Oakland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland

Farmers markets, a multicultural culinary scene, stunning art deco architecture and an exciting zoo make Oakland a must-visit location for Bay area visitors.

Visit Oakland to discover one of America’s most beautiful theatres or explore the country’s first wildlife refuge. Enjoy waterfront dining and shopping inJack London Square or relax in one of the city’s many live music bars.

Oakland is the third-largest city in the San Francisco Bay area. Once infamous as home to the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, the city has reinvented itself and now combines historical treasures such as City Hall with modern wonders like theChabot Space & Science Centre.

Learn about the city’s past in the Oakland Museum, which features historical exhibits, a display on California’s ecology and a rooftop sculpture garden. Discover the stories of Oakland’s black population in the African American Museum & Library.

Take a walk or a jog aroundLake Merritt, a saltwater lagoon in the middle of the city. This was also the first nature reserve in the United States. The city has about 260 sunny days a year, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Families will enjoy theOakland Zoo, while couples and friends can attend a live performance in the splendidParamount Theatre. Go to Jack London Square and stop in at the saloon where the novelist used to drink. This waterside square has a Sunday farmers market in addition to its fine dining and shopping.

Oakland’s creative side is highlighted at the annual August Art + Soul, a festival featuring musical performances, arts and crafts, food and more. Take advantage of the monthly event known as the First Friday Arts Festival, when galleries stay open late, performers line the streets and pop-up food stalls offer a variety of delicious treats.

Get around on the Bay Area Rapid Transportation (BART) rail system or use the good network of buses. Some BART stations, most notably the one on 16th Street, are attractions in themselves, showcasing interesting architecture and ornate facades.

Oakland’s warm weather, arts and multiculturalism give you the best ingredients of the modern California city.

Where to stay in Oakland

Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Oakland
Downtown Berkeley

Downtown Berkeley

5/5(1 area review)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Repertory Theater. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Downtown Berkeley Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Berkeley
Piedmont

Piedmont

You'll enjoy the lake views and architecture in Piedmont. You might want to make time for a stop at Piedmont Sports Field or Davie Tennis Stadium.

Piedmont
Aerial view of the Albany Waterfront Trail, Berkeley, California, USA. The image shows the marshland and Berkeley skyline in the background.

Albany

Albany is well liked for its seaside views and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Albany
South Berkeley

South Berkeley

While you're in South Berkeley, take in top sights like Telegraph Avenue and jump on the metro at Ashby Station to see more of the city.

South Berkeley
Aerial View Oakland Inner Harbor Port City Downtown Skyline

West Oakland

2/5(1 area review)

While you're in West Oakland, take in top sights like DeFremery Park and jump on the metro at West Oakland Station to see more of the city.

West Oakland
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd Berkeley CA
The price is Rp2.350.260 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
Rp2.350.260
Rp2.707.428 total
7 Jun - 8 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,693 reviews)
"The place is clean and a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Berkeley downtown. The surrounding area is nice and one can take a convenient bus to the university. However, the hotel wing where I slept was rather dated. If you expect a shiny new hotel, this place could use some updates. It is ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay

3.5 out of 5
68 Monarch Bay Dr San Leandro CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.021.224 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
Rp2.021.224
Rp2.304.145 total
6 Jun - 7 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in San Leandro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,466 reviews)
"Nice staff who greeted me when I walked in. Fast check in. Plenty of parking. Had breakfast and everything was fresh. Make your own waffles!"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay
Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

3 out of 5
1800 Powell Street Emeryville CA
The price is Rp2.720.594 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
Rp2.720.594
Rp3.052.371 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Emeryville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,188 reviews)
"The manager was far from welcoming, and honestly their attitude was one of the worst parts of staying there"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026

Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
400 Park St Alameda CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,966 reviews)
"Showed up to check in at 2:45. Check time is 3:00. Was told check in is at 3:30 when the sign at desk stated 3:00. We returned to check in and was told they did not have the 2 rooms I reserved, but could put us in a room with king bed and dog pull out. I ask for a discount since I really need 2 beds ..."

Reviewed on 31 May 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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