Huddled in the Bay Area, close to San Francisco, lies the great city of Oakland. Living in Oakland, you can easily spending a morning at a museum, your afternoon admiring the tall Redwood Park’s trees, having a great meal in Swans Market, and an evening show at one of Oakland’s notable theaters. Although Oakland is situated between popular neighborhood cities, it has its own distinct culture, history, sounds, and tastes that make it so uniquely Oaklandish. So, whether you just rented an apartment in Oakland, already own a home in Oakland, or are just passing through, here are fifteen unique things to do that locals approve of.
1. Get your steps in with a walking tour of downtown Oakland
Get your steps in with a self-guided walking tour. Easily visit all twelve of the most popular historical sites in Oakland in one day. Encompassing in just 11 blocks, visit sites like the Paramount Theatre, Fox Oakland Theatre, Oakland City Hall, and more, all located in downtown Oakland Historic District.
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2. Visit the Oakland Museum of California
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The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is an interdisciplinary museum featuring rotating displays and permanent displays of art, history, and the rich culture and heritage of California state. It’s arguably the best way to learn about the history of the Oakland area and state. Clinton Stark, Publisher for Stark Insider in San Fransisco Bay area, recommends “check out the gallery of California History. It’s informative, with creative displays and lots to learn. Chances are there’s a thing or two you didn’t know about the Golden State.”
3. Watch a performance at the Oakland Theater Project
On the live theater side, Clinton recommends “an outing to the Oakland Theater Project. It’s a really great example of an innovative theater company working with the local community to surface under-represented voices and stories.” The theater has been thriving ever since its opening in 2012. Today, the theater is now located and plays year-round shows in FLAX art and design.
4. Head to the Oakland native’s favorite gift shops
Need to bring some souvenirs back home, or are you simply looking for the next trendy shop to visit? Noah Friedman, Oakland native and CEO of Vibemap, recommends heading to “Oakland Supply Co. in Jack London for local vibes. I’m a Bay Area native, so I’m always looking for vibey places and experiences in Oakland that fit my mood.” Oakland Supply Co. makes quality American-made goods and fine local wares featuring Levi’s, Fjällräven, and much more. Pair your new Oaklandish fits with fantastic selections of jewelry and bags.
5. Chill out at Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt neighborhood is one of the best, lively places in town, “Take a walk around Lake Merritt, grab a boba, or eat a meal at any of the amazing our personally recommended restaurants in downtown Oakland, such as Mela Bistro, Cafe Gabriela, or Understory,” recommends Beautiful Brown Adventures. Whether you’re hanging out by the lakeshore or downtown, there’s something to fit everyone because the neighborhood has a little bit of everything in it, such as gardens, parks, pretty murals, the newest upcoming restaurants, and shops.
Noah says, “For fun things to do anytime, I can always find my vibe at Lake Merritt. It’s a great place to get your fitness on, enjoy a picnic with friends, or just chill and people-watch. Of course, while at the lake, I make sure to stop in at Grand Lake Kitchen to enjoy some tasty food – it’s either the French Toast or the Pastrami Benedict for me.”
6. Mingle with monkeys at the Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo is the perfect day trip for anyone of all ages. The zoo houses more the 850 native and exotic animals nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in Oakland Hills. Plan a visit to learn about wildlife conservation in their educational centers, see the nationally known and excellent elephant exhibit, and attend one of many interactive programs in their rotating cultural exhibits, including the Valley Children’s Zoo center.
7. Get your science fix at the Chabot Space and Science Center
The Chabot Space and Science Center is a state-of-the-art science museum to visit, especially if you’re an astronomy nut. One of the most presigious educational centers in the US and one of the top Oakland attractions, visitors come here to learn about space exploration, the solar system, the universe at large, and enjoy the museum’s planetarium feature. The planetarium is an epic way to stargaze from a theater. On top of that, the museum houses several observatory decks where every Friday and Saturday, weather permitting, you can join astronomers for a free telescope viewing.
8. Explore Redwood Regional Park
Behind the Chabot Space and Science Center is Redwood Regional Park. If you want to get away from all the bustle of the city, this is definitely one of the best ways to do it. It’s easy to get to, just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland where the 150-foot Coast Redwoods reside. Need to take a stroll? You can take the 150-mile Interpark Regional Trail system. Explore more of the area by reserving picnic spots, and feel free to camp overnight if you want to get closer to nature.
9. Shop and eat at Swans Market
For Over 60 years, Swans Market has been the heart of old Oakland as the city’s major shopping center until its closure in 1983. The site stood vacant until EBALDC acquired the area and came up with an award-winning redevelopment for the whole block. Swans Market quickly converted into a community gathering place for housing, small businesses, and a blend of artistic culture and culinary traditions to serve the diverse downtown community. Today, Swans Market is still a popular destination, home to affordable rental apartments and condos, the best Bay Area food, and a range of businesses, all located in the heart of a revived neighborhood.
