Morcom Rose Garden is a free, 7.5-acre historic municipal rose garden maintained by the City of Oakland, featuring thousands of rose bushes in bloom from May through October, winding walkways, a reflecting pool, and terraced hillside sections. The garden is wheelchair accessible along the primary path of travel through the rose beds, with newly paved paths connecting the main areas. The Jean Street entrance is the only wheelchair-accessible entry into the lower level of the garden; drop-off is permitted at the Jean Street circle (700 Jean St), though no parking is available there. Street parking is available on nearby Olive Avenue. Admission is free for all visitors.
The garden occupies several levels: while the main level is accessible by wheelchair from front to back, the restrooms, cascading waterfall area, upper garden area, and sections between the Mother’s Walk and Florentine oval are not wheelchair accessible. The garden has five entrances in total, with the Jean Street entrance being the primary accessible route. A map at the garden’s entrance uses icons to indicate accessible features, including a Sensory Garden area on site.
Visitors report that the stair-free accessible entrance can be tricky to find, and suggest using GPS and entering via Grand Avenue and Jean Street. Street parking near the garden can be limited, with Olive Avenue being the most reliable option. The garden can be busy on weekends, and weekday visits offer a quieter experience.
Accessible Routes to Areas of Interest
Paved & Level Pathways
Designated Low-Crowd Times
Sensory Garden area on site (indicated on entrance map). Jean Street entrance is the only wheelchair-accessible entry. Restrooms, waterfall area, upper garden, and areas between Mother’s Walk and Florentine oval are not accessible. Drop-off permitted at Jean St circle (red zone — no long-term parking).