Oakland

Travel Guide

Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland showing 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 theatres or explore the country’s first wildlife refuge. Enjoy waterfront dining and shopping inJack 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 theChabot Space & Science Centre.

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 aroundLake 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 theOakland Zoo, while couples and friends can attend a live performance in the splendidParamount 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

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Downtown Oakland

Theatres, 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.

Downtown Oakland
Berkeley showing a sunset, general coastal views and a river or creek

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.

Downtown Berkeley
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Albany

Albany is well liked for its seaside views and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Albany
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Fruitvale

While you're in Fruitvale, take in top sights like Côte West and jump on the metro at Fruitvale Station to see more of the city.

Fruitvale
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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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North Berkeley

While visiting North Berkeley, you might make a stop by sights like Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents.

North Berkeley
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 €134 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€134
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,254 reviews)
"All great & beautiful views. Thank you."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Claremont Resort & Club

Claremont Resort & Club

5 out of 5
41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA
The price is €316 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€316
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"loved our stay, good food and very nice location"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Claremont Resort & Club
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
The price is €147 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€147
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (1,195 reviews)
"The car break ins are out of the control of the hotel staff but yeah definitely had to take everything out of my car."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge
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 (2,792 reviews)
Nice stay near the Bay
"Great location. Easy check in process. Nice and accommodating staff. Clean and comfortable rooms."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt.  Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!

Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt. Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!

2 out of 5
Alameda
Stay at this apartment in Alameda. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions San Francisco Bay and Jack London ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Great time
"Very nice condo, and breathtaking view of the SF bay."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt. Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!
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 Berkeley Marina and Greek Theater are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Great place
"Loved the place, great host. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
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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