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 theaters 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 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 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

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

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 which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a river or creek

Downtown Berkeley

5/5(1 area review)

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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North Berkeley

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

North Berkeley
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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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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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South Berkeley

While you're in South Berkeley, take in top sights like Telegraph Avenue and jump on the metro at Ashby Station to see more of the city.

South 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 €139 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€139
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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 7 Jul 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 €137 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€137
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,205 reviews)
"Some of the fastest elevators Ive ever seen"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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
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 (2,053 reviews)
"fair"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 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 30 Jun 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 14 Jun 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 5 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Oakland

3.4
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 11%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 44%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Oakland, can't wait to come back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Oakland area looked safe and clean. Traffic around Oakland was fine. Traffic into San Francisco is terrible it took us 2 hours to get into San Francisco even at 6am. We received terrible service at the Denny's close to this hotel, do not go there.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Nothing much happening.