Named after the oak trees native to the region, Oakland is a somewhat smaller city that can
be found across the bay from San Francisco.
While San Fran is the bay-area that city that seems to get all of the attention, Oakland
has over the years succeeded in becoming a trendy, up-and-coming destination of its own.
Back in the day, Oakland was a fairly nondescript manufacturing city.
These days, however, it’s a city that is dripping in style and oozing with personality.
Oakland is a melting pot in every sense of the word.
It's a city that has a remarkably diverse population.
Oakland's African American community brought jazz and blues music as well as traditional
soul food to the city.
Immigrants from all around the globe have opened authentic Ethiopian, Italian, Mexican,
Indian, Thai, and other ethnic restaurants, making Oakland a town with a very wide variety
of culinary options to choose from.
Tourists will absolutely love tantalizing their tastebuds at all of the local eateries.
In the warmer months, the city plays host to a variety of lively street fairs and festivals.
As far as California goes, Oakland is one of the biggest epicenters for cultural happenings
like music concerts, gourmet food events, and world-class dance performances.
If you’re curious about where to begin, keep watching to see Viecations top picks
of the best things to do in Oakland, California.
Lake Merritt
This park features expansive green lawns, lush groves of luxurious trees, and numerous
relaxing picnic areas.
This sprawling green space offers visitors a little oasis of peace and tranquility in
the very heart of the city.
Locals frequently come here to socialize and unwind.
The Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt boasts seven acres of themed gardens, including the fantastic
Bonsai Garden and the aromatic Sensory Garden, which features a fragrant display of plants,
including rosemary, oregano, lavender, and Grecian bay trees.
The park also has an Edible Garden that gives visitors a glimpse at what it takes to grow
organic vegetables and fruits.
Then there's the beautiful Mediterranean Garden that encircles a historic fountain featuring
a number of impressive water features.
Within the park is an attraction called the Children's Fairyland.
This storybook-themed space is said to have inspired Walt Disney and is one of the best
spots for families visiting with young kids to explore.
Surrounding the lake is a three-mile walking path.
Other things worth doing at the park include water sports and bird watching.
Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and pedal boats by the hour over at the Lake
Merritt Sailboat House during the spring, summer, and autumn.
The park is also home to a lovely wildlife sanctuary.
Since the lake is technically a tidal lagoon filled with seawater, it draws in a wide range
of avian species, such as pelicans, snowy egrets, black cormorants, and Canadian geese.
Established back in 1870, this is also one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the
nation.
Oakland Museum of California
With a vast collection of permanent displays and rotating exhibits, this museum is proud
to display the rich and unique culture and heritage of the region.
There are numerous exhibits dedicated to topics like history, the arts, and natural sciences.
The history of the Oakland community is also showcased here, with exhibits ranging from
politics to civil rights and the modern-day social justice movement.
A visit to this museum is easily one of the best things to do when visiting Oakland – especially
if you're in the least bit interested in getting a lesson in the city's history.
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Keep watching to see several more of our top-recommended attractions in Oakland, California.
The Fox Theater
Opened in 1928 as the Oakland Theater, this venue underwent a massive renovation in 2009
and reopened after being closed for more than four decades.
This cinema house turned concert venue features an art deco interior that's practically begging
to you marvel at its ornate ceiling.
Some of the biggest names in the music industry regularly play shows here.
If you're interested in taking your date here for a romantic night out on the town, be sure
to book your tickets in advance because many shows sell out quickly.
The Red Market
Before European settlers claimed the area as their own, Oakland was inhabited by the
Ohlone Tribe.
One of the best ways to support this indigenous population is by paying them a visit to the
Red Market.
The market is held on the first Sunday of every month and features the work of indigenous
artists and designers who come out to gather and pay their respects to their Native American
culture.
If you've never had the chance to try Fry Bread, make sure you pick some up.
It's an absolutely delicious treat that will make you wonder why you've waited this long
to discover it.
Jack London Square
Jack London Square is situated in a waterfront setting and features a lively maritime atmosphere.
This historic neighborhood is set among the Oakland estuary and was famously the stomping
ground of the great American author Jack London.
