Known as the Jewel of Oakland, Lake Merritt was once a place where Ohlone and Miwok Indians fished, hunted, and gathered food. Originally connected to the San Francisco Bay, the circumference of the lake measures 3.4 miles. A historic landmark named the Necklace of Lights surrounds the lake with 126 lamp posts and 3400 bulbs. Officially protected in 1870, it’s also America’s first and oldest wildlife refuge.
By Nate Luetkahans — nateluetkehans.com