CityBuddy
English
Oakland, United States
Photo made by Vision plug on Pexels.com
When to visit
When are you going to Oakland, United States?
Pick your dates and travel style to get:
- Personalized day-by-day itinerary
- Budget calculator for your trip
- Pre-trip checklist (visa, eSIM, tickets...)
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
Latest trip plans for Oakland, United States
Browse itineraries created by other travelers
Most popular attractions in Oakland, United States
1. Lake Merritt
A calm urban waterfront with diverse wildlife and skyline views. Walk or bike the lakeside path, spot birds, and catch community events.
2. Jack London Square
Waterfront energy, lively restaurants and maritime history meet at Jack London Square. Expect farmers markets, historic ships, waterfront dining and sweeping Bay views.
3. Oakland Museum of California
Layered look at California's art, history, and natural science. Interactive galleries, rooftop garden views, and rotating contemporary shows await.
Book a FREE walking tour in Oakland, United States
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Chabot Space & Science Center
Hands-on science meets real telescopes on a hilltop with sweeping Bay views. Experience interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and evening telescope viewing.
5. Redwood Regional Park
Towering redwoods and quiet creeks offer a peaceful escape from the city. Hike shaded trails, spot deer and birds, and picnic under ancient trunks.
6. Oakland Zoo
Expansive hillside zoo with close-up encounters and a scenic Skyride. Walk winding trails to see elephants, California wildlife, and sweeping views of the Bay.
7. Paramount Theatre
Oakland
A restored 1931 movie palace with lavish Art Deco interiors. Catch concerts, Broadway shows, and admire the ornate lobby murals and chandelier.
8. Mountain View Cemetery
Oakland
Scenic hilltop cemetery with sweeping Bay views and classical monuments. Wander landscaped paths, peaceful viewpoints, and historic memorial art.
9. Children's Fairyland
Perfect for young imaginations, Children's Fairyland brings storybook sets and puppet shows to life. Kids explore tiny houses, rides, a puppet theater and hands-on play.
10. Joaquin Miller Park
Redwood-shaded trails and sweeping Bay views offer a calm escape near Oakland. Hike winding paths, visit Joaquin Miller's grave, and picnic at scenic overlooks.
11. Oakland Farmers' Market
Top spot for Bay Area seasonal produce and community energy. Wander colorful stalls, sample fresh bites, and hear live music on weekends.
Additional popular things to do in Oakland, United States
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Sweet potato pie
A staple of Oakland's soul food restaurants and family gatherings, sweet potato pie reflects the city's deep African American culinary roots and is often served at holiday meals and community events.
Peach cobbler
Peach cobbler is a beloved comfort dessert in Oakland's soul food and Southern-inspired kitchens, often baked in neighborhood restaurants and served warm with ice cream.
Tres leches cake
Popular in Fruitvale and other Latinx neighborhoods, tres leches cake showcases Oakland's vibrant Mexican and Central American bakeries, and it is frequently found at celebrations and local panaderias.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Chicken and waffles
Made famous in Oakland by spots like Brown Sugar Kitchen, chicken and waffles blends soul food tradition with a modern brunch culture and has become synonymous with the city.
Barbecue ribs and smoked meats
Oakland has a long tradition of barbecue, with neighborhood institutions serving slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that reflect the city's soul food and community barbecue culture.
Street tacos
Street-style tacos from Fruitvale and neighborhood taquerias are a cornerstone of Oakland's savory scene, offering vibrant, affordable flavors from Mexico and Central America.
Traditional Beverages
Craft beer
Oakland's neighborhood breweries and taprooms have helped build a thriving craft beer scene, with local brews that celebrate the city's community-focused, experimental spirit.
Third-wave coffee
The Bay Area's third-wave coffee culture is strong in Oakland, where independent roasters and cafes emphasize single-origin beans and meticulous brewing methods.
Horchata and aguas frescas
Common in Fruitvale and Latinx bakeries and markets, horchata and other aguas frescas offer refreshing, sweet flavors made from rice, seeds, or fruits, and they are a popular accompaniment to meals and street food.
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips — perfect for offline use.
Day trips
San Francisco
Iconic city, museums, waterfront, and Alcatraz.
Google MapsPoint Reyes National Seashore
Rugged coastline, lighthouse, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Google MapsComments (7)
Skip the touristy spots near Jack London Square at dinner, walk two blocks to Broadway or Webster for better prices.
Pro tip: get a Clipper card on day one, tag on/off for BART and buses to avoid extra fees, saves time and cash.
Pack layers, weather flips from sunny to fog in an hour. Three nights gave me time to explore neighborhoods.
Loved the food scene, tons of cool cafes and taquerias, graffiti every block, felt vibrant and really diverse.
Easy day trip from SF by ferry, short ride and great views, but some blocks felt quiet after sundown.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Amtrak Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight connections
Amtrak California Zephyr, San Joaquins, bus connections to SF
BART lines to San Francisco, Richmond, Millbrae, East Bay
From OAK, take the airport shuttle to Coliseum BART, then ride BART to downtown Oakland.
Click to get eSim for Oakland, United States
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.