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Middle Harbor Shoreline Park: Oakland's Waterfront Gem

Discover Oakland's waterfront: panoramic views, historical insights, and natural beauty converge at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park.

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Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, a 38-acre oasis on the Oakland waterfront, offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and bustling port activities. Built on the site of a former Naval Supply Depot, the park provides walking trails, picnic areas, and a unique blend of nature and industry.

A brief summary to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

  • Monday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for enhanced viewing of shorebirds, marine traffic, and the San Francisco skyline.
  • Check the park's event calendar for occasional live performances at the amphitheater.
  • Visit Point Arnold for picnic tables and a fountain that attracts both people and birds.
  • Be aware that the park is located in an industrial area with truck traffic; exercise caution when walking or biking.
  • Note that dogs are not allowed in the park, except for on-leash service animals.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-880, take exit 36 for 16th Ave toward the Port of Oakland. Continue on 16th Ave, which turns into Middle Harbor Road. Follow Middle Harbor Road to the park entrance at 2777 Middle Harbor Rd. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take the BART to West Oakland Station. Transfer to AC Transit bus line 26 towards the Port of Oakland. Get off at the stop closest to Middle Harbor Road, a short walk to the park entrance. Note: AC Transit Bus Line 13 no longer services the middle harbor area. A single BART fare from downtown Oakland to West Oakland is approximately $2.30. A single ride on AC Transit is $2.50.

  • Rideshare/Taxi

    Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft and enter 'Middle Harbor Shoreline Park' or the address '2777 Middle Harbor Rd, Oakland, CA 94607'. The drop-off point is directly at the park entrance. A rideshare from downtown Oakland typically costs $15-25, depending on demand and traffic.

Unlock the Best of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

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Discover more about Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (MHSP) is a unique recreational space in Oakland, California, offering a blend of natural beauty and industrial views. Situated on the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Seaport entrance channel, the park occupies 38 acres of land that was once part of the Oakland Naval Supply Depot. From World War II until 1998, the depot served as a crucial supply center for the Navy's Pacific Fleet. Following the depot's closure, the land was transferred to the Port of Oakland, which redeveloped the area from 2002 to 2004, including beach restoration and lagoon creation. The park officially opened to the public on September 18, 2004. Today, MHSP provides ample opportunities to witness maritime operations, with views of super-Panamax cranes at the Hanjin Terminal. Visitors can also enjoy the Chappell R. Hayes Memorial Observation Tower, offering panoramic views of the Oakland Estuary, San Francisco skyline, and the Port of Oakland. Free viewing scopes enhance the experience. The park features walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and historical exhibits detailing the site's past. Anglers can cast a line at designated fishing spots, though a California fishing license is required. MHSP is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous shorebirds, diving ducks, and seabirds inhabiting the area. Interpretive panels throughout the park help identify the various species. The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk year-round.

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