Location: Oakland
Top Things to do in Oakland
Countries
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Oakland, California (CA)
Oakland, in the hub of the Bay Area, is both historic and modern. Visitors will find a little bit of everything in this diverse metropolis, from the picturesque waterfront to expansive hills. Explore Oakland's growing arts, entertainment and food scene or enjoy recreational opportunities like hiking, sailing and biking. Root for one of the three professional sports teams or take a tour of a historic landmark. The city is easily accessible through Oakland International Airport, train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.
Restaurants in Oakland
1. East Bay Regional Park District
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
The official designation given to the numerous parks found in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
Reviewed By TV2451
The parks in the East Bay are immense and beautiful. A total gem to be used and treasured. Lots of recreation opportunities here in the great outdoors. Have a picnic and have fun.
2. Redwood Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By JerriKop - Oakland, United States
Redwood Park is our favorite local hiking spot, especially if we have our dog with us. There are many hiking trails, most are on easy hills, and many of the trails allow dogs off leash. Areas that dogs must be leashed are well marked; the Stream Trail is beautiful but dogs must be leashed to protect the watershed. Please note that the East Ridge Trail, to the left as you enter the park from the parking lot, is also a mountain biking trail. It's fine to walk your dog off leash on the East Ridge Trail but be wary of cyclists that don't always respect the "yield to humans and dogs" signs. The East Bay Regional Park system is a local treasure. The parks are well maintained and restrooms are scattered throughout the park. Bring your dog for a great day outdoors!
3. Oakland California Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 418 reviews
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the Family Search Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill auditorium and most events are free.
Reviewed By tdhawk13 - Danville, United States
Bring your camera and enjoy the beautiful, serene atmosphere of this Bay Area landmark. I have visited often and taken a number of photos (see attached). Give yourself enough time to explore the flowers and lush landscaping, visual perspectives of the Oakland Temple from a variety of angles and distances, the view of the Bay, and the visitor center tour. I prefer going in the early evening before sunset and the early morning hour after sunrise.
4. Chapel of the Chimes Oakland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By RODNEYANDPAT
Designed by the first lady architect in California who also designed Hearst Castle. Visit the cemetery too.
5. Preservation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Location of 16 restored early Oakland Victorian homes.
Reviewed By 595reap
Preservation Park is a beautiful place to visit. It transforms you in time to a quiet time in history. Rio California is a hidden gem that you must try! Its authentic Brazilian food is delicious and the portions are generous!
6. Lake Merritt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
Reviewed By OaklandCa - Oakland, United States
It’s about 3 1/2 miles around. It’s beautiful and has a bird sanctuary. Lots of scooters, walkers, runners, strollers. Great people watching too!
7. Lakeside Park and Garden Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
One of the best public gardens in the state offers Japanese, Polynesian, and many other types of gardens.
Reviewed By TV2451
All of the area around the Lake is much improved including this lovely garden. Full of people, most on their walk around the Lake.
8. Tilden Nature Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By cherylbrooklyn
In the Oakland hills, this park has something for everyone! A train ride and carousel for kids and adults, a Botanic Garden, a golf course, hiking trails. And spectacular views of the SF Bay
9. The Cathedral of Christ the Light
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Anchored by the world's newest Catholic cathedral - The Cathedral of Christ the Light - the entire Cathedral Center is a beautiful and welcoming gathering place to experience liturgy, arts and cultural events reflecting the diversity of Oakland and the Bay Area.
Reviewed By J4646VDmichaelk
The cathedral is housed inside a piece of modern architecture that pales in comparison with the grandeur of baroque or gothic European cathedrals. However, the inside is simply magnificient. It is cavernous, airy, and bright from the natural light filtering through the layers of wood paneling that form an interesting pattern by itself. This is a must see for photographers.
10. Mountain View Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
We provide funeral, cremation and cemetery services all at the historic Mountain View Cemetery located in Oakland, California.
Reviewed By 276janisk - Oakland, United States
My first exposure to this site was during a pack walk with California Pit Bull Rescue. We walked as a group up and down over winding roads and paths, up grassy slopes, down low stairs that spilled over the many bluffs. I've since returned many times with my dog and a friend or with family to hike and catch breathtaking views of San Francisco and 3-4 bridges from the top of the ridge which is the spine of the cemetery. There are so many scenic spots to stop and catch your breath on your way up or down the winding, main road. One can also delve into the history of the Bay Area by reading the countless headstones and markers along the way. The Crocker mausoleum, a granite memorial to Fred Korematsu and his wife are just a couple of our finds. I plan to go on the free headstone walk that takes place once a month.
