North America in 1870. The lake reflects the downtown Oakland skyline and is home to a variety of migratory bird species.
Photography Guide
- Best Time
- blue hour
- Crowds
- Busy
- Shot Types
- reflectionlandscapewide
- Best Seasons
- fallwinterspringsummer
Gallery
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Nearby Places
Oakland, CA
Oakland Cathedral of Christ the Light
A modern cathedral completed in 2008 designed by Craig Hartman of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, featuring a 109-foot glass and wood veil structure. The interior is illuminated by natural light filtering through the translucent skin of aluminum louvers and glass panels. The building replaced the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales, which was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
Oakland, CA
Preservation Park
A cluster of 16 restored Victorian-era houses arranged around a landscaped garden plaza in downtown Oakland. The homes date from the 1870s to 1910s and were relocated from various Oakland neighborhoods to save them from demolition. The manicured grounds include period-appropriate gas lamp-style lighting.
Oakland, CA
Jack London Square
A waterfront commercial district on the Oakland Estuary named after author Jack London, who frequented the area. Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, built in 1883, still stands and was a regular haunt of London's. The boardwalk offers views of the estuary, passing boats, and the Alameda shoreline.