Things to do in Oakland

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

￥7,802
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

￥9,427
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self Led Exploration

San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration

￥2,239
per adult
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration
Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

￥13,756
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages
San Francisco: 7D Ride Experience

San Francisco: 7D Interactive Thrill Ride at PIER 39

￥2,079
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: 7D Interactive Thrill Ride at PIER 39
San Francisco: Skip-the-Line Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Escape from The Rock Sightseeing Bay Cruise

￥5,614
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Escape from The Rock Sightseeing Bay Cruise
Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

￥13,116
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour
San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

San Francisco Bay Sightseeing Cruise International Narration

￥5,614
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bay Sightseeing Cruise International Narration
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

￥6,493
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
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What to do in Oakland

Stay near popular Oakland attractions

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University of California, Berkeley

8.8/10 (2,701 reviews)
This iconic campus combines world-class academia with stunning Bay Area views from its Campanile tower. Wander through historic buildings, attend public lectures, or explore the Berkeley Art Museum during your visit.
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Where to stay in Oakland

Find the best Oakland areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oakland
Learn more about Oakland
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Downtown Oakland

Theaters, art galleries, and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Fox Theater while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.

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Jack London District

If you're spending some time in Jack London District, Jack London Square and Jack London's Cabin are top sights worth seeing.

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Temescal

While visiting Temescal, you might make a stop by sights like Temescal Alley and Oakland Floats.

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Downtown Berkeley

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.

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Downtown Alameda

While Downtown Alameda isn't home to many top sights, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach and Alameda Island Brewing Company are some notable places to visit nearby.

Popular day trips from Oakland

A modern building with a glass facade and a sign reading "Rosebloom Cellars".

Alameda

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Richmond

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Dublin

A calm lake with a small island in the center, surrounded by forested hills.

Castro Valley

The Golden Gate Bridge at night with city lights in the background.

Hayward

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El Cerrito

A cityscape with a prominent bridge spanning a river, surrounded by high-rise buildings and a hilly backdrop.

Berkeley

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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.