Oakland Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Oakland, California with this comprehensive tour guide featuring a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Oakland

Located in Alameda County, in East Bay, in the Bay Area, California, Oakland is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. It is home to several attractions, including parks, museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Oakland is also known for its thriving food and drink scene and outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we have compiled a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options to help you plan your next trip to Oakland.

List of Places to Visit in Oakland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Oakland Museum of California: An interdisciplinary museum that showcases the state’s art, history, and natural sciences.

  2. African American Museum and Library at Oakland: A museum that features exhibitions and programs that highlight the experiences of African Americans in California and the West.

  3. USS Potomac: A historic ship museum that was once Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht.

  4. Jack London Square: A waterfront entertainment destination that features restaurants, shops, and cultural events.

Natural Attractions of Oakland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Merritt: A freshwater tidal lagoon that is surrounded by parks and gardens and is an ideal spot for kayaking, paddle boating, and picnicking.

  2. Redwood Regional Park: A lush park that features several hiking trails and picnic areas.

  3. Joaquin Miller Park: A scenic park that is known for its hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and horseback riding.

  4. Chabot Space and Science Center: A science museum and planetarium that offers interactive exhibits, stargazing events, and educational programs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oakland

  1. Redwood Regional Park Trails: This park features over 40 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

  2. Lake Merritt Trail: A 3.4-mile loop trail around the lake that is ideal for walkers, joggers, and bikers.

  3. Anthony Chabot Regional Park Trails: This park features over 70 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

  4. Joaquin Miller Park Trails: This park features over 500 acres of woodlands, meadows, and trails that are ideal for hiking and biking.

Best Things to Do in Oakland: Activities and Tours

  1. Ride the Cable Cars: Experience the old-world charm of San Francisco by taking a ride on the cable cars that traverse the city.

  2. Food Tours: Numerous food tours take you through the culinary gems of Oakland, including the Oakland Chinatown, Old Oakland, and the Temescal District.

  3. California Palace of the Legion of Honor: A fine arts museum that features galleries of European art, sculptures, and antique artifacts.

  4. Catalyst Arts: One of the city’s premier contemporary art galleries, Catalyst Arts features installations, performances, and exhibits that showcase emerging artists.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oakland

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Oakland Museum of California, the African American Museum and Library at Oakland, and the Jack London Square.
Day 2 Explore Lake Merritt and the surrounding parks.
Day 3 Visit the Chabot Space and Science Center and the Redwood Regional Park.
Day 4 Hike the Joaquin Miller Park trails.
Day 5 Ride the cable cars and take a food tour in Oakland.
Day 6 Visit the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and take a stroll in the Golden Gate Park.
Day 7 Relax and take in the sights and sounds of Oakland.

Food and Drink Scene of Oakland

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Oakland-style barbecue: Tender and flavorful barbecue ribs, brisket, and chicken cooked in a specially created “Oakland-style” that is unique to the region.

  2. Kaisen don: A popular Japanese dish that features fresh, raw fish, served over a bed of sushi rice.

  3. Tacos: Oakland has a great selection of taco shops for traditional Mexican flavors.

  4. Crab cakes: Fresh and flavorful crab cakes that are a local specialty.

Local Beverages

  1. Local microbreweries: Oakland is home to several microbreweries that serve some of the best craft beers.

  2. Wine tasting: Head to nearby Napa Valley, Sonoma, or Livermore Valley for a wine tasting tour.

  3. Coffee: Oakland has a thriving coffee scene, with several local roasters and cafes.

  4. Cocktails: Oakland also has a great selection of bars and lounges that serve up creative, handcrafted cocktails.

Where to Stay in Oakland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Oakland Marriott City Center: A centrally located hotel that offers comfortable rooms and suites with great views of the city.

  2. Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland Waterfront: A modern and spacious hotel that features a fitness center, outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.

  3. The Oaklander Hotel: A stylish and luxurious boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and stunning city views.

  4. Oakland International Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel that offers comfortable rooms and dorms, a communal kitchen, and a lounge area.

What to Buy in Oakland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Fresh produce: Oakland is known for its local farmers’ markets that offer fresh and organic produce.

  2. Crafts and artworks: The city has a thriving community of artists and craftsmen who produce unique, handmade items like pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

  3. Sports gear: Oakland is home to the Oakland Raiders (football), Oakland Athletics (baseball), and Golden State Warriors (basketball), so sports gear and memorabilia make great souvenirs.

  4. Local wines and beers: Bring home a taste of Oakland’s thriving microbrewery and wine cultures.

Local Culture and Customs of Oakland

Oakland is a diverse city that values inclusivity and equality. The city has a rich artistic and cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to explore and appreciate Oakland’s unique history and traditions. Many festivals and events take place throughout the year that celebrates the city’s diversity and culture.

Best Time to Visit Oakland

The best time to visit Oakland is during the spring from March to May. The temperatures are mild, and the city’s gardens and parks are in full bloom. Fall from September to November also offers great weather and beautiful foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oakland

Do:

  1. Explore the city’s neighborhoods and appreciate the diversity of Oakland’s culture and people.

  2. Take part in any local festivals and events.

  3. Visit Oakland’s museums and galleries.

  4. Try the city’s local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  1. Leave valuables in your car or unattended in public areas, especially in East Oakland.

  2. Get involved in street protests, which can sometimes be violent.

  3. Litter or vandalize public property.

  4. Smoke in public or indoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oakland

Oakland, like any other big city, has its share of crime, especially in the East Oakland area. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions like not leaving valuables in their car or unattended in public areas.

Health in Oakland

Visitors to Oakland should be aware of the high levels of air pollution, especially from the heavy traffic in the city. It is recommended to bring medication if you have respiratory problems, especially for visits during warmer months when smog can be particularly high.

Getting to Oakland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oakland

  1. Oakland International Airport

  2. San Francisco International Airport

  3. San Jose International Airport

Bus Stations Near Oakland

  1. Greyhound Bus Station Oakland

  2. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Station

Other Options

  1. Train: Amtrak

  2. Car: Rental cars are available at the Oakland airport and throughout the city.

How to Get Around in Oakland

Public transportation is the best option for getting around in Oakland. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) has several stations throughout the city and can take you to other destinations in the Bay Area like San Francisco and Berkeley. AC Transit buses also serve the area, and there are several taxi and ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Oakland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. San Francisco: The nearby city offers plenty of attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.

  2. Berkeley: A vibrant university town that is known for its food scene and cultural landmarks like the University of California, Berkeley.

  3. Sonoma and Napa County: These nearby counties are home to some of the best wineries in the country and offer scenic landscapes and unique experiences.

Conclusion

Oakland is a vibrant and diverse city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or culture lover, this comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your next trip to Oakland with ease. Remember to explore the city’s many neighborhoods, appreciate its cultural diversity, and take precautions to stay safe while enjoying your stay.

Some of the distinctive skyline of Downtown, including the Kaiser Building and the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Some of the distinctive skyline of Downtown, including the Kaiser Building and the Cathedral of Christ the Light. The distinctive lime green B shuttle The distinctive lime green B shuttle Chabot Space and Science Center. Chabot Space and Science Center. The Cascade Waterfall in Joaquin Miller Park. The Cascade Waterfall in Joaquin Miller Park. Nels Cline performing at Yoshi's Nels Cline performing at Yoshi's The Grand Lake Theater. The Grand Lake Theater.