Title: Visit Oakland: Best of Oakland Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca

[Hotels in Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Hotels.d601762.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Vacation-Rentals.d601762.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Oakland.d601762.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Oakland.d601762.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Oakland Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Oakland.d601762.Car-Rental-Guide)[Oakland Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Oakland.d601762.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Oakland

## Travel Guide

![Lake Merritt featuring a pond](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635074843030/ae1e3d96-036d-4c5f-aa96-b361cbbf6678.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Lake Merritt featuring a pond](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635074843030/ae1e3d96-036d-4c5f-aa96-b361cbbf6678.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Chabot Space and Science Center featuring an observatory and interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6063239/5ae096a5-ad9e-4936-9601-83dd2af2abe1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Oakland Zoo which includes views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6228338/ac4cae16-a35a-473b-8c8d-b0d20096b4b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Oakland showing interior views and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601762/3f275d8e-0ccd-4762-adf1-59f5e772a3eb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Oakland

Where to stay

Things to do

#### 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 inJack 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 theChabot 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 aroundLake 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 theOakland Zoo, while couples and friends can attend a live performance in the splendidParamount 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

![Lake Merritt featuring a pond](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635074843030/ae1e3d96-036d-4c5f-aa96-b361cbbf6678.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Downtown Oakland

3/5(9 area reviews)

 Central business district with a mix of residential, retail, and office spaces, Downtown Oakland offers an Entertainment District, historic theaters, Oakland Museum, and outdoor retail mall. Easily accessible via BART and AC Transit. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Downtown-Oakland.dx553248635074843030)

![Unless you're on one of the aquatic teams, all you can do here is admire it. Speiker complex across the street has a great pool for adults-only lap swim, and day passes for general public available. #BVSBlue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8059/baa2ee0d-01ba-4941-aef3-3a09f29f31a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Downtown Berkeley

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

 Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. 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. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Downtown-Berkeley.dx553248633938969812)

![Aerial view of the Albany Waterfront Trail, Berkeley, California, USA. The image shows the marshland and Berkeley skyline in the background.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/179368/3e74ab00-a631-429c-8267-b8bf302f56d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Albany

 The seaside views and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Albany. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are a few top sights nearby. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Albany.dx179368)

![Piedmont showing street scenes and outdoor art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/177707/e2802353-ad22-4ae6-aa66-f43aad16c460.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Piedmont.dx177707)

![Aerial View Oakland Inner Harbor Port City Downtown Skyline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976470763/14100e99-6014-4479-bebc-744c279b0a6e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### West Oakland

 Major West Coast port and trade center, this bustling area boasts the busiest port in Northern California, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of coastal terrace prairie, oak woodland, and north coastal scrub. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-West-Oakland.dx553248635976470763)

![Gourmet Ghetto](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6172108/6b14a33f-8d0e-464b-b635-8ba4028c2e94.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### North Berkeley

 If you're spending some time in North Berkeley, Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents are top sights worth seeing. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-North-Berkeley.dx553248635976471834)

- Oakland Hotel Deals
- Vacation Rentals in Oakland

![DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23800/23800/ba0da8d5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

200 Marina Blvd Berkeley CA

CA $163

CA $188 total

Feb 12 - Feb 13

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (4,241 reviews)

Was clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F02%2F2026&endDate=13%2F02%2F2026&selected=23800&PinnedHotelID=23800&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=601762)

![The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/60000/51200/51116/095a2e83_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay

68 Monarch Bay Dr San Leandro CA

CA $131

CA $149 total

Mar 1 - Mar 2

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this golf hotel in San Leandro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (2,320 reviews)

We enjoyed our stay at the Marina Inn. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent location if you’re looking to be just far enough away from the hustle & bustle. Love that they provide a complimentary shuttle to the Oakland Airport. We look forward to staying here again soon!

