BARTable bike ride: Lake Merritt loop

Experience all the best sights near Lake Merritt as we start in Uptown Oakland, pedal into Lakeside Park and explore the hot spots surrounding the lake.

Want to take a ride in San Francisco? Check out our ride from SoMa to Mission.

Ride time: 1 hour

Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat pavement and paved trails

 

 

On a nice, sunny day begin your adventure by taking BART to the 19th St/Oakland station. Once you get off the train, follow the signs for the 19th/20th street station exit. The bike share station is located at the southeastern corner of Broadway and 20th Street Thomas L Berkley Way. Tip: Make sure that the station has enough bikes for you and your crew before you go by checking the GoBike app. And don’t forget to bring a helmet; your GoBike doesn’t come with one.

 

 

 

Set off by heading east on 20th Street/Thomas L Berkeley Way. After just a few short blocks, you will see Lake Merritt in front of you. Technically a tidal lagoon where the water level rises and falls with the tides, this “jewel of Oakland” is a favorite gathering place for city residents and visitors alike. From joggers to sunbathers to boaters and bird watchers, the Lake Merritt area truly reflects Oakland’s rich diversity. And for today’s history lesson: In 1869, it was declared the site of the very first national wildlife refuge for the thousands of migratory birds that stop over along the Pacific Flyway.

 

Once the road forks, keep left to stay on Harrison Street. As you cruise up Harrison St towards Grand Avenue, you will see the modern architectural design of the Cathedral of Christ the Light (2121 Harrison St.).

 

 

Turn onto Grand Avenue and head east. As you continue to wrap around the pinky finger of the lake, jump on the path that leads you into Lakeside Park. Coast down to the path that runs along the water’s edge and you’ll pass Children’s Fairyland (699 Bellevue), a fairy-tale themed amusement park.

 

 

When you’re ready to roll, continue south into the center of the park. Here, you’ll find a garden home to some of the finest bonsai on the West Coast.

 

 

Heading back towards the water, you’ll pass the Lake Merritt Boating Center, where you can rent pedal boats, rowboats, kayaks, canoes or even take a pontoon tour. Visit the City of Oakland’s Parks & Recreation website for more info.

On the eastern end of the lake, you’ll find the beautiful Pergola and Colonnade (599 El Embarcadero).

 

 

If you’ve worked up an appetite, check out the many restaurants along Grand Ave in the Grand Lake District. The elegant Grand Lake Theatre (3200 Grand Avenue) is the neighborhood’s crown jewel. This historic movie palace is a classic place to catch a flick.

 

 

Continuing south along the western shore of the lake, you’ll pass through Pine Knoll Park. On the southern end of the lake, sits the Lake Merritt Amphitheater. Catch an outdoor show or participate in the many other activities that take place here. DoTheBay provides an event calendar.

 

Look across Lake Merritt Blvd and you’ll see the wonderful art deco architecture of the Alameda County Courthouse and the Oakland Museum of California (1000 Oak St.), which houses three galleries of collections: The Gallery of California Art, the Gallery of History, and the Gallery of California Natural Sciences.

 

Heading north, you’ll encounter more art deco and the Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill (1520 Lakeside Dr.), a good spot for happy hour or a meal on the water.

 

Once you’ve completed the full lake loop, stop by the coffee shop gem, Farley’s East (33 Grand Ave.).

 

 

Comfortable riding shoes, helmet, water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), extra layers or rain gear (just in case). Each GoBike comes with a small front basket for storing essentials. A smartphone is handy for maps and looking up information, or taking photos. And, of course, your BART ticket or Clipper card.