- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: West Oakland
2777 Middle Harbor Rd
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 627-1111
2777 Middle Harbor Rd
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 627-1111
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
26 reviews for Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
So I had to attend a "group" event at Shoreline Park today and it was a nice spot although it was cloudy and super chilly!
A great spot to watch SF from the East Bay and check out the workings of the Port of Oakland.
The Canadian Goose poop was way out of control to the point where the individuals who set up the event had to ask for the park people to come out and use.."Natures Sweeper" to clean up the grass.
Parking was plentiful, other than the goose poo the place was pristine. Even the bathrooms were in excellent shape- and that is saying something for a park.
I could totally see coming back to explore more on my own time just to see what else this place holds.
Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of the Port of Oakland is this gem of a park. One part park for people one part wetlands restoration project and these two things seem to fit in seamlessly. It's a well designed park and the only thing that could make this place better is if this was placed closer to where people live, since this was designed for people to gather.
Since people aren't to enjoy this well designed park with it awesome SF views, this park belongs to the geese.
Still, this is a beautiful, quiet place to enjoy the views. Just don't enjoy the views while walking. You need to watch your step often, goose poop is all over the place.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I met my first true love in kindergarten, his name was Gregory. I thought he was super cool because he had a glossy bowl cut like that Joey kid on "Gimme A Break". We lived next door to each other and during the sweltering summer months we use to have a great time in the backyard. Me with my tub of salt, smoldering any and every snail or slug in site, him with his big round magnifying glass cooking beetles without even the slightest bit of remorse. This ladies and gentleman, was summer love at its finest.
As we descended upon Harbor Bay Park in West Oakland I let out a gasp...how could something so beautiful exist amongst so much that is not. Rolling grassy hills, ducks, slim leafless trees. The sun was out in full force, as were the BBQ's and birthday parties.
The view was amazing...in front of us clear as day the Bay Bridge and afar the Golden Gate. We searched for a spot that would be comfortable to sit and relax. With very little to chose from as far as shade, we chose a nice bench by the water.
Trying hard to feel anything close to a breeze I noticed some old memories encompassing me, brought back to those innocent days as a child in the backyard with Gregory...only now I am a big black beetle and the sun and magnifying glass are right above me. Ouch, this sucks.
Oakland Parks and Recreation: Ever heard of an awning? A fluffy freakin tree? Its hot as Sahara out here and there isn't anything even remotely resembling a shade structure? Such a beautiful park with such pain and discomfort....so so wrong.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
Both times I've been here it's been completely empty. Brought friends, grilled steaks, drank wine and watched the sunset over San Francisco and the Bay Bridge through the (free) binoculars on the dock. It's a beautifully well-maintained park so deep inside the Port of Oakland that the riff raff haven't discovered it... yet.
No cops came and told us to get rid of the wine, I guess we were fortunate. There was one employee walking around but he didn't even notice us.
I've often heard that Oakland is to San Francisco what Brooklyn is to Manhattan.
After a lengthy panoramic view of the "City by the Bay" from the shores of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, I cannot deny the similarity of this comparison or the disparity between the forgotten industrial blue collar town I currently call home and its posh, famous sister across the bridge.
San Francisco has the European flavor, the landmarks, the rich and famous, the exclusivity, the art galas and benefits and festivals, the hustle, the bustle, the 28-year old CEO's, and $20,000 boob jobs, - the American dream. The California facade.
But we have character too. And diversity, cleaner air, less congestion, top notch restaurants, music, art, and a ton of upside.
And hope.
And a few treasures a bit off of the beat path like this park, a great place to run, bike, roller blade, practice your latest Kata or just chill as the cool harbor breezes blow through your brushy bangs or thoroughly lubed Jheri curls.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
By far the best hidden park in all of Oakland! I swear the first time I went here I was just shocked. For starters you feel almost like you are trespassing or something because of the location of this park. Located right in the middle of the Oakland Ports, Berths, and US Customs!
The park has stunning views of the SF Skyline, Bay Bridge, and much more. Its a really big park too! Tons of room to run around, nice picnic areas, and trials all over. There are several fishing locations as well and a really cool light house mock up that you can actually climb up.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
This place is great, and it's huge, and if you need a to do a big gathering, it's perfect! Excellent use of industrial land. I organized a large barbecue here, and reserved picnic tables under the giant shade structure, and everybody raved about it. There are only three annoying things (and one is not even that annoying):
1. The ubiquitous Canadian geese poop everywhere. Our toddlers gravitated to the big fountain, which would have been great if it wasn't full of goose crap. But hey, there's nothing they can do about that.
2. The rules are STRICTLY enforced. We saw a woman bring her dog here, and the cops magically appeared within seconds. They don't screw around here; NO drinking, NO dogs, and you CANNOT pull your cars right up to the picnic area, even to unload.
3. The rental fee for picnic tables is pretty steep. For a large group it cost us more than 200$. Not exactly affordable to a lot of the people who live around there.
