Fantastic beach for younger kids, and a great option for East Bay residents who aren't up for the…read moretrek into the city or the even longer drive to Santa Cruz. The beach is clean and has useful amenities, including outdoor showers, picnic tables, and restrooms. I haven't actually used the restrooms, so I can't speak to their condition, but I can say I've never noticed trash on the beach, even on busy days. The crowd is generally respectful, which goes a long way. The downside is that the water isn't exactly pristine by appearance, smell, or feel...but you can't have everything. My favorite thing about this beach, aside from the fact that the water isn't freezing, is how shallow it stays. I can wade out with my kid what feels like half a mile and still not feel like we're anywhere close to being too far from shore. P.S. Do NOT forget to pay for parking if you're in the lot. It's yellow, located at the far end, the fee is 5 dollars and it's easy to miss. Also, they don't accept Discover debit.

In The Teen and I's new Friday ritual of water watching before we head home, we stopped by Crown…read moreMemorial before heading through the tunnel to let traffic die down a bit.. This was definitely the place to be back in the day! Parking was a snap and we found a bench to sit on starting the water watching. The view was awesome and the sun was shining just like Bob Marley said. There were people, young and old playing in the sand, lots of bike riders, and of course, those dog walkers. The Teen put the phone down and ventured out and some sand, touching and driftwood drifting.. Definitely, we will be back when it gets warmer with hopes of finding front row parking again!

Good for a nostalgic stroll…read more Lake Merritt is the center point of Oakland. A place I've been flocking to since I was still riding on training wheels. More recently, I've been paying closer attention to the structures and architecture that hug the Lake. It feels like walking through a time capsule. Spanish Revival, Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern influences, all speckled with reminders that we're definitely in the 21st century. I love that can see so many of Oakland's layers here. And it's also a place to get fed physically and spiritually, especially on a Friday. Sidenote: Seems like I'm seeing fewer geese nowadays? Hmm...

A great place to run and walk during the early mornings. Lots of residents and visitors come out to…read morewalk run and bike in the morning. Not too crowded a nice cool breeze to keep you cool while exercising and enjoying the view of the lake. There are bathrooms located around the lake some at the lake Merritt library but beware they are very rough. Safety wise lots of people and nothing crazy.

The Bay Trail, which runs all over the Bay, is always a good choice!!…read more This stretch through Oakland, in the Jack London Square area, runs right next to the water. It will take you as far north to Emeryville, Berkeley, and beyond. Gets windy here in the evening, but on clear days you can get some nice views. I had a nice, after dinner stroll here!!

Um. This is why I moved to the Bay Area. For me, this trail exemplifies why we pay those high rent…read moreprices and work those stressful jobs. To enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Wow, I'm gettin' real corny, eh?! The Bay Trail is 500 Miles - 47 Cities - 9 Counties long and encompasses the North, East & South Bays and SF proper. Whether you bike, walk, skate or just sit, do expect beautiful views of the Bay. I didn't realize the extent of it myself until I clicked on the website and I'll be damned, this trail is LEGIT. I myself have done from about San Leandro/Alameda thru to Emeryville and man, oh man what a great bike ride. Are some parts a bit sketchy, closed and/or unmarked? Yep, (that Emeryville area is a bit wonky), but you can pick up a free map (and a t-shirt) at any of the parks offices and really follow along to get you back en route. A few more bonuses: along the route you can find some public bathrooms and water fountains (SCORE), and there are a TON of picnic benches in some parts. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yep, Yelp app to find some sammies and boom - picnic! The trail does go through multiple parks (at least on the East Bay side) where parking is available, just an FYI. Exercise, beautiful views and landscapes while enjoying the world outside is how I like to spend my free time. If you do as well, go ahead peep their website and I'll see ya on the trail!

Stair walkway next to Lake Merrit…read more Good for a gym workout if you don't feel like stair master. Very beautiful part of Oakland. Lots of people jogging around the lake. Lots of life. Many food trucks pop up around here on the weekends. No bbq Becky in sight.

I'm continuing my walk around Lake Merritt with my guide who grew up right in this area, like you…read moreknow, even had a paper route (things boys had in those days) right here on Lakeshore Ave. Looking for iconic Oakland landmarks, he wanted to show me this long stairway. This is called the Cleveland Cascade. At the top it comes out at Cleveland Street, but it's actually Merritt Ave. Cleveland Street just goes into some private driveways. It's a beautiful walkway and been here like 100 years or more. It's a good place to come for photo shoots and romantic walks. There's a bench at the top to sit and make out. Well, that's what I'm told anyways! The stairs make a good shortcut if you need to get from Merritt Ave above to Lake Merritt/ Lakeshore Ave. I'm enjoying seeing these iconic landmarks of Oakland. Who knew stairs would be a landmark, but there's a sign at the top explaining the history.

We took a Class 3 day trip on the South Fork of the American last week. Everything was…read moreprofessionally done and went smoothly. Our equipment was in excellent shape. Our guide was experienced, patient and knew the river well. He took good care of my 10 year old granddaughter, who was a first-timer. This is a quality outfit. I recommend them without reservation. Of note: the South Fork has become a bit crowded with rafts. I'll be trying a different river next time.

