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Exploring Lake Merritt

View of the city across Lake Merritt

No matter which of the luxury apartments in Oakland you call home, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve at least heard of legendary Lake Merritt. It’s known far and wide as the jewel of Oakland, one of the largest of its kind situated in an urban area, and also an important historic landmark to boot:

“Its three mile heart-shaped shoreline in the center of an exceptionally diverse city is the place for man and nature to migrate and mingle daily. This tidal lagoon is also home to the oldest designated wildlife refuge (1870) in the United States.”

That’s right, Lake Merritt was the original American wildlife refuge, and after all this time, it’s still going strong today. While the surroundings have changed a bit since the late 1800s, the beauty of this area hasn’t diminished. Here’s what you’ll find while exploring Lake Merritt.

When You Head to Lake Merritt

One of the first things you’ll notice is the scenery. Lake Merritt looks much like a painting, and even has the vibe of any old song you’d hear about relaxing in the park on a quiet day. Enter the bounds of Lake Merritt, and you’re instantly transported away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, and given a chance to shed your travails, even if that’s only for a few moments.

That’s one of the reasons Lake Merritt is so popular, but sitting around and relaxing isn’t the only activity there is to take part around the lake. You could always walk the length of the lake, or if you feel like taking to the water, try a paddleboard instead?

The waters are calm, and make for easy traversal from one end to the other. If you need some pointers on how to operate a watercraft, you can always head to the boating center. You can rent various boats there, and even get lessons on how to use them.

You’ll also notice that there’s an abundance of trails around the lake, so if you’re the sort who enjoys biking or jogging, there are plenty of routes you can use to work Lake Merritt into your adventures.

And, of course, there’s also the Children’s Fairyland on the shores of Lake Merritt. It includes about 10 acres of rides and playtime areas for younger children, so if you were thinking about bringing the family along for a great time, know that there’s a place specifically designed for entertaining kids. All in all, you should have a blast when you come to the lake, regardless of what you decide to do!

Get There From the Luxury Apartments in Oakland

From conveniently located Oakland communities like The Atlas, you’ll find that getting around to famous Oakland landmarks like Lake Merritt is a breeze. What’s more, this dynamic living space includes everything else you might need to make life in the big city a worthwhile adventure: spacious residences, luxurious amenities, and most importantly, diverse and welcoming neighbors who bring those much appreciated fresh perspectives. It’s the urban experience, evolved, and you can see it all for yourself. See what The Atlas has in store, and make this your new home among the wonders of the East Bay.