Oakland
United States
Why Oakland is a great destination
Oakland is a crowd-light, culture-forward city with the depth of food, art and neighbourhood character you’d expect from a headline destination—minus the queues.
- Culture & community: Street murals, a proud activist legacy, and Lake Merritt’s lively shoreline set a creative, welcoming tone; First Fridays in Uptown turns Telegraph Avenue into an open-air gallery without the shoulder-to-shoulder crush.
- Food & value: Eat brilliantly for less—from Fruitvale’s taco trucks and panaderías to Chinatown’s dim sum and Eastlake’s Vietnamese spots—plus Temescal’s Little Ethiopia and indie cafes that feel local, not packaged.
- Neighbourhood mosaic: Wander West Oakland’s Victorian streets and Panther-era murals, catch a show at the Fox Theater or Paramount Theatre, then dip into Jingletown studios or the Laurel District’s everyday high street—authentic, unhurried, and uncrowded.
- Traditions & timing: Time your visit for Día de los Muertos in Fruitvale, the Lunar New Year Bazaar in Chinatown, or the Black Joy Parade; weekends around Lake Merritt are peak “Town” energy, easy to reach by BART.
Who should go to Oakland?
Curious travellers who crave living, breathing culture will love Oakland—a city of fiercely proud neighbourhoods, mural-lined streets, and grassroots creativity. It’s perfect for visitors who want food with a story, history you can walk through, and festivals that feel genuinely local. If you prefer authenticity over polish, Oakland delivers more character than most U.S. cities in a single weekend.
- History lovers: Trace Black Panther history in West Oakland, from powerful murals to the stately 16th Street Station and historic 7th Street.
- Foodies: Eat your way through Fruitvale’s taco trucks, Little Ethiopia in Temescal, and Chinatown’s dim sum and bánh mì—one of the most diverse food scenes in the Bay Area.
- Art & culture vultures: Soak up First Fridays, street art in Jingletown, and shows at the restored Fox and Paramount theatres for a creative buzz that rivals anywhere in the Bay Area.
- Active travellers: Jog the 3.4-mile loop around Lake Merritt, then ride BART and buses to explore multiple neighbourhoods car‑free in a single day.
- Families: Enjoy picnics and pedalos at Lake Merritt, hands-on fun at farmers’ markets, and kid-friendly stops like Chinatown’s Lincoln Square Park and Asian Branch Library.
- Community‑minded visitors: Support minority‑owned shops and cultural centres like The Unity Council, the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, and the Black Cultural Zone for impact with your spend.
Who should go to Oakland?
Curious travellers who crave living, breathing culture will love Oakland—a city of fiercely proud neighbourhoods, mural-lined streets, and grassroots creativity. It’s perfect for visitors who want food with a story, history you can walk through, and festivals that feel genuinely local. If you prefer authenticity over polish, Oakland delivers more character than most U.S. cities in a single weekend.
- History lovers: Trace Black Panther history in West Oakland, from powerful murals to the stately 16th Street Station and historic 7th Street.
- Foodies: Eat your way through Fruitvale’s taco trucks, Little Ethiopia in Temescal, and Chinatown’s dim sum and bánh mì—one of the most diverse food scenes in the Bay Area.
- Art & culture vultures: Soak up First Fridays, street art in Jingletown, and shows at the restored Fox and Paramount theatres for a creative buzz that rivals anywhere in the Bay Area.
- Active travellers: Jog the 3.4-mile loop around Lake Merritt, then ride BART and buses to explore multiple neighbourhoods car‑free in a single day.
- Families: Enjoy picnics and pedalos at Lake Merritt, hands-on fun at farmers’ markets, and kid-friendly stops like Chinatown’s Lincoln Square Park and Asian Branch Library.
- Community‑minded visitors: Support minority‑owned shops and cultural centres like The Unity Council, the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, and the Black Cultural Zone for impact with your spend.
Top things to do in Oakland
These are the unmissable highlights of Oakland’s diverse neighbourhoods. Use this shortlist to tap into The Town’s culture, history and daily rhythm.
- Walk the 3.4-mile path round Lake Merritt to soak up drum circles, barbecues, vendors and Oakland’s everyday mix.
- Explore Oakland Chinatown along 8th–9th Streets and Pacific Renaissance Plaza for markets, dim sum and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
- Visit Fruitvale’s International Boulevard for taquerías, panaderías and vivid murals—or time your trip for the Día de los Muertos festival.
