Guidebook for Oakland
Everything Else
One of the closer BART train stations. About 2 miles. A 45 minute walk or take Uber/cab. Has parking (register for a spot in advance on line to guarantee a spot). Leave your car and commute to SF.
127 locals recommend
Rockridge Station
5660 College AveOne of the closer BART train stations. About 2 miles. A 45 minute walk or take Uber/cab. Has parking (register for a spot in advance on line to guarantee a spot). Leave your car and commute to SF.
One of the 2 closest BART Stations to our house. About 2 miles or a 45 minute walk. Take the #12 bus from our house (far corner of Grand and Weldon) or cab/Uber. No parking at this station.
69 locals recommend
19th St / Oakland station
1900 BroadwayOne of the 2 closest BART Stations to our house. About 2 miles or a 45 minute walk. Take the #12 bus from our house (far corner of Grand and Weldon) or cab/Uber. No parking at this station.
A must-do every Saturday a.m. until 2 pm. Live music, bounce houses for kids, eclectic fresh food and beverage stands, fresh produce, meats, dairy products and flowers, homemade wares and crafts, sun!
197 locals recommend
Grand Lake Farmers Market
746 Grand AveA must-do every Saturday a.m. until 2 pm. Live music, bounce houses for kids, eclectic fresh food and beverage stands, fresh produce, meats, dairy products and flowers, homemade wares and crafts, sun!
Every Friday from 9-2. A more affordable farmer's market in the heart of Oakland's Oldtown. See a great cross-section of Oakland with an established neighborhood mixed with the locals working downtown
21 locals recommend
Old Oakland Farmer's Market
485 9th StreetEvery Friday from 9-2. A more affordable farmer's market in the heart of Oakland's Oldtown. See a great cross-section of Oakland with an established neighborhood mixed with the locals working downtown
Independent craft distillers. Great location with views & tour. Originators of Hangar One Vodka. In an old military hangar. They adopted the insignia of the air squadron that used to call it home.
65 locals recommend
St. George Spirits
2601 Monarch StIndependent craft distillers. Great location with views & tour. Originators of Hangar One Vodka. In an old military hangar. They adopted the insignia of the air squadron that used to call it home.
A hidden oasis a short and beautiful walk from our house. Check out the neighborhood and enjoy the trails among/along the trees and creek. School playground and fields open for playing and excercise.
16 locals recommend
Piedmont Park
356 Highland AveA hidden oasis a short and beautiful walk from our house. Check out the neighborhood and enjoy the trails among/along the trees and creek. School playground and fields open for playing and excercise.
Closest ATM/money machine. However, the nearby Safeway and Ace Hardware will both give you cash back with purchase.
19 locals recommend
Bank of America Financial Center
496 Lake Park AveClosest ATM/money machine. However, the nearby Safeway and Ace Hardware will both give you cash back with purchase.
Sightseeing
A beautiful lake and wildlife preserve a short walk from our house. Restored tidal estuary and path. Rent kayaks and paddle boats, or take a gondola ride from Lake Chalet. Flat and family friendly.
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardA beautiful lake and wildlife preserve a short walk from our house. Restored tidal estuary and path. Rent kayaks and paddle boats, or take a gondola ride from Lake Chalet. Flat and family friendly.
This beautiful rose garden with many paths used to be a quarry. Talk about a great adaptive reuse!
66 locals recommend
Morcom Rose Garden
700 Jean StThis beautiful rose garden with many paths used to be a quarry. Talk about a great adaptive reuse!
Mix of old food packing district and hot new spots. Bars, restaurants, farmer's market, entertainment, views of the marina, and SF. Don't miss Heinhold's Saloon. Summer movies and dancing under stars
127 locals recommend
Jack London Square station
245 2nd StMix of old food packing district and hot new spots. Bars, restaurants, farmer's market, entertainment, views of the marina, and SF. Don't miss Heinhold's Saloon. Summer movies and dancing under stars
Amazing and vast regional park with miles of trails, spectacular views, massive trees, meandering creeks and beautiful wildlife.
373 locals recommend
Redwood Regional Park
7867 Redwood RoadAmazing and vast regional park with miles of trails, spectacular views, massive trees, meandering creeks and beautiful wildlife.
Enormous botanical garden and redwood amphitheater situated on the hill above UC Berkeley's campus. Beautiful views on the drive.
