Morcom Rose Garden

A beautiful garden with unique and exotic roses in the middle of Oakland, great for slow walks and silent afternoons away from city crowds.

Why Visit Morcom Rose Garden?

You must have heard of the phrase 'stop to smell the flowers', well this place in Oakland truly brings that saying to life. It is situated in the middle of Oakland and is a beautiful budget-friendly garden where you can truly pause and breathe in the sweet fragrance of over thousands of exotic roses. The garden has winding paths lined with thousands of roses, pretty stairways, a widely popular reflecting pool and stunning fountains that add to its beauty. You'll see varieties of rare and unique roses from around the world, wonderfully maintained in the garden. The place's aura is serene and romantic, perfect for dates- both solo and romantic. It's especially popular for couples as it's a top choice for engagement shoots and quiet dates. 

Plus, you can also participate in many activities here such as attending free rose care classes, picnicking with your loved ones, sketching or painting, joining community events like the annual Rose festival or the Harvest festival as well as spotting various species of birds and butterflies wandering the grounds. The best part? It's super affordable as the garden is completely free to enter, making it one of Oakland's best budget-friendly escapes. The best months to visit this garden are between mid-April to October, which is the blooming period. Though there's no on-site café here, you can bring your own snacks or grab local eats from nearby locations like Grand Lake or Piedmont Avenue, both just a short walk away from the place. This garden is a must-visit for visitors as it is not too loud or touristy and is a wonderful spot in Oakland that's both beautiful and easy on the wallet. 

• Entry fee: Free
• Opening hours: Daily, 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Average duration to explore: 45 minutes- 1 hour

What to Expect at Morcom Rose Garden

• Stunning Rose Displays: Rows upon rows of meticulously maintained roses in every hue imaginable.
• Architectural Beauty: The garden features a reflecting pool, fountains, and a grand staircase that adds to its old-world charm.
• Wildlife: Spot butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees fluttering among the flowers.
• Picnic Areas: Bring a blanket and enjoy a leisurely picnic under the shade of towering trees.
• Seasonal Changes: While roses are the star, the garden also features other seasonal flowers and lush greenery.

Tips for the Best Experience

• There are five entrances in total, with the main, wheelchair-accessible one located on Jean Street, and others on Chetwood Street, Olive Street, Monte Vista Avenue, and Oakland Avenue. 
• For the best experience, visiting early mornings or late afternoons is recommended, as the lighting is perfect for photography with smaller crowds.
• Try to visit the garden during its famous 'Rose Sundays', an annual and free event on the Second Sunday of May, marking the start of Rose Week with many celebrations and community events. 
• It additionally hosts other events like Oakland's Earth Day cleanup and summer weddings.
• A water fountain and a handicapped-accessible restroom are available near the main entrance. 
• Note that dogs are not permitted inside the garden. 
• Free street parking is available at all of the entrances, however it is particularly ample on Oakland and Olive Avenues. The easiest access is from Jean Street, just a short walk from Grand Avenue. 

How to Get There

By metro

Take any BART line to 12th St. Oakland City Center or Lake Merritt station. From there, take a bus or ride to the location, as both stations are about a 35-55 minute walk from the garden.

By train

For commuting by train, get off at Jack London Square station and take a quick cab or bus ride to the garden.

By bus

AC Transit lines 12, 33, and P stop near Oakland Avenue, Olive Avenue and Grand Avenue, which is just a short 3-5 minute walk to the garden. 

By car

If you are traveling by car, head towards 700 Jean Street, Oakland, to reach the location.

Nearby Attractions

• Lake Merritt: Just a 10-minute drive away, this scenic lake is perfect for a stroll or paddleboat ride.
• Oakland Museum of California: Explore art, history, and natural sciences at this nearby museum.
• Temescal Alley: A trendy spot for boutique shopping and dining.