Lake Merritt

The Grand Lake district sits upon the northeast edge of Lake Merritt, which is considered the jewel of Oakland. It also holds the title of America’s first wildlife sanctuary. The migratory rest-stop makes for colorful and entertaining bird-watching.

The commercial centers of the district are Grand and Lakeshore avenues, both laid-back with plenty of shopping and dining options.

Amble along the shore of the lake or head to Splash Pad Park, where people from all over the Bay Area gather on Saturdays for one of the best farmers’ markets around. The path around the lake is a little over three miles long, and along the way there is plenty to see, such as the Rotary Nature Center, Children’s Fairyland, the Sailboat House and much more. When you feel like soaking up a bit of tranquility, the picturesque Morcom Rose Garden on Jean Street is a hidden treasure.

A visit to the Grand Lake Theatre is not to be missed. The movie palace is an area landmark whose architecture lives up to its name. Catch a show on a Friday or Saturday evening and an organist playing a Mighty Wurlitzer majestically rises from the floor to give a mini concert before the movie begins.