Gold Coast Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Gold Coast
Popular places to visit
Jack London Square
Oakland’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment precinct is a waterside square named after one of America’s finest novelists.
University of California, Berkeley
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of California, Berkeley during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
Oakland Zoo
Weird and wonderful animals, from frogs and otters to giraffes and sun bears, await at this animal park that even has its own roller coaster.
Greek Theater
You can get tickets for a performance at Greek Theater during your stay in Berkeley. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Berkeley Marina
Explore the waterfront in Berkeley with a trip to Berkeley Marina. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
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)
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Our pick of the best Gold Coast Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Quick trip one night stay. Comfy, clean hotel with parking and lots of food options around.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Great location, nice rooms. Yhe pool was closed when we were there due a delay in renovations, which was disappointing. But everything else was good.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Nice rooms, excellent breakfast
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Great place if you want to be somewhere convenient. Stayed here for a concert at Bill Graham. Small rooms, so they’re good if you plan on justbut efficient rooms
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Barely any bathroom amenities
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Rooms look new and modern, sleek furniture and interior, especially the shower. Staff is friendly and helpful. Great stay for a good rate!
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Gold Coast
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.
San Antonio
If you're spending some time in San Antonio, Lake Merritt and Phap Duyen Tu are top sights worth seeing.
Downtown Oakland
Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.
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.
Grand Lake
If you're spending some time in Grand Lake, Grand Lake Theater and Morcom Rose Garden 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 Grand Lake Theater and Children's Fairyland.
