Although this neighborhood is changing, like much of Oakland, its long history as a vibrant commercial area gives it its own unique character. New and trendy restaurants like Shakewell sit side by side with storied institutions like the Grand Lake Theatre which is nearly a century old. Similarly, the people you’ll find here are a fun and unpredictable mix of newcomers and long-time locals. Lake Merritt, a gem of an urban lake, brings all kinds of daytime activity and is unfailingly photogenic at night.