Bay Area Real Estate & Development Blog | Oakland, Piedmont & Cupertino - Oakland Parks

Oakland Homeowners Appreciate Historic Joaquin Miller Park

High in the hills above Oakland, CA is the quiet and beautiful Joaquin Miller Park.  Many of the park's 500 acres have sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and adjacent cities.  Located just above one of the largest cities in Northern California, it is home to the only urban second-growth redwood groves in existence, and it offers many picnic areas and trails for families to enjoy.  Adjacent to both the Montclair and Redwood Heights neighborhoods, it is a pleasant respite for bike riding, hiking, or just a quiet time viewing the Bay.  As a result, Oakland homes for sale in this area are always in demand.    

The park is named after eccentric writer and poet Joaquin Miller, who once owned the land.  His home, called "The Abbey" is a California…

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Fall In Tilden Park--Fun Activities for Children

Tilden Park, part of the large East Bay Park System, has been a favorite of S. F.Bay Area families for many years.  With its welcoming trees and greenery that house its varied wildlife, it is always a new adventure for families each time they visit.  While it has many things for adults to do, there are some interesting things that will hold children's attention as well. 

One of the most popular attractions is the Merry-Go-Round.  This delightful attraction, complete with beautifully carved, and handsomely painted animals to ride, along with wonderful calliope music, is a joy for children and adults.  Merry-go-rounds are becoming increasingly rare, so this is a unique treat.  It is open only on the weekends in the Fall, and charges a fee for the rides.

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Family Fun for Oakland and Piedmont Homeowners

While many Piedmont and Oakland families know about Children's Fairyland on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, many others, in nearby cities have yet to discover it's delights.

Originally established in 1948 by local businessman and nurseryman Arthur Navelet, it was conceived with the idea of using Lake Merritt as a background setting for a storybook theme park.  Navelet took his concept to the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club, and, with their support, then the support of the city, and funds from promotional activities, a total of $50,000.00 was raised to begin the construction of the magical family park.  The goal was to create fairytale and storybook sets based on stories and books familiar to children.

It opened in 1950, and admission fees ranged…

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The Oakland Zoo's Walk on the Wild-- A great East Bay event

Not to miss this month is the Oakland Zoo's Walk on the Wild,
an"epicurean escapade", which is truly one of the best summer events in
the East Bay.
An adults only affair, it's really like one big party where you stroll
the gorgeous grounds of the Oakland Zoo, whilst sampling food and drink from
over 90 Bay Area restaurants, caterers, breweries, wineries and
bakeries. Start with the stroll, don't forget to take the sky ride at
sunset, and finish off with dessert, live music and dancing under the
stars. This is the zoo's largest fundraiser of the year, 18th annual,
and guarantees to be a fabulous time. Cost is $125.00
for members, $150.00 for non- members, patron packages $250-5000, but
what a great way to support our beautiful zoo, and discover and support
…

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Oakland Museum Reopens after $58 Million Renovation--Lake Merritt

This weekend the Oakland Museum will reopen after a two year, 58 million dollar renovation. Oakland's beloved museum has been updated and expanded, with a new focus on integrated and interactive galleries. Come join in a fresh new experience of their amazing collection of California art. The museum will begin festivities at 11:00 am Sat. May 1, and run continuously for 31 hours, until 6:00 pm Sunday May 2. It all starts with a public welcome ceremony, a Native Ameican Ohlone blessing, and dance by Project Bandaloop. From there check out the newly reinstalled galleries, new museum store and restaurant. The late night program includes live DJs, dance, food, film and fire dancers. A great place to stop by and check out the scene. There truly is something for…

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Berkeley and Oakland Home and Garden Tours This Spring

Now that the weather is clearing up, and spring is in full bloom, there is no better time to check out some of the many wonderful Berkeley and Oakland home and garden tours Here are a couple to start you off.  On Sunday, May 2 the Berkeley Heritage Julia Morgan Spring House Tour and Reception takes place. Tour starts at 1:00 at St. Clements Episcopal Church in Berkeley. The tour will highlight some of Morgan's early residential work. Another event to check out is the Celebrity Roses 63rd Annual East Bay Rose Society Show. This takes place Sunday, May 16 1:00 at Oakland's Lakeside Garden Center-Lake Merritt. A great chance to stroll through an abundance of roses!.  Many of the tours taking place this month benefit charity so you can be inspired on…

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Christmas time in Oakland means Zoo Lights at the Oakland Zoo

When thinking about where to take the kids to see the holiday lights don't forget about Zoo Lights, the Oakland Zoo's very own celebration in lights!
This special holiday light festival takes place from December 4th through January 3rd. and is certain to delight the whole family.
Although there was one year this event did not take place ,during the transition to LED lights, it is now back on track.
Hundreds of lights, music, and Santa's village are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Also check out the train ride on the Snowball Express with amazing views of oakland and the Bay Area (Best to try and go on a clear night)
For a great place in the East Bay to take the kiddies for a fun display of holiday cheer, visit the Oakland Zoo, our very own…

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Somali Pirates invading Oakland!?!

 Ok forgive the sensationalism I just wanted to  welcome back Capt. Richard Phillips who was held hostage by the Somali pirates. What an ordeal, I can't imagine. It was just a nice day at the Union Point Park in Oakland again. I caught site of this beautiful ship tied up at the harbor and . The pirates wish they could command a boat this regal.

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Oakland's Union Point Park

One of the undiscovered gems of Oakland is the Union Point park near the Park St. bridge leading to Alameda. Formally a vacant, weed covered lot the area has been transformed into a waterfront park including a Children's play area with a Sailing ship climbing structure, a Bridge to nowhere, a semi-circular pier / art installation and its centerpiece, a bougainvillea covered spiral hill in the middle. On weekends the park is a great place for picnics and gatherings right next to the water. There are BBQ grills and plenty of open space for throwing a Frisbee or football. From the top of the hill you are treated to a beautiful view down the Oakland estuary, with the barges, fishing boats and ships of the adjacent Coast Guard Island. Studded with artwork,…

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Walks in Oakland and Piedmont

There are many wonderful places to go on walks in the East Bay. Nature jaunts within the many East Bay Regional Parks, and architectural walks through gorgeous old neighborhoods, will entice you to while away the better half of the day.

When in the mood to get away from it all, I usually head to one of the beautiful East Bay Regional Parks that reside within the Oakland hills. 

One of my favorites is Redwood Regional park, where you can really feel miles away from the urban hubub. Beautiful old Redwoods and grassy meadows make it a perfect place to hike, workout, picnic or just play with your kids in an oxygen rich and car free zone.

Equally as beautiful, is Joaquin Miller park just south of Montclair on Highway 13. This park provides wonderful hiking…

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