Oakland

Travel Guide

Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland
Oakland showing modern architecture
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 in Jack 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 the Chabot 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 around Lake 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 the Oakland Zoo, while couples and friends can attend a live performance in the splendid Paramount 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

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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 Fox Theater 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
Berkeley which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a river or creek

Downtown Berkeley

5/5(1 area review)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Berkeley Repertory Theater and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. 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
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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
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North Berkeley

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

North Berkeley
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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
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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
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$179 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
S$179
31 May - 1 Jun
includes taxes & 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,799 reviews)
"I love this place so beautiful I'm recommended"

Reviewed on 7 May, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Oakland Airport Executive Hotel
Oakland Airport Executive Hotel
3 out of 5
150 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA
The price is S$82 per night from 13 May to 14 May
S$82
13 May - 14 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Oakland. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
5.8/10 (2,053 reviews)
"staff answered all questions with no hesitation they were very accommodating definitely booking again."

Reviewed on 7 May, 2025

Oakland Airport Executive Hotel
Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge
Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge
3 out of 5
5555 Shellmound Street, Emeryville, CA
The price is S$199 per night from 22 May to 23 May
S$199
22 May - 23 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Emeryville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,088 reviews)
Amazing
"Daughter’s birthday getaway and we decided to stay one more night. Hotel was really nice and the staff were even better."

Reviewed on 7 May, 2025

Sonesta Emeryville - San Francisco Bay Bridge
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
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 (2,718 reviews)
"Great stay, nice people, good location"

Reviewed on 28 Apr, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
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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Reviews of Oakland

3.4
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 11%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 44%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Oakland, can't wait to come back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Oakland area looked safe and clean. Traffic around Oakland was fine. Traffic into San Francisco is terrible it took us 2 hours to get into San Francisco even at 6am. We received terrible service at the Denny's close to this hotel, do not go there.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Nothing much happening.