Oakland, CA

Travel Guide

Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland

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

Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland

3.5/5(348 area reviews)

Central business district with a mix of residential, retail, and office spaces, Downtown Oakland offers an Entertainment District, historic theaters, Oakland Museum, and outdoor retail mall. Easily accessible via BART and AC Transit.

Downtown Oakland
Downtown Berkeley

Downtown Berkeley

4/5(148 area reviews)

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
Piedmont

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
Aerial view of the Albany Waterfront Trail, Berkeley, California, USA. The image shows the marshland and Berkeley skyline in the background.

Albany

The seaside views and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Albany. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are a few top sights nearby.

Albany
South Berkeley

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
North Berkeley

North Berkeley

4/5(14 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in North Berkeley, Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents are top sights worth seeing.

North Berkeley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd Berkeley CA
$111 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from May 31 to Jun 1
$128 total
May 31 - Jun 1
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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! (4,653 reviews)
"Good location; next to the marina, close to the water. Outside of the hotel and lobby look pretty modern. But rooms feel a bit dated, could use a refresh. But stay was very restful. Location is also near Berkeley, lots of places close by."

Reviewed on May 27, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay

3.5 out of 5
68 Monarch Bay Dr San Leandro CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$119 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from May 28 to May 29
$136 total
May 28 - May 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in San Leandro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,456 reviews)
"Not to sound picky but the sink didn’t drain well, the shower faucet needed repaired, the screen door was off the track, the wi-fi was weak at times, and the tv would cut out and not work. Other than that the place is Great!"

Reviewed on May 27, 2026

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay
Oakland Marriott City Center

Oakland Marriott City Center

4 out of 5
1001 Broadway Oakland CA
$127 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
$148 total
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Oakland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"bathroom outfated, shower not great, they charge you for every possible thing they can. dont even have complementry bottles of water. for the price I will find something much better next time."

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

Oakland Marriott City Center
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 (2,964 reviews)
"Not a great stay. Toilet ran over all over the bathroom and water went through the hallway. Had to be moved to a different room. The next room smelled heavily of lysol or something. Had to be moved a third time to another room. The staff were nice but others staying in the hotel are very loud. My ..."

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
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 a garden and patios. Popular attractions San Francisco Bay and Jack London Square are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"I enjoyed a very serene stay on this yacht and wished I didn't have to check out so early. Communication was easy, and the location was ideal for me because I was working an event the next day in Oakland. I'll definitely be back any time I need to be in the area."

Reviewed on May 10, 2026

Luxury Yacht Stay. A spacious floating getaway awaits you!
Garden Apartment Located in a Wonderful Old Victorian Home

Garden Apartment Located in a Wonderful Old Victorian Home

Alameda CA
Stay at this apartment in Alameda. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions San Francisco Bay and Jack London ...
10/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
"What an absolutely relaxing little holiday. The place was sweet and it reminded me of the perfect apartment you would want right out of college; and the furnishings were bespoke. Marty was a fantastic hostess, and I was sad to leave. In fact, I tried to extend it and some wise guy had already rented ..."

Reviewed on May 15, 2026

Garden Apartment Located in a Wonderful Old Victorian Home
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.

Getting around Oakland

If you’ve ever visited the Bay Area you’ll be familiar with BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transit, a train system which connects Oakland, San Francisco and beyond, out as far as Pittsburg. If you’re staying in downtown Oakland, renting a bike is a great way to go. This is one of the country’s most cycle-friendly cities, and numerous companies offer bike pick-up and drop-off rentals across town. Visit the Bay Area Rapid TransitOpens in a new window website.Browse Oakland rental cars.

Best time to visit

While Oakland does not have the perennial sunshine which you may associate with other parts of California, it still enjoys pleasant and mild weather for most of the year. If you visit in winter, you’ll find cheaper hotel rates but you’ll want to pack an umbrella, as it often rains. The busiest and most expensive times are spring and summer, with temperatures averaging in the mid 60s F (18 C) in August.

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