Drum circles and dance almost every weekend! A ritual space of magic and culture q

BEAUTIFUL. I went on a Saturday and visited after exploring the Farmers Market a few steps away. It was a great walk, tons of grass, lots of HUGE geese that were fun to watch, and even on a foggy day it oozed mystery and fun. If you love people watching its a great spot to relax and just observe. I def recommend going on a Saturday, stopping by Peets Coffee, then hit the markets up followed by a walk on the lake.

There is a large number of ho.less people here which I feel ruins the area itself, but Ive seen raw talent here and must say, its also a good place to check locals out doing what they love to do...whatever that may be.

... one of Oaklands (aka The Town) best chill spots to spend time in the Sun w/ family & friends.

Very beautiful time of year! Clear skies and warm nights (for the bay)

Lake Merritt is an awesome place to go for a walk or run with its stunning views and well paved pathways. You can often stumble upon live music near the pergola. I recommend bringing a blanket so you can have a picnic in one of the numerous grassy areas surrounding the lake. Try to get there before the sunset and stay until after the lights surrounding the lake come on for prime views. There are also many good restaurants near the lake!

Always full of activities & shows of all kinds. Theres usually something unique going on here

I was born and raised in Berkeley, and spent much time in Oakland, specifically Lake Merritt. It is my favourite place in the U.S. The Pergola is beautifully serene. I visit here periodically, it helps me to relax.

Very friendly people.Great food.

As durty as it gets it has some charming

Great space! Just wish is didnt smell like urine as much. The breeze from the water is amazing.

Great place, HUGE portions, fast friendly service.

Beautiful people. Beautiful place

Energetic community locus, but too crowded for good social distancing

Wide open space for you to sit and meditate.

Very cool. Lively and busy on this Saturday late summer arvo!!?

I walk around the lake every other evening. Excellent place for “Quality Time” amongst members of the Oakland tribe. Oakland is the change.

The Oakland drumming circle kicks butt! Good people, awesome drumming, and good vibes.

Always an adventure! You never know what fun you will find

Very nice. Enjoyed the walk and the scenery.

This place is full of life and diversity I really enjoy coming to this spot at lake Merritt

Its very picturesque. Nice and relaxing spot to hangout, especially when the weather cooperates. Free entertainment with the drummers on weekends. Fun to dance with Salsa by the Lake group.

Such a pleasant place to chill out!

This place was amazing! It was my first time having bulgogi fries and they were amazing!

This is one of the main places for hanging out in Oakland, especially on a Saturday.

Really cool place to hang out, lots of activities to do

I grew up around the lake. This is a beautiful place esp at sunset time..... there is just one thing..... These new transplants here to Oakland have ruined the atmosphere around the lake. I miss the old Oakland.....

A gem of Oakland. Firespinning by night, drum circles by day.

Its the probably the best or one of the best senic views of the lake with the Oakland skyline in the background

The beating heart of Oakland

Cool place ......

Watch out for land mines! other than that, great place to visit.

Beautiful place to gather and enjoy the atmosphere at the lake. It is quite often used as gathering place for events happening at the lake as well.Its usually fairly busy on weekends and parking is not always easy to find but it is a beautiful place to walk or jog.

Beautiful area specially at night and on the sunset. Every sunday there’s an amazing drum circle and at sundays afternoons there is a juggling meeting organized by Matan and usually starting around 14:30Amazing view of the lake and usually full of people.Definitely worth checking.

This is a nice place to hangout or workout. You see many people jogging around the lake or just taking a walk. Sometimes events are held here.

I live at Lake Merritt this place is beautiful you cant go wrong lots of places to sit with a blanket and picnic also lots of benches/ areas to hang out in the shade or sun

Sunday fun day, Every Sunday. Come and enjoy the positive atmosphere and Good Eats

One of Oaklands many Trasures /landmsrks . Relaxing ,safe, and just plain beautifull to see, must visit

I absolutely love Lake Merritt. .. great place to bring the kids... jogging is very popular and Fairyland is really nice for the kiddies ... there are also sail boats and a sailing club which i believe does offer sailing lessons for adults and youth .

Always fun with flow friends on a Friday night

Every chance I get, I walk the outside of the lake. Its such a beautiful scenery, especially on Sundays!