77 locals recommend
The University of California Botanical Garden
200 Centennial DrEnormous botanical garden and redwood amphitheater situated on the hill above UC Berkeley's campus. Beautiful views on the drive.
The heart of wine country. Napa and Sonoma tend to be more popular (and more expensive). Head northeast to the Russian River area for fewer crowds and a more mellow experience.
240 locals recommend
Napa
The heart of wine country. Napa and Sonoma tend to be more popular (and more expensive). Head northeast to the Russian River area for fewer crowds and a more mellow experience.
A gem of a regional park right on the bay water with warmer swimming beaches. Few locals even know of it. Cool historical exhibits and camping too!
87 locals recommend
China Camp State Park
101 Peacock Gap TrailA gem of a regional park right on the bay water with warmer swimming beaches. Few locals even know of it. Cool historical exhibits and camping too!
Immense regional park with great hiking and a beautiful lake with rentals if you want to fish or get out on the water. We have poles you can borrow.
24 locals recommend
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
9999 Redwood RdImmense regional park with great hiking and a beautiful lake with rentals if you want to fish or get out on the water. We have poles you can borrow.
Wonderful cultural experience with great architecture and bustling shops. More of a working community than its more touristy SF cousin. Have a walk and a bite at Shan Dong or New Gold Medal.
551 locals recommend
Chinatown
Wonderful cultural experience with great architecture and bustling shops. More of a working community than its more touristy SF cousin. Have a walk and a bite at Shan Dong or New Gold Medal.
The most decorated aircraft carrier in US military history (which the Bay Area is steeped in). Planes remain. Tour the ship day or night or go to one of many events. You can even spend the night!
88 locals recommend
USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
707 W Hornet AveThe most decorated aircraft carrier in US military history (which the Bay Area is steeped in). Planes remain. Tour the ship day or night or go to one of many events. You can even spend the night!
Check out Cal's sprawling campus and it's quirky surroundings. Tons of shops, restaurants and bars. The best people watching around! Like college sports? Catch a Pac 12 game.
427 locals recommend
University of California, Berkeley
Oxford StreetCheck out Cal's sprawling campus and it's quirky surroundings. Tons of shops, restaurants and bars. The best people watching around! Like college sports? Catch a Pac 12 game.
Food Scene
Excellent "locavore" restaurant focused on CA cuisine cooked on an open fire and hearth. Casual but a bit expensive. Worth every penny if you want to indulge. Wonderful w/e brunch. Small but fun bar.
45 locals recommend
Camino
3917 Grand AveExcellent "locavore" restaurant focused on CA cuisine cooked on an open fire and hearth. Casual but a bit expensive. Worth every penny if you want to indulge. Wonderful w/e brunch. Small but fun bar.
Wonderful worker-owned bakery specializing in all manner of baked goodness. Perfect place for a coffee and light breakfast, or grab one of its daily pizzas to go for a picnic. Gluton free options.
198 locals recommend
Arizmendi Bakery
3265 Lakeshore AveWonderful worker-owned bakery specializing in all manner of baked goodness. Perfect place for a coffee and light breakfast, or grab one of its daily pizzas to go for a picnic. Gluton free options.
The hippest new kid on the block so get there early. Getting great reviews. Beautiful space great for a drink or a bite.
77 locals recommend
Penrose
3311 Grand AveThe hippest new kid on the block so get there early. Getting great reviews. Beautiful space great for a drink or a bite.
Fantastic breakfast any day of the week. Line on the weekend moves fast. Make yourself a coffee and window shop while you wait. About a 40 minute walk if you want to work off your meal.
14 locals recommend
Rockridge Cafe
5492 College AveFantastic breakfast any day of the week. Line on the weekend moves fast. Make yourself a coffee and window shop while you wait. About a 40 minute walk if you want to work off your meal.
She only serves fried chicken sandwiches. And only from 11-2. They are that good. There will be a line so go early and eat outside on an ironing board in the Temescal. What fun!
196 locals recommend
Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph AveShe only serves fried chicken sandwiches. And only from 11-2. They are that good. There will be a line so go early and eat outside on an ironing board in the Temescal. What fun!
Great comfort food and a focus on wine in Rockridge. Large outdoor patio with comfy blankets for chilly nights.
