Oakland

Travel Guide

A serene lake with a gazebo, a tall tree, and a church tower.
A large telescope with a blue base and a white tube inside a dome structure.
A wooden pergola with a bench, surrounded by greenery and overlooking a cityscape.
A memorial wall with engraved names and a central blue stained glass window.
A multi-story brick building with a distinctive architectural style, featuring a balcony and a patterned wall.

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

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

Downtown Oakland

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

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.

Temescal

If you're spending some time in Temescal, Oakland Floats and Temescal Alley are top sights worth seeing.

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 Alameda

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

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 €143 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€143
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Claremont Resort & Club

Claremont Resort & Club

5 out of 5
41 Tunnel Road Berkeley CA
The price is €283 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€283
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,060 reviews)
"Parking fee process is disjointed from hotel check in. It’s a little confusing"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2026

Claremont Resort & Club
Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge

Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge

3 out of 5
5555 Shellmound Street Emeryville CA
The price is €161 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
€161
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Emeryville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,613 reviews)
"Can not ask for too much but if you don’t request them to clean your room they won’t clean ur room, not bring new towels, empty that trash, you must ask them everyday to come to your room to clean, plus they charge about 10 dollars for destination fee, it’s like a resort fee but they are not a resort ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2026

Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco 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
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (3,015 reviews)
"Booked 5 nights stayed one night. One night moved us 3 times. Went out come back , hotel gave our room to someone else,hotel people move our personal stuff themselves and put it in the lobby. The last room we had some light bulbs were missing. No lock on patio door. Rug us sticky(dirty). Walk way ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Hills Cottage with Panoramic Views & Hot Tub. Pet Friendly!

Hills Cottage with Panoramic Views & Hot Tub. Pet Friendly!

Oakland CA
Stay at this cottage in Oakland. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Oakland Zoo and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum ...
8.4/10 Very good! (23 reviews)
"While this could have been a wonderful stay (property location view and cabin great), property and especially bathroom/attached studio were very dirty (no cleaning for weeks dirty with dead insects on windowsills, grime in shower and sink, toilet , shelves. Waterfilter with mold inside). The garden ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2026

Hills Cottage with Panoramic Views & Hot Tub. Pet Friendly!
Luxury Yacht Stay. A spacious floating getaway awaits you!

Luxury Yacht Stay. A spacious floating getaway awaits you!

Alameda CA
Stay at this houseboat in Alameda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions San Francisco Bay and Jack London Square are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"It was a great way to experience the bay. The boat was decent but a little outdated and we were advised against cooking and showering. The marina had a fine shower and there was lots of good food in the area. Host was very friendly and quick to respond."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2026

Luxury Yacht Stay. A spacious floating getaway awaits you!
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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