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Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline: Oakland's Natural Oasis

Discover a tranquil escape amidst the urban landscape at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, California.

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The Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline is a 741-acre park on San Leandro Bay, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities amidst an urban setting. Once part of an extensive marshland, the park now provides a haven for wildlife, especially migratory birds, and a peaceful retreat for city dwellers.

A brief summary to Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

  • Monday 8 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-9 pm
  • Friday 8 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially at Arrowhead Marsh, a key stopover for migratory birds.
  • Check the tide charts before visiting to increase your chances of spotting the endangered Ridgway's Rail at high tide.
  • Explore the park's art installations, including Roger Berry's "Duplex Cone" sculpture, which marks the sun's solstice paths.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic sites, some equipped with barbecue pits.
  • Take public transportation via AC Transit lines 73 or 98 to minimize parking hassles.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Coliseum BART station, take AC Transit line 98 towards Oakland Airport. Get off at the Hegenberger Road and Doolittle Drive stop. From there, walk north on Doolittle Drive, then turn right onto Swan Way. The park entrance will be on your left. AC Transit single fares are typically around $2.50.

  • Driving

    From I-880 in Oakland, exit at Hegenberger Road and head west. Turn right onto Doolittle Drive (Highway 61), then right again onto Swan Way. Turn left into the park. Parking is free, except during major sporting events at the Coliseum, when it may cost $40. Parking can be limited on weekends and holidays.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Oakland Airport, follow Doolittle Drive north until you reach Swan Way. Turn right onto Swan Way, and the park entrance will be immediately on your left. The walk from the airport is approximately 1.5 miles. There are no sidewalks along Doolittle Drive, so exercise caution.

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Discover more about Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, located on the shores of San Leandro Bay in Oakland, California, is a testament to environmental preservation and community dedication. This 741-acre park, managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, protects a significant remnant of the once vast marshlands that fringed San Leandro Bay. Originally opened in 1979 as San Leandro Bay Regional Shoreline, the park was renamed in 1992 to honor the legacy of Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King Jr.. In 1993, the park was officially established on land leased from the Oakland Airport. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Grove, completed with community support, was dedicated in 1993 at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Swan Way. Despite its location near Oakland International Airport and Interstate 880, the park offers a tranquil escape with a variety of activities. Paved trails wind through the park, perfect for hiking, biking, running, and jogging. Birdwatching is a popular pastime, with over 200 avian species reported at MLK Shoreline. Arrowhead Marsh, the park's centerpiece, is a prime location for spotting migratory birds and the endangered Ridgway's Rail. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and boating. The Tidewater Boating Center provides access to the San Francisco Bay Water Trail for kayakers and canoeists. The park also features art installations, such as Roger Berry's "Duplex Cone" sculpture, and offers accessible facilities, including parking, restrooms, and trails. However, the park faces challenges from rising sea levels, which threaten to submerge trails and wetland ecosystems. Restoration projects are underway to enhance the park's resilience and protect its natural resources for future generations.

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