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Joaquin Miller Park: Oakland's Urban Redwood Retreat

Discover Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park: Hike redwood trails, explore historic monuments, and escape to nature in the heart of the East Bay.

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Escape the city bustle within Joaquin Miller Park's 500 acres of redwood groves, oak woodlands, and lush trails. Named after poet Joaquin Miller, the park offers hiking, horseback riding, and historical monuments amidst stunning natural beauty.

A brief summary to Joaquin Miller Park

  • Monday 6 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-9 pm
  • Friday 6 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the Sequoia Bayview Trail for a relatively flat, shady hike suitable for families and dogs.
  • Visit Lookout Point off Sanborn Road for panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Be aware of potential car break-ins and avoid parking on the side streets; park in designated lots.
  • Check out the Woodminster Amphitheater and Cascade, a historic landmark and popular venue for summer musicals.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Fruitvale BART station, take the AC Transit bus line 39 directly to Joaquin Miller Park. The bus ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and a single fare costs $2.50. Check the AC Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Oakland or Berkeley, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. The ride typically costs between $35-$45 from Berkeley and $29-$36 from Fruitvale. Expect the journey to take around 20 minutes from either location, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    From Highway 13, take the Joaquin Miller Road exit and follow the signs to the park. Parking is available inside the park at 3590 Sanborn Dr Oakland. Parking inside the park costs $10. Be aware that parking on Joaquin Miller Road has a reputation for car break-ins. As an alternative, parking at the community center is considered safer.

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Discover more about Joaquin Miller Park

Joaquin Miller Park, a sprawling 500-acre oasis in the Oakland Hills, offers a refreshing escape from urban life. Named after the colorful poet Joaquin Miller, who once called this land home, the park blends natural beauty with historical charm. Miller, a 19th-century figure known as the “Poet of the Sierras,” purchased the land in the 1880s and planted tens of thousands of trees, including redwoods, Monterey pines, and eucalyptus, transforming the grassy hillside into a verdant retreat. Today, visitors can explore a diverse landscape of redwood groves, oak woodlands, and meadows. Rustic trails wind through the park, inviting hikers, equestrians, and cyclists to discover its hidden corners. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including towhees, scrub jays, and even deer. The park also features several monuments erected by Miller himself, dedicated to figures like Moses and John C. Frémont. A highlight of Joaquin Miller Park is the Woodminster Amphitheater and Cascade, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project from the 1930s. This 2,000-seat outdoor theater hosts a popular summer musical series. Although the Cascade's waterfall feature is currently dry, the amphitheater remains a testament to the park's rich history and community spirit. Joaquin Miller Park connects to other regional parks and the Bay Area Ridge Trail, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

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