Alameda Homemade

Set sail at Lake Merritt Boating Center. The waters of Lake Merritt can be calm or extreme when it comes to your interest in water recreation. Learn to sail, rent a paddleboat, canoe or kayak, or sign up to be on an exciting dragon boat team, the fastest growing water sport in the world.

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.

Pick up tickets to the Oakland Ballet. From opening night to closing night, you'll be poised to experience classical ballet entertainment, including performances of favorites like The Nutcracker. The stunning shows are made even more dramatic by the accompaniment of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Your trip to the ballet will be made even more memorable because the performances are at the historic Paramount Theater.