10. Watch an Oakland A’s game at the RingCentral Coliseum
Wander anywhere in Oakland, and you’re bound to see the local’s beloved baseball team everywhere. For example, their elephant mascot, Stomper, is peppered all throughout Oakland. Support the Oakland Athletics, known as Oakland A’s, at their home game in the Oakland Coliseum. Known as the “Swingin’ A’s,” the team won back-to-back World Series in 1972-1974 and is one of the only franchises in the five major American professional sports leagues to play in Oakland. There’s so much to love about the game. The crowd is always excited. The food is greasy and good. And to top it off, there are fireworks.
Pro tip: get a giant A’s hat loaded with nachos from BBQ Ribs and Things in Section 104.
11. Soak in the Bay views at Mountain View Cemetery
Mountain View Cemetery looks much more like a park than a cemetery. It’s the kind of place to go to for a beautiful evening stroll at sunset. From atop the hill, the park offers spectacular views of San Francisco Bay’s surrounding areas. The cemetery also offers an impressive repository of the state’s history and was designed by architect and landscaper Fedrick Law Olmsted, who designed New York Central Park
12. Smell the roses at the Morocom Rose Garden
Located in a residential neighborhood near the Piedmont border lays Morocom Rose Garden, a beautifully manicured garden with intricate paths, reflecting pools, cascading fountains, and hundreds of roses. In 1933, the first rose was planted by Mayor Frank Morcom, whom the garden was formally named after. The garden is known to be one of the most romantic places in Oakland, a sanctuary of peace, and occasionally a special place to hold weddings. Anyone is welcome to volunteer as a “Dedicated Deadheader” to tend the garden and make sure it’s in pristine condition.
13. Pro Arts Gallery and COMMONS
One of the most unique multi-use art spaces in downtown Oakland, the Pro Arts Gallery and COMMONS showcase experimental art pieces that traditionally follow the alternative arts organization movement in the 1970s. All the gallery’s exhibitions are collaborations between artists and activists that clearly reject the traditional model of modern art galleries to emphasize a commentary on social issues. Visitors can walk through rotating displays or attend a specific art program. Programs include films, literary events, and community debates.
14. Art and Soul Oakland
If you’re in town for the summer, you can’t miss the Art and Soul Oakland, an annual summer festival that celebrates the city’s unique and beloved artists, musicians, and foods. The event is held at the Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland for two days. Past festivals have seen a variety of music artists and bands, like the Pacific Mambo Orchestra and Toni Toni Tone, to name a few.
15. Don’t walk, roll to the Brooklyn Basin
The Brooklyn Basin is Oakland’s newest waterfront destination for local businesses, new residences, and waterfront recreation and is surrounded by San Francisco and the East Bay Hills. It’s a very mixed-use neighborhood on the Bay, with wide industrial-like open spaces perfect for roller skating, leisurely strolls, and biking on the grand boardwalk decks.
The boardwalk starts at the first part of Brooklyn Basin, called Township Commons Park. Township has endless picnic areas across its grassy hills beside a large paved area that’s most frequently visited by roller skaters due to its size. The paved area is bigger than your typical roller rink. Most weekends, roller skating classes are offered here for all ages.
16. Visit neighborhoods to view murals
The Oakland Mural Arts Program is a public art initiative that works to transform the city’s streets and neighborhoods through the power of murals and other forms of public art. It partners with local artists and community organizations to create vibrant, colorful murals that celebrate the city’s diversity and rich cultural heritage. It provides a unique way to discover the city’s rich artistic culture and explore its vibrant neighborhoods.
17. Go back in time at the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
The Peralta Hacienda Historical Park preserves the remains of the Rancho San Antonio, a Mexican land grant given to the Peralta family in the 1840s. The park features several historic buildings, including the adobe home of the Peralta family and a blacksmith shop, as well as gardens and walking trails. Visitors can take guided tours of the park, attend events and educational programs, or simply enjoy a picnic in the park’s peaceful surroundings.
18. Spot birds at the Lake Merritt Bird Sanctuary
Lake Merritt Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful natural area located in the heart of Oakland. A popular destination for bird-watching, the sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, including ducks, geese, and swans. It also offers a peaceful and relaxing environment that is perfect for taking a leisurely walk around the lake or eating a picnic on the grass. The sanctuary provides plenty of opportunities for enjoying the beauty of nature and the company of friends or family.
19. Eat and shop in Chinatown
Oakland Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese communities in the United States. Located in central Oakland and covering 2.5 square miles, it’s home to more than 50 restaurants offering traditional Cantonese cuisine alongside other Asian specialties such as Vietnamese pho or Japanese ramen.
20. Check out the scene at Jack London Square
Jack London Square is a popular tourist destination because of its lively restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the stunning views of San Francisco Bay from its historic waterfront. Jack London, the author after whom the square is named, lived in this area. Fans of his work visit his cabin located on Water Street, which has been converted into a public museum and literary center. The museum displays memorabilia related to London’s life and writings.
