Things to do in Oakland

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Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
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Most popular activities in Oakland

Tours & day trips

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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Activity duration is 1 day
8.6 out of 10 with 1489 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ￥10,500 and current price is ￥9,450 per adult
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History & culture

See all 129 activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

Activity duration is 23 hours and 59 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 133 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,795 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 86 activities
Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch

Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 278 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥30,863 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,409 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

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Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 606 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,045 per adult
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What to do in Oakland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oakland

Jack London Square

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
University of California, Berkeley

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
Oakland Zoo

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
Greek Theater

Greek Theater

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

Greek Theater
Berkeley Marina

Berkeley Marina

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

Berkeley Marina
Fox Theater

Fox Theater

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
Oakland Coliseum Firework Show

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

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

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
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
San Francisco East Bay Landscape. Meadows and Pasture lands at the foothills of Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Alameda County, California, USA.

East Bay Regional Park District

Explore the great outdoors at East Bay Regional Park District, a lovely green space in Oakland. Attend a sporting event while in this family-friendly area or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants.

East Bay Regional Park District

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Oakland

Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland

3.5/5(348 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
Downtown Berkeley

Downtown Berkeley

4/5(148 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

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
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
North Berkeley

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
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

Popular day trips from Oakland

Alameda

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

Berkeley

Pleasanton

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.