But these are minor complaints. Go there, it's great.
This place is awesome. We happened upon it on a bike ride. This weekend we went there to watch Kaboom! It sits in the middle of the port of oakland with spectacular views! It's clean, un crowded and well maintained. The down side, no dogs. Understandable as it is also a bird sanctuary.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Easily one of the top 5 parks in the EASt Bay. Spectacular views of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. Very well maintained and there is also a building resembling a lighthouse which provides more great views.
There is no public transporation to the park, nor is it in a location where the general public venture to. (right smack in the Port of Oakland)
Due to this, postitves arise such as no homeless sleeping on the premises, no trash, no graffiti, and a level security not found in other parks in da Twon. Just a cool park indeed.
The only thing I don't like about the place is that there are no dogs allowed, which I shouldn't be too surprised since most parks in Oakland enforce the same rule. It still passes with an A+.
I HAD to check out this latest edition to the East Bay Regional Park District. We have been to nearly all the parks in the EBRPD and this one is a gem.
It's true it is in West Oakland, not everyone's "favorite" go- to place, but we were pleasantly surprised by it. I used to work at the Naval Supply Center (as a file clerk) and wondered what they were going to do with this site. Instead of building a mall or condo or some other development, they made a park for all to enjoy.
GREAT VIEWS OF SF--on a clear day, a good place to take your folks or out-of-town visitors.
The views were magnificent, even on this overcast afternoon.
There's a panoramic view. This is one of the few spots you can see the new Bay Bridge construction.
DEFINITE PLUSES:
Lots of FLAT, gentle pathways for walking, jogging, kid or non-speeding bike rides,
Lots and lots of benches everywhere! I've never seen so many benches at any park. Many of them faced the bay view.
A huge main picnic area and a smaller picnic area.
CLEAN bathrooms. We went to the bathrooms by the entrance and the observation tower. Definitely 8-9 out of 10 points for a park bathroom. (I'm not sure when the Yelp reviewer saw needles).
The observation tower had benches and free scopes!
There were plaques that commemorated famous Oakland-ites.
There were also several display boards that described the history and natural history of the park.
We saw lots of shorebirds and Canada geese. They seem to love the fenced off area where EBRPD was planting grass. There was a fake fox-like sculpture (probably to ward them off) that they were happily surrounding,
We went on Memorial Day and saw lots of people picnicking and grilling. It was great to see the mix of people. Everyone was there to have fun and they were!
Lots of grassy areas for running, frolicking, picnicking, kite flying, etc.
Not sure what the dog rules are. I did see dogs on leashes.
POSSIBLE MINUSES:
Not exactly a destination place unless you live in the East Bay.
May not be "safe" if you go there alone. The park is long and there are spots that might seem "isolated."
A little difficult to find.
We didn't have any problems with closed roads when we went (as mentioned by another Yelper).
No play structures for kids.....but the park is still new.
************************************************** **************
This park may not WOW you--it's not fancy, glitzy or high tech but it is a very pleasant place to spend part of a day (or more)!
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
I AM SOOO TIPPING YOU ALL OFF RIGHT NOW. Pay attention closely! This is the creme de la creme of my Yelp reviews!!!
This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HOT SPOT discovery this year! Probably one of the hidden gems and best kept secret in Oakland at the moment.
I am big on views and skylines....especially places where you can see the architecture of the Bay Bridge and the city. That you can clearly do here at this park. The bridge is *SMACK* right in front of you as you enter from the parking lot!!
In case you want to see the little cable cars climb half way to the stars or the buslin' city in all it's glory , there are several FREE telescopes for you to peer your eyeballs into and see all the action!!! You can get a 360 degree view of the entire Bay Area through these telescopes!
If you walk around all the way to the other side there is a lighthouseque observation deck where there is again another FREE telescope and you can see all the boats go underneath the Bay Bridge and the Port of Oakland in action.
Plenty of grassy areas, cleaner than normal park bathrooms, picnic pavillion areas and the best attraction to come, a man made beach!!!!! I can't wait til they are done with this!!!!
CAUTION: This park is right by the water and can be VERY, VERY, VERY windy.
Put on a windbreaker, your hoodie or your fleece and brave the wind. This park is not to be MISSED!!!!!
P.S. If you're going to go, you MUST bring me along as commission for referring you to this fantastic slice of heaven. =P
P.P.S. Whoever is planning my birthday picnic this August should know this is my preferred location. Pass it on. HAHA.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
Finally rode my bike out here this weekend, and discovered one of the greatest parks I've ever been to, and one of the true hidden treasures of the East Bay. I don't think I could have enjoyed the park nearly as much without a bike. The space is really nicely spread out, and the transport allows you to really explore the full scope of the park.
The ride out there down 7th Street is a little dicey, but interesting nonetheless. I always wondered what was going on down in those trenches below the 880 as I rode by on BART. Its so vast and monumental. Feels like the LA River with a lot less trash. The old tunnel there is cool too. However, I don't really think it would be ok to do this ride on a weekend when the port is active and all the trucks are coming and going.