- Take a self-guided history walk in West Oakland past the 16th Street Station façade and Black Panther Party murals on Martin Luther King Jr Way.
- Hike the Bay Trail from Jack London Square towards Jingletown’s waterfront art and studios for a quieter, hyperlocal slice of The Town.
Experience Oakland differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Top things to do in Oakland
These are the unmissable highlights of Oakland’s diverse neighbourhoods. Use this shortlist to tap into The Town’s culture, history and daily rhythm.
- Walk the 3.4-mile path round Lake Merritt to soak up drum circles, barbecues, vendors and Oakland’s everyday mix.
- Explore Oakland Chinatown along 8th–9th Streets and Pacific Renaissance Plaza for markets, dim sum and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
- Visit Fruitvale’s International Boulevard for taquerías, panaderías and vivid murals—or time your trip for the Día de los Muertos festival.
- Take a self-guided history walk in West Oakland past the 16th Street Station façade and Black Panther Party murals on Martin Luther King Jr Way.
- Hike the Bay Trail from Jack London Square towards Jingletown’s waterfront art and studios for a quieter, hyperlocal slice of The Town.
Experience Oakland differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
3-day Oakland itinerary
Day 1: Lake, Chinatown and Uptown
Ease into The Town with a lap around the water and a dive into everyday neighbourhood life. Today balances relaxed walking with food, art and a taste of Oakland’s nightlife.
- Morning: Do the 3.4‑mile loop of Lake Merritt; pause for people‑watching and street musicians. If it’s Saturday, browse the lively Grand Lake farmers’ market. Tip: bring layers—mornings can be cool even in summer.
- Midday: Wander Oakland Chinatown (8th–9th Streets between Franklin and Harrison). Snack on dim sum or a bánh mì, and drop into the Oakland Asian Cultural Center for exhibitions or classes. Be a customer, not just a photographer—buy something small at family‑run shops.
- Afternoon: Head to Uptown along Telegraph Avenue; admire street murals and the restored facades of the Fox Theater and Paramount Theatre. Coffee at an independent café and a browse of small galleries fits well here.
- Evening: If your trip lands on the first Friday of the month, join Oakland First Fridays—an outdoor art, food and music block party. Otherwise, catch a show at the Fox/Paramount or dine at a locally owned spot on Telegraph. Use BART/ride‑hail at night and avoid leaving anything visible in cars anywhere.
Day 2: Fruitvale, Eastlake (Little Saigon) and Lake Sunset
Explore the heart of Latino Oakland, then shift to Vietnamese Eastlake for a different flavour of immigrant resilience. Wrap with a mellow lakefront evening the way locals do on warm weekends.
- Morning: Take BART to Fruitvale Station and start at Fruitvale Village/Plaza. Grab pan dulce and coffee, then stroll International Boulevard for mercados, murals and small storefronts supported by The Unity Council. If visiting late Oct/early Nov, plan around the Día de los Muertos festival.
- Midday: Taco‑truck lunch on International (cash helps; ask for house salsas). Ride AC Transit to Eastlake (East 12th/International, roughly 1st–23rd Ave) for Vietnamese groceries at Sun Hop Fat and snacks at Ca Mau Plaza. You’ll see bilingual signage and “Little Saigon” pride throughout.
- Afternoon: Continue into San Antonio to respectfully visit Cambodian temples around 17th–19th Avenues (check open hours; modest dress and shoe removal are customary). If you have extra time, detour to Jingletown near the Park Street Bridge for colourful murals and artist studios.
- Evening: Picnic back at Lake Merritt—on warm weekends expect drum circles, dancers and vendors. Alternatively, do a low‑key taco‑truck crawl along International Boulevard; use buses rather than driving between short hops for peace of mind.
Day 3: West Oakland History, Jack London and Temescal/Laurel
Trace the city’s activist roots and ongoing change, then sample Ethiopian cuisine and neighbourhood main streets. Today mixes reflection, food and laid‑back local browsing.
- Morning: In West Oakland, view the Beaux‑Arts 16th Street Station exterior and seek out Black Panther Party murals near Martin Luther King Jr Way and Huey P. Newton Way. Admire Victorian homes and, if timing aligns, pop into Prescott Market for Black‑owned vendor pop‑ups.
