Oakland, CA

Travel Guide

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
Farmers markets, a multicultural culinary scene, stunning art deco architecture and an exciting zoo make Oakland a must-visit location for Bay area visitors. 

Visit Oakland to discover one of America’s most beautiful theaters or explore the country’s first wildlife refuge. Enjoy waterfront dining and shopping in Jack London Square or relax in one of the city’s many live music bars.

Oakland is the third-largest city in the San Francisco Bay area. Once infamous as home to the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, the city has reinvented itself and now combines historical treasures such as City Hall with modern wonders like the Chabot Space & Science Center.

Learn about the city’s past in the Oakland Museum, which features historical exhibits, a display on California’s ecology and a rooftop sculpture garden. Discover the stories of Oakland’s black population in the African American Museum & Library. 

Take a walk or a jog around Lake Merritt, a saltwater lagoon in the middle of the city. This was also the first nature reserve in the United States. The city has about 260 sunny days a year, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Families will enjoy the Oakland Zoo, while couples and friends can attend a live performance in the splendid Paramount Theatre. Go to Jack London Square and stop in at the saloon where the novelist used to drink. This waterside square has a Sunday farmers market in addition to its fine dining and shopping.

Oakland’s creative side is highlighted at the annual August Art + Soul, a festival featuring musical performances, arts and crafts, food and more. Take advantage of the monthly event known as the First Friday Arts Festival, when galleries stay open late, performers line the streets and pop-up food stalls offer a variety of delicious treats.

Get around on the Bay Area Rapid Transportation (BART) rail system or use the good network of buses. Some BART stations, most notably the one on 16th Street, are attractions in themselves, showcasing interesting architecture and ornate facades.

Oakland’s warm weather, arts and multiculturalism give you the best ingredients of the modern California city.

Where to stay 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
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
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
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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
Bay Area

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
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,771 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥20,771
¥23,512 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,044 reviews)
"Definitely older, but clean."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
3 out of 5
1800 Powell Street, Emeryville, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥20,753 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥20,753
¥23,284 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Emeryville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,206 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
Oakland Airport Executive Hotel
Oakland Airport Executive Hotel
3 out of 5
150 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA
The price is ¥8,858 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥8,858
¥10,276 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Oakland. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
5.6/10 (2,051 reviews)
"fair"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Oakland Airport Executive Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,753 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
Berkeley
Stay at this vacation home in Berkeley. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Jack London Square and Greek Theater are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Cool & quirky place the size of a warehouse! Tons of baseball memorabilia and history. Dave’s a really cool dude! Highly recommend staying and something that’s completely different for a change."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Alameda
Stay at this cottage in Alameda. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Jack London Square and San Francisco Bay are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (270 reviews)
"This is a great place for a couple to stay in Alameda. The cottage is beautifully appointed, quiet, and within easy walking distance of the Park Street shops. Safeway and Trader Joes are a five minute drive away. The adjoining gardens, which guests are free to use, are lovely. The cottage comes supplied ..."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Oakland

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
261
5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
623
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
501
3 - Okay 32%
2 - Disappointing
110
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
75
1 - Terrible 5%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

I hated this hotel

3/5 - Okay

BayAreaTraveler

Crime rate and overall city’s cleanliness needs to be addressed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is my hometown I love Oakland

5/5 - Excellent

Johanna

I loved the food and the Golden State Bridge and the museum.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Food’s always a highlight and the Fox theater

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Oakland is a very interesting place. The city itself needs to be cleaned up quite a bit but overall it's somewhere interesting to visit.

Cities near Oakland