Embrace Nature

The three-mile circumference of Lake Merritt is a showcase of nature that is protected by a number of local organizations. The Rotary Nature Center maintains the area around the lake. The Center also hosts science presentations, environmental education, and youth summer camps. Visitors to Lake Merritt can also enjoy viewing ponds, observation beehives, an interpretive museum, and habitat islands. There is also the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge where a variety of animals can be observed as well as a geodesic dome that houses birds that have been injured.

Rent a Boat

Many visitors to the diverse city of Oakland and Lake Merritt, in particular, are unaware of the fact they can traverse the lake by boat. There are boat rentals available at the Lake Merritt Boating Center for individuals and groups. Available rentals include pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. The Boating Center also provides programs that allow participants to learn boating skills. Gondola Servizio offers Venezuelan boat rides across Lake Merritt. The ride comes complete with Italian melodies and gondoliers. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy one of the many fabulous boating options available at Lake Merritt but are reminded to make safety a top priority. If you're planning on taking a boat out, remember that you need a floatation device even if you don't plan on getting in the water.

Dinner and a Movie

Lake Merritt is a perfect place to enjoy dinner and a movie with a date or members of your family. You can catch a movie at the quaint Grand Lake Theatre during an afternoon excursion to the lake. The interior design of the theatre is classic art deco and comes with chandeliers, detailed molding, and an organ on the second floor of the theatre. Matinees at the theater run until seven each evening and free popcorn is available every Tuesday. A variety of food options are available on and around Lake Merritt. A restaurant called Analog is one of the more popular food options in the area and provides tasty vegan options for diners. Analog stays open later than other restaurants and does not close until well after midnight. A second option is Lane-e Kefa Coffee. The popular cafe serves coffee and espresso. There are also many menu items priced under $10. Lovers of Mexican food will enjoy the nearby Taqueria La Venganza.
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Lake Merritt is one of the hottest attractions in the city of Oakland, California. Visitors to the city should not miss a chance to visit the lake. While at the lake, there will be a seemingly endless number of ways to entertain oneself or just relax, so make the most of it!

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