Lake Merritt, Tidal lagoon in Oakland, United States

Lake Merritt is a tidal lagoon in central Oakland surrounded by walking paths, gardens, and open spaces for recreation. The waterfront is lined with accessible routes that allow visitors to circumnavigate the entire body of water and access multiple rest areas along the way.

The lagoon began as an arm of San Francisco Bay fed by creeks, fished and hunted by the Ohlone. After 1848 gold-rush squatters took the East Bay, Oakland incorporated in 1852 and used the estuary as a sewer. In 1868 Mayor Samuel Merritt funded a dam to control tidal flow, turning the lagoon into a lake; the state made it North America's first wildlife refuge in 1870.

The lake's name honours Samuel Merritt, mayor of Oakland from 1867 to 1869, who dammed the tidal estuary in 1868 so the water would rise and freshen. The Ohlone fished and gathered along these shores before 1810, when the remaining Native Americans were moved to Mission San José. The Rotary Nature Center at Lakeside Park serves as the lake's interpretive centre.

You can paddle across the water in a kayak or explore the surrounding paths on foot, by bike, or while jogging. The entire loop is easily accessible and includes multiple spots to rest and catch your breath along the way.

This place was established as one of the first official protected spots for wild birds in North America during the 1800s. Migratory birds traveling along the Pacific coast continue to stop here to rest and refuel on their long journeys.