Its smells like duck poop hereOverall nice space to chill.

A beautiful evening in the Town..great weather, people, and vibes. Good for all.

Beautiful day out with live music being played in the nearby park.

Take some provisions for yourself and other friends who enjoys the outdoors.

It is truly a beautiful landmark one worth seeing at night.

God guven Sunday afternoon at the lake. Peaceful, full of life for all to enjoy

Grateful walking exercise

Breath taking. Both in the sense of scent (in the summer) and the view

Beautiful place for the evening. It is so cold though and people performing it was nice.

Fridays some folks will spin some fire and DJ electronic music. The vibes are unreal. Go here. Find them. Make friends. ️

I sat with my friend after everything encircling the park. It was quaint.

A nice little spot to view the lake and take in Oakland. Good for a summer picnic and people watching. Bring a nice picnic blanket and bask in the sun

Lake Merritt is always great for relaxing

A nice spot with a lovely overview of the lake that unfortunately tends to attract homeless campers at times and can get dirty.

Nice place for evening long walks

It is a beautiful park but unfortunately very dirty and especially street people living under the bridge and with a horrible smell there was also a strike by people from Puerto Rico! My sister who came to visit from Mexico took a very bad example of that place in spite of the lake that is very beautiful that hurts!

Beautiful view. Always something going on there.

In its hayday, this was a jewel for the northern side of the lake, but nowadays it likens to a flea market. Drunkards lay their garbage can finds onto old and stained blankets for the slim chance they will find customers from walkers-by. 3 individuals, homeless, and appearing to be mental disturbed, have set up permament residency at the flanking entrances since summer 2018. Sundays are a little busy with the drummers and slack liners. Cafes and boutique shops near by...but so is Charlie with his pants around his ankles in the middle of the intersection yelling at the hipster Lime scooter riders.

It is okay. There are cute rats at night and sometimes homeless people.

This place is great, hella Oakland, birds, sun most times, and vibrant ethnic and social diversity

Always nice to hang out on weekends and see Willy..a true survivor of assault...and homeless..buy an item..get advice and b still in the greatest view around the Lake..Sometimes I just sit n listen to Josh Grobin

Theres really nothing for me to say about the Pergola other than it being like any other POI (point of interest) around the lake. Its nice that its located right side of the lake where you can find a quick bite to grab or that its located within two blocks of the farmers market that takes place on Saturday.

Beautiful view but was dirty and smelled pretty bad.

#Innergcypher is the realist thing out there and Im really glad to have @breezeonthebeat & @majesticjune making space for us

I love to walk/run the lake its about 5 miles

Nice to do three mile walk

I love this place its so beautiful

It is a convenient place for all...single or group.Lots happenings on weekend around the Pergola and Lake Merritt...if in Oakland...do visit!!!

A moment in time-simple living had no cost..awww

Great place to chill and have a smoke.

A lot of good timba dancing today

It was a beautiful walk for suicide prevention

Very beautiful landmark for walk n relaxation

Such a beautiful environment and so much to do on Sundays.

Its a perfect place for reading a book or watching the sunset.

Beautiful park. A lot of great events

Nice place to just relax out of the sun!!!

Great place to visit, amazing cultural exchange and atmosphere

Great weather and spectacular views...

The pergola is not maintained very well, unfortunately. So despite the beautiful setting oh, it doesnt look very good.

Its a percussion jamLots of fun

Hands down my favorite spot in east bay

Wonderful lake merritt

I just love the Thursdays, Capoera music and everyone dances around having the craic/fun!

A nice place to take photos of the lake, but you might want to hold your nose, as it usually stinks.

Great. Outdoor place .

Always interesting gatherings happening there!

Almost always something interesting going on here, people hanging out, room to sit on the steps, shade in the summer. Convenient place to meet a friend for a walk around the lake. Also convenient to the Grand Lake - Oakland Saturday farmers market.

Great walking spot

Didnt let me in even though the was opened, to buy a cup of coffee.

Live walking/running around the lake.

Its LAKE MERRITT

I was married here Beautiful walk.

Cure for JM walk on April 28 2018Please join us to spread awareness

Hit the Step on sundays

Great place to meet someone, anyone or just yourself.

A lively spot on the lake

It was very peaceful

This is a special place filled with magic