Things to do in Oakland

Activities, attractions and tours

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.
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Things to do

Golden Gate Bay Cruise Service: sail around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

€34
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

€41
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

€41
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco Bay Sightseeing Cruise International Narration

San Francisco Bay Sightseeing Cruise International Narration

€34
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bay Sightseeing Cruise International Narration
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self Led Exploration

San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration

€13
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration
San Francisco: Skip-the-Line Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Escape from The Rock Sightseeing Bay Cruise

€34
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Escape from The Rock Sightseeing Bay Cruise
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

€50
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

San Francisco, Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

€25
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island

€130
per adult
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
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What to do in Oakland

Stay near popular Oakland attractions

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University of California, Berkeley

8.8/10 (2,701 reviews)
This iconic campus combines world-class academia with stunning Bay Area views from its Campanile tower. Wander through historic buildings, attend public lectures, or explore the Berkeley Art Museum during your visit.
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Where to stay in Oakland

Find the best Oakland areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oakland
Learn more about Oakland
A street scene with a prominent building featuring a large marquee sign reading "OAKLAND."

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.

A statue of a man on a pedestal by a waterfront with boats and a pier in the background.

Jack London District

If you're spending some time in Jack London District, Jack London Square and Plank are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape with a river, dense forest, and a bridge.

Temescal

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

The Art Museum Pacific Film Archive building with a modern design, large windows, and a visible street with cars and a cyclist.

Downtown Berkeley

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. 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.

A historic building with a clock tower and arched windows.

Downtown Alameda

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

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Dublin

A calm lake with a small island in the center, surrounded by forested hills.

Castro Valley

A sunset over a coastal city with a bridge, mountains, and a calm sea.

El Cerrito

A cityscape with a prominent bridge spanning a river, surrounded by high-rise buildings and a hilly backdrop.

Berkeley

A waterfront with a dock, a house, and a bridge.

Fremont

The Golden Gate Bridge with a clear view of the towers and cables, spanning across the water.

San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

Is Oakland worth visiting?
Oakland has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Oakland?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Oakland Zoo and USS Hornet Museum. Then, tour other parts of Oakland for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oakland?
The top tourist attraction in Oakland is Greek Theatre, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Oakland?
Three days in Oakland is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Greek Theatre, Oakland Museum of California and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as San Francisco.
Is Oakland a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Oakland is a great place to see on foot. Wander between Oakland Museum of California and Children's Fairyland. Then take a stroll around Downtown Oakland, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Lake Merritt, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Oakland with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oakland with kids.

What to do in Oakland for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Oakland for adults including Rosenblum Cellars and St. George Spirits.
Are there free things to do in Oakland?
In Oakland, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Oakland.