And that's what so amazing about this park. It is nestled into one of the largest working ports in this country, which during the week is noisy, polluted and chaotic. On the weekend, however, the port falls silent, and this park is one of the absolute quietest places I have encountered in the Bay Area. I found it just as enjoyable to look inward towards the cranes, containers, trailers and tracks as to admire the amazing view. Given the security concerns, it is wild to be able to get so close to the inner workings of the Port, which in many ways has become a symbol for Oakland.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I like that this park is so out of the way. Really cool views, especially from the tower; it's a nice place to sit and just enjoy. The views of San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland hills, and the Port of Oakland are amazing. Plus they have those binocular thingamagigs to help zoom in on your surroundings. Bring a jacket, it can get pretty windy!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
I LOVE THIS PARK!!!
- 1 star ONLY becuz it seems the World Jazz festival that's been held here at the end of July the past few years seems to be GONE from the schedule of events in this park. :-(
And becuz - even tho I'm an Oaklander to the core - I HATE COLD, WINDY, FOGGY environments! Which, to be fair, IS what can happen when the beastly fog rolls in.
Other than that, it's a GEM! Been the PERFECT 1st date location to meet someone special. Open spaces, good parking, lots to see, enough people around to feel safe if the meeting didn't go well and yet still isolated and uncrowded enough to have privacy for chatting when it did! :-D Walking trails AND easy access for the mobility limited give this place a bonus Free scopes for close-up viewing pleasure and scenery worthy of talented artists renderings!
So...... what's NOT to love?!?!?! Except that my beloved World Jazz fest has gone extinct. *sigh*..... ENJOY! :-D
This is where I work, and most television footage of cargo handling in Oakland is taken from this park. Great view and an important place to realize that the Port of Oakland isn't even close to capacity.
Go and sit for an hour and just see what ships come in. If the crane is boomed up (like it is saluting you) it is not working, and you can see how busy the Port is if the crane is down like an L.
Go to the burrito wagon on 3rd and Mytrle between 12 and 1 any weekday if you want to talk to Longshormen and get all the dirt about the port.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Absolutely gorgeous! We rode our bikes there and it was a great ride. Bring your camera, the port is amazing and the views of the bay bridge and the city are breathtaking. I HIGHLY recommend this place if you are looking for a nice place to chill, take a stroll, bbq (there's grills and tables!), or ride around on your bike.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
This is a cool little place to have an afternoon pic nic or BBQ. Although I rarely venture into Oakland, I was pretty amazed at the beautiful view of the Bay bridge, SF Skyline and cleanliness of this hidden away little park.
This park has an industrial look, a few rolling hills, green grass, and fantastic view or the Port of Oakland. I say this with excitement as I had never seen the amazing site of one of those huge cranes lifting and sorting those large containers before.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
one of my favorite places in oakland, hands down! equally wonderful during the day, sunset, or night. a good place to get away, even though its pretty much down the street...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
The Gardeners sure keep the place looking nice. Hope the drought won't hurt them too much
Well, I almost hate to give-up this little gem. It is not a park that you stumble across, unless you work for the Port of Oakland.
A well-kept secret, the East Bay Middle Harbor Park is tucked into the edge of the 4th largest seaport in the nation. This calm oasis set amid the hustle and bustle of the 4th largest seaport in the nation offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and ship traffic in the Estuary.
park map: http://www.ebparks.org...
A recently converted Naval Supply Depot, the park offers views of the bay that have not been available to the public for the past 100 years. Because of the relative seclusion, I like to have BBQ's with my friends here because there are always picnic tables available. Oh, and did I mention the views? Be sure to check out the observation tower located in the Western Pacific Mole area of the park.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
Thought long and hard about writing this review. It's such a fantastic place, that know one goes to, didn't want to really let the secret out. Beautiful views of SF. Great lawn areas to play ball with your kids. BBQ on the grill. Tables and benches to picnic at. Kids can ride their bikes to a fun little play structure. Just go on a nice day and you won't be sorry.
One of the best kept secrets in West Oakland...and I know most folks in the Bay Area don't care to know much about this area. It does get windy, and you gotta have a car to get there...
The best park you have never been to. There is a surprisingly path for walking that goes all the way around the harbor, a big grassy area with picnic areas, including at least one with a grill, amazing views of Treasure Island, SF, and port activities, and even a lighthouse-style building built just for taking advantage of the views.
Best view from a park in the bay.
This is a wonderful park that nobody seems to know about. I actually got married here (small group) for the views and it was perfect, if a bit windy (hey- it didn't rain so we were happy!) You think you're going to the docks or something as you drive in, but wow when you get there!
I was hoping this place wasn't on the YELP reviews...was keeping as my private place..darn.. There usually isn't many people here. But it's a great place for peace and quiet. Cool place to be if you like maritime watching.