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F03%2F2026&endDate=02%2F03%2F2026&selected=51116&PinnedHotelID=51116&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=601762)

![Claremont Resort & Club](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/6700/6609/d997dca7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Claremont Resort & Club

41 Tunnel Road Berkeley CA

CA $321

CA $451 total

Feb 16 - Feb 17

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)

Wonderful resort we loved the views and the staff is amazing

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F02%2F2026&endDate=17%2F02%2F2026&selected=6609&PinnedHotelID=6609&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=601762)

[See all 1,392 properties in Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=07%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026&regionId=601762)

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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/4900/4810/24ae7eb2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

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 (2,895 reviews)

I have been staying at Coral Reef for years! This trip was no different in meeting my expectations (clean rooms, available items in the restrooms, decent options for breakfast--but the inn is walking distance from a plaza with much to offer, so this has never been an issue for us). The only exception ...

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Hotels-Coral-Reef-Inn-Suites.h4810.Hotel-Information)

![Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33570000/33569800/33569770/ff935607_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway

 Alameda CA

Stay at this cottage in Alameda. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Oakland Arena and Jack London Square are located ...

10/10 Exceptional! (290 reviews)

Have stayed here a couple times now and it’s perfect.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Hotels-Beautiful-And-Lush-Hidden-Wisteria-Getaway.h33569770.Hotel-Information)

![West Oakland Home Minutes from San Francisco - 3BR with Full Kitchen](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/41000000/40590000/40590000/40589937/8d98000a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

West Oakland Home Minutes from San Francisco - 3BR with Full Kitchen

 Oakland CA

Stay at this vacation home in Oakland. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Jack London Square and Ferry Building are located ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)

The home was great!!

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Hotels-West-Oakland-Home-Minutes-From-San-Francisco-And-Oaklands-Uptown-District.h40589937.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=601762&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

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.

## Check Oakland hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=601762&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)[Feb 6 - Feb 7](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=601762&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=601762&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=601762&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=601762&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=601762&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Jack London Square which includes a bay or harbor and a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6063235/91e61326-ba76-4eed-b745-a225a7a20141.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Jack London Square

Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.

[](https://expedia.ca/Jack-London-Square-Jack-London-District.d6063235.Vacation-Attraction)

![Unless you're on one of the aquatic teams, all you can do here is admire it. Speiker complex across the street has a great pool for adults-only lap swim, and day passes for general public available. #BVSBlue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8059/baa2ee0d-01ba-4941-aef3-3a09f29f31a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### University of California, Berkeley

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of California, Berkeley, during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-California-Oakland.d6069427.Vacation-Attraction)

![Oakland Coliseum Firework Show](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502580/ba18495a-c341-4b12-b8f4-b5cb018a0274.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Alameda-County-Coliseum-Airport-District.d502580.Vacation-Attraction)

![Fox Theater](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532640465/2a2e19ff-e200-4ab4-947d-e8358787055e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Fox Theater

You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Fox-Theater-Downtown-Oakland.d553248621532640465.Vacation-Attraction)

![Greek Theater](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6069433/d865293f-7a69-4a82-bda2-bfd28720a377.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Greek Theater

You can enjoy a show at Greek Theater during your trip to Berkeley. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Greek-Theater-Oakland.d6069433.Vacation-Attraction)

![www.alamy.com](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6063249/e1ae4dc4-9939-4762-a1bd-9654e7af92d8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Paramount Theatre

Come and see the ballet, a concert or a stand-up comedy performance at this spectacular art deco theater in the heart of Oakland.

[](https://expedia.ca/Paramount-Theatre-Downtown-Oakland.d6063249.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![Alcatraz San Francisco Bay Cruise with Night Option](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/852618/2d36c05c-4a19-49ee-83c7-78e22378ede0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

CA $193

per adult

**94%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/alcatraz-visit-with-night-option-and-sf-bay-cruise.a852618.activity-details)

![San Francisco City Lights Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/219776/95f2a2ad-387b-435e-99b1-49a9d049006c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)

CA $81

per adult

**94%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-francisco-city-lights-cruise-2-hours.a219776.activity-details)

![California Academy of Sciences General Admission](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/219652/f0bca80b-682f-4287-bac0-eccb47dd5591.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

