Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Away from the train tracks, containers and cranes that comprise the industrial Port of Oakland sits 38 acres of shoreline and captivating views of the San Francisco Bay. One of Oakland's best-kept secrets, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park offers walking paths, a soccer field, picnic areas, and fishing and bird-watching opportunities. The park sees few visitors, so even on a weekend afternoon, you may have a swath of the park all to yourself.

Parking and public transportation at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Free parking. AC Transit no longer serves the Middle Harbor area, but it is an easy bike from West Oakland BART.

Best and worst times to go to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
The big rigs come and go en masse from early in the morning until late afternoon. For a more peaceful park experience, visit after 6 p.m. on weekdays or on the weekends. Also know that it gets chilly near the water, and often windy, so bring layers.

Admission to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Free.

Must see/do at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Take a walk down to the Chappell R. Hayes Memorial Observation Tower, accessible via a long paved path. Take in an aerial view of the Oakland Estuary, the Port's shipping activity, and the Bay.

Other places to visit near Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Bring your bike to the park and make a side trip to the Bay Bridge bike path, accessible at the corner of Maritime Street and Burma Road.

Insider tip for visitors to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
On Tuesday nights, the streets around the Port of Oakland fill with advanced, amateur bike racers for a regular, very fast group ride. The pack's 3.5-mile loop passes by the park entrance on Middle Harbor Road. To watch 50 or more men (and a few women) fly by at top speed is a sight to behold.

Author's bio: Heather Johnson is a freelance writer based in Oakland, California.