Middle Harbor Shoreline Park — Oakland
Biking with a view! 🤩If you know me, you know I love a good view and Middle Shoreline Park in Oakland has one!
Located on the tip of the Oakland shipping area, between the Bay Bridge and Alameda, is a large open area with trails, coves, wild animals (lots of geese!), picnic spots, an observation tower for even better elevated views (stairs. no elevator), and a “ghost building”.
The land is the site of the previous Oakland Naval Supply Depot which was an important supply center for the Navy’s Pacific Fleet during WWII through 1998. The “ghost building” can be seen by the varying cement “paths” throughout the land (and even in the parking lot), out of place walls, and zig zag paths.
Swimming is not allowed especially because the drop off from the shore is very sudden and very deep. It was previously dredged to allow room for naval ships.
Don’t miss the white dolphin sculpture on the shoreline near the platform path. If you come during lunch you may get to see some sea birds finding their meal via some unlucky mussels.
While the view of the city is amazing, a take minute to observe the massive shipping containers and cranes in action or the various types of boats heading into the bay from Jack London.
Fishing is allowed.
There is plenty of parking. The parking closest to the observation tower is handicap only. There are bathrooms at the observation tower and near the parking lot.