17 locals recommend
TOAST Kitchen + Bar
5900 College AvenueGreat comfort food and a focus on wine in Rockridge. Large outdoor patio with comfy blankets for chilly nights.
Best quality sushi for the price in the neighborhood. Unpretentious, inexpensive and efficient. Small space with a lively counter or take your order to go.
27 locals recommend
Mijori Japanese Restaurant
3260 Grand AveBest quality sushi for the price in the neighborhood. Unpretentious, inexpensive and efficient. Small space with a lively counter or take your order to go.
This joint sizzles on the weekends with music & beautiful people spilling into the street. Great brunch (make resos). Sunday Funday has live music & dancing. Café open every day for coffee and bites.
54 locals recommend
CAÑA Cuban Parlor & Cafe
530 Lake Park AveThis joint sizzles on the weekends with music & beautiful people spilling into the street. Great brunch (make resos). Sunday Funday has live music & dancing. Café open every day for coffee and bites.
Craft cocktails and local beers. Huge sunny deck looking out in the lake. Best weeknight happy hour dinner special in town. Good brunch spot.
105 locals recommend
Portal Oakland
1611 2nd AveCraft cocktails and local beers. Huge sunny deck looking out in the lake. Best weeknight happy hour dinner special in town. Good brunch spot.
Food trucks at the lake, seating on the grass, playground for the kiddos, stroll around Lake Merrit to work off your meal. Every Sunday from noon until 3 pm. Facebook page with weekly tuck lineup.
550 El Embarcadero
550 El EmbarcaderoFood trucks at the lake, seating on the grass, playground for the kiddos, stroll around Lake Merrit to work off your meal. Every Sunday from noon until 3 pm. Facebook page with weekly tuck lineup.
Great restaurant serving locally sourced and sustainably raised foods. Get everything from raw vegan food to a beef hamburger. Great bar and outside seating. Short walk from BART and by Cal's campus.
77 locals recommend
Gather
2200 Oxford StGreat restaurant serving locally sourced and sustainably raised foods. Get everything from raw vegan food to a beef hamburger. Great bar and outside seating. Short walk from BART and by Cal's campus.
Hip dinner spot for thin crust pizza baked in an open oven. Great vibe with outdoor seating and a bar in the back. Get there early! Also has a café in the morning for pastries and good coffee.
194 locals recommend
Sister
3308 Grand AveHip dinner spot for thin crust pizza baked in an open oven. Great vibe with outdoor seating and a bar in the back. Get there early! Also has a café in the morning for pastries and good coffee.
Great pizza and bar with a nice ambiance. If you want more affordable take-out, there is also Domino's and Lane Splitter in the neighborhood.
64 locals recommend
The Star on Grand
3425 Grand AveGreat pizza and bar with a nice ambiance. If you want more affordable take-out, there is also Domino's and Lane Splitter in the neighborhood.
Great local spot for breakfast and lunch. Sneaky outdoor seating area in the back.
15 locals recommend
Lynn & Lu's Escapade Cafe
3353 Grand AveGreat local spot for breakfast and lunch. Sneaky outdoor seating area in the back.
Down home soul food. Excellent breakfast and lunch. There will be a line, but it is WORTH IT. Get there early.
109 locals recommend
Brown Sugar Kitchen
2295 BroadwayDown home soul food. Excellent breakfast and lunch. There will be a line, but it is WORTH IT. Get there early.
If you want a fancy/special (and expensive) affair, try the Claremont Champagne Brunch. The food is beautiful and never-ending. It is on the hill above Berkeley and has spectacular views of SF.
41 locals recommend
Claremont Club & Spa - A Fairmont Hotel
41 Tunnel RdIf you want a fancy/special (and expensive) affair, try the Claremont Champagne Brunch. The food is beautiful and never-ending. It is on the hill above Berkeley and has spectacular views of SF.
Miss Ollie's
901 Washington StCaribbean soul food restaurant with a great little bar.
Drinks & Nightlife
A must-see for at least 1 drink! Amazing history (has a Wiki page) and kitch. Around since WWII with a live and quirky piano bar every Friday night. The piano player has been there for over 50 years!!
60 locals recommend
The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant
3325 Grand AveA must-see for at least 1 drink! Amazing history (has a Wiki page) and kitch. Around since WWII with a live and quirky piano bar every Friday night. The piano player has been there for over 50 years!!
