Timeline
16:28
Sit in Clio's with a book in hand. The bar feels like a quiet library, perfect for settling in before the evening rush. The vibe is calm and friendly, a good contrast to the city noise outside.
16:48
Walk 23 minutes from Saint Francis De Sales Cathedral to Lake Merritt. This is a long walk, so take your time. The path along the perimeter gives you a warts-and-all picture of Oakland as you approach the water. The light will be turning golden by the time you arrive.
17:13
Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The water reflects the fading light, turning the lagoon into a mirror. This is the moment the day shifts from busy to still.
17:33
Head to Lake Chalet, just 5 minutes from your spot at the lake. Order a drink or a light meal. If the weather is warm, sit on the pier outside. The elegant dining room overlooks the water, and you can still feel the residual warmth of the day.
Local tip
Clio's opens at 16:00 on weekdays, so you have time to get there before the sunset. Lake Chalet is open until 20:00 on weekdays, giving you plenty of time to linger after the sun goes down.
Check before you go
- Clio's is open Mo-Fr 16:00-23:00 and Sa,Su 11:00-23:00.
- Lake Chalet is open Mo-Th 11:00-20:00, Fr 11:00-21:00, Sa 10:00-21:00, and Su 10:00-20:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Oakland (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).