Oakland is a thriving metropolis and cultural center on the east side of the San Francisco Bay. A compelling blend of old and new, Oakland's multicultural arts, food, and music scene has something for just about every visitor. You'll find stunning natural beauty, world-class museums, music, and festivals, and incredible food. Oakland weather is typically mild, thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate that keeps things comfortable practically all year long.
If you're planning a trip to Oakland, we're here to help. Whether the purpose of your trip is business or fun, we can help craft a trip that's brimming with memories for everyone coming along for the ride. This guide to Oakland will get you started as you narrow down the best places to stay, eat, and explore.
How to Get Around Oakland
Oakland isn't tough to navigate. Whether you'd prefer to rent a car, cut your carbon footprint by biking or grabbing an electric scooter, or you plan to take public transportation, the process is pretty straightforward--and you have plenty of options!
By Car
Oakland is located at the convergence of several major interstate highways, making it a great jumping-off place for adventures into the nearby Sonoma and Napa Valley wine country or further afield into Northern California. But even if you're planning to stay in town, you'll find parking and navigating fairly straightforward. Downtown can be quite congested with traffic during rush hour, but plenty of public parking garages make it easy to find a spot. You'll find easily-accessible rental locations at both the Oakland International Airport and the Oakland Convention Center in downtown Oakland.
By Bike
Like much of the Bay Area, Oakland is highly bike-able. In fact, it's been called one of America's most bike-friendly cities. You'll find bike rentals abounding. LimeBike scooters and FordGoBike are two popular bike rental solutions, and you can always drag a bike along on the BART (the regional light rail) and city buses as well. Plenty of bike lanes in the city and a general awareness of bikers makes Oakland a uniquely bike-friendly city. Some local businesses even deliver their goods on two wheels.
Public Transportation
When it comes to public transportation, there are a few different options to get you as close as possible to your destination. BART is San Francisco Bay's electric rail service that offers quick connections between San Francisco and Oakland, including both cities' airports, to multiple locations in the East Bay area. When it comes to buses, AC Transit is the schedule to check, as it provides connections throughout Oakland as well as to neighboring cities like Berkeley. If you plan to make much use of public transportation in the Bay Area, you might want to get a Clipper Card to make payment quick and easy.
On Foot
Depending on where you end up staying, you may end up within easy walking distance of most of the places you want to go. Many hotels in downtown Oakland are just steps away from plenty of parks, shopping, and dining. Taxis are readily available if you need a backup option to get somewhere quickly, as well.
Best Time to Visit Oakland
Oakland's weather is pretty inviting year-round. Technically a Mediterranean climate, you can expect mild summers (with highs in the low 70's) and relatively warm winters (with highs in the 50's). August and October are the warmest months, while you can expect it to be on the cooler side in December, January, and February.
If you're heading to Oakland for the festivals, you'll find that they happen all year round! Practically every month has a bustling event to attend, from the Lunar New Year celebrations in January to the World Music Festival in August to all the holiday happenings from October-December, spanning Dia de los Muertos and Christmas spectaculars.
Top Things to Do in Oakland
Oakland's parks, museums, and other attractions offer something for just about anyone of any age. Whether you're traveling solo, with a date, or with the entire family, you'll find fantastic ways to experience the Bay Area here.
Chabot Space & Science Center
The Chabot Space and Science Center is part interactive museum, part planetarium, with something for kids of all ages--even the younger set. You'll find a huge variety of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. Regular planetarium shows, a theater, and an on-site restaurant and gift shop make this a great choice for those intrigued by earth science and the cosmos.
USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown Oakland, the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda is a fascinating spot to stop for anyone with an interest in World War II and/or naval history. A floating museum ship, the USS Hornet is a decommissioned aircraft carrier offering daily tours that give you a glimpse into the inner workings of a fascinating vessel. Fascinating for adults and kids, tours of varying lengths are available, and the guides are incredibly engaging.
Jack London Square
Jack London Square is one of the city's most popular and historic neighborhood areas, a mixed-use waterfront smorgasbord of restaurants, shops, and fisheries right on the San Francisco Bay. Originally a more industrial area, today the district is marked by turn-of-the-century industrial-style architecture--with a contemporary, upscale twist. Expect gorgeous views of the Bay, the sound of seabirds, and a nearby ferry for public transit. This is also a popular foodie stop, with restaurants like Left Bank and Farmhouse Chicken Thai Cuisine bustling practically every evening.
Black Food Tour
One of the best ways to sample Oakland's culture is by taking a food tour--and this Black Food Tour gives you a taste of some of the best Black-owned restaurants in the city, as well as a guide to offer insight into Oakland's colorful history, culture, and architecture along the way. You'll visit up to 5 restaurants in downtown Oakland during the brunch/lunch hours, enjoying a tasting at each stop with optional cocktails/alcoholic beverages available for purchase along the way.
Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California is something of a hidden gem--and certainly one of the best museums in the Bay Area. Enjoy an expansive array of both permanent and rotating exhibits featuring artifacts from Oakland's history, as well as the history of California as a whole. Lovely architecture and spacious exhibits make this a welcoming space to spend a few hours. And welcoming play areas/breastfeeding areas ensure that even the youngest visitors feel welcome.
Joaquin Miller Park
Joaquin Miller Park isn't your run-of-the-mill city park. This sprawling escape covers 500 acres of woodland. You'll find miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails, cozy picnic spots, redwood groves, and a huge array of native plants. It's a welcome escape from the urban sprawl of the Bay Area, whether you need a lovely place to run a few miles or just a lovely picnic spot. Joaquin Miller Park is pet-friendly, too, with some off-leash areas for friendly pups to run free.
Where to Stay in Oakland
From the traditional high-end hotels to small boutique hotels with their own unique style, you'll find a huge variety of accommodations in Oakland, mostly centered in the downtown district. Here are a few of AAA's most highly-rated favorites.
Oakland Marriott City Center
- Address: 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
The Oakland Marriott is a great choice when it comes to location and comfort. Expect all the amenities of a large downtown hotel: valet parking, an on-site restaurant and bar, an excellent fitness center, and many rooms offering gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay. This location is particularly highly-rated for general comfort in both guest rooms and public areas and its warm, welcoming vibe. And it's hard to beat the location; it's a short three-minute walk to the closest BART station, and about 12 minutes on foot from the popular Jack London district, not to mention all the shops and restaurants practically right outside the door.
Kissell Uptown Oakland
- Address: 2455 Broadway, CA 94612
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
The Kissell Uptown in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt is a relatively new hotel with the atmosphere of a high-end boutique destination. Expect contemporary furnishings and decor, luxurious finishing touches, and an upscale rooftop bar. Room service, a full restaurant and bar, and all the accompanying amenities are to be expected from a high-end hotel like the Kissell, but here you'll find each of those features paired with thoughtful, sophisticated style that's hard to match.
Where to Eat in Oakland
Oakland is a favorite destination for culinary connoisseurs. Whether you're on the search for the Bay's best seafood, an ethnic specialty, or the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed date night, you'll find it here.
Commis Dining Room
- Address: 3859 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: Contemporary American, Californian
A small restaurant with a big personality, Commis Dining Room promises a memorable experience. Guests can opt to be seated at the counter, where they can watch the chefs work their magic, as they enjoy an eight-course dinner experience. The menu varies by the season and available ingredients, but there's good reason it's a local favorite: the experience, the dishes, and the intimate but approachable atmosphere keeps guests coming back.
Belotti Ristorante E Bottega
- Address: 5403 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: Italian
An Italian bistro and wine bar chock-full of rustic style, the Belotti Ristorante e Bottega is a fabulous choice for an upscale but casual lunch or dinner with friends. Choose from indoor or outdoor seating and feel free to stay awhile; the wine selection is excellent, and dishes like the Casoncelli (pasta stuffed with beef, prosciutto, pork shoulder, and smoked pancetta) and Battuta (grass-fed, dry-aged beef tartare) rake in the accolades. You'll also find a variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu.
Wood Tavern
- Address: 6317 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Type of Cuisine: American, Gastro Pub
Wood Tavern is one of Oakland's most popular boutique bar and restaurants. Serving up distinctly Californian-American comfort food and drinks, practically everyone will find something to suit their taste on the menu. The atmosphere is chic and welcoming, service is impeccable, and food is consistently top-notch. The grilled double-cut pork chop and the pastrami sandwich consistently earn rave reviews, but it's hard to go wrong with anything on the menu.
Oakland, CA Photo Spots
Oakland's views of the San Francisco Bay are unmatched, but there are other places to go for great photos, as well. Here are some of the best photo spots, whether you're in it for the views, the selfie opportunities, or a feel for the city's architecture.
- Lake Merritt - This is a large saltwater lake in Oakland bordered by parks, walking trails, and a large population of birds including herons, egrets, geese, and ducks. Lake Merritt is a popular spot among local photogs, and it's a great place to snag some beautiful snapshots of your trip.
- The Paramount Theater - Built in 1931, this old-school theater is still in operation as home to the Oakland Symphony and the Oakland Ballet. Even if you don't see a show, this is a great photo spot thanks to the striking mid-mod architecture.
- Jack London Square - Whether you're in search of San Francisco Bay views or a snapshot of waterfront California at its finest, it's hard to go wrong with Jack London Square when it comes to photo opportunities. You'll find boats, shoreline, birds, and turn-of-the-century architecture all within the same few blocks.
