Downtown Oakland Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Oakland
Popular places to visit
Fox Theater
You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Paramount Theatre
Spend an evening being swept up in a ballet performance, laughing at stand-up comedians or dancing in your seat to a band at this historic art deco theatre.
Oakland City Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Oakland City Center during your visit to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Oakland Museum of California
Delve into Californian history at this interdisciplinary museum, which features enthralling exhibits of landscape paintings, cultural artifacts and natural science under one roof.
Jack London's Cabin
You can find out about the history of Oakland with a trip to Jack London's Cabin. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Old Oakland
During your trip to Oakland, you can enjoy retail therapy at Old Oakland. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Oakland Hotel Deals
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Great size rooms, dated but comfortable. Location is convenient but not my favourite area in San Francisco, however the transport get you everywhere in fast! Staff were super helpful
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Staff was good. Facility needs refurbishing. Rooms are cramped and outdated.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Good location for walking around town and good rooms. Staff were also good.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Good location. Friendly staff.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Excellent location and Helpful staff.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
I will be avoiding this hotel in the future. They overcharged my credit card and it took me over 3 weeks, 5 escalations and follow-ups to get my refund.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Oakland
West Oakland
While you're in West Oakland, take in top sights like Old Oakland and jump on the metro at West Oakland Station to see more of the city.
San Antonio
If you're spending some time in San Antonio, Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park and Garden Center are top sights worth seeing.
Piedmont Avenue
Though Piedmont Avenue may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Chapel of the Chimes and Grand Lake Theater.
Temescal
If you're spending some time in Temescal, Temescal Alley and Oakland Floats are top sights worth seeing.
West Alameda
If you're spending some time in West Alameda, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach and Pacific Pinball Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Shafter
While you're in Shafter, take in top sights like Temescal Farmers' Market and jump on the metro at Rockridge Station to see more of the city.