- Midday: If it’s Sunday, browse the Jack London Square farmers’ market; otherwise, have a casual waterfront lunch nearby. Tip: keep your phone pocketed when close to the kerb and stay aware around parking lots.
- Afternoon: Tram or bus to Temescal; walk Telegraph Ave from 40th to 51st for vintage shops, cafés and “Little Ethiopia” (try an injera platter and, if offered, a coffee ceremony). Summer visitors can look for the Temescal Street Fair.
- Evening: Wind down in the Laurel District on MacArthur Boulevard—an easygoing strip of Latino, Black and Asian‑owned eateries and dessert spots. Seasonal note: September brings Oakland Pride events citywide; February features the Black Joy Parade—either is a great capstone. Local etiquette: a simple head‑nod greeting goes far, and mindful talk around gentrification shows respect.
General tips for all days:
- Use a Clipper Card for BART and AC Transit. Walking is best for seeing neighbourhood detail; slow down and take it block by block.
- Never leave belongings in cars, even briefly. After dark, stick to busier corridors or use transit/ride‑hail.
- Weekends are most vibrant; check community calendars for festivals in Fruitvale, Chinatown’s Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb), Juneteenth (June) and First Fridays (monthly).
Share Oakland with friends and start planning your trip together.
Food and drink in Oakland
Oakland’s food scene is a neighbourhood-driven mix of Latinx, Asian and African flavours with deep community roots. You can eat around the world in a few blocks, from taco trucks to dim sum halls to Ethiopian feasts. Big flavours, fair prices, and welcoming, everyday spots.
- Tacos al pastor – smoky spit-roasted pork on handmade tortillas with fresh salsas in Fruitvale. Best at kerbside taco trucks and buzzing night markets along International Boulevard.
- Dim sum – steamer baskets of dumplings, buns and rice rolls in Chinatown. Find it in lively banquet halls and family-run cafés.
- Injera platters – tangy sourdough flatbread topped with spiced stews at Ethiopian spots in Temescal. Served in cosy restaurants and relaxed cafés built for sharing.
- Pho and bánh mì – aromatic noodle soup and crisp baguette sandwiches in Eastlake’s Vietnamese hub. Enjoyed in no-frills eateries and boba tea bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Oakland top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Food and drink in Oakland
Oakland’s food scene is a neighbourhood-driven mix of Latinx, Asian and African flavours with deep community roots. You can eat around the world in a few blocks, from taco trucks to dim sum halls to Ethiopian feasts. Big flavours, fair prices, and welcoming, everyday spots.
- Tacos al pastor – smoky spit-roasted pork on handmade tortillas with fresh salsas in Fruitvale. Best at kerbside taco trucks and buzzing night markets along International Boulevard.
- Dim sum – steamer baskets of dumplings, buns and rice rolls in Chinatown. Find it in lively banquet halls and family-run cafés.
- Injera platters – tangy sourdough flatbread topped with spiced stews at Ethiopian spots in Temescal. Served in cosy restaurants and relaxed cafés built for sharing.
- Pho and bánh mì – aromatic noodle soup and crisp baguette sandwiches in Eastlake’s Vietnamese hub. Enjoyed in no-frills eateries and boba tea bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Oakland top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Oakland
Choosing where to stay in Oakland is about matching the neighbourhood vibe to your trip—each area offers a distinct slice of The Town. Use these quick picks to choose atmosphere and convenience rather than specific hotels.
- Uptown / Lake Merritt — Entertainment hub with the Fox and Paramount theatres, lively First Fridays, and a scenic lakeside loop; ideal for first‑timers wanting nightlife, cafés, and easy BART.
- Temescal — Trendy Telegraph Ave strip with Little Ethiopia, indie shops, and beer gardens; great for foodies and creatives after a laid‑back, walkable base.
- Fruitvale — Heart of Latino culture with International Blvd taquerias and Día de los Muertos; best for culture seekers and budget travellers who value an authentic, bustling scene (be street‑smart after dark).
- Chinatown — Pan‑Asian markets and eateries near downtown with the Asian Cultural Center; perfect for food lovers and transit users wanting a busy daytime vibe and quick BART links.
Find places to stay in Oakland on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in Oakland
Choosing where to stay in Oakland is about matching the neighbourhood vibe to your trip—each area offers a distinct slice of The Town. Use these quick picks to choose atmosphere and convenience rather than specific hotels.
