Snow Park, Oakland Travel Guide

4.4 (817)

A revitalized downtown Oakland park with a unique history, offering recreation and relaxation by the scenic Lake Merritt.

Snow Park, nestled in Downtown Oakland next to Lake Merritt, offers a tranquil escape with a rich history. Once the site of Oakland's second cemetery and later a museum and zoo, today it's a revitalized green space perfect for picnics, play, and enjoying scenic lake views.

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.

Enjoy a picnic on the lawn with views of Lake Merritt.
Bring your kids to enjoy the playground.
Take a stroll around the park and admire the towering oak trees.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

The Pergola at Lake Merritt

Pardee Home Museum

Children's Fairyland

Pyramid to Moses

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, next to the lake. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From the 19th Street Oakland BART station, walk southeast on 19th Street towards Harrison Street. Snow Park is a short walk from the station, 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

Take an AC Transit bus to the 19th Street & Harrison Street stop. Snow Park is a few steps away. Bus fare is typically around $2.50 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, 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 per 2 hours. Several parking garages are also located within a few blocks, with hourly rates ranging. Closest parking is at 1939 Harrison St Oakland.

Discover more about Snow Park

Snow Park, located in the heart of downtown Oakland adjacent to Lake Merritt, is a vibrant and historic green space offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle. Its story stretches back to Oakland's early days, originally serving as part of the city's second cemetery. As the city grew, the cemetery was largely relocated, and the land was repurposed. For decades, a mansion stood on the site, eventually becoming the Snow Museum, which housed a taxidermy collection and even a small zoo. Named for Henry Snow, whose animal collection populated Oakland's first zoo at this site, the park has a rich history. After the museum was razed in the late 1960s, the area was transformed into the park we know today.Following significant renovations, Snow Park reopened in 2019 to much acclaim. Today, visitors can enjoy the park's well-maintained grassy areas, towering oak trees, and a playground. A putting green, a remnant from the 1960s design, adds a touch of whimsy. Whether you're looking for a place to relax by the lake, have a picnic, or let the kids burn off some energy, Snow Park offers something for everyone. The park also serves as a venue for events such as the Oakland Running Festival.