Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt: A Miniature World of Ancient Trees

Discover a tranquil oasis of miniature trees at the Bonsai Garden, a unique living art museum in Oakland's Lakeside Park. Free admission!

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Bonsai Garden

The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, nestled within Oakland's Lakeside Park, is a unique living museum showcasing meticulously cultivated miniature trees. Maintained entirely by volunteers, this serene garden offers a tranquil escape and a chance to appreciate the artistry and patience required to create these living sculptures.

A brief summary to Bonsai Garden

650 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, California, 94610, US
+1510-763-8409
Visit website

Tuesday 11 am-2:30 pm
Wednesday 11 am-2:30 pm
Thursday 11 am-2:30 pm
Friday 11 am-2:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-3:30 pm
Sunday 12 pm-3:30 pm

Local tips

The garden is open limited hours and closed on Mondays, so check the schedule before visiting.
Consider making a donation to support the garden's upkeep, as it is entirely volunteer-run.
Ask the docents about the history and significance of the different bonsai trees.
Combine your visit with a stroll around Lake Merritt and explore the other gardens in the area.

Getting There

Walking

The Bonsai Garden is located within Lakeside Park, on the east side of Lake Merritt. From the Lake Merritt BART station, walk north along Lake Merritt Boulevard, then turn right onto Bellevue Avenue. The garden is a short walk further, located near the Lakeside Park Garden Center. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 20-25 minutes.
Public Transport

Several bus lines stop near the Bonsai Garden. From the 19th St. Oakland BART station, take the 12, NL, or 805 bus to the Grand Av & Bellevue Av stop, which is a short walk from the garden. AC Transit bus fare is $2.50.
Driving

The Bonsai Garden is located at 650 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland. From I-580, take the Grand Avenue exit. Follow Grand Avenue towards Lake Merritt, then turn onto Bellevue Avenue. Limited free parking is available near the garden. Alternatively, paid parking is available at several garages around Lake Merritt, with rates ranging from $15-$30 per day.

Discover more about Bonsai Garden

The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt is a hidden gem in Oakland, California, offering a serene and captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Located within the Gardens at Lake Merritt, this unique garden is home to a collection of nearly 200 bonsai trees, with about half on display at any given time. These miniature trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, represent the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, where trees are carefully cultivated in small containers to mimic the shape and scale of full-size trees in nature. The garden was conceptualized in the mid-to-late 1970s by horticulturalists Toichi Domoto and Bill Hashimoto, with the garden officially opening in 1999. Today, the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt is the only major all-volunteer-run bonsai garden in the United States. The garden's collection includes the Daimyo Oak, gifted to Anson Burlingame, the U.S. Ambassador to China, in 1860, and a Japanese Black Pine that was displayed at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Visitors can stroll through the garden's winding paths, admiring the diverse collection of bonsai trees, including California junipers from the Mojave Desert, some of which are estimated to be up to 1,600 years old. Knowledgeable docents are often available to answer questions and provide insights into the art of bonsai. The garden also features a display of *suseiki* or “viewing stones,” which are stones carved by wind and water and meant to be appreciated in their natural form. The garden is part of The Gardens at Lake Merritt, which include a Sensory Garden, a Toddler Garden, an Urban Edible Garden, and a Succulent Garden.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lakeside Park

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Experience the tranquil beauty of Lakeside Park in Oakland, California, where nature meets recreation in a picturesque urban setting.

Lincoln Square Park

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Remember Them

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Wilma Chan Park (formerly Madison Square Park)

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Wilma Chan Park (formerly Madison Square Park)

Frank H. Ogawa Plaza

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Explore Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland's vibrant city park, a hub of culture, art, and community events in the heart of downtown.

Oakland City Hall

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Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

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Oakland Marriott City Center

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Chinese Garden Park

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8th St & Broadway

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Preservation Park

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First Unitarian Church of Oakland

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Discover serenity and community at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, a historic site of worship and inclusivity in the heart of the city.

