We Found a Hidden Swing with Panoramic Bay Views in Oakland

Spring has sprung, as they say. The wildflowers are in bloom and we’re on the cusp of another super bloom spring. This past week, while on a short hike with my pup in Oakland, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise halfway through the trail—a hidden tree swing boasting panoramic vistas of the Bay Area. Naturally, I couldn’t resist sharing this gem with all of you.

Swing Location: In Oakland, CA along the York Trail
The Trailhead for a short cut to this part of the trail is on Campus Drive near Oakland Worship Center Church

The York Trail Swing has a panoramic view

This is the epic view of The Bay you see from this location

How to Get to The Swing

There are a couple ways to get to the swing and the panoramic views. However, when I go, I’m usually on my lunch break & my pup can’t do long hikes so I skip the hard part and take a pretty great short cut. The hike to the swing is less than 1/2 a mile with a very very slight incline. It’s perfect for a beginner. It’s also dog friendly.

Park across the street from Merritt College on Campus Drive.
You’ll see an abandoned parking lot. The entrance to the short cut towards the swing is just to the right of the parking lot entrance.

Editor’s note:  Stuart just chimed in and said that he found this swing by chance, while on acid the other weekend.  Thus demonstrating it’s easy to find).

Where to park and how to get to the swing

Walk along the side of the parking lot and it’ll eventually open up to a small maze of trails. Take the trails to the left for a little while and wander until you see a trail that goes up a very small hill to your right. This will take you to the panoramic views of The Bay. There, you’ll see the swing hanging from a tree as well as a bench which is perfect for sunset views of downtown Oakland and SF.

Hidden swings are the best!

Keep in mind: This part of the trail doesn’t have much shade. While the swing is on a beautiful tree, you’ll want to hike this on a cooler day or keep the hike short and sweet.  Also, this trail is dog friendly. ff you bring your pup, keep your eyes out for foxtails. There is tall grass everywhere on this trail and lots of foxtails.

lots of beautiful wildflowers on the trail here + tall grass

If you’re game to do the entire York Trail, you’ll see Oakland’s oldest Redwood along the way. I wrote about this awesome sighting a couple years ago and it’s still something I love visiting during the summer since that part of York Trail is canopied by beautiful trees.

We’re so damn lucky to live where we do. Where is your favorite public swing?

The sunsets from this overlook are gorgeous