Spend the day at Lake Merritt

Enjoy a calm stroll around Lake Merritt. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Rinzler.

Start and end your day in the vicinity of Lake Merritt Station—where there’s the must-see beauty of Lake Merritt and so much more fun and food to explore. Catch a free Sunday at the Oakland Museum of California or a good deal at the Laney College Flea Market. See all that you can do after a ride to one BART station; from morning until night, dive into the following Lake Merritt experiences. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
 

Photo courtesy of Jessica S. on Yelp.

Start with coffee and pastries at Alice St. Bakery Cafe

Fuel your day exploring the Lake Merritt area with a proper portion of coffee and sweets—cream puffs, cakes and don’t forget the classic egg custards—at Alice St. Bakery Cafe. Need a full breakfast bite? They’ve got bagel sandwiches for the foodie seeking a savory fix too. Located at 251 10th Street.

Photo courtesy of OMCA.

Explore the Oakland Museum of California 

Sitting at 1000 Oak Street, OMCA is a Lake Merritt go-to. You can even drop in on the first Sunday of the month for free admission! Two blocks from Lake Merritt Station you'll find yourself immersed in OMCA’s unique exhibits, both entertaining and educational. Current exhibits include, "OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace," "Into the Brightness," and "Black Power." Family-friendly and locally relevant themes drive this museum’s roster of interactive presentations.

Photo courtesy of Art S. on Yelp.

Picnic at the lake with Tacos Mi Rancho

Neighborhood locals know this beloved Mexican food truck well. Pop by for a plate of their famous tacos and perch on the lake's edge to enjoy the views. The saucy Super Tacos will keep you busy—or go the burrito route—with some horchata to wash it all down for a casual yet satiating outdoor “snack.” Deliciousness awaits at 1434 1st Avenue.

Photo courtesy of Lisa C. on Yelp.

Walk around Lake Merritt

The nation’s oldest designated wildlife refuge, Lake Merritt is the three-mile scenic waterfront walk in the heart of Oakland. With a slew of activities including gondola rides, a jogging path with benches and some wildlife observation, it provides an epicenter of nature and peace of mind amidst the surrounding urban landscape. Don’t forget about Children’s Fairyland and the Bonsai Garden. Head East from the station and you'll see the lake approach over the horizon.

Photo courtesy of Lake Chalet. 

Wine and dine on the waterfont at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill

Craving wine, craft cocktails or seafood paired with the best views around? Visit Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill at 1520 Lakeside Drive. Situated on the edge of Lake Merritt—don’t forget drinks on “The Dock” - Lake Chalet has expansive indoor and outdoor seating. Contemporary California cuisine makes up this menu that boasts a raw seafood bar with seafood deviled eggs, oysters and prawns.

Photo courtesy of DoTheBay.

Shop the Laney College Flea Market

Every Sunday from 7am to 7pm in the Laney College parking lot, you can walk the Laney College Flea Market stalls to find your next hidden gem. There are meals to go with deals on miscellaneous things—bikes, guitars, clothes, jewelry and random trinkets—and you can even exercise your negotiating skills. Don’t forget to pack your wallet, because this shopping experience is traditionally cash only. The market is steps from the station at 510 Fallon Street.

Photo courtesy of The Infatuation.

Eat Dinner at Shandong 

Shandong is a well-known stop in Oakland’s Chinatown; expect to see lines. Handmade noodles are the famous attraction here, you can even watch dough being rolled and cut atop a heavily floured counter space through a window as you wait for a table. Complimentary hot tea precedes the large portions of chow mein noodle plates, dumplings, meat and green bean platters that fuel family-style feasts from open to close. Located 0.4 miles from Lake Merritt Station at 328 10th Street #101.

Enjoy beers brewed onsite at Buck Wild Brewing. Photo courtesy of Buck Wild Brewing.

Sip craft beers at Buck Wild Brewing

Oakland’s Buck Wild Brewing takes their sips seriously, winning gold and bronze at the US Open Beer Championship, among many other awards. Taste what all the buzz is about at their taproom in Jack London Square. You can enjoy pours of the award-winning Scarlet Sunset sour and Salvaje Mexican-inspired lager, to name two. Enjoy the short trip to 401 Jackson Street to start sipping!

Find more station-specific things to do in our 36 minutes series.

What's your favorite activity near Lake Merritt?

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