Downtown Oakland is the central business district of Oakland, where the city’s mixed cultures and communities thrive. Visit Downtown Oakland’s chic boutiques and galleries occupying restored art deco and Victorian buildings. Street murals tell the stories of creative groups here. Parks and a saltwater lagoon offer opportunities to enjoy the city’s annual 260 days of sunshine.
Start by learning about Oakland’s art, history and people at the Oakland Museum of California and African American Museum and Library. The Museum of Children’s Art has hands-on activities and exhibitions. Browse displays of period ornamentation at the Italianate-style Pardee Home Museum. Admire the 16 Victorian buildings framing Preservation Park.
Weekly farmers markets bring color, sweet aromas and energy to the streets. Browse for fresh produce and artisanal treats and sample street food at Old Oakland Farmers’ Market and the Jack London Square Farmers Market held every Sunday. Discover dim sum shops, noodle bars and teahouses in Oakland Chinatown. The Oakland Ale Trail and Oakland Urban Wine Trail feature some of the city’s best taprooms and wineries.
Bask in the sunshine while strolling around saltwater Lake Merritt. The shoreline features the Victorian-era Camron-Stanford House museum and Lake Merritt Amphitheater. In Henry J. Kaiser Memorial Park, the Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument celebrates 25 world figures. Find serenity in the heart of the city at Lafayette Square Park.
For live entertainment, the Fox Theater hosts concerts and the Pan Theater puts on improvisation comedy shows. Attend ballet productions and symphony orchestras at the art deco Paramount Theatre. Dine at waterfront restaurants at Jack London Square and play arcade games and bocce at Plank. Nearby Jack London Cabin is the reconstructed home of its namesake novelist.
Travel to Downtown Oakland easily by taking the train to Jack London Square station and using the Bay Area Rapid Transportation (BART) rail system. Arrive in summer for the Art and Soul Oakland festival of artisans, food and music. Food stands and street performers fill the streets during the Oakland First Fridays festival.
