Idora Park

Idora Park was a Victorian entertainment complex spanning roughly 17 acres between Telegraph and Shattuck avenues, featuring roller coasters, a carousel, dance halls, and a lake for boating. The landscaped grounds also included gardens, exhibition spaces, and recreational facilities for visitors.

The park opened in 1904 on the site of the former Ayala Park and quickly became a refuge for thousands after the 1906 earthquake struck the region. It served as an important gathering place during the city's reconstruction period.

The park's opera house presented performances of The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance through the Idora Park Opera Company.

The site was conveniently located between two major avenues, making it accessible to visitors from different neighborhoods. The grounds offered shaded areas and water features that provided relief on warm days.

In 1904, the park featured the first publicly used public address system on the West Coast and displayed an early dirigible called the California Arrow. These technological innovations positioned it as a pioneer in entertainment.

Location: Oakland

GPS coordinates: 37.84239,-122.26316

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:40