Markus and Michael S. were awesome! Markus was the tour guide on our boat. My sister booked a trip…read morewhile I was in town visiting! I had an absolute blast! We had great conversation the entire trip and I truly enjoyed his story! He listened to our stories and we had an amazing trip! Thank you so much for the adventure and positive outlook on life!

I signed up for their half day basic kayaking class for today. First off, even though I've been…read morekayaking before, taking the basic course here was very humbling, ha, ha... I'd no idea of how much there's to learn! I highly recommend this class! If you're a novice, by the end of the class you'll be much more experienced. I'm really looking forward to practicing what I learned. One of the things I really appreciated was the detailed list they provide of what to bring to the class. Additionally, the location of the class is the best! I really enjoyed going to Alameda and also the estuary, plus a great view of SF. I look forward to continuing to support this business.

We had a great Kayak rental experience and fresh air sunny day. Soo was the person working…read moreyesterday. He was helpful, efficient and got us all set up. All while juggling customers there for a Kayak sale. The location and dock so easy. We popped right into the water and took off toward Alameda and then up toward Brooklyn Basin. We got the perfect day. A bunch of fun summer sailing camps were out on the estuary. We'll definitely be back. Thank you!

Ballena Bay is a delightful little neighborhood on the south coast of Alameda. Its actually an…read moreisland that has a curved shape. The curve curves away from the Bay, so you get sweeping views of the SF Peninsula. The marina is upscale and has some big beautiful boats. There are over 500 slips, so its a sizeable marina. There is a walking path that curves around the outer edge of the island. Its a great walk with a dog around sunset. You can walk all the way out to the tip of the island then head back on the other side. PRO-TIP: The Bay side of Ballena gets much colder (maybe 5-10 degrees F) than the inner marina side. Recommend bringing a jacket!

Before you move in, be aware that the management leadership team is tremendously flawed. There are…read moremany benefits in the office staff, but unfortunately an environmental policies are on their boss. She tends to neglect major problems listed below, and nitpicks behaviors that generally go unchecked (Parking, smoking, non-leashed animals, pool behaviors, laundry services running into quiet hours, and littering). Unfortunately this hurts the neighborhood. Everyone I have met is kind, and very inviting. This includes other on-site office staff members, as they conduct themselves with grace and respect for the environment. There are experiences with newer staff members touching , moving, or rearranging things while conducting their housing checks. Which is a minor discrepancy that has and can cause some problems. Senior management doesn't enforce lease violations, allowing malpractice to slip through the cracks from both the staff and inhabitants of the village. Whether it is rude neighbors and toxic residents, or unhealthy uses of power from staff. This creates tension residents and staff. This is the toughest part, of a fantastic place to live. That has hosting capabilities, a pool, a basketball court, and beach access. Although like gristle you learn to live with it, or can't stand the thought of eating anymore.

Great park! First time there and my 4.5 yr old daughter loves it. Clean and big playground. Has a…read moretrail to walk around and if you have your doggy, great trail to walk around. Downside to this park, small parking lot!

Never disappointed with a visit to Jean Sweeney Park. Our daughter enjoys the various play areas as…read moreshe navigates between the different areas, existing in some spaces longer than others. After parking, if you can find a spot, the first play area includes a trampoline, climbing structure, a wide metal slide and an oversized musical chime. To the right, a spacious mesh swing spins with kids constantly filling and spinning it. Directly in front is an ample sand area with a brick barrier surrounding it. To the left are three picnic tables. In front of the sand area is the smaller kids play area which is directly next to the restrooms and water fountain. To the left of the little play area is the zip line. When you go further in to the park, there is a covered area with lots of picnic tables and seating grouped together, more benches and lots of grass to play and explore further. There are paths to ride bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards. During warmer weather this park is packed. When we visited, following a prior event, there were already lots of kids on a gray, windy, overcast day. This park is spacious on the interior but parking on the exterior is limited. The parking lot is minimal for the amount of space to explore, which is awesome but makes it difficult to navigate up close parking. Street parking is not really existent unless you enter on the opposite end of the park.

Such an awesome experience. Travis was so great. He was patient, explained directions clearly,…read morechecked in a couple times during the tour, and very understanding. He even takes photos and shares it via google for free. Such a nice bonus. I wear glasses and was able to wear my glasses with the helmet and goggles. Although kind of a tight fit, I wasn't blind I highly recommend trying ATV riding here. Just remember that the directions in the link don't take you directly there. It takes you the to the parking entrance. There is a $5 parking fee for the day. Ask the park rangers where to go next when you pay for the parking. You will drive down the road after turning right and see a white trailer.

Absolutely amazing adventure! Went on a Mother/daughter outing and had soooo much fun…read more Travis is the best guide. He made the check in easy and the ride was an adrenaline rush and so enjoyable. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND them. Thank you Travis!