Oakland, California’s, creative spirit offers a dynamic mix of art, music and food
Just across the bay from San Francisco sits Oakland, whose history with issues of justice and equity has made it one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S. It’s a creative, spirited community that spawned the Black Panther Party alongside innovative funk bands in the 1960s, as well as several rap artists in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Generations of family-owned restaurants and shops continue the tradition of civic pride by welcoming a new era of artists and techies, creating a veritable treasure trove of local art, music and food. But range is what Oakland does well: The city is also well known for its upscale dining and modern shops.
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Explore Oakland

  • Uptown
  • Temescal
  • Lake Merritt
  • Old Oakland
  • Jack London Square

Uptown

Overview

Uptown is Oakland’s thriving entertainment district. Live music is big here, and the historic Fox and Paramount theaters bring in national headliners, while smaller music venues highlight local acts. Don’t miss the trendy restaurants and bars that line both Broadway and Telegraph Avenue.

Known For

Live Music, Bars, Restaurants

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Temescal

Overview

Temescal is a fairly residential neighborhood with a seriously artsy vibe. Think restaurants and bars with cult followings alongside boutique shops touting local goods. Spend some time shopping in the Temescal Alleys for unique clothing, jewelry and plants that highlight Oakland’s creative spirit.

Known For

Restaurants, Bars, Shopping

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Lake Merritt

Overview

Spending a day by Lake Merritt is the quintessential Oakland experience. Not only are there top restaurants and shops around the urban lake, but you’ll also find Oakland’s best weekly farmers market, as well as the historic Grand Lake Theatre movie palace.

Known For

Parks, Entertainment, Restaurants

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Old Oakland

Overview

The 19th-century Victorian architecture in this historic neighborhood hasn’t changed much since the neighborhood served as Oakland’s “original” downtown. A thriving food hall, Swan’s Market, still attracts customers to its restaurant vendors, just as it did when it first opened in 1917. The same can be said for Ratto’s International Market & Deli, which opened in 1917 and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership.

Known For

Architecture, Restaurants, Art Galleries

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Jack London Square

Overview

Named for the famous author, Jack London Square is the perfect mix of old and new. You’ll find Jack London’s old hangouts (like Heinold’s: First and Last Chance Saloon) still intact alongside well-respected urban wineries and breweries, as well as options to go kayaking in the bay or simply play a game of bocce at Plank.

Known For

Restaurants, Entertainment, Waterfront Views

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Nearby Hotels and Resorts

Stay in the Center of it All

Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.

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3 Days Taking in Oakland, California’s, Hip Vibe

Redwoods

Hike, Shop and Dance Your Way Through Oaktown’s Hot Spots

Get an overview of everything Oakland has to offer with a morning hike amid redwood trees followed by Burmese food and local shopping in Temescal. End the day at a buzzy Uptown brewery before catching some live music at the Fox Theater.

Lake Merritt

Indulge in Serious Eats While Exploring Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is the place to be on Saturdays. Taste your way through Grand Lake Farmers Market before strolling around the famous lake dotted with delicious restaurants. And don’t miss these historic institutions: Children’s Fairyland, Grand Lake Theatre and the Alley Piano Bar & Restaurant.

Oakland Bay Bridge

Take In the City’s Art and Wine Scenes

Old Oakland and Jack London Square bring the city’s art and wine scenes to life with plenty of museums, art galleries and urban wineries to explore. Make sure to stop by Heinold’s: First and Last Chance Saloon, an original Jack London hangout.

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