Location: Oakland
Top Things to do in Oakland
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Intimate France Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
For 24 years we have specialized in small groups (8 or fewer) visiting Europe's most beautiful regions – including France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Germany and Austria. We stay in charming hotels in inns in city/town centers and offer extensive sightseeing – markets, villages, monuments, churches and cathedrals. We offer world-class dining and wines. All tours are owner-escorted.
2. Oaktown Spice Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Infodiva415
I have been waiting a few years to finally get my hands on a refill of the Jamaican Jerk seasoning. I love to cook and I noticed spices from some of the large manufacturers are stale and go stale very quickly. I had been looking for better quality spices. The variety of herbs, salts, and spices that Oaktown carries is amazing. I ordered some Moroccan and Cajun spices and was very happy that recipe cards were included in my mail-order. I can't wait to make some dishes.
3. Bake Your Own Amazing Bagels
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Mix, shape, boil, bake, and eat the most spectacular bagels you've ever tasted! Bake Your Own Amazing Bagels demystifies every step of making the "roll with a hole." No matter which workshop you choose, you finish by eating delicious, fresh hot bagels. Rockridge resident, Laurie Leiber, loves teaching people how to make their own bagels. “It’s always fun because people love bagels,” says Leiber
4. Paramount Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
A throwback to the 1930s with its art deco architecture.
Reviewed By Cruiser62569790470 - Oakland, United States
The Paramount is a beautiful theatre in the art-deco style in uptown Oakland, California. Great place to see music and theatrical shows. Recently I have had the pleasure of enjoying the music of Lila Downs, The Whispers, as well as the Oakland Ballet's Nutcracker. There are also free tours of the theatre during the week.
5. Yoshi's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Both a restaurant and nightclub, this Japanese venue is enjoyed by jazz aficionados who come to see local and national jazz performers.
Reviewed By lwwisdom - Severn, United States
A great venue to catch live music! The venue is set up so that every seat is a good seat. I loved the acoustics. Sometimes you attend a live music event and the acoustics is not good. I could hear every note that Con Funk Shun put out from the stage. The menu says one drink minimum. I like that we ordered our drinks and seldom were bothered by the waiters/waitresses during the show. If you are going to attend a show, consider making reservations for dinner, because you will have priority seating. I look forward to attending again!
6. Beer Revolution
7. Chabot Space & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Chabot Space & Science Center inspires and educates students of all ages about our Planet Earth and the Universe. Its historic telescopes and observatory, planetarium, hands-on interactive exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science. Chabot's three large telescopes are open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Reviewed By 862tanyap
My friends and I had an amazing experience at Chabot Space and Science Center. We had a small group reservation at the outdoor observatory due to Covid regulations and the team at Chabot Space took such great care to keep us feel safe and comfortable, and enable us to enjoy the magic of our beautiful night sky. We saw Jupiter and it's moons, Saturn and its rings, Mars, the M15 star cluster etc. The outdoor deck is a beautiful space to safely connect with people, and reconnect with nature. Photo Credit: @arefreeme
8. Oakland Museum of California
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 748 reviews
The Oakland Museum of California provides unique collections, exhibitions and educational opportunities designed to generate a broader and deeper understanding of and interest in California's environment, history, art and people. Museum programs are responsive, accessible and meaningful to the public, including school children, teachers, scholars, the immediate Oakland community, and an increasingly diverse California population.
Reviewed By cherylbrooklyn
We visited this museum on a rainy Sunday after speaking to Oakland residents who had never been. It reminded us of how Brooklyn museums don't get the notice that Manhattan museums do in NYC. It is a very distinctive layout, having areas divided into different subject areas: art, science, natural history. The art section was amazing: a terrific mix of very avant-garde pieces, mixed with traditional mediums, even including some stained glass! It reminded us of the Whitney in NYC. There were places tor interactive experiences which were great, not only for kids, but also for adutls. There was a Burning Man exhibit there which was amazing, showing the history of this amazing festival which has become such a huge project of hope. The weekend we were there, BOA was sponsoring a reduced fee admission which was great! Don't miss this!
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. Oracle Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 608 reviews
Reviewed By hisons
I've been here for quite a few concerts and events and I have to say the staff at this venue is always so helpful. This must be a great place to work and it reflects on how happy the employees seem. Great place for concerts.
