Intro
Discover the best things to do in Oakland, CA, from exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Jack London Square and Temescal to visiting top attractions like the Oakland Museum of California and Lake Merritt. Enjoy the citys diverse food scene, scenic hiking trails, and rich cultural heritage, making Oakland a hidden gem in the Bay Area.
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, California, is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning natural scenery, Oakland has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Whether you're a foodie, an art enthusiast, or an outdoor enthusiast, you'll find plenty of exciting things to do in Oakland.
Discover Oakland's Rich Cultural Heritage
Oakland is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The city is home to a number of museums, galleries, and cultural centers that showcase its history, art, and culture. Some of the top cultural attractions in Oakland include:

- The Oakland Museum of California: This museum showcases the art, history, and natural sciences of California, with a focus on the state's diverse cultures and ecosystems.
- The African American Museum and Library at Oakland: This museum and library is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans, with a collection of over 12,000 volumes and a number of exhibits and programs.
- The Oakland Asian Cultural Center: This center is dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of the Asian Pacific Islander community, with a number of exhibits, performances, and classes.
Explore Oakland's Vibrant Neighborhoods
Oakland is a city with a number of unique and vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Some of the top neighborhoods to explore in Oakland include:

- Downtown Oakland: This bustling neighborhood is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Oakland Museum of California and the Fox Theater.
- Jack London Square: This waterfront neighborhood is named after the famous author Jack London, who lived in Oakland in the early 20th century. The neighborhood is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a weekly farmers' market.
- Temescal: This trendy neighborhood is known for its vintage shops, independent restaurants, and vibrant arts scene.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Oakland is a city surrounded by natural beauty, with a number of parks, trails, and waterways to explore. Some of the top outdoor attractions in Oakland include:
Outdoor Activities in Oakland

- Lake Merritt: This large lake is located in the heart of Oakland and offers a number of outdoor activities, including boating, birdwatching, and walking.
- Joaquin Miller Park: This 500-acre park is located in the Oakland Hills and offers a number of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
- Redwood Regional Park: This park is located in the Oakland Hills and is home to a number of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views, as well as a number of redwood trees.
Indulge in Oakland's Food Scene
Oakland is a city with a thriving food scene, with a number of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks serving up a diverse range of cuisines. Some of the top foodie destinations in Oakland include:
Oakland's Food Scene

- Swan's Market: This historic market has been in operation since 1917 and offers a number of food stalls serving up everything from fresh produce to prepared meals.
- The Crucible: This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the arts and offers a number of classes and workshops in metalworking, glassblowing, and other crafts.
- Grand Lake Kitchen: This popular restaurant is located in the Grand Lake neighborhood and serves up a number of creative dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Attend a Sports Game
Oakland is home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Oakland Athletics (baseball), the Oakland Raiders (football), and the Golden State Warriors (basketball). Catch a game at one of the city's state-of-the-art stadiums, including the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and the Oracle Arena.
Sports in Oakland

- Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum: This stadium is home to the Oakland Athletics and the Oakland Raiders and offers a number of amenities, including a variety of food and drink options and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.
- Oracle Arena: This arena is home to the Golden State Warriors and offers a number of amenities, including a variety of food and drink options and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.
Explore Oakland's Nightlife
Oakland is a city with a thriving nightlife scene, with a number of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some of the top nightlife destinations in Oakland include:
Oakland's Nightlife

- The Fox Theater: This historic theater is located in downtown Oakland and hosts a number of live music and comedy performances throughout the year.
- The New Parish: This popular music venue is located in the Uptown neighborhood and hosts a number of live music performances throughout the year.
- The Night Light: This bar is located in the Jack London Square neighborhood and offers a number of craft cocktails and live music performances throughout the week.
Visit the Jack London Square Farmers Market
The Jack London Square Farmers Market is a weekly market that takes place every Sunday in the Jack London Square neighborhood. The market features a number of local farmers, artisanal food vendors, and craftspeople selling everything from fresh produce to handmade jewelry.
Jack London Square Farmers Market

- The market takes place every Sunday from 10am-3pm.
- The market features a number of local farmers, artisanal food vendors, and craftspeople.
- The market is located in the Jack London Square neighborhood, near the waterfront.
Take a Tour of the Oakland Hills
The Oakland Hills are a beautiful and scenic area of the city, with a number of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. Take a tour of the Oakland Hills to learn more about the area's history, geology, and wildlife.
Tour of the Oakland Hills

- The tour takes place on weekends and lasts for approximately 2 hours.
- The tour covers the history, geology, and wildlife of the Oakland Hills.
- The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who can answer questions and provide insights into the area.
Attend a Festival or Event
Oakland is a city that hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Oakland Jazz Festival, the Oakland Pride Festival, and the Oakland Book Festival. Attend one of these events to experience the city's vibrant culture and community.
Oakland Festivals and Events

