
Knowland Park Oakland
Expansive park with rolling hills, offering breathtaking bay views and home to the Oakland Zoo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Incredible sunset views

Knowland Park Oakland
Best Time
Incredible sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive park with rolling hills, offering breathtaking bay views and home to the Oakland Zoo.
"This hidden hillside overlooks the bay and the Oakland zoo; trails offer panorama views."

🚶♀️ Walkers & Bikers Share Trails
Be aware of cyclists on multi-use trails. Stay to one side and be prepared to yield. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Pet Parent Responsibility
Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. Don't leave bags on the trail. :dog:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oakland Zoo
Within Knowland Park
Home to diverse wildlife and the scenic California Trail, offering breathtaking bay views.

Panoramic Bay Views
Various viewpoints throughout the park
Witness stunning sunsets and sweeping vistas of the East Bay hills and beyond.

Gondola Tram Ride
Oakland Zoo
A scenic ride offering elevated views of Oakland and San Francisco.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hills for Epic Views
Zoo Access and Park Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkers & Bikers Share Trails
Be aware of cyclists on multi-use trails. Stay to one side and be prepared to yield. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Pet Parent Responsibility
Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. Don't leave bags on the trail. :dog:
⛰️ Hill Repeats for Runners
Great spot for hill training with varied inclines. Accessible without a car from some areas. :runner:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Diverse locations and fields make it ideal for family photoshoots, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkers & Bikers Share Trails
Be aware of cyclists on multi-use trails. Stay to one side and be prepared to yield. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Pet Parent Responsibility
Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. Don't leave bags on the trail. :dog:
⛰️ Hill Repeats for Runners
Great spot for hill training with varied inclines. Accessible without a car from some areas. :runner:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Diverse locations and fields make it ideal for family photoshoots, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
🐻 Respect Wildlife Habitats
If hiking near animal habitats, be respectful and quiet. :bear:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Knowland Park is praised for its stunning panoramic bay views and incredible sunsets, making it a favorite for photography and peaceful walks. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunity for varied hiking experiences, from flat strolls to challenging hills. However, some note a lack of dedicated walking paths between the zoo's upper and lower levels, which can impact accessibility for strollers.
"Peaceful walking area on the backside of the zoo. Walk as little or as much as you like. Stay flat or add in some hills. Multiuse trail; watch out for bicyclists. Be a responsible pet parent and pick up after your dog and dispose your pooh bag in an appropriate receptacle. Leaving it on the trail is not being responsible. Have a moment......take in a view."
Debbie Drives and Travels
"Went here years ago as a kid and loved it. I decided to return to see the changes as an adult. Still a nice park and smsll zoo but it is not walker friendly. Walking from the lower level of the park to the top had no walking paths."
John Brooks
"This hidden hillside over looks the bay and the Oakland zoo. Bit of a drive to get here for the flats but worth it. Trails offer panorama views of the East bay hills. If you happen to hike up the way next to the 🐻 habitat PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL. It's a cool way to see some animals in the big house 😁 for free."
Grand Old Soul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While direct public transport to the park's core can be limited, some Reddit users suggest running from West Oakland towards the park, implying it's accessible via longer runs or potentially bus routes to nearby areas. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
Yes, driving is a common way to access Knowland Park. The park is situated on a hillside, and there are specific entrances for the zoo and various trailheads. Parking availability can vary, especially on busy days.
Knowland Park has multiple trail starting points that do not connect. It's advised to check specific trail details on hiking websites or apps to find the exact spot for your desired hike.
Ride-sharing services are generally a viable option for reaching Knowland Park, especially if you're heading to the Oakland Zoo entrance. Confirm with your driver about the specific drop-off point.
Some visitors have found special entrances with fewer people. While specific details aren't widely shared, exploring the park's perimeter and looking for less obvious access points might lead to these quieter spots. [^Review]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Knowland Park itself is generally free to enter for walking and enjoying the views. However, if you plan to visit the Oakland Zoo within the park, separate admission tickets are required.
The park's general hours are typically from sunrise to sunset. However, the Oakland Zoo has its own specific operating hours, which are best checked on their official website.
Parking fees may apply, particularly at the Oakland Zoo. It's advisable to check the zoo's website for current parking rates and any potential fees for general park access if applicable.
