The Gardens at Lake Merritt, Oakland

About The Gardens at Lake Merritt

The Gardens at Lake Merritt comprises seven acres of themed gardens located within Lakeside Park in Oakland. Visitors explore the Bonsai Garden, which houses some of the finest bonsai on the west coast and represents the only major all-volunteer bonsai garden in the country. The Rhododendron Garden showcases species and hybrids flourishing in the area's benign climate, maintained by volunteers and park staff. Additional themed gardens include the Sensory Garden, Vireya Garden, and Japanese Garden. The grounds also feature exhibits on Bay-Friendly Gardening practices that mimic natural systems by recycling water, debris, and nutrients while using plants adapted to local conditions. The gardens operate from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends. The site sits at Lakeside Park, recognized as the nation's first wildlife refuge, in Oakland, California.