Peralta Hacienda Park

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park is a six-acre community park and museum located in the Fruitvale district of Oakland, California. It is considered one of the most significant historical sites in Northern California, representing the birthplace of Oakland and the focal point of the historic 44,000-acre Rancho San Antonio.

The park contains three distinct areas: the Historic Core adobe area, the 1870 Peralta House, and the Peralta Creek nature area. The Historic Core features footprints of two original adobe structures built in 1820 and 1840, as well as a reconstruction and outline of the hacienda wall dating from the Spanish and Mexican eras. Visitors can explore outdoor historical exhibits, a native plants garden, and historically themed play structures in this area.

At the heart of the park stands the 1870 Peralta House, an Italianate Victorian farmhouse built by Antonio Peralta. This structure is a local and state landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house has been restored to its original appearance externally and now serves as a museum, housing permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of the Peralta family and the transformation of California through Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. eras.

The Peralta Creek nature area provides a glimpse into the region's natural history, with a wooded slope descending to a winding stretch of creek. This area offers shady outdoor spaces for community programs, classes, and recreation, recalling 15,000 years of Native Californian habitation and the primordial flora and fauna of the region.

The park is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, offering a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and community engagement. It serves as an educational resource, hosting school field trips and various youth programs that focus on local history, ecology, and community involvement.