- Uptown / Lake Merritt — Entertainment hub with the Fox and Paramount theatres, lively First Fridays, and a scenic lakeside loop; ideal for first‑timers wanting nightlife, cafés, and easy BART.
- Temescal — Trendy Telegraph Ave strip with Little Ethiopia, indie shops, and beer gardens; great for foodies and creatives after a laid‑back, walkable base.
- Fruitvale — Heart of Latino culture with International Blvd taquerias and Día de los Muertos; best for culture seekers and budget travellers who value an authentic, bustling scene (be street‑smart after dark).
- Chinatown — Pan‑Asian markets and eateries near downtown with the Asian Cultural Center; perfect for food lovers and transit users wanting a busy daytime vibe and quick BART links.
Find places to stay in Oakland on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Explore other great dupe destinations based on your interest
Good to know before you go to Oakland
Travel in Oakland is straightforward, and a little planning goes a long way. Its walkable cores link easily by BART, bus and ferry, and most essentials are clustered around Lake Merritt, Uptown, Downtown and Jack London Square. The tips below will help you make the most of your time.
- Affordability: Oakland is pricey by US standards, with meals from about £8–£12 at taco trucks to £30–£50 per person at mid‑range restaurants, and mid‑range hotels commonly £150+ per night.
- Transport: Walkable in Lake Merritt, Uptown, Temescal and Jack London Square; use BART and AC Transit with a Clipper card, ferries connect from Jack London Square, and a car helps for hillside or regional trips.
- Language: English is the main language and widely understood; you’ll also hear Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin, Vietnamese and more, with bilingual signage in areas like Chinatown and Fruitvale.
- Safety & comfort: Generally friendly for families and solo travellers, but use city smarts—keep phones secure, avoid quiet industrial blocks late at night, and never leave anything visible in a parked car.
- Crowds: May–October has the best weather and busiest weekends (First Friday, festivals, Lake Merritt), while weekdays and winter are quieter and easier for parking and dining.
Good to know before you go to Oakland
Travel in Oakland is straightforward, and a little planning goes a long way. Its walkable cores link easily by BART, bus and ferry, and most essentials are clustered around Lake Merritt, Uptown, Downtown and Jack London Square. The tips below will help you make the most of your time.
- Affordability: Oakland is pricey by US standards, with meals from about £8–£12 at taco trucks to £30–£50 per person at mid‑range restaurants, and mid‑range hotels commonly £150+ per night.
- Transport: Walkable in Lake Merritt, Uptown, Temescal and Jack London Square; use BART and AC Transit with a Clipper card, ferries connect from Jack London Square, and a car helps for hillside or regional trips.
- Language: English is the main language and widely understood; you’ll also hear Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin, Vietnamese and more, with bilingual signage in areas like Chinatown and Fruitvale.
- Safety & comfort: Generally friendly for families and solo travellers, but use city smarts—keep phones secure, avoid quiet industrial blocks late at night, and never leave anything visible in a parked car.
- Crowds: May–October has the best weather and busiest weekends (First Friday, festivals, Lake Merritt), while weekdays and winter are quieter and easier for parking and dining.
Best time to go to Oakland
Seasonality in Oakland is Mediterranean: dry, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters, with less fog than San Francisco and pleasant microclimates between the flats and the hills. The liveliest stretch is roughly May–October when outdoor life and festivals peak around Lake Merritt and neighbourhood corridors.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild days and crisp mornings (around 12–18°C) with the odd shower; moderate crowds; relaxed, local vibe with neighbourhood festivals starting up.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot in the flats (22–30°C), dry and sunny; busiest on weekends and at First Fridays; lively lake scene, street food, and terrace dining.
- Late Summer–Autumn (Sep–Oct): Often the warmest, clearest spell (24–30°C), light winds; busy but not overwhelmed; upbeat community feel with Oakland Pride and build‑up to Día de los Muertos.
Best time to go to Oakland
Seasonality in Oakland is Mediterranean: dry, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters, with less fog than San Francisco and pleasant microclimates between the flats and the hills. The liveliest stretch is roughly May–October when outdoor life and festivals peak around Lake Merritt and neighbourhood corridors.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild days and crisp mornings (around 12–18°C) with the odd shower; moderate crowds; relaxed, local vibe with neighbourhood festivals starting up.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot in the flats (22–30°C), dry and sunny; busiest on weekends and at First Fridays; lively lake scene, street food, and terrace dining.
