San Antonio Park

A Slice of Oakland History

Situated on a gentle hillside sits a park with roots as deep as the city itself. Once part of Rancho San Antonio during California's Mexican era, this green space was initially dubbed Independence Square before becoming San Antonio Park sometime after 1912.

The park holds a special place in social justice history, too. In 1970, it hosted a significant Chicano Moratorium rally protesting the Vietnam War, cementing its role in the broader Chicano Movement. Today, it continues its legacy as a place where Oakland's diverse cultures blend and connect across generations.

What You'll Find Here

Spread across 11.0 acres, San Antonio Park offers something for just about everyone. If you're into sports or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, this hillside park offers plenty of options.

The turf soccer field transforms on Sundays, when the energy kicks up a notch with impromptu radio commentary and food vendors creating an almost festival-like vibe. Families often gather on the hillside above, turning into an impromptu stadium of cheering fans. Basketball enthusiasts gravitate toward The Sarunas Marciulionis court, which stays busy with pickup games and practice sessions throughout the week.

Tennis courts, a playground complete with swings and monkey bars, and wide grassy spaces round out the recreational options. One unexpected bonus? The views. From various spots within the park, you can catch glimpses of Oakland spreading out before you, with particularly magical sunsets visible whether you're at the top or bottom of the park's slope.

For the Community, By the Community

A thriving community garden gives neighbors a chance to get their hands dirty and grow their own food. The walking paths that circle the park have become a daily ritual for many local seniors and fitness enthusiasts looking for a peaceful outdoor experience.

Picnic areas scattered throughout make this a natural gathering spot for everything from birthday celebrations to casual weekend get-togethers. Many visitors note how the park's hillside layout creates a natural amphitheater effect similar to San Francisco's Dolores Park - well-suited for people-watching or taking in community events.

Culture in the Open Air

Year-round, San Antonio Park becomes a cultural hub hosting various events that bring the neighborhood together. The Malcolm X JazzArts Festival stands out as a local treasure - many Oakland residents consider it the Bay Area's finest jazz gathering, but that remains a friendly debate among music lovers.

Local organizations regularly host youth programs and community celebrations here, strengthening the bonds that make this neighborhood special. With its ancient redwood oak trees standing sentinel and diverse offerings for recreation, San Antonio Park stands as both a historic landmark and a living, breathing community space for generations of Oaklanders.