- The Oakland Jazz Festival takes place in July and features a number of live music performances.
- The Oakland Pride Festival takes place in September and features a number of live music performances, food vendors, and community booths.
- The Oakland Book Festival takes place in May and features a number of author readings, workshops, and book signings.
Visit the Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo is a 100-acre zoo located in the Oakland Hills. The zoo is home to a number of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, and offers a number of exhibits and attractions, including a petting zoo and a steam train.
Oakland Zoo

- The zoo is open daily from 10am-5pm.
- The zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world.
- The zoo offers a number of exhibits and attractions, including a petting zoo and a steam train.
Explore the Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California is a museum located in downtown Oakland that showcases the art, history, and natural sciences of California. The museum features a number of exhibits and collections, including a collection of California art and a collection of natural history specimens.
Oakland Museum of California

- The museum is open daily from 11am-5pm.
- The museum features a number of exhibits and collections, including a collection of California art and a collection of natural history specimens.
- The museum offers a number of programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and family activities.
Visit the Children's Fairyland
The Children's Fairyland is a theme park located in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland. The park features a number of rides, attractions, and exhibits, including a petting zoo and a miniature golf course.
Children's Fairyland

- The park is open daily from 10am-4pm.
- The park features a number of rides, attractions, and exhibits, including a petting zoo and a miniature golf course.
- The park is designed for children aged 1-12 and offers a number of activities and amenities for families.
Take a Bike Ride along the Bay Trail
The Bay Trail is a 500-mile trail that runs along the San Francisco Bay and offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape. Take a bike ride along the trail to experience the beauty of the bay and the surrounding area.
Bay Trail Bike Ride

- The trail is open daily from dawn to dusk.
- The trail offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape.
- The trail is suitable for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists.
Visit the Oakland Aviation Museum
The Oakland Aviation Museum is a museum located in the Oakland Airport area that showcases the history of aviation in the Bay Area. The museum features a number of exhibits and collections, including a collection of historic aircraft and a collection of aviation artifacts.
Oakland Aviation Museum

- The museum is open daily from 10am-4pm.
- The museum features a number of exhibits and collections, including a collection of historic aircraft and a collection of aviation artifacts.
- The museum offers a number of programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and family activities.
Go Shopping in the Temescal Neighborhood
The Temescal neighborhood is a trendy area of Oakland that is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Go shopping in the neighborhood to find one-of-a-kind boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and artisanal food shops.
Temescal Shopping

- The neighborhood is home to a number of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- The neighborhood is known for its vintage clothing stores, artisanal food shops, and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
- The neighborhood is a great place to find unique gifts, souvenirs, and mementos.
Visit the Oakland Public Library
The Oakland Public Library is a public library located in downtown Oakland that offers a wide range of books, media, and programs for adults, teens, and children. Visit the library to explore its collections, attend a program or event, or simply to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Oakland Public Library

- The library is open daily from 10am-5:30pm.
- The library offers a wide range of books, media, and programs for adults, teens, and children.
- The library is a great place to explore, learn, and relax.
Attend a Concert or Show at the Fox Theater
The Fox Theater is a historic theater located in downtown Oakland that hosts a wide range of concerts, shows, and events. Attend a concert or show at the theater to experience the magic of live performance in a beautiful and historic setting.
Fox Theater Concerts and Shows

- The theater hosts a wide range of concerts, shows, and events, including rock, pop, jazz, and comedy performances.
- The theater is a historic landmark and a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture.
- The theater offers a unique and intimate setting for live performance.
Visit the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
The Peralta Hacienda Historical Park is a historic park located in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland that showcases the history of the Peralta family, who were early settlers of the area. Visit the park to explore its historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits.
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park

- The park is open daily from 10am-4pm.
- The park features historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits that showcase the history of the Peralta family.
- The park is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the Peralta family.
Go Hiking at Redwood Regional Park
Redwood Regional Park is a beautiful park located in the Oakland Hills that features stunning redwood trees, hiking trails, and scenic views. Go hiking at the park to experience the natural beauty of the area and to get some exercise.
Redwood Regional Park Hiking

- The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
- The park features stunning redwood trees, hiking trails, and scenic views.
- The park is a great place to get some exercise and to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Visit the Oakland Museum of California Store
The Oakland Museum of California Store is a museum store located in downtown Oakland that offers a wide range of unique gifts, souvenirs, and mementos. Visit the store to find one-of-a-kind items that reflect the art, history, and culture of California.