Oakland: a Raider Fans Guide to His Hometown - Woodminster Ampitheatre

Sightseeing

This is the seventh in a series of travel guides to my hometown, Oakland, California, for fans of the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland Athletics.

Known as the Poet of the Sierras, Joaquim Miller ( 8 September 1837 – 17 February 1913) made his home in the Oakland Hills from 1886 until his death. He planted thousands of trees – Monterey cypress, Monterey pine, olive, and eucalyptus. Redwood trees and oaks are endemic to the zone.

Joaquim Miller built himself a house called the Hights. He built an abby, which still exists. He also left behind some quirky monuments made of rock. He hoped to turn the site into a refuge for writers.

Woodminster Amphitheatre

After his death, the city of Oakland acquired Joaquim Miller’s estate, turning the land into a 500 acred park, which was constructed during the Depression. The park is suitable to hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. There are also facilities for picnics and barbecues.

A key feature of the park is the Woodminster Ampitheatre, where three Broadway musicals are staged each summer under the stars. The lineup for 2013 is Annie Get Your Gun, A Chorus Line, and Miss Saigon.

Woodminster Ampitheatre is located at 3300 Joaquim Miller Road, Oakland, California (Telephone: (510) 531-9597). Watch musicals under the stars – until the fog rolls in. Located high in the Oakland Hills in lovely Joaquin Mill Park with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay.

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