Things to do in Oakland

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Lake Merritt featuring a pond
Chabot Space and Science Center featuring an observatory and interior views
Oakland Zoo which includes views
Oakland showing interior views and a park
Oakland featuring modern architecture
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Oakland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oakland

Jack London Square which includes a bay or harbor and a statue or sculpture

Jack London Square

4.5/5(393 reviews)

Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.

Jack London Square
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive which includes interior views and art

University of California, Berkeley

4.5/5(1,403 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of California, Berkeley, during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.

University of California, Berkeley
Beautiful Summer Sunday + Baseball!

Oakland Arena

4/5(1,232 reviews)

Catch an event at Oakland Arena during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Oakland Arena
Fox Theater

Fox Theater

4.5/5(6 reviews)

You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Fox Theater
View from the Black Hole! Raiders were 10 -2 on the date this photo was taken.

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

4/5(210 reviews)

Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this walkable area.

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Oakland Zoo featuring night scenes, signage and zoo animals

Oakland Zoo

4/5(7 reviews)

Watch alligators being fed, ride a train through the Australian outback and see a herd of elephants on the African savannah at this animal park.

Oakland Zoo
Berkeley Marina featuring a bay or harbor

Berkeley Marina

4.5/5(80 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Berkeley with a trip to Berkeley Marina. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and shops in this vibrant area.

Berkeley Marina
Greek Theater

Greek Theater

4/5(74 reviews)

You can enjoy a show at Greek Theater during your trip to Berkeley. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Greek Theater
Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre

4/5(14 reviews)

Come and see the ballet, a concert or a stand-up comedy performance at this spectacular art deco theater in the heart of Oakland.

Paramount Theatre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Oakland

Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Downtown Oakland

3.5/5(342 area reviews)

Central business district with a mix of residential, retail, and office spaces, Downtown Oakland offers an Entertainment District, historic theaters, Oakland Museum, and outdoor retail mall. Easily accessible via BART and AC Transit.

Downtown Oakland
Berkeley showing a river or creek, a sunset and general coastal views

Downtown Berkeley

4/5(147 area reviews)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. 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 showing street scenes and outdoor art

Piedmont

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

Piedmont
Gourmet Ghetto

North Berkeley

4/5(14 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Berkeley, Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents are top sights worth seeing.

North Berkeley
Default Image

Albany

The seaside views and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Albany. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are a few top sights nearby.

Albany
Default Image

Rockridge

Home to Claremont Country Club, this residential and commercial district boasts over 80 eateries and upscale shops along College Avenue, as well as the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt Park for outdoor fun. Easily accessible via Rockridge BART Station.

Rockridge

Popular day trips from Oakland

Rosenblum Cellars

Alameda

Richmond

Richmond

Dublin

Dublin

Redwood Regional Park

Castro Valley

Hayward

Hayward

Berkeley featuring a city, a river or creek and a high rise building

Berkeley

Pleasanton which includes golf and landscape views

Pleasanton

Bay Area

Emeryville

Frequently asked questions

Is Oakland worth visiting?
Oakland has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Oakland?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Oakland Zoo and USS Hornet Museum. Then, tour other parts of Oakland for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oakland?
The top tourist attraction in Oakland is Greek Theater, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Oakland?
Three days in Oakland is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Greek Theater, Oakland Museum of California and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as San Francisco.
Is Oakland a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Oakland is a great place to see on foot. Wander between Oakland Museum of California and Children's Fairyland. Then take a stroll around Downtown Oakland, located 0.16 kilometers from the center, and Lake Merritt, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Oakland with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oakland with kids.

What to do in Oakland for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Oakland for adults including Rosenblum Cellars and St. George Spirits.
Are there free things to do in Oakland?
In Oakland, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Oakland.