Feel zen at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. The garden contains one of the most beautiful open-air bonsai collections in the nation, with more than 150 outstanding bonsai trees. Tour this and other rare spectacular garden wonders such as a Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Rhododendron Garden.
Come hear the sound of music at Woodminster Summer Musicals. Bring your favorite blanket and take a seat on the grassy knoll to watch an outdoor musical under the stars. Sing, dance and cheer to classical musical sensations such as Oliver, and My Fair Lady. These musical evenings are held in Oakland's "Cathedral in the Woods" aka, Joaquin Miller Park.
Ain't life Grand! Discover the coal baron Dunsmuir family, their gracious home and elegant lifestyle at Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate. This attraction allows you to step inside a Neoclassical Revival mansion with 37 rooms standing on a 55-acre estate. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride across lush gardens, around a scenic pond and stop at the Carriage House Crafters for some tea and the Dunsmuir Gift Shop for unique mementos.
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" East Bay Regional Parks operates 65 parks, spanning over 100,000 acres that run across two Oakland districts. There are more than 1,150 miles of trails throughout the park for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, bicycling, and or just relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings.