Oakland

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 theatres 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 Centre.

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(2 area reviews)

Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.

Downtown Oakland
Downtown Berkeley

Downtown Berkeley

5/5(1 area review)

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

Albany is well liked for its seaside views and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

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

While visiting North Berkeley, you might make a stop by sights like Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents.

North Berkeley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd Berkeley CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$201 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
S$201
7 Jun - 8 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,650 reviews)
"Everything was great , but it would have been perfect t if the room had a microwave"

Reviewed on 25 May, 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
The price is S$153 per night from 26 May to 27 May
S$153
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in San Leandro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,452 reviews)
"The hotel felt quite outdated overall. There was a strong smell of marijuana throughout the first floor and common areas, which made the environment unpleasant. The furniture inside the room looked old and worn, and there was also a noticeable amount of dust. Unfortunately, cleanliness and maintenance ..."

Reviewed on 25 May, 2026

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay
Oakland Marriott City Center

Oakland Marriott City Center

4 out of 5
1001 Broadway Oakland CA
The price is S$252 per night from 29 May to 30 May
S$252
29 May - 30 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Oakland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Upon arrival at 7pm on a Friday, i was behind one group....it took almost 30 minutes for check in as only one person was working, i found it odd to have that on a holiday weekend..receptionistwas really doing her best! . Room and property was clean. Until the next morning when we exited our room ..."

Reviewed on 25 May, 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
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,962 reviews)
"Pros: Close to the beach (we didn't go). Beds were ok. It felt pretty safe. Had a pool with reasonable hours. Shower had good water pressure. They had complementary soap. They had a small breakfast nook in the morning. They thanked us for our stay when we left. Next to a bowling alley (if you have ..."

Reviewed on 24 May, 2026

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Dimond Abode Vacation Rental

Dimond Abode Vacation Rental

5 out of 5
3426 Adell Ct Oakland CA
Stay at this luxury holiday home in Oakland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jack London Square and Oakland Arena ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"The unit was extremely clean and having access to a garage was definitely a plus for our stay! Nice touches, especially coffee / tea , snacks, and a well equipped kitchen made us feel welcomed the minute we stepped through the door. A+"

Reviewed on 26 Aug, 2025

Dimond Abode Vacation Rental
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.

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