- Late Summer–Autumn (Sep–Oct): Often the warmest, clearest spell (24–30°C), light winds; busy but not overwhelmed; upbeat community feel with Oakland Pride and build‑up to Día de los Muertos.
Share Oakland with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Oakland
By Air
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): In-city. BART Oakland Airport Connector to Coliseum Station (~8 mins), then 10–15 mins to Downtown Oakland (12th St/City Center). Total 20–30 mins. Ride-hail/taxi ~15–30 mins.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Direct BART to Downtown Oakland via San Francisco and the Transbay Tube. 45–60 mins. By car via US-101/I-80/Bay Bridge ~30–50 mins (traffic dependent; bridge toll westbound only, towards San Francisco).
- San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): VTA bus 60 to Milpitas BART (15–25 mins) then BART to Oakland (55–75 mins). Total 1.5–2 hours. By car via I-880 ~45–75 mins.
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Mainly by car via I-5/I-80 (~1.5–2 hours). Limited coach links via Sacramento.
By Train
- BART (rapid transit): Direct links between San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and the wider East Bay.
- Key Oakland stations: West Oakland, 12th St/City Center, 19th St/Oakland, Lake Merritt, Coliseum.
- Frequencies: typically every 5–15 mins daytimes.
- Amtrak:
- Oakland–Jack London Square (OKJ): Capitol Corridor (frequent San José–Oakland–Sacramento), Coast Starlight (daily long‑distance to Los Angeles and to Portland/Seattle). Some San Joaquins services/Thruway connections to the Central Valley and Bakersfield.
- Oakland Coliseum (OAC): Capitol Corridor; pedestrian link to BART and OAK.
- Emeryville (EMY): Main hub for the California Zephyr (to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago) with short hop to Oakland by BART/bus.
- Typical times: Oakland–Sacramento ~1h50–2h; Oakland–San José ~1h15–1h30.
By Bus
- Intercity coaches: Greyhound and FlixBus operate to/from Oakland with curbside stops (often near West Oakland BART or Downtown/Uptown; confirm exact stop when booking). Key routes to San Francisco, San José, Sacramento, Los Angeles and beyond. Oakland–Sacramento ~1.5–2h; Oakland–Los Angeles ~7–9h (traffic dependent).
- AC Transit (local & Transbay): Frequent buses across the East Bay and Transbay routes to/from San Francisco’s Financial District (typically 25–60 mins off‑peak; longer at peak). Clipper card accepted.
By Ferry
- San Francisco Bay Ferry: Oakland Ferry Terminal (Jack London Square) to San Francisco Ferry Building and Pier 41; some event services (e.g., Oracle Park). Typical crossing 25–40 mins. Also links with Alameda.
By Car
- From San Francisco: I-80 east over the Bay Bridge, then I‑580/I‑880 to neighbourhoods. 20–40 mins off‑peak; longer at peak. Bay Bridge toll collected westbound (towards San Francisco) only.
- From San José: I‑880 north to Oakland. 45–75 mins.
- From Sacramento: I‑80 west (often via I‑580/I‑880). 1.5–2 hours.
- Other Bay crossings: San Mateo Bridge (CA‑92) to I‑880; Dumbarton Bridge (CA‑84) to I‑880. Tolls apply one way; FasTrak/Pay‑by‑Plate widely used.
- Parking: Street and garage options vary by district; car break‑ins are common—do not leave valuables in vehicles.
Get to Oakland: Compare smart flight options with Skyscanner
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Have a great tip for Oakland or another alternative to popular destinations?
Share your thoughts on Oakland or suggest another authentic alternative to popular destinations. Your tips help others rediscover their love of travelling - while giving popular destinations a little room to breathe.
Book your trip
Find the best Oakland hotels
Browse top-rated stays and deals on Booking.com
Compare cheap flights to Oakland
Search live fares and save with Skyscanner
Browse Oakland tours & experiences
Skip-the-line tickets and research activities on GetYourGuide
Discover Oakland’s top restaurants
Find authentic dining spots with Tripadvisor reviews
Please help us keep all core features free to use by using these affiliate links!