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Camron-Stanford House: Oakland's Victorian Gem

Explore Victorian elegance and Oakland history at the Camron-Stanford House, the last 19th-century mansion on Lake Merritt.

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The Camron-Stanford House, the last remaining 19th-century Victorian mansion on Lake Merritt, offers a glimpse into Oakland's past. Once home to prominent families and the city's first museum, it now hosts exhibits and events, preserving local history and Victorian splendor.

A brief summary to Camron-Stanford House

  • Sunday 11 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special events and rotating exhibits to enhance your visit.
  • Explore the gardens surrounding the house for beautiful views of Lake Merritt.
  • Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing, as parking can be limited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Camron-Stanford House via public transportation, take BART to the 12th St/Oakland City Center station. From there, transfer to AC Transit bus line 62 towards Eastmont Transit Center. Get off at Lakeside Dr & 14th St, then walk east along Lakeside Dr for about 5 minutes to reach the house. AC Transit bus lines 1, 6, 40, and 51 also stop near the Camron-Stanford House. Bus fares are typically around $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Lake Merritt area, the Camron-Stanford House is easily accessible by foot. From the Lake Merritt BART station, walk along the lake towards the north. The house is located on Lakeside Drive, on the eastern shore of the lake. The walk is approximately 1 mile and offers scenic views of the lake.

  • Ride-sharing

    Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft to get to Camron-Stanford House directly. Input 'Camron-Stanford House' or the address '1418 Lakeside Dr, Oakland, CA 94612' as your destination. A ride from downtown Oakland typically costs $10 - $15, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Camron-Stanford House

Step back in time at the Camron-Stanford House, a beautifully restored 1876 Italianate Victorian mansion on the shores of Lake Merritt. This house is the last of its kind, a window into an era when grand residences lined the lake. The house was built by Dr. Samuel Merritt as part of his vision for a lakefront community. Over the years, it was home to five influential families, including William Camron, David Hewes (who donated a golden spike for the transcontinental railroad completion ceremony), and Josiah Stanford, brother of Leland Stanford. In 1907, the City of Oakland purchased the house and transformed it into the Oakland Public Museum, the first teaching museum west of the Mississippi. Today, the Camron-Stanford House operates as a museum, showcasing meticulously recreated living spaces and exhibits that focus on life and culture in Oakland during the Victorian era. Visitors can explore the period rooms, learn about the families who lived there, and discover Oakland's history through rotating exhibits. The house also serves as a charming wedding venue and community gathering space. The Camron-Stanford House is open Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm. Standard admission is $5, and seniors are $4.

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