Location: Oakland
Top Things to do in Oakland
Countries
What to do and see in Oakland, California (CA): The Best Gardens
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Morcom Amphitheater of Roses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By liarsnf - San Diego, United States
We went to this great, largely undiscovered rose garden on Memorial Day weekend, and the roses were in full bloom with fragrance in full evidence. Also lots of prom dates getting photos taken, and so a lot more people than usual here. That also meant that the pair of turkeys that have been here for years were more retiring than normal. Still Tom was still visible. Parking can be a bit strained here. Inspired by the visions of beauty, we went to the nearby Ace Hardware garden center and bought some colorful blooms. Very, very local, with an honoring of Oakland Mothers of the Year.
4. GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
The Bonsai Garden and Museum at Lake Merritt is one of the largest and finest collections of bonsai in the US. Approximately 90 bonsai and viewing stones (Suiseki) are on display at any given time. Displays are rotated on a seasonal, peak performance of the bonsai. Bonsai lovers come from all over the world to the garden to view our world-class collection. Free admission. Public parking available. Open six days per week. Closed Mondays. 11-3 Tuesday -Friday. 10-4 Saturday. Noon - 4 Sunday.