While some anecdotal stories mention free tickets being given out in the past, there's no official program for free zoo entry from the park itself. The Oakland Zoo has its own ticketing system.
Some trails near the animal habitats offer a chance to see animals in their enclosures from outside the zoo. However, this is not a guaranteed experience and requires respectful observation. [^Review]
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Beyond the Oakland Zoo, Knowland Park offers extensive hiking trails with beautiful panoramic views of the Bay. It's a great place for walking, enjoying nature, and experiencing stunning sunsets. [^Review]
The park has both flat walking areas and challenging hills, making it suitable for various fitness levels. You can choose to walk short, flat paths or tackle steeper inclines for a more strenuous workout. [^Review]
Knowland Park is a habitat for native plants and animals. Visitors have reported seeing bears, wolves, and jaguars on hikes, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Some visitors have noted that walking from the lower to the upper levels of the park may lack dedicated paths, suggesting it might not be fully walker or stroller-friendly in all areas. The zoo itself is generally more accessible. [^Review]
The park offers diverse locations, especially fields and viewpoints, making it excellent for family photoshoots. The panoramic bay views and sunset vistas are particularly photogenic. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Knowland Park itself does not have restaurants. However, the Oakland Zoo within the park offers dining options. Additionally, nearby Oakland Park has restaurants, including taco spots with daily specials.
The Oakland Zoo has food available, but one reviewer mentioned the food wasn't great. It's advisable to check their current offerings or consider bringing your own snacks. [^Review]
Yes, the area around Knowland Park, specifically Oakland Park, features popular taco restaurants. Some offer deals like $20 all-you-can-eat tacos on certain days.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted in parks for picnics. However, it's always a good idea to check specific park regulations or zoo policies if you plan to consume them within the zoo grounds. [^Review]
Oakland Park offers a variety of dining options, including family-owned restaurants with sweet staff and delicious food, as well as places known for specific deals like all-you-can-eat tacos.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for photography due to the stunning sunsets and golden hour light that bathes the park and bay views. [^Review]
The panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Bay, the diverse fields perfect for family portraits, and the scenic gondola ride at the zoo are prime photography locations. [^Review]
While not guaranteed, hiking near animal habitats might offer opportunities for wildlife photography. However, it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or professional photoshoots might require permits, especially within the Oakland Zoo. It's best to check with park or zoo management if you have specific professional needs. [^Review]
A versatile lens, such as a zoom lens, would be beneficial for capturing both wide landscape shots and closer details. A tripod can be useful for sunset photography to ensure sharp images. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Knowland Park
When planning your hike, remember that Knowland Park has multiple trailheads that don't connect. This means you'll need to be specific about your starting point and intended route. Websites and apps dedicated to hiking can provide detailed trail maps and information to help you navigate effectively. The park's natural setting means you might encounter local wildlife, adding an element of adventure to your exploration. Always be respectful of the environment and any animals you may see.
For those looking for a unique experience, some trails are situated near the Oakland Zoo's animal habitats. Hiking in these areas can offer a chance to observe animals from a distance, though it's crucial to do so respectfully and without disturbing them. [^Review] The combination of natural beauty, varied terrain, and potential wildlife encounters makes Knowland Park a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Oakland Zoo Experience
A popular feature that enhances the zoo experience is the Gondola Tram ride. This aerial tram transports visitors to the top of the zoo, offering elevated perspectives of Oakland and even parts of San Francisco. This ride is not only practical for navigating the zoo's inclines but also provides a memorable visual experience. While the zoo itself is a draw, some reviews suggest that the food options within the zoo might not be the highlight of the visit. [^Review]
It's worth noting that while the zoo has its own ticketing and operating hours, it's integrated into the larger Knowland Park. This means visitors can enjoy the park's natural beauty and hiking trails in addition to their zoo visit, creating a multifaceted outing.
Capturing Knowland Park's Beauty
Beyond the vistas, the park's diverse terrain provides excellent backdrops for family photoshoots. Photographers and clients alike appreciate the varied locations and open fields that allow children to run freely. [^Review] The presence of mature trees adds to the picturesque quality of the park. Even the Gondola Tram ride at the Oakland Zoo offers unique photographic perspectives from above.
For those interested in wildlife photography, hiking near the animal habitats within or adjacent to the park might present opportunities, though it's essential to maintain a respectful distance. Overall, whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes, candid family moments, or the subtle beauty of nature, Knowland Park provides a rich canvas for photographers.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit