Best of 18 photo spots in Oakland
Oakland, California, is a vibrant city filled with culture, history, and picturesque views. If you're looking to capture some unforgettable memories, there are plenty of photo spots in Oakland that you won't want to miss. From the stunning Lake Merritt to the colorful murals of the city's urban neighborhoods, here are some top locations to explore for your next photo shoot. In Oakland, you'll find a diverse range of photo spots, from natural landscapes to urban street art. Start your photography tour at Lake Merritt, a picturesque body of water surrounded by lush greenery and walking paths. This spot is perfect for capturing the beauty of nature, with swans and other wildlife often making an appearance. Next, head to Oakland's downtown area to discover the city's vibrant street art scene. The colorful murals and graffiti found here make for striking photo opportunities, capturing the energy and creativity of Oakland's urban culture. You'll find murals throughout the city, but some of the best places to start include the Uptown and Jack London districts. For those interested in history, the historic USS Hornet Museum is a must-see destination. This aircraft carrier, which saw action in World War II and Vietnam, is now a floating museum offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Photographers can capture the ship's impressive size and intricate design, along with panoramic shots of the surrounding water and skyline. Finally, no trip to Oakland would be complete without a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. While not located directly in Oakland, the bridge is just a short drive away and offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Capture the bridge's iconic red color and towering structure, or focus on the surrounding landscape, including the San Francisco Bay and Marin Headlands. In summary, Oakland offers a wide variety of photo spots, from natural landscapes to urban street art. With its stunning views, colorful murals, and historical landmarks, there's something for every type of photographer in this vibrant California city.
- 1. The Pergola at Lake Merritt
- 2. Joaquin Miller Park
- 3. Leona Heights Park
- 4. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
- 5. Union Point Park
- 6. Oakland Photo Workshop
- 7. The Gardens at Lake Merritt
- 8. Oaktown Boudoir
- 9. Temescal Regional Recreation Area
- 10. Preservation Park
- 11. Knowland Park
- 12. Dimond Park
- 13. Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
- 14. Oakland Zoo
- 15. Gabriel Harber Photography
- 16. Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
- 17. Chappell Hayes Observation Tower
- 18. Pine Knoll Park
1. The Pergola at Lake Merritt
Popular wedding photography location
The view looking southwest over the lake is magnificent, offering a scenic backdrop to the area. During weekends, the place comes alive with a vibrant community that resides around the lake. It's a lively scene, with people engaging in various activities such as biking, skating, walking their dogs, taking their babies for a stroll, and playing music.
The area is bustling with activity, and it's fun to take a walk around and see what everyone is up to. You might even catch some salsa dancing, tightrope walking, or even a wedding photo shoot. There's never a dull moment around the lake, and it's an excellent place to observe and enjoy the diverse range of activities that people engage in during their leisure time.
2. Joaquin Miller Park
Historic cabin of poet Joaquin Miller
The Sequoia Bayview Trail and Joaquin Miller Park are popular destinations for nature and photography enthusiasts. The Sequoia Bayview Trail offers scenic views of the forest and Bay Area, making it an ideal spot for capturing beautiful landscapes. Meanwhile, Joaquin Miller Park also boasts stunning vistas, particularly at Lookout Point, where visitors can take striking photos.
Both locations provide great opportunities for photography, with the Sequoia Bayview Trail offering forest and bay views, and Joaquin Miller Park featuring Lookout Point. AllTrails users recommend the Sequoia Bayview Trail for its beautiful forest scenes and panoramic views, while Tripadvisor users praise Joaquin Miller Park's stunning views and excellent photo opportunities.
3. Leona Heights Park
Historic quarry and native plant restoration
Last weekend, I embarked on a refreshing hike up the York Trail in Leona Heights Park, Oakland. This trail offers breathtaking views of the Bay, particularly at sunset, making it an ideal setting for capturing perfect photo moments.
To make the most of your visit, I recommend starting your hike about an hour before sunset. This way, you can enjoy the stunning twilight views of the Bay Area while taking on the moderately challenging York Trail. Along the way, you'll find numerous picture-worthy spots to commemorate your hike.
4. Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Former military base with natural and industrial landscapes
Twin Peaks Park in San Francisco provides a stunning panoramic view of the city. From this vantage point, visitors can observe various landmarks, including the Bay Bridge, at a distance. It is recommended to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views of the port and the surrounding cityscape.
In addition to the picturesque scenery, the Bay Bridge is a notable feature visible from Twin Peaks Park. The views of the bridge and the bay are truly awe-inspiring, making it a must-see destination for any visitor to San Francisco.
5. Union Point Park
Free admission and dog-friendly
Union Point Park is a urban oasis located between the Oakland Estuary and an light industrial area in East Oakland. The park offers scenic views of Coast Guard Island and various marinas in Alameda across the water. One can enjoy the peaceful sight of boats anchored in the estuary, providing a relaxing atmosphere.
The 4.5-acre park serves as a multi-purpose recreational facility with a variety of amenities for the public, including walking paths, picnic areas, a fishing pier, and an outdoor amphitheater for events. It also commemorates the local history of the area with public art installations and interpretive signage, making it an educational resource for visitors.
6. Oakland Photo Workshop
7. The Gardens at Lake Merritt
Garden dedicated to roses
The Gardens at Lake Merritt in Oakland offer a peaceful retreat for visitors with a variety of themed gardens and beautiful plant species to explore. The bonsai garden is a standout, showcasing miniature trees that are both fascinating and photogenic. Overall, it's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, offering many great photo opportunities to capture the beauty of the gardens.
Photography enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate the beautiful and picturesque settings found throughout the Gardens at Lake Merritt. From the carefully curated bonsai collection to the various themed gardens, there are plenty of unique and interesting subjects to photograph. The gardens' peaceful and serene atmosphere also make it an ideal place to relax and unwind while capturing memorable moments with a camera.
8. Oaktown Boudoir
Founded in 2015, Oaktown Boudoir specializes in capturing intimate, natural portraits that say "this is me." It is owned and operated by Cheshire, who has worked as a professional photographer for over ten years and is driven by the desire to make people feel good about themselves. He has a natural talent for making people feel comfortable in front of the camera and teaching them how to pose in a way that allows for self-expression. He works at his Lake Merritt studio, where he has made dozens of clients' visions come true.
9. Temescal Regional Recreation Area
Lake Anza with a swimming beach
Rolling Hills County Park is an ideal location for family outings and photography, offering a picturesque lake and lush greenery as stunning backdrops. The park's natural beauty provides an excellent setting for capturing memories with a camera.
Ideal for picnics, the park has ample space and scenic spots, perfect for family gatherings. Its numerous photo spots, featuring picturesque landscapes, are perfect for photography enthusiasts. Whether visitors seek to enjoy the outdoors or capture gorgeous photos, Rolling Hills County Park meets and exceeds expectations.
10. Preservation Park
Historic landmark with unique ambiance
The historic homes and imported fountain at this location provide a picturesque backdrop for visitors to take their own photos. This hidden gem in Oakland is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and photos, particularly the bandstand area.
Visitors can explore the historic homes and enjoy the beauty of the imported fountain. The bandstand is a particular highlight, often serving as the setting for memorable wedding ceremonies and photographs. Overall, this location offers a charming and picturesque setting for any occasion.
11. Knowland Park
Home to the Knowland Park Arboretum
Knowland Park is a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching, but accessing it from the Zoo can be challenging due to the zoo's fencing and limited knowledge of zoo staff. Visitors looking to access the park should be prepared to find their own way in.
The trail along Skyline Boulevard offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and is undulating, making for a challenging and scenic hike. However, hikers should be aware that there is little shade along the route, so it is important to come prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
12. Dimond Park
Dog-friendly area
Dimond Park and Dimont Canyon are popular destinations offering a range of activities, particularly hiking with dogs. The Upper Dimond neighborhood is known for its community spirit, with block parties and a close-knit community where residents know each other well.
The Dimond Park pool is a local favorite, and the park is conveniently located near other attractions such as Joaquin Miller, the zoo, and Reinhardt Redwoods. The area also boasts beautiful views, which can be enjoyed after a short hike to the Mormon temple. Overall, Dimond Park and Dimond Canyon provide a wonderful combination of outdoor activities and community engagement, making them a great place to live or visit.
13. Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
Unique plant species survival
A group of individuals embarked on a hike early Sunday morning at the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. The group was delighted to discover a diverse range of trees and an abundance of greenery. The trail was adorned with bay leaves and vibrant wildflowers, providing excellent photo opportunities.
14. Oakland Zoo
Interactive exhibits like the Children's Area and Tropical Rainforest
15. Gabriel Harber Photography
16. Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
Dogs are allowed on leash
Leona Canyon is a beautiful nature spot with trails that feature numerous photogenic areas. The lush greenery of the groves and the terraces near the creek make it a perfect location for nature photography. Hikers and photographers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The canyon's trails offer many picturesque spots, making it an ideal place for photography enthusiasts. The serene environment of Leona Canyon provides a perfect backdrop to capture the natural beauty of the groves and the creekside terraces. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just someone who enjoys taking photos during hikes, Leona Canyon is a great spot to explore and capture the beauty of nature.
17. Chappell Hayes Observation Tower
Accessible by public transport
The port is a must-visit destination, offering stunning views of the bay bridge and city that are sure to take your breath away. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing sights. This location provides a great opportunity to escape from the stresses of daily life. For many, being near the water and hearing the soothing sounds of waves can be incredibly relaxing.
The port's breathtaking views and serene atmosphere make it an ideal spot for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. Being close to the water is known to have calming effects on the mind and body, making this location a perfect place to unwind and relieve stress. Whether you're a photography enthusiast looking to capture stunning views or someone seeking a relaxing escape, the port is definitely worth a visit.
18. Pine Knoll Park
Scenic hiking trails with Bay Area views
Pine Knoll Park is an excellent location for photography, known for its lush greenery and scenic lake. The park's natural beauty makes it an ideal backdrop for various photography styles, from portraits to landscapes. One of the standout features of the park is the lake, which provides a serene and peaceful setting for taking pictures.
The park's photo spots are particularly noteworthy near the lake, offering stunning views that are sure to elevate any photography session. The combination of the lake's tranquil waters and the surrounding greenery creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for capturing memories. Overall, Pine Knoll Park is a hidden gem for photographers looking for a unique and beautiful location to take pictures.