Top reasons to visit Oakland
- Vibrant Urban Parks: Oakland boasts beautiful parks perfect for family outings and outdoor adventures.
- Rich Cultural Scene: The city offers engaging theatre performances and events at modern venues.
- Family-Friendly Activities: A variety of attractions cater to families, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: From boutique hotels to well-known chains, there's a perfect stay for every traveller.
- Scenic Surroundings: Explore nearby neighbourhoods and cities, enhancing your cultural and adventurous experience.
Find great hotels near Oakland
Discover a variety of exceptional accommodation options in Oakland, California, catering to both leisure and business travellers. From boutique hotels offering personalised experiences to well-known chains like Fairmont and AC Hotels, you'll find the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly retreat or convenient access to shopping, Oakland has something to suit your every need for a delightful stay.
- Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf: Nestled along the iconic Fisherman's Wharf, this 4-star hotel offers a vibrant beach vacation experience just 12.9km from Oakland. With direct access to the beach, guests can immerse themselves in the coastal charm of San Francisco. The hotel is ideal for business travellers seeking a refreshing getaway, featuring modern amenities and comfortable accommodations that blend work and leisure seamlessly. Enjoy the stunning waterfront views and the lively atmosphere that this prime location provides.
- The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square: This elegant 4.5-star hotel stands 12.9km from Oakland, offering a family-friendly retreat with a pet-welcoming policy. Located at the heart of Union Square, it combines historic charm with modern comforts. Families will appreciate the dedicated children's amenities, including cribs and babysitting services. The hotel’s pet policy ensures that furry companions are pampered with food and water bowls, making it a perfect choice for travelling families and pet owners alike.
- Handlery Union Square Hotel: A welcoming 3.5-star hotel, Handlery Union Square is situated 12.9km from Oakland and embraces an LGBTQIA-friendly ethos, making it a perfect choice for all travellers. With pet-friendly policies in place, guests can bring their dogs along to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco. The hotel’s business amenities cater to corporate travellers, while its central location provides easy access to the city's attractions. This charming hotel is a delightful blend of comfort, inclusivity, and convenience.
Where to stay in Oakland
Oakland, a vibrant metropolis, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and entertainment options. With its affordable attractions and acres of picturesque parks, visitors can immerse themselves in the urban scenery and welcoming atmosphere. Nearby cities and neighbourhoods enhance the experience, providing a rich tapestry of culture and adventure just waiting to be explored. Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, Oakland and its surroundings have something for everyone.
- Berkeley: Nestled to the north of Oakland, Berkeley is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and historic university. This city attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons from March to April and July. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, Berkeley offers a rich array of activities, including visits to its esteemed educational institutions, captivating theatre performances, and lively music concerts. Notable landmarks include the picturesque marina and various sports facilities, ensuring a well-rounded travel experience filled with outdoor adventures and educational pursuits.
- Emeryville: Located just south of Berkeley and adjacent to Oakland, Emeryville is a charming city that boasts fantastic shopping and cultural experiences. With visitor numbers peaking in April, July, and September, this city invites families and culture seekers alike. Explore the local theatres, engage in educational pursuits, or indulge in retail therapy at the bustling shopping mall centre. Not to be missed are the historic college universities and sports facilities that add to Emeryville's appeal, making it a delightful destination for those seeking both leisure and enrichment.
- Hayward: Situated to the southeast of Oakland, Hayward offers a blend of urban charm and outdoor experiences. With its peak visitor seasons in April and June to July, families and city explorers flock here for its recreational areas and shopping opportunities. The city features a modern college university and scenic bayside attractions, ensuring a diverse array of activities. Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere, Hayward provides a welcoming environment for all types of travellers.
Things to do in and around Oakland
Oakland offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for those seeking entertainment and education. Visitors can explore adventure playgrounds, enjoy arena events, and immerse themselves in theatre performances. With plenty of options for active adventures, Oakland caters to adventure seekers looking to experience the city's dynamic culture and scenic surroundings.
Shopping
At Oakland City Center, immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of shopping and entertainment. Public Market Emeryville offers a bustling atmosphere, perfect for local treasures. For a taste of California's bakery scene, visit Boudin Bakery, located 12.9km away, renowned for its delicious sourdough and family-friendly vibe.
Recreation
At Oracle Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of a live sporting event, just 11.3km from Oakland, perfect for sports enthusiasts. In the heart of Oakland, the Fox Theater hosts captivating concerts, enveloping you in vibrant entertainment vibes. Explore the East Bay Regional Park District for serene wellness and relaxation amidst nature.
Adventure
Experience the breathtaking views from Hayward Flight, a scenic flight that offers a unique perspective of Oakland's stunning landscape. Dive into adventure with Great White Adventures, where you can explore underwater sports. For tennis enthusiasts, the Hellman Tennis Center provides an exciting venue for your next match.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife in Oakland, starting with a romantic show at the Greek Theater. For a family-friendly film, the Orinda Theater, just 11.3km away, is perfect. For thrill-seekers, Plank offers adventure vibes with its lively arcade atmosphere right in Oakland.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Oakland
Oakland provides numerous budget-friendly opportunities for tourists. Enjoy free attractions like Jack London Square and the Berkeley Marina, while public transport options such as BART and buses keep travel costs low. February and November to December are the cheapest months for accommodation, with Fridays being the most economical days to stay. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for eco-friendly hotels and combining bookings for flights and activities. Additionally, look for AAA discounts and other savings to maximise your budget during your visit.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Oakland are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Oakland is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Oakland is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel reservation in Oakland with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Oakland
Oakland offers a delightful mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday. Visitors can explore vibrant urban parks, attend events at modern conference venues, and engage with the local culture at nearby colleges and universities. With a rich array of attractions catering to family needs and urban experiences, Oakland promises an enjoyable getaway filled with entertainment and exploration.
- Oakland Arena: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Oakland Arena, a premier entertainment venue renowned for its diverse events. From concerts to sports, the arena offers a family-friendly environment where everyone can enjoy thrilling performances and create lasting memories.
- Children's Fairyland: Step into a whimsical world at Children's Fairyland, an enchanting amusement park designed for families. With its charming storybook attractions and outdoor adventures, this park sparks the imagination of children and adults alike, making it a delightful destination for all ages.
- Lake Anza: Just 9.7km from Oakland, Lake Anza is a serene escape perfect for romance and relaxation. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or indulge in a picnic by the water, embracing the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Best time to go to Oakland
The best time to visit Oakland can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Oakland falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Oakland falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Oakland
For your visit to Oakland, you can fly into three major airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is situated 24.1km from Oakland, with nearby luxury hotels like 1 Hotel San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco, and Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion, all approximately 19.3km away. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 56.3km away, offering options such as Hilton Santa Clara and Hotel De Anza , both about 4.8km from the airport. Lastly, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is just 11.3km from the city, with hotels like Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront and DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport, both roughly 17.7km away, providing convenient shuttle services.