Our local rock n' roll bar. One of the best dives in town. Rough around the edges, but friendly and diverse. Outdoor dog friendly patio out back. Gotta love a saloon!
52 locals recommend
Heart & Dagger Saloon
504 Lake Park AveOur local rock n' roll bar. One of the best dives in town. Rough around the edges, but friendly and diverse. Outdoor dog friendly patio out back. Gotta love a saloon!
Like Drake's beer? Then go check out the brewery and get a growler! They often have special events so check with the website. Signature event is a block party the first Friday of every month.
22 locals recommend
Drake's Brewing Company
1933 Davis StLike Drake's beer? Then go check out the brewery and get a growler! They often have special events so check with the website. Signature event is a block party the first Friday of every month.
Check out one of Oakland's local breweries. Weekends only. Renovated former warehouse structure with outside seating overlooking the port. Shares space with Campovida Winery. Open daily.
15 locals recommend
Linden Street Brewery
95 Linden StCheck out one of Oakland's local breweries. Weekends only. Renovated former warehouse structure with outside seating overlooking the port. Shares space with Campovida Winery. Open daily.
Ultra casual and friendly neighborhood wine bar based on a French model. Sells globally-sourced wine and small bites. Buy a bottle or stay for a glass. They often have special tastings on the w/e.
42 locals recommend
Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar
3354 Grand AveUltra casual and friendly neighborhood wine bar based on a French model. Sells globally-sourced wine and small bites. Buy a bottle or stay for a glass. They often have special tastings on the w/e.
A beautiful old home converted into a bar and restaurant with great attention paid to keeping the period details. Unique setting with specialty cocktails and beers. Outside patios in the front & back.
15 locals recommend
The Grand Tavern
3601 Grand AveA beautiful old home converted into a bar and restaurant with great attention paid to keeping the period details. Unique setting with specialty cocktails and beers. Outside patios in the front & back.
Go to watch games, not have dinner! Great family-owned sports bar with average bar food. Super down-to-earth and family friendly.
Grand Oaks
3701 Grand AvenueGo to watch games, not have dinner! Great family-owned sports bar with average bar food. Super down-to-earth and family friendly.
Smitty's Cocktails
3339 Grand AveA dive bar, with a capital "D"! Has shuffleboard and a great juke box.
Arts & Culture
Recently renovated. Great for families. Beautiful outdoor spaces. Every Friday night has mini festival with live music, dance lessons, local food trucks, events for kids and reduced admission.
547 locals recommend
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak StRecently renovated. Great for families. Beautiful outdoor spaces. Every Friday night has mini festival with live music, dance lessons, local food trucks, events for kids and reduced admission.
One of the best examples of Art Deco design remaining. Historical building. Great place to see the symphony, classic movies, the ballet or live music. See what is scheduled while you are visiting.
120 locals recommend
Paramount Theatre
2025 BroadwayOne of the best examples of Art Deco design remaining. Historical building. Great place to see the symphony, classic movies, the ballet or live music. See what is scheduled while you are visiting.
Historical building with spectacular "middle eastern" architecture. Restored in the 2000s. Great place for live music and other shows.
264 locals recommend
Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph AveHistorical building with spectacular "middle eastern" architecture. Restored in the 2000s. Great place for live music and other shows.
This Is more "entertainment" than "arts"! Catch an Oakland A's or Raiders game if you are here during their seasons. Raiders tix are usually easy to come by and you can take BART.
61 locals recommend
RingCentral Coliseum
7000 Coliseum WayThis Is more "entertainment" than "arts"! Catch an Oakland A's or Raiders game if you are here during their seasons. Raiders tix are usually easy to come by and you can take BART.
Catch the championship-caliber Golden State Warrios in action! What? They play in Oakland, you say?? Indeed they do! Another reason to love Oakland. Tix are not cheap. Take BART.
83 locals recommend
Oracle Arena
7000 Coliseum WayCatch the championship-caliber Golden State Warrios in action! What? They play in Oakland, you say?? Indeed they do! Another reason to love Oakland. Tix are not cheap. Take BART.
Located in a beautifully restored historical building, this museum focuses on the African American experience in the West, including Oakland's role in the Black Power and civil rights movements.
7 locals recommend
African American Museum and Library
659 14th StLocated in a beautifully restored historical building, this museum focuses on the African American experience in the West, including Oakland's role in the Black Power and civil rights movements.
