Oakland Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Driving Tour, California - Where to live near Grand Lake and Northeastern Oakland

We kick off our tour today on the north shore of Lake Merritt, which gives this area of Oakland its name. This area has been a hub for entertainment and recreation for over a century! This shoreline, which bulges out into the water, is called Adams Point and is almost entirely occupied by various parks and public spaces.

Immediately to your right, you can’t miss the storybook magic of Fairyland. Opened in 1950, it was one of the first themed amusement parks to appear in the United States. Fairyland is a storybook-themed park with close to 60 fairy tale sets, kid-sized rides, and adorable animals. Fairyland’s Open Storybook Puppet Theater holds the title of the oldest continuously operating puppet theater in America! In addition to rides and playsets, Fairyland has acres of beautiful gardens to explore, making it the place to be for a fun family outing. The amusement park is fun for all ages but is especially enjoyable for visitors under 8.

Speaking of beauty in nature and amusement, the Bonsai Garden, a free-admission, volunteer-run botanical garden, is coming up on your left. The Japanese-style garden has over 100 miniature Bonsai trees. This peaceful space is perfect for quiet contemplation and reflection In many cultures, the Bonsai represents harmony, balance, patience, and in some cases, luck. In any case, Lake Merritt’s neighbors are lucky indeed to live so close to this beautiful garden.

Continuing down Bellevue Avenue, you’ll pass the Oakland Lawn Bowling Club on your left and the Rotary Nature Center on the right. The Nature Center is the headquarters for North America’s oldest government-run wildlife refuge. Lake Merritt was established as a sanctuary for migrating waterfowl in 1870, decades before the creation of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

At the end of the road, turn right on Grand Avenue.

The Oakland Pergola and Colonnade was designed in 1913 by architect Walter Reed. The beautiful structure rests at the end of Lake Merritt's eastern arm, the perfect location with picturesque views of the lake. The Pergola's renovation took place in 2007 as part of the Oakland Trust for Clean Water and Safe Parks. It’s a popular spot for photographers, especially in those magic moments before dark. There is nothing better than watching the sunset from between the columns of the Pergola as the city's lights reflect over the water.

Keep heading up Grand to pass under the freeway and enter Grand Lake.

Grand Avenue is the main thoroughfare of the Grand Lake Neighborhood, with a vibe of laid-back nightlife that provides constant entertainment. A diverse collection of restaurants gives the area an exciting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

One standout on Grand is the upscale Almond and Oak. Focusing on seasonal and market-driven food, the inspired dishes are deceptively simple and highlight distinct flavors of fresh ingredients. Almond and Oak is also a great place to stop by for weekend brunch.

If you are looking for a place to chill and relax after a long day of exploring, try Heart and Dagger, the neighborhood's lakeside saloon. They have an outdoor patio with highly coveted seating on beautiful evenings. They are open until 2 am every night, so feel free to stay awhile.

Over on Lakeshore Avenue, a block east, you’ll find Arizmendi Bakery, a black-owned, worker-owned establishment. They specialize in artisan bread, gourmet pizza, morning pastries, and fresh soups and salads. They have a rotating bread schedule, so you can enjoy something new every day of the week.

Up ahead, you’ll make a right onto Wildwood Avenue to continue toward our next neighborhood. However, if you were to turn left at that same intersection you’d happen upon one of Grand Lake’s most beautiful attractions. The Morcom Rose Garden first opened in the late 1920s, and the roaring spirit of that decade can be found in the thousands of exotic roses, which can be viewed in full bloom from Mother's day through October 31st.

Keep following Wildwood through Grand Lake’s residential neighborhoods to get a feel for the cozy neighborhood vibe of the area. Wildwood doesn’t exactly go straight, so make sure to listen closely to the GPS directions to follow its twists and turns. I’ll pick back up with you at our next stop.