Urban Oasis!
Since moving to Oakland in 2014 we've had a few occasions when even the Oakland Estuary feels like too much effort yet the water and sunshine call. And, now that we live a 1/2 block off the Lake, Ben has opted to roll his kayak down to the rocky shore for an even more convenient 'put in and paddle'. (Although, this evades usage fees so we don't recommend.)
Located in the heart of Oakland at the Grand / Lakeshore exits (see below for 'getting here'), Lake Merritt has an interesting history, including being the oldest wildlife refuge in the country! This means you are in for a treat if you like birds of all genres! And, if you like all genres of Bay Area people, you'll find us all recreating in harmony at Lake Merritt.
Surrounded by grassy knolls, apartment and office buildings, and the Alameda County Court House, there's lots to see - including the local community enjoying the water, lake side pathway, picnics, peeps working out with trainers, rollerblading, music, boxing, tight rope walking, barbecues, the ever present drum circle at the pergola, and more on a sunny weekend It's pretty dang cool.
This is definitely the most leisurely kayak on our list so bring the whole fam!
BOTTOM LINE: If you're up for something interesting to do on a weekend, make a day of it: check out Oakland Museum, paddle the lake, and definitely finish it off with some tacos!
We rate this paddle 3.5 out of 5 paddles: Scenic with local flair, if you're seeking some culture + nature on a sunny weekend, we say 'why not?'.
LAST VISITED: 2018
SEASON: Year round weekends; Daily late March to October.
TOTAL KAYAKING MILEAGE: approximately 1.5 miles in length, Lake Merritt is our most leisurely option.
GETTING HERE: 568 Bellevue Avenue Oakland, CA
2018 PARKING: Parking inside Lakeside Park on Bellevue Avenue is $2.00 for two hours (or $10 for all day parking) during weekdays and $5 all day parking on the weekend and holidays. Buses are $15 per vehicle daily parking. Special Event parking after 5pm is $10 per vehicle. The parking operating hours are from 7:30am until dusk.
2018 CAR TOP LAUNCH FEES: N/A
INSPECTION: N/A
RENTALS? Yes, Cash only $20-$30 deposit + $18-$24/hr https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/rent-a-boat
LAUNCH TYPE: Ramp and Dock available
FACILITIES: Yes
PICNIC SPOTS: Everywhere!
OTHER ACTIVITIES: A 3.2 mile path hugs the lake. Home of many festivals and clubs, there is always lots to watch and do at Lake Merritt!
WEBSITE: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/boating
Los Canteros: Grand Ave favorite.
This is a full line taqueria so there will be something for everyone. Although they do not have a salsa bar, they offer baskets of chips and salsa with a kick to all patrons. The chips are light and crisp, not oily. They have several large TVs with sports on. Its very lively during world cup and Warriors games.
Ben usually gets a Tacos plate and Kym either the ala carte Shrimp Tacos or the Shrimp Ensalada. Ben's favorite plate comes with two steak tacos, guacamole and pico de gallo, with a side of rice and black beans. Tender beef with juicy gravy. They have several other plates like this that are very good.
The street tacos are served ala carte with cilantro and onions. Other ala carte tacos come with lettuce cheese and salsa. They are filled with your choice of meat in a dual tortilla wrap and garnished with a lime. For a larger appetite try the spicy burrito. Its a monster, built to order. Delicious.
Walk up service, menu on wall and @ cashier. Note: The menu does change occasionally.
BOTTOM LINE: Good food with something for everyone
OVERALL RATING: 4 - we usually choose it for convenience and selection and yet every time find ourselves pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoy it.
SALSA BAR: none
CHIPS: a dollar will get you a basket which feels annoyingly because cheap
GETTING HERE: It is closest to the Adams Point area of the lake. If you drive, parking can be a bit tight, only on the street. So we recommend you leave your car at the Boat House and walk over. Often times there are spots on the far side of Grand Avenue as well.
WEBSITE/MENU: http://dineries.com/ca/oakland/loscantaros/336grandave
WHAT ELSE? Full Bar. A few outside tables. Less crowded - yet fun - spot to take in a Warriors game if you are a local.
TACOS MI RANCHO: A local favorite walk up taco truck in the East Lake Merritt neighborhood!
Hungry now? This is the place. Order quickly (ie, get it together before you're up!) and enjoy fresh food at a reasonable price.
And, it's pretty tasty! This truck is in the same place on 1st street at Lakeshore in Oakland every day. Parking is street side only. Open for lunch thru the wee hours, it offers tacos, burritos, nachos, tortas, etcc to go.
The gravy on all the meat it savory and delicious. Order your food 'super' and get guac and sour cream added. The steak tacos are really tender.
The chicken tacos, well shredded and spiced are also very good. Note: There is no seating at this truck.
Take your fresh meal down the street to Lake Merritt park and enjoy on the lawn or a park bench. There are lots of parking spots that face the lake if chillin in your car is what you would like.
BOTTOM LINE: Easy, quick, delicious. EVERYONE eats here!
CHIPS: $.50 for spicy rounds (tostitos?) and free with 5 tacos.
SALSA: green or red, call either or both with your order, we like them both. Also pickled jalapenos and carrots are offered.
GETTING HERE: 1434 1st Ave, Oakland
WEBSITE/MENU: https://www.zmenu.com/tacos-mi-rancho-oakland-online-menu/
WHAT ELSE? Stop in at Portal - a block away - where you'll find a significant selection of local craft beers to choose from and some heartier carbs if that's your pleasure.
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