A generic location for the heart of the arts neighborhood. Tons of galleries and work spaces. Many free shows and walking events. All open on the first Friday per month. See:: www.Oaklandartmurmur.org
473 25th St
473 25th StreetA generic location for the heart of the arts neighborhood. Tons of galleries and work spaces. Many free shows and walking events. All open on the first Friday per month. See:: www.Oaklandartmurmur.org
Shopping
A decades-old Oakland institution with that geat old bookstore smell. Lefty lean selling new and used books with lots of local content. Beware: you may get sucked in and lose all track of time!
37 locals recommend
Walden Pond Books
3316 Grand AveA decades-old Oakland institution with that geat old bookstore smell. Lefty lean selling new and used books with lots of local content. Beware: you may get sucked in and lose all track of time!
Oakland-centric T-shirts nd swag. many neighborhood shops also sellits gear. Very cool designs.
62 locals recommend
Oaklandish
3419 Fruitvale AveOakland-centric T-shirts nd swag. many neighborhood shops also sellits gear. Very cool designs.
Great shopping, gawking, walking, eating and drinking - all on one street! 15-20 minute walk from our house or take the #12 bus from the corner of Grand and Weldon. Fenton's Creamery gives tours!
81 locals recommend
Piedmont Avenue
Great shopping, gawking, walking, eating and drinking - all on one street! 15-20 minute walk from our house or take the #12 bus from the corner of Grand and Weldon. Fenton's Creamery gives tours!
Shops, restaurants and bars. Highlights are A16 and Toast for nicer dining, Barclays for sitting in the sun with a beer, Zachary's deep dish and the hot new Ramen Shop for, you guessed it, ramen!
97 locals recommend
Rockridge
Shops, restaurants and bars. Highlights are A16 and Toast for nicer dining, Barclays for sitting in the sun with a beer, Zachary's deep dish and the hot new Ramen Shop for, you guessed it, ramen!
Shopping, restaurants, bars and people watching. The more sophisticated older sibling to Grand Ave. Peet's Coffee, Trader Joes, Walgreens, Noah's Bagles. Check out Nathan & Co for interesting gifts.
26 locals recommend
Lakeshore Avenue
Lakeshore AvenueShopping, restaurants, bars and people watching. The more sophisticated older sibling to Grand Ave. Peet's Coffee, Trader Joes, Walgreens, Noah's Bagles. Check out Nathan & Co for interesting gifts.
Cool kid neighborhood. Shops, food and drinks. Hidden Temescal Alley has interesting shops. Try Juhu Beach Club, Bakesake Betty's, Doughnut Dolly's, Pizzaiolo & Dona Thomas (outside summer movies).
89 locals recommend
Temescal
Cool kid neighborhood. Shops, food and drinks. Hidden Temescal Alley has interesting shops. Try Juhu Beach Club, Bakesake Betty's, Doughnut Dolly's, Pizzaiolo & Dona Thomas (outside summer movies).
Walgreens
216 Westlake CenterClosest full service drugstores.
Specializes in local booze and cocktail accoutrements (wine too). Very knowledgeable staff. You'll never feel classier learning about and buying liquor in your life! Frequent w/e tastings.
9 locals recommend
Alchemy Bottle Shop
3256 Grand AveSpecializes in local booze and cocktail accoutrements (wine too). Very knowledgeable staff. You'll never feel classier learning about and buying liquor in your life! Frequent w/e tastings.
A unique shop with repurposed and new clothes and jewelry, hand-made items and unusual gifts. If you are on Piedmont, check it out.
Rare Bird
3883 Piedmont AveA unique shop with repurposed and new clothes and jewelry, hand-made items and unusual gifts. If you are on Piedmont, check it out.
Entertainment & Activities
Wonderful family outing. Website lists rotating exhibits. Take a great hike also - it is right in the middle of several trails. Astounding views.
122 locals recommend
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline BlvdWonderful family outing. Website lists rotating exhibits. Take a great hike also - it is right in the middle of several trails. Astounding views.
Children's Fairyland
699 Bellevue AveAn Oakland institution. Kids LOVE this place.
Great for families and kids who love to experiment and learn. Wonderful views. Above UC Brekeley's campus.
65 locals recommend
Lawrence Hall of Science
Great for families and kids who love to experiment and learn. Wonderful views. Above UC Brekeley's campus.