Attractions and Places To See around Piedmont - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Piedmont include a variety of natural and historical sites. The region offers diverse landscapes, from lakes and coastal areas to trails and urban parks. Visitors can explore significant landmarks and enjoy outdoor activities across different settings.
Best attractions and places to see around Piedmont
- The most popular attractions is Lake Merritt, a lake that was the first official wildlife refuge in the USA in 1870. It is surrounded by parkland and cityβ¦
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Lake Merritt
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Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline
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Valle Verde Trailhead Lafayette
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Sather Gate to Berkeley University Campus
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Camron-Stanford House Museum
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Valle Vista is the trailhead for the paved Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, a popular rail-trail for cyclists. Thereβs a restroom here, but note: the EBMUD dirt trails are hiking-only and require a permit. The bike trail has been officially closed between here and Moraga since a 2019 landslide.
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Lake Merritt was a large tidal lagoon in San Francisco Bay that was dammed off as Oakland grew as a city. It is 155 acres in size, and it was the first official wildlife refuge in the USA in 1870. It has walking and biking trails and parks all around it.
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The Camron-Stanford House was built in 1876, about 150 years ago. It is the last of the beautiful 19th-century mansions that were built around Lake Merritt. Its graduates played an important role in helping develop Oakland and California. In 1971, the house was saved from demolition, and the house and gardens were restored. Visitors today can visit the historic, era-decorated house.
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Sather Gate, the University of California, Berkeley's famous Beaux Arts south portal was donated by Jane K. Sather in memory of her late husband, banker Peder Sather, and completed in 1910. Designed by John Galen Howard in French baroque style, it is topped by a star with the campus motto, Fiat Lux (let there be light). Inlaid in the gate's columns are eight marble bas-relief panels sculpted by Bay Area artist Melvin Earl Cumming that depict male and female nudes representing the eight fields of learning: letters, mining, medicine, law, electricity, agriculture, architecture and art. In 1910, however, the nudes embarrassed many students, which concerned Mrs. Sather, and the panels were promptly taken down. But in 1977, the panels were found, some under the bleachers at Edwards Stadium and others at the Amador Marble Company in Oakland, and reattached to the granite columns. https://www.visitberkeley.com/directory/sather-gate
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Moraga-Lafayette section until after the bridge still closed due to landslide (April 2021).
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The EBMUD trails at Valle Vista are unfortunately just for hiking (and you need an EBMUD hiking permit), but there is a restroom and it marks the start of the dedicated paved Lafayette-Moraga Regional Bike Trail, a converted former rail line. Due to a land slide the trail is officially closed since at least 2019 between Valle Vista and and Moraga, but everyone just walks around the fence and uses it, except for the actual short landslide area in Moraga.
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Large lake in the center of town, surrounded by one of the most popular running loops in the city
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Visits are through tours when open, but even from outside the well-preserved historic house from the Stanford railroad dynasty is worth a look.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular natural attractions around Piedmont?
Piedmont offers several natural attractions. Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon and the first official wildlife refuge in the USA, surrounded by parkland and popular walking paths. Point Emery is a charming beach park with splendid views across SF Bay to the Golden Gate, offering walking paths and relaxation spots.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Piedmont area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Lake Merritt is family-friendly with walking and jogging paths. Point Emery is also a great outdoor setting for families, featuring a wide sandy beach. Additionally, Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline provides public access to the waterfront with views and recreational opportunities like Radio Beach.
Where can I find historical sites around Piedmont?
For historical interest, visit Sather Gate to Berkeley University Campus, an iconic Beaux Arts monument at the University of California, Berkeley. Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline also has a rich transportation history, including the former Key System electric railway and the Oakland Army Base.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the easy Dracena Park Loop or the moderate Lakeshore Park and Lake Merritt Channel loop. Find more hiking options on the Hiking around Piedmont guide. For cycling, the paved Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail is accessible from Valle Verde Trailhead Lafayette, though parts may be closed due to landslides. Gravel biking routes are also available, such as the challenging East Bay Skyline and Berkeley Hills Loop, detailed in the Gravel biking around Piedmont guide.
Are there good places for running around Piedmont?
Yes, there are several running trails. The Lakeshore Park loop around Lake Merritt is a popular 3.4-mile (5.5 km) path. Other options include the easy Running loop from Piedmont or the moderate Old Canyon Trail β Bridgeview Trail loop. Discover more running routes in the Running Trails around Piedmont guide.
Can I bring my dog to any of these attractions?
Yes, Point Emery is dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas for pets, making it a great spot for dog owners to enjoy the bay views and walking paths.
Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions?
Yes, Sather Gate to Berkeley University Campus is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Alexander Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail, part of Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, offering unique perspectives of the Bay.
What kind of views can I expect from these attractions?
You can expect spectacular views. Point Emery offers splendid views across SF Bay to the Golden Gate. Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline provides spectacular vistas of the San Francisco Bay and city skylines.
Are there any places for water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding?
Yes, Point Emery is popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders, with two launches available. Radio Beach at Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline is also suitable for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayak launching.
What facilities are available at the trailheads?
At Valle Verde Trailhead Lafayette, you will find a restroom. This trailhead also provides access to the paved Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail for cyclists.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Piedmont?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning bay views, the peaceful walking paths, and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. The blend of natural beauty, like the wildlife at Lake Merritt, and historical significance, such as the transportation history at Oakland Gateway Parkπ³ Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, makes the area appealing.
Most popular attractions around Piedmont
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