CA $68

per adult

**86%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/california-academy-of-sciences-daytime-admission.a219652.activity-details)

![Golden Gate Bridge at night](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/277363/5cadfa3b-d4bb-4821-ac3a-897e2521df02.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Francisco Night Tour

CA $125

per adult

**78%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-francisco-night-tour.a277363.activity-details)

![Visit de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/852149/5f951497-8465-48c2-bf9a-eff985a5464e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### de Young Museum General Admission Ticket

CA $28

per adult

**88%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/de-young-museum-general-admission-ticket.a852149.activity-details)

![San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/219668/785ce8a9-e93e-40d3-81fc-8580c669e17f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour

CA $97

per adult

**72%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-francisco-hop-on-hop-off-tours-plus-night-tour.a219668.activity-details)

[See all activities in Oakland](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Oakland.d601762.Travel-Guide-Activities)

## Cities near Oakland

![Rosenblum Cellars](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532640441/890ecd94-4b10-41a5-b90b-7a29313c053d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Alameda

![Aerial Panorama of Urban Area and Open Space in East Bay, Northern California](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6137/937b6fa6-6fdb-4cdd-b0c3-43963ad2e96e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Richmond

![Hayward ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7766/14e42761-cba9-4951-8701-e998af8915bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Hayward

![Panorama Night View of San Francisco Bay, East Bay, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, El Cerrito, Kensington](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7824/44a3e1dc-042f-4ef7-8b72-fd5e3384f041.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### El Cerrito

### Other places like Oakland

- Cities near Oakland
- Places of interest

[Alameda](https://expedia.ca/Alameda.dx5969)[Richmond](https://expedia.ca/Richmond.dx6137)[Hayward](https://expedia.ca/Hayward.dx7766)[El Cerrito](https://expedia.ca/El-Cerrito.dx7824)[Berkeley](https://expedia.ca/Berkeley.dx8059)[Pleasanton](https://expedia.ca/Pleasanton.dx8060)[Emeryville](https://expedia.ca/Emeryville.dx8073)[Fremont](https://expedia.ca/Fremont.dx8148)[Newark](https://expedia.ca/Newark.dx8945)[San Leandro](https://expedia.ca/San-Leandro.dx55945)[San Francisco](https://expedia.ca/San-Francisco.dx178305)

- [Jack London Square ](https://expedia.ca/Jack-London-Square-Jack-London-District.d6063235.Vacation-Attraction)
- [University of California ](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-California-Oakland.d6069427.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Oakland Arena ](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Arena-Airport-District.d6063245.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum ](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Alameda-County-Coliseum-Airport-District.d502580.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Fox Theater ](https://expedia.ca/Fox-Theater-Downtown-Oakland.d553248621532640465.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Paramount Theatre ](https://expedia.ca/Paramount-Theatre-Downtown-Oakland.d6063249.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Oakland Zoo ](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Zoo-Sequoyah.d6228338.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Oakland Museum of California ](https://expedia.ca/Oakland-Museum-Of-California-Downtown-Oakland.d6063237.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Alta Bates Summit Medical Center ](https://expedia.ca/Alta-Bates-Summit-Medical-Center-Elmwood.d553248621551385108.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Chabot Space and Science Center ](https://expedia.ca/Chabot-Space-And-Science-Center-Oakland.d6063239.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Telegraph Avenue ](https://expedia.ca/Telegraph-Avenue-Upper-Telegraph.d6338638.Vacation-Attraction)
- [University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley ](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-California-Botanical-Garden-At-Berkeley-Oakland.d6069445.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Children's Fairyland ](https://expedia.ca/Childrens-Fairyland-Oakland.d6063241.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive ](https://expedia.ca/Berkeley-Art-Museum-And-Pacific-Film-Archive-Downtown-Berkeley.d6069443.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Redwood Regional Park ](https://expedia.ca/Redwood-Regional-Park-Oakland.d6228027.Vacation-Attraction)

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