London used to work at the docks of the Oakland Port.
Today, at the center of the squares sits a replica of the log cabin that he lived in
during his wilderness expedition in Alaska.
In addition to being a historical hotbed, Jack London Square today has a trendy dining
scene and a serene waterfront trail.
The square and the surrounding area boast many highly-regarded restaurants, each with
pleasing outdoor terraces overlooking the water.
We highly recommend checking out Everett and Jones, a soul food restaurant found at the
entrance of the square that is known for its authentic Southern-style BBQ and live music.
It’s also worth taking the time to see the historic USS Potomac ship that is docked at
the port at 540 Water Street.
This was actually President Roosevelt's presidential yacht between 1934 and 1945.
Today visitors can take dockside tours, go on sightseeing tours, romantic dinner cruises,
and lunchtime history outings aboard the historic vessel.
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
This park is a second-growth forest on land that was cleared for its timber in the mid-19th
century.
Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt, the elected first board of directors member for the park's district,
painstakingly led the preservation effort to protect the forest in the 1930s.
With Reinhardt's help and direction, the redwood forest was regenerated and opened to the public
as a park in 1939.
In 2019, the park got renamed in honor of Reinhardt's years of civil service work.
This lush redwood forest can be found just a few miles out of downtown Oakland and is
worth going out of your way to visit.
Park guests enjoy meditating among the pristine groves.
The park is also a perfect place to participate in activities like hiking, biking, and horseback
riding.
The park's well-manicured trails invite guests to wander through the redwoods.
Detailed trail maps are available for those looking to familiarize themselves with the
lay of the land.
Oakland Zoo
This 490-acre zoo, located at Knowland Park, is home to more than 850 native and exotic
animal species who live in natural habits like the African Savanna, the Australian outback,
and tropical rainforest.
Kids will love getting up close and personal with wildlife over at the Wayne and Gladys
Valley Children's Zoo, which features a Lily Pad Pond and Otter Den.
In addition to getting to see live animal feedings, children can also enjoy the opportunity
of petting friendly sheep and goats.
On a gondola that is 650 feet above sea level, park guests can get an aerial view of the
California Trail education center, which hosts a herd of bison.
You can also hop aboard the Sky Ride to glide over the African Savanna.
During your ride, you'll likely see zebras, elephants, giraffes, and lions.
At the end of the gondola ride is the Landing Cafe.
Here you can fill your stomach with artisan pizza, flame-grilled burgers, deli sandwiches,
and salads.
Guests can also appreciate the sweeping views of the surrounding area.
The zoo is furthermore home to a carousel, a train, a roller coaster, and several other
thrilling rides.
In between meals, visitors can purchase snacks and beverages at the Safari Cafe.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Located inside the Reinhardt Redwood Park, this state-of-the-art museum and science center
presents numerous fun, engaging, and informative exhibits about our planet, solar system, and
neighboring galaxies.
The center has interactive labs as well as research-level telescopes that give guests
of all ages the opportunity to learn about the cosmos.
Exhibits include an immersive exploration of near space as well as a comprehensive look
at the expansive universe that lies just beyond our current level of perception.
One of the most fascinating exhibits presents an animated, real-time representation of our
solar system's central star, the sun.
Curious visitors can look at sun features like solar flares and hot spots.
The center also has a planetarium with a 70-foot full dome.
Here presentations using digital projections give audiences a stunning show that includes
seamless images and world-class digital sound effects.
You’ll have a blast while watching the engaging stargazing show which is sure to give you
a sense of being fully immersed in the night’s sky.
Sitting 1,500 feet above sea level is the center’s Observation deck.
This deck features three telescopes that are well positioned to give viewers an intimate
glimpse into the distant universe.
The deck even features an instrument that dates back to 1883 that was donated by the
founder of the center, Anthony Chabot.
Unfortunately, we're just about out of time.
We only scratched the surface of all the amazing attractions that await you in Oakland, California,
but hopefully, now you have a better idea of where to get started when visiting this
bustling bay-area city.
What are you most excited to see and do in Oakland, California?
If you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting Oakland before, tell us in the comments what
some of your favorite things to do in and around the city are.
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