Location: Oakland
Top Things to do in Oakland
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Top 10 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. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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
4. Oakland Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 703 reviews
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. We're recognized for our outstanding animal care, particularly our elephant care program, and for our Leed-certified, 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital—the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. June 2018 introduced Oakland Zoo guests to an entirely new experience, California Trail, a monumental expansion furthering our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife—both past and present.
Reviewed By Mister-Markie - San Rafael, United States
Is it so very hard to believe we were last here just 9 months ago. Seems like yesterday, yet so much has changed. The family needed a safe, fun place to spend some Thanksgiving calories, so our first choice was the zoo. Luckily, they are open (as of this writing!) and of course using whatever limitations and health routines they can to ensure our safety, the safety of the animals and stay open as much as possible to keep money coming in to this great place. We made an on-line reservation (required - no walk up admission purchases) as they are spacing entrance admissions. We were also limited to members of our household. And, of course, masks for all 3 years of age and older. Parking was easy, and we had no stroller so got in quickly - let the fun begin! As I mentioned, much has changed. Some changes and closures we knew of ahead of time, but others we learned as we went. The main closures we expected were the Adventure Landing (rides and train), the bug house and amphibian house, playgrounds, and the petting area. Surprisingly, the food services (Landing Café, Tuskers Grill, Giraffe Ridge, and food carts) were open, but no indoor seating. We didn't know this so took plenty of drinks and snacks. There is outdoor tables available, and the ones outside the Landing Cafe were being actively cleaned while we rested there, even if no one had been sitting there. The gondola up the hilltop to California Trail was open as well, with cabins being sprayed down between trips (and I saw a commercial fogger at the landing as well) and everybody getting a shot of hand sanitizer before boarding, both up and down. Most animals were accessible, other than those mentioned and areas like the kangaroo area usually accessible by the train. Indoor exhibits were closed as well. There was a good group of people out today, and it was good to see families and energetic kids getting a day of fresh air and animals. Most of the time it was easy to distance, and a few areas were crowded, due to the in-and-out design, such as the elephants, the lions, the warthogs and such, but people did well in general and most of the time we were not even near people! The animals were likewise distancing, and it was elusive time for coyotes, jaguars, mountain lions and black bears - did see a lone grizzly though! I guess I'd sleep in on a cold November morning too - yet here we were! One unexpected pleasure was all the sculptures set up for the zoo's "night lights" offering. TONS of animals and plants all around the zoo, colorful and ready for a dusk display - but they were amazingly beautiful in the daytime as well! A really cool extra treat this visit. Overall we enjoyed the zoo for a little over 2 hours. We visited all that was open, but without rides, playgrounds, petting zoo, indoor exhibits and sit down snack times, it was well under our average four hour visit. But a great day for getting back to a semi-normal day at the zoo. Hope there will be more in coming months - maybe a night visit!
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. San Francisco Bay Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
My first trip back post Covid had me wanting to cross the water. I combined a ride on the Oakland Alameda ferry with a journey up to Berkeley and it was great. The ride was smooth, the weather was good. There were ample Covid prevention measures in place. Glad to see things getting back to normal.
10. Jack London Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 847 reviews
Shopping, restaurants, and Jack London's cabin.
Reviewed By PamMurrayIslandGirl
I stayed at the Waterfront Hotel on the Square, and on Sunday I visited the Market held there, which had several fine jewelry booths, a booth selling handmade ties, and a luthier who made electric guitars from skateboards and bass guitars from cigar boxes, and various other booths. There is also a nice Thai restaurant right on the Square. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The ferry to San Francisco also leaves right from Jack London Square, with more shops in the Market Building.
