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I’ve lived in Oakland for over a decade, and only recently did I start noticing the Gardens at Lake Merritt. Now, it’s one of our favorite places to hang out and spend time with my little ones. My girls ride their scooters along the winding paths, and I get a chance to take in the calm and beauty of this special public space.
The Gardens sit just next to Fairyland in Lakeside Park and are open daily. It’s completely free to visit, though you’ll likely need to pay for parking nearby. And once you’re inside, there’s so much to take in, whether you want to walk, sit, explore, or just take a deep breath.
This is one of those Oakland spots I wish more people knew about. It’s not crowded. It’s quiet and peaceful. And it’s definitely one of the city’s hidden gems.
A Community Effort
I want to acknowledge the many community volunteers who keep this place running. Oakland used to employ professional gardeners to care for the space.
Now, it’s a mix of one city staff member and dozens of dedicated volunteers who do the pruning, watering, weeding, and upkeep. They show up week after week so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the gardens, and it shows.
You’ll see moms with strollers, people practicing tai chi, others reading or picnicking, kids playing, or people just quietly observing what’s around them. The space is big enough to spread out and enjoy it in your own way.
So Much to See and Do
The garden features a wide variety of themed areas, and no matter how often you go, there’s always something new to explore:
- Bonsai Garden – One of the best on the West Coast, with trees that are truly works of art.
- Japanese Garden – Peaceful, with bridges and water features.
- Sensory Garden – With plants you can smell, touch, and even taste.
- Turtle Pond – Yes, there are turtles here!
- Dahlia and Rose Gardens – Depending on the season, these are absolutely stunning.
- Palm Garden – Home to more palm species than I realized existed.
There are also composting tips posted around the grounds, a bee hotel, and rotating public art sculptures that pop up throughout the year.
If you head to the south edge, you’ll find edible demonstration gardens where community groups grow herbs and vegetables. You can also see volunteers and Master Gardeners tending test plots and sharing what they grow with the public.
There are areas for everyone: wide-open lawns for running kids, shady benches for families, and even small garden plots that people can apply for and grow in season.
A Living Classroom
The Gardens at Lake Merritt are beautiful. They also function as an outdoor classroom. Interpretive signs explain sustainable gardening techniques, such as Bay-Friendly landscaping, which emphasizes low-waste, water-wise choices, and local climate adaptations. It’s a great place to gather ideas for your own yard or container garden.
Special Events and Seasonal Changes
One of the highlights of the year is the Autumn Lights Festival, a nighttime celebration of light and art, hosted each October by the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt. It’s their biggest fundraiser and a great time to visit if you want to support the space and experience it differently.
Of course, the gardens change with the seasons. Some plants are in full bloom in spring, others in summer or fall.
Plan Your Visit
Admission is free (yes, free!), though you’ll likely need to pay for parking in the nearby lot or on the street. The gardens are open every day:
- 📍 666 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
- Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Weekends: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
It really is one of the city’s gems, and it deserves our support. Whether that’s showing up to visit, volunteering when you can, or just spreading the word, I hope more people find their way here.