21. Tour the Pardee Home Museum
Located in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, the Pardee Home Museum is a Victorian-style house originally built in 1876 by Frederick Pardee, a wealthy San Francisco merchant and real estate developer. It’s the last remaining example of residential architecture from this era still standing in Oakland. It features an ornate interior with intricate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, and ornate woodwork throughout that rivals any number of other mansions found throughout Europe during the same time period
22. Explore the African American Museum and Library at Oakland
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) is a culturally significant institution established in 2002. The museum serves as a repository for African American history and culture. The museum’s permanent exhibit, “Isn’t This World Enough? The Life and Legacy of the Black Panther Party” offers an in-depth look at the history and impact of the Black Panther Party. The museum’s library and archives contain a wealth of information about African American history and culture, including books, manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories. Visitors can attend lectures, workshops, and performances in the museum’s theater and view rotating exhibitions that highlight various aspects of African American history, art, and culture. The museum offers a range of educational programs and events that provide a constantly changing and dynamic learning experience. You can visit AAMLO for free on weekends or by paying $5 on weekdays or evenings when it hosts special events.
23. Get back to nature at Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, even though it’s not far from downtown Oakland. The preserve has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that are open year-round. It also offers picnic areas with tables and fire pits where you can enjoy lunch outdoors with your friends or family while looking out at views of San Francisco Bay or rolling hills in the distance. If you’re interested in spending more time outside than just an afternoon picnic, consider camping overnight at the Preserve. Campsites are first-come first-served, so make sure to arrive early if you want to secure one. Restrooms are available at all campsites, but there are no showers onsite.
24. Children’s Fairyland and Storybook Land Theater
The oldest children’s theme park in the country, Children’s Fairyland is a must-visit. “One of our top recommendations is to visit Children’s Fairyland, a vintage amusement park that was visited and studied by Walt Disney, which became the vision for the famous park. We love Fairyland for its tot-sized rides, puppet shows, storybook-themed play areas, farm animals, and rotating acts of magicians and performers,” recommends Beautiful Brown Adventures. Located in Oakland’s Lakeside Park, it features more than 20 rides and attractions, including a carousel that is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Storybook Land Theater tells stories with life-size puppets and other props.
25. Listen to live music
Oakland has plenty of music venues and events, no matter your taste or budget. For example, the Fox Theater is an architectural masterpiece that provides an enchanting space to listen to live music. It holds more than 2,700 people and hosts artists such as Erykah Badu, They Might Be Giants, and Zedd. Yoshi’s is a restaurant and nightclub renowned as one the best places in the country to hear jazz music.
26. Try some local beers at Ale Industries
Located in an old warehouse, the Ale Industry brewery has a tasting room and offers tours on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The tours are free, but you have to buy beer in the tasting room. You can choose from a variety of different styles. You can also enjoy a great meal from one of the food trucks parked outside.
27. Take a cruise on the USS Potomac
The USS Potomac was one of the largest and fastest yachts in the world when it was built. It served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht from 1936 to 1945. During this time, he hosted many important guests at various events on board, including Winston Churchill and King George VI. You can take a dock-side tour of the ship to learn about its history through interactive exhibits, and you can also enjoy a cruise around San Francisco Bay.
28. See vintage airplanes at the Oakland Aviation Museum
A hidden gem located in the heart of the Bay Area, the Oakland Aviation Museum showcases the rich history of aviation in the region, from the early days of flight to the present day. You can explore a variety of exhibits featuring vintage aircraft, artifacts, and interactive displays. The museum is home to a wide range of aircraft, including a Douglas DC-3, a Boeing 747, and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The museum also offers many educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and flight simulators.
29. Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
At the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, you’ll find a variety of exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate the rich diversity of the Asian community. Visit the center’s galleries to learn about traditional arts and crafts, or attend a workshop or lecture to learn more about the history and culture of the Asian community in the Bay Area. The cultural center also hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including Lunar New Year celebrations, food festivals, and cultural performances.
30. Grand Lake Farmers’ Market
The Grand Lake Farmers’ Market in Oakland is a unique outdoor market that offers a diverse array of local goods and cuisine. The market is held in the Grand Lake neighborhood and is set against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Merritt, offering visitors a scenic environment to shop and sample the local offerings. The market features fresh produce from local farmers, food vendors selling a variety of tasty treats, and local artisans showcasing their handmade crafts. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce for a home-cooked meal, or a snack to enjoy on-the-go, the Grand Lake Farmers’ Market has something for everyone. With its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to supporting local businesses, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable shopping experience in Oakland.
Learn more about Oakland:
A Guide to Free Year-Round Events in Oakland
Locals Rave About These 10 Beautiful Places in Oakland, California
10 Fun Facts About Oakland: How Well Do You Know Your City?
6 Most Affordable Oakland Suburbs to Live In
8 Cities Near Oakland to Buy or Rent in this Year
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