Alameda County Historical Society

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Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Alameda County at the Alameda County Historical Society in Oakland, California.

Evelyn Cottage

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Discover the serene charm of Evelyn Cottage, a historical landmark in Oakland's Cleveland Heights, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Jack London Square

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Discover the vibrant waterfront of Jack London Square, a cultural gem in Oakland showcasing dining, shopping, and rich history.

Unmissable attractions to see

The Gardens at Lake Merritt

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Rotary Nature Center

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Children's Fairyland

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Step into a world of fairy tales and imagination at Children's Fairyland, one of America's first storybook theme parks, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Merritt.

Nipsey Hussle mural (Oakland)

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Snow Park

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Experience the tranquility and beauty of Snow Park in Downtown Oakland, a perfect urban getaway for nature lovers and families alike.

Lake Merritt

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Unwind at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, where nature meets urban charm, offering scenic views, recreational activities, and vibrant wildlife.

Pine Knoll Park

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Escape to Pine Knoll Park on Lake Merritt for serene views, relaxing picnics, and a tranquil retreat in the heart of Oakland.

Camron-Stanford House

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The Cathedral of Christ the Light

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Oakland History Center

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Remembrance is Power Mural

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A vibrant Oakland mural honoring influential artists and community leaders, fostering remembrance and inspiring future generations.

The Pergola at Lake Merritt

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Oakland Museum of California

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Paramount Theatre Oakland

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Eastshore Park

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Essential places to dine

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

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Persian Nights Restaurant

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MAMA Oakland

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The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill

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Parlour

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alaMar Dominican Kitchen

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Portal

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Mela Bistro

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Sobre Mesa

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Agave Uptown

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Dinner House

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Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen

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Duende

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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and an exquisite wine selection at Duende in Downtown Oakland – a culinary gem for food lovers.

Mua

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Experience innovative American cuisine at Mua in Oakland—a vibrant restaurant and event venue perfect for food lovers and social gatherings.

Oakland Street Food Co.

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Explore the serene House of Fortune in Oakland, a unique gift shop and Buddhist temple offering cultural treasures and a tranquil atmosphere.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Oakland at Everything But Hugs & Kisses, where great food, strong drinks, and sports come together.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt: A Miniature World of Ancient Trees

A brief summary to Bonsai Garden

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

Unlock the Best of Bonsai Garden

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Bonsai Garden

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lakeside Park

Lincoln Square Park

Remember Them

Wilma Chan Park (formerly Madison Square Park)

Frank H. Ogawa Plaza

Oakland City Hall

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Marriott City Center

Chinese Garden Park

8th St & Broadway

Preservation Park

First Unitarian Church of Oakland

Alameda County Historical Society

Evelyn Cottage

Jack London Square

Unmissable attractions to see

The Gardens at Lake Merritt

Rotary Nature Center

Children's Fairyland

Nipsey Hussle mural (Oakland)

Snow Park

Lake Merritt

Pine Knoll Park

Camron-Stanford House

The Cathedral of Christ the Light

Oakland History Center

Remembrance is Power Mural

The Pergola at Lake Merritt

Oakland Museum of California

Paramount Theatre Oakland

Eastshore Park

Essential places to dine

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

Persian Nights Restaurant

MAMA Oakland

The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill

Parlour

alaMar Dominican Kitchen

Portal

Mela Bistro

Sobre Mesa

Agave Uptown

Dinner House

Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen

Duende

Mua

Oakland Street Food Co.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Grand Gift Shop

Exotic Gift Shop

inner Desires Oakland

Uptown Station

Queen Hippie Gypsy

LAKE VIEW GIFT SHOP

McMullen

Oakland gift and smoke shop

Oaklandish

Milam Gift Shop

CORD & COMPANY

I Tone

B&Q Shop

Two Two

House of Fortune

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Room 389

19th Street Station

Bar 355