Cross the bridge from San Francisco and you’ll find yourself in the midst of one of North America’s most stunning theatres, the United States’ first wildlife refuge and a lively waterfront dining and shopping precinct. At Jack London Square, you’ll hear the sounds of Oakland emanating from the city’s most popular bars.
As the third-largest city on the San Francisco Bay, Oakland is home to a diverse mix of cultures and people. The Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang once called Oakland home, but a period of reinvention has seen the city reemerge as a family-friendly destination filled with historic attractions and cultural activities, including the Chabot Space & Science Center.
Discover the roots of the city as you trawl through items at the Oakland Museum, which features historical exhibits, studies into California’s environment and a rooftop sculpture garden with views across the city. Learn about the legacy of Oakland’s black community at the African American Museum & Library.
Enjoy a stroll around Lake Merritt, the saltwater lagoon that occupies the centre of Oakland. Lake Merritt is the oldest nature reserve in the United States and with Oakland’s average of 260 sunny days per year, it’s a great place to relax year-round.
Spend a day with the family at the Oakland Zoo or enjoy a live concert at the famous Paramount Theatre. Afterwards, stop by Jack London Square to have a drink in the saloon that many famous writers once frequented. On Sundays the square hosts a popular farmers market.
Visit Oakland during summer to witness the August Art + Soul festival. The festival features live music, arts and crafts, food markets and more. During the first week of each month you can catch the First Friday Arts Festival, a monthly occurrence where galleries, performers and pop-up food stalls all operate late into the night.
Oakland is serviced by the Bay Area Rapid Transportation service, commonly known as the BART. Visit the 16th Street station to see its famous architecture as you journey across the city.
Oakland is the perfect Californian city, combining warm weather, diverse cultures and a thriving arts scene.
