Lakeside Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lakeside Park is a beautiful park located in Oakland, California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a perfect destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful and relaxing place to spend time. The park is situated on the shore of Lake Merritt and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
One of the main attractions of Lakeside Park is Lake Merritt itself, which is a large saltwater lake that is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and swans. Visitors can rent boats and kayaks to explore the lake or take a leisurely stroll on the walking paths around the shore.
Another popular attraction within Lakeside Park is the Lake Merritt Garden Center, which features beautiful gardens and a variety of events throughout the year, such as plant sales and workshops. The park also has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it an excellent place for families to spend the day.
Interesting facts about Lakeside Park include that it was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City's Central Park. Additionally, the park is home to three historic landmarks, including the Grand Lake Theater, the Scottish Rite Center, and the Camron-Stanford House.
The best time of year to visit Lakeside Park is from spring to fall when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can enjoy the park year-round as there are plenty of activities to do no matter the season.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hike Bike Campground
|
||
Cole Creek Campground
|
||
Kelsey Creek Campground
|
||
Upper Bayview Campground
|
||
Lower Bayview Campground
|
||
Lake view Dispersed Camping
|
Clear Lake State Park
Lucerne Alpine Park
Nice Keeling Park
Highland Springs Recreation Area
Mendocino National Forest