Oakland is the largest city and the county seat of Alameda County, California , USA. Oakland is the largest port city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, the third largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, the eighth most populous city in California, and the 45th most populous city in the United States. With a population of 433,031 as of 2019, it serves as a trading center for the San Francisco Bay Area; its Port of Oakland is the busiest port in the San Francisco Bay Area, the whole of Northern California, and the fifth busiest port in the United States of America.

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The surroundings of Oakland boast many natural features, along with numerous attractions attracting visitors from all over the United States. One of the most prominent features of Oakland is Merritt Lake, which is well known for its location right in the city center. Lake Merritt is home to much of the city's recreation and is named after the Lake Merritt Wild Fowl Sanctuary, the oldest sanctuary of its kind in the United States, dating back to 1870.

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Oakland is home not only to a magnificent lake, but also to many public performances by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra and the Oakland Civic Ballet. Oakland is also home to the Oakland Museum, the Knowland State Arboretum and the Oakland Zoo Park.

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Educational institutions such as the California College of Arts and Crafts, Holy Names College, Mills College and Patten College are also established in the Oakland area.

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