Snow Park, Bay Area Travel Guide

4.4 (841)

A revitalized downtown Oakland park on Lake Merritt, perfect for recreation, relaxation, and community events.

Snow Park, nestled in Downtown Oakland along the shores of Lake Merritt, offers a tranquil escape with grassy expanses, towering oak trees, and a playground, making it a popular spot for picnics, relaxation, and community events. Once the site of Oakland's first zoo and a museum, the park has been revitalized, providing a blend of recreation and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Snow Park

Harrison St & 19th St, Lakeside Dr, Oakland, Downtown Oakland, CA, 94612, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Snow Park.

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the park's grassy areas or at one of the picnic tables.
Visit during the Oakland Running Festival to experience the park as a vibrant event venue.
Bring your kids to enjoy the playground, which includes a gated area for toddlers.

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Explore Snow Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Snow Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are near Lake Merritt, walk along Lakeside Drive toward downtown Oakland. Snow Park is located at the corner of Harrison Street and 19th Street, adjacent to the lake. Look for the playground and grassy area. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From the 19th Street Oakland BART station, head southeast on 19th Street towards Harrison Street. Snow Park is a short walk from the station, located at the intersection of Harrison St and 19th St. A single BART fare within Oakland typically costs around $2.35 - $4.10, depending on the distance traveled.
Public Transport

You can take AC Transit buses to reach Snow Park. Take the Line 51 or 1 and disembark at the 19th Street & Harrison Street stop. From there, Snow Park is just a few steps away. Bus fare is typically around $2.10 for a single ride.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From anywhere in downtown Oakland, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Snow Park will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. Provide the driver with the address: Harrison Street & 19th Street, Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612.
Parking

Limited street parking is available around Snow Park. Metered parking is enforced Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays from Noon to 8 PM around Lake Merritt, costing approximately $4 for 2 hours. Several parking garages are also located within a few blocks, with hourly rates ranging from $4 to $15.

Discover more about Snow Park

Snow Park, located in the heart of Downtown Oakland next to Lake Merritt, provides a refreshing green space amidst the urban environment. The park's history is rich, having once been part of Oakland's second cemetery and later the site of the Snow Museum, which included a small zoo. Named for Henry Snow, whose animal collection formed Oakland's first zoo, the park underwent significant renovations and reopened in 2019 to much acclaim.Today, Snow Park features landscaped grounds, play equipment, and open spaces perfect for picnicking, people-watching, and enjoying views of the lake. The park's design includes a putting green, a nod to its 1960s layout. The park has also served as a venue for community events, including the Oakland Running Festival.Whether you're looking to relax under the shade of the oak trees, let your children play on the modern play structures, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment by the lake, Snow Park offers a welcoming retreat. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a cornerstone of Lake Merritt's contemporary appeal.