- Uptown Station - Originally the HC Capwell department store, Uptown Station is an eye-catching spot to enjoy Oakland's urban architecture and take in the scenery. Now a mixed-use building with retail shops and offices, it's still a striking example of 1930's-era architecture that gives personality to an entire neighborhood.
- Piedmont Park - A popular spot for wedding photos, Piedmont Park's gorgeous landscaping, mature trees, and architectural details make it a uniquely photogenic spot to visit. Though not technically in Oakland, it's just a quick hop across the highway to Piedmont to enjoy this gorgeous location.
Day Trips from Oakland
Many consider Oakland to be the gateway to northern California in general--and wine country in particular. Whether you're on the lookout for scenery, history, wine, or a little of it all, there are plenty of day trip possibilities. In fact, there are too many to list here, so we've narrowed it down to a few favorites. Keep in mind that it's also an easy jaunt by car or public transport to visit San Francisco, Berkeley, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and many more nearby destinations without investing much time at all in getting there.
1. Monterey
- Driving Time: 111 miles / 2 hours
Take a short drive to Monterey, and you'll feel like you've entered a different world. A sanctuary for monarch butterflies, seals, and other wildlife, Monterey Bay showcases some of California's most breathtaking natural beauty. You'll also find great shopping and restaurants at Cannery Row--a great lunch stop after driving down the coast. Monterey Bay Aquarium is very highly-rated, with something for visitors of all ages, and Lover's Point is a stunning spot to enjoy the sights.
2. Wine Country
- Driving Time: 1 hour
Oakland is just a quick hop away from Napa and Sonoma Valley; Napa is about an hour away from downtown Oakland, while Sonoma is a few minutes farther up the road. You'll find countless wineries in the area. Not sure where to stop? Hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train or the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley for a tour of some of the top wineries in the area--without the arduous task of planning out individual stops on your own. Of course, if you'd rather plan your own drive, it's quite easy to hop on the road, enjoy the scenery, and see what looks like an interesting place to stop!
3. Santa Cruz
- Driving Time: 70 miles / 1 hour 15 minutes
Want to enjoy a beach day away from the Bay Area crowds? Head south to Santa Cruz. Aside from the ever-popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you'll also find gorgeous beaches and plenty of oceanfront restaurants. This is a great escape for families or groups of friends, and it's an easy, scenic drive that's well worth the time in the car.
4. Angel Island / Tiburon
- Driving Time: 40 minutes, plus a ferry ride
Angel Island is a lovely state park-island in the San Francisco Bay. To get there, you'll need to first drive to Tiburon--less than an hour from Oakland, if you're avoiding rush hour traffic. Then hop on the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island. The island itself offers gorgeous views, some lovely hiking and walking trails, and a historic fort. Entry to the island is free, but to make the most of your visit, you might want to take one of the state park's tram tours ($18 for adults, $12 for kids) that show you the park's top sights.
Visiting Oakland on a Budget
Oakland is one of America's most affluent cities, but there are inexpensive ways to take in the sights and make the most of your visit. These tips will help.
1. Visit the City's Top Parks
Oakland is home to some fantastic parks--full of walking paths, gorgeous gardens, and stunning historic sights. Joaquin Miller Park covers an expansive 500 acres of trails, meadows, and countless picnic spots; Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park features an old-growth redwood grove, wonderful playgrounds and picnic areas, and Temescal Regional Recreation Area is another urban wilderness escape that also offers fishing, boating, and swimming spots.
2. Try Out Some Street Food
While it would be easy to break the bank just trying out some of Oakland's Michelin-starred restaurants, you can just as easily try out some of the city's excellent street food. Oakland is replete with taco trucks that are well worth trying, many of them in the Fruitdale neighborhood. Grab a few and take them to a park or a nearby bench for some people-watching with a side of flavor.
3. Take Advantage of Your AAA Benefits
You're an AAA member, so it makes sense to take full advantage of AAA discounts on vehicle discounts, tickets and hotels. Taking the time to book in advance can save you big, so plan accordingly!
4. Take Public Transportation
Oakland's public transport system is very well-designed and easy to navigate, so if you have a bit of extra time in your itinerary, it makes sense to take full advantage of those services! Ferry rides in particular are a memorable way to get around the Bay Area without breaking the bank; you can even make a day of it just by hopping the ferry from spot to spot.
5. Enjoy the Street Art Scene
Oakland is full of murals and other street art; step out the door of your hotel, and you likely won't have to go very far to see some. There is a high concentration of murals in the Jack London District, with more scattered throughout the downtown area. For a map of street art in the city, check out this interactive map.
Plan your Oakland, CA Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Oakland trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.