Things to do in Oakland

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Lake Merritt featuring a pond
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
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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

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
Unless you're on one of the aquatic teams, all you can do here is admire it. Speiker complex across the street has a great pool for adults-only lap swim, and day passes for general public available. #BVSBlue

University of California, Berkeley

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
Greek Theater

Greek Theater

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

Greek Theater
Oakland Coliseum Firework Show

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

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

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

Oakland Zoo

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
Fox Theater

Fox Theater

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

Fox Theater
Berkeley Marina featuring a bay or harbor

Berkeley Marina

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

Berkeley Marina
www.alamy.com

Paramount Theatre

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
Downtown Oakland as seen from across Lake Merritt on a cloudy spring day, San Francisco bay area, California

Oakland City Center

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Oakland City Center during your stay in Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Oakland City Center

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
Aerial View Oakland Inner Harbor Port City Downtown Skyline

West Oakland

2.5/5(2 area reviews)

Major West Coast port and trade center, this bustling area boasts the busiest port in Northern California, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of coastal terrace prairie, oak woodland, and north coastal scrub.

West Oakland
Unless you're on one of the aquatic teams, all you can do here is admire it. Speiker complex across the street has a great pool for adults-only lap swim, and day passes for general public available. #BVSBlue

Downtown Berkeley

4/5(147 area reviews)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. 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
Aerial view of the Albany Waterfront Trail, Berkeley, California, USA. The image shows the marshland and Berkeley skyline in the background.

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
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
Telegraph Avenue

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

Popular day trips from Oakland

Rosenblum Cellars

Alameda

Aerial Panorama of Urban Area and Open Space in East Bay, Northern California

Richmond

Low clouds drift over vineyards in the Tri-valley region of Northern California, just east of San Francisco Bay. This beautiful area, Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore, is home to many wineries.

Dublin

Lake Chabot Regional Park. Autumn landscape.

Castro Valley

Aerial view of San Mateo Bridge crossing the San Francisco Bay

Hayward

Panorama Night View of San Francisco Bay, East Bay, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, El Cerrito, Kensington

El Cerrito

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

Berkeley

Pleasanton which includes golf and landscape views

Pleasanton

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.