Oakland- Tourist Attractions, Things To Do, Hotels, And Restaurants

About Oakland

Are you living in areas with freezing temperatures throughout the United States? Want to go somewhere with mild temperatures? If yes, we have got a perfect idea! How about vacationing in Oakland City? Known as the sunnier neighbor of San Francisco, the city is full of urban villages surrounded by the bay area. According to the US census bureau, Oakland occupies a total area of 78.0 square miles, incorporating 22.2 square miles of water and 55.8 square miles of land. 

Home to a mild Mediterranean-type climate, the residents witness 260 sunny days around the year. With such great weather, Oakland is among the most-visited cities in California. Its diverse culture, vast range of international cuisines, and cocktail lounges make the city tourist-friendly. This famous tourist destination’s economy is primarily driven by health care, transportation, light manufacturing, entertainment, and culture.  

Facts About Oakland

  • The city has a natural saltwater lake called Lake Merritt.
  • Oakland has its own redwoods.
  • You can enjoy a picnic in the cemetery since it has a beautiful park. 
  • The Port of Oakland is the fifth busiest container port in the United States.
  • Walt Disney created Disneyland after getting inspired by Oakland’s Fairyland. 
  • World famous Mai Tai drink was invented here. 

Stay in Oakland

This guide will help you find the best stays in Oakland according to your budget and convenience. Whether traveling alone, with friends, or with family, you can choose from affordable to 5-star accommodation facilities. Explore a few of them here…

Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center

Among the best places to stay in Oakland, CA, the Hampton Inn is only 700m from Oakland Museum and 1.1 km from Henry J Kaiser Convention Center. Another plus point of staying here is that the Oakland International Airport is only 10 km from the hotel. The Hampton Inn provides free WiFi, parking, a fitness center, and additional amenities for visitors as well as disabled guests. 

Courtyard Oakland Downtown

You can reach this hotel in Oakland after only a 15-minute drive from the city Zoo and a 20-minute drive from San Francisco. Each room at Courtyard Oakland Downtown has a workstation, a sitting space, a coffee machine, and a cable TV. The hotel also has a fitness center, bar, and an outdoor pool for its guests to enjoy a leisurely stay while the facility takes care of the dry cleaning and laundry. Lockable safes are available for guests at the front desk to safely keep your valuables. 

Oakland Airport Executive Hotel

Considered among the best hotels in Oakland, CA, Oakland Airport Executive Hotel offers free 24-hour shuttle services to Oakland International Airport, which is just 1.8 km away. Another fascinating thing about this facility is that it has Bistro 150 in-house, offering California cuisine for dinner. In addition, the hotel’s rooms are also facilitated with 50-inch cable TVs, a wide desk, a chair, ironing equipment, toiletries, along with complimentary coffee. 

Oakland Marriott City Center

The hotel’s convenient location from the BART Subway System makes it quite easy for guests to visit downtown San Francisco. The Oakland Museum of California is within 1.6 kilometers of the City Center Marriott, while Jack London Square is 1.1km. The hotel also offers car rental services to help you conveniently explore the city. Being a couple friendly facility, Oakland Marriott City Center is most adored by people traveling with their partners.

Things to do in Oakland

While planning to visit any city, checking the most-visited places is among the crucial considerations. Talking about the things to do in Oakland, its beautiful parks, majestic redwoods, museum, science center, and zoo are some places that can make your day full of fun. The city has a lot to offer to people of any age group. Keep scrolling and discover some exciting things to see in Oakland…

Lake Merritt

The lake is the United States’ first designated wildlife refuge. This heart-shaped lake is surrounded by 3.4 miles of grassy coastline, with paths and walkways ideal for walking or hiking. It includes multiple artificial islands that are home to various bird species. If you visit the city with kids and look for things to do in Oakland, CA, this saltwater lake should be on your list. You can enjoy interesting things, like a modern boating center, beautiful seven-acre themed gardens, and a children’s fairyland. 

Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland museum shows the rich heritage of California through captivating exhibits and huge permanent collections. The museum was established in the mid-1960s to inspire the residents of California to create better lives. The artifacts inside the museum are focused on social movements and political activities. For instance, it hosts exhibitions on the Black Panther movement, which was the presentation of Black anti-racist activism. Besides this, the visitors can enjoy lunch, coffee, snacks, and drinks at the museum’s café, which has a patio and garden. 

Dining & Shopping in Rockridge & Temescal

If you are currently in Oakland and want to know about things to do in Oakland today, this is the place for you. The Temescal caters to the needs of techies, hippies, foodies, and couples. Pizza lovers can visit Pizzaiolo, which is in the vicinity of this place. Apart from that, locally owned boutiques, casual American-style cafes, authentic restaurants, artisan coffee shops, and stylish French bistros are the main attractions of this area. 

Chabot Space and Science Center

Are you or your children science enthusiasts? If yes, the Chabot Space and Science Center should be on your bucket list. The cutting-edge technological advancements showcased in the museum should not be missed, especially if you are an astronomy enthusiast. Its fascinating demonstrations of space travel, the universe, and the solar system make it one of the most-visited places. It offers the facility of guided tours as well.

Current Oakland Events, Places to Visit, and Tickets Availability

Speaking of the ongoing events in Oakland, there are multiple music shows, comedy nights, winter camps, theatre, and Story times for kids, to name a few. For detailed information about these events and musical nights, you can explore Eventsfy.com. You can also buy tickets and check venues from there.

Most Visited Event Places in Oakland

The Fox Theatre

Established in 1928, the theatre still has its influence on people. It is adjacent to the bar and lounge called “The Den.” People visit The Fox Theatre to enjoy music shows, theatre activities, concerts, and stand-up comedy programs. Thanks to the advanced Meyer sound system and 2800 seating capacity, the venue hosts shows of popular artists.  

The Uptown Nightclub

The Uptown Nightclub is a well-known spot for live music in Oakland, California. Visitors can enjoy concerts, DJ sets, and live music performances. The main stage and dance floor have the capacity to handle 1200 people. You can enjoy Indie rock bands, electronic music DJs, and hip-hop musicians at the club. 

The Paramount Theatre

The theatre was constructed in the Art Deco style in 1931. Concerts, dramas, comedies, and movies are organized in this theater, accommodating 3000+ guests. The state-of-the-art music system and lighting make the place perfect for live performances in The Paramount Theatre. Besides public events, this place is also available for private parties. 

Events in Oakland- Current and Upcoming Events Calendar

Check out the current events happening in the Oakland area and book tickets now.

Events in Oakland 

Music Events/Concerts in Oakland Today

Comedy Events in Oakland 

Theatre Events in Oakland

Sports Events in  Oakland Today

Closing Words

Plan a trip to Oakland city and create memorable experiences with your loved ones. This city has many options to keep you entertained throughout your stay. You can add San Jose also to your vacation list since the place has similar tourist attractions and is hardly a 45-minute drive away from Oakland. 

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