Name: The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay
Price range: $129 total
Rating: 8.4

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

3.5/5(342 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.

Berkeley showing a river or creek, a sunset and general coastal views

Downtown Berkeley

4/5(147 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See our Where To Stay guide

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$129 nightly

$148 total

Aug 13 - Aug 14

Total includes taxes and 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! (3,143 reviews)

Good location! Nice hotel

"Nice hotel. All good. Restaurant is also very good."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

1800 Powell Street, Emeryville, CA

$135 nightly

$152 total

Aug 7 - Aug 8

Total includes taxes and 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! (1,194 reviews)

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Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay

68 Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro, CA

$113 nightly

$129 total

Aug 7 - Aug 8

Total includes 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 ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (2,032 reviews)

"Very convenient for my needs, and close to everything."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

See all 1,278 properties in Oakland

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

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 (2,771 reviews)

"great"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

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 Berkeley Marina and Greek Theater are located ...

10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)

Great place

"Loved the place, great host. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Stunning Alameda Beachfront Apt. Spectacular Dtown SF Views- Book Now on VRBO!

Alameda

Stay at this apartment in Alameda. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions San Francisco Bay and Jack London ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)

"Such a lovely place to stay very beautiful views and beautiful place all around very clean and our Host was so lovely we will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

See all properties in Oakland

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.

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.

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.

Popular places to visit

Jack London Square

Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive which includes interior views and art

University of California, Berkeley

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of California, Berkeley, during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.

View from the Black Hole! Raiders were
10 -2 on the date this photo was taken.

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.