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Oakland gets its name because the city is heavily populated with oak trees. Although often overshadowed by San Francisco, its beautiful and cosmopolitan neighbor lying directly to the west, Oakland has beautiful highlights of its own such as Lake Merritt, various theaters, and a zoo. Decades ago, former Oakland resident, writer Gertrude Stein, returned to visit her hometown of Oakland from which she left over twenty years ago. Upon her visit she found that her synagogue, a favorite park, her school, and the home in which she grew up no longer existed. An acquaintance, unaware that Stein had already visited the city, asked her if she planned to visit Oakland. Stein replied, "Why go to Oakland? There is no there there", as she was thinking of the fixtures of her childhood that had been demolished. Over many decades, some have taken this statement out of context to mean that there is nothing to see in Oakland.
But Oakland's visitors can find the "there" there most easily in the city's very affluent and beautiful hillside neighborhoods, its burgeoning culinary scene, its somewhat eccentric shopping districts, the parks, its sports teams, and its waterfront. Several distinct neighborhoods comprise Oakland, all of which host a heady mix of cultures and people.
In the 1960s, an era of social, cultural, racial, and political revolt throughout the Western world, Oakland became a hub of radical movements -- it is the birthplace of the Black Panther Party -- and numerous criminal organizations, such as the largely white Hell's Angels motorcycle gang, made the city their hub. Yet Oakland's history in the arts and entertainment, often overlooked by the city's detractors, always was and remains quite formidable. Oakland has nurtured or been a second home to novelists Gertrude Stein, Jack London, Amy Tan, and Maya Angelou; actors Mark Hamill, Bruce Lee, and Tom Hanks; architect Julia Morgan; classical conductor Calvin Simmons; rappers MC Hammer and Tupac Shakur, and many other notables in the liberal arts and sciences. Governor of California, Jerry Brown, and his wife maintain a large home in the affluent Montclair district, an Oakland neighborhood noted for its steep, wooded hillsides, and expansive homes and estates, many of which have stunning vistas of the city, the San Francisco Bay, and San Francisco and the Marin headlands beyond.
According to the 2000 Census, Oakland is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States (along with [wiki=5de943f2fe978b75081984c68fee2faa]Long Beach[/wiki], California), with over 150 languages spoken within the city's borders. Reflecting this, Oakland holds several annual cultural events, such as the Art & Soul Weekend (held on Labor day weekend), the Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale Festival Parade (early May), the Chinatown Streetfest (late August), and the Oakland Holiday Parade in December.
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By plane
Oakland International Airport [url=http://www.flyoakland.com/]] is in the city and is served by many domestic and some international carriers. There is private shuttle service ($10-25) to hotels in Oakland and San Francisco, and public transit service (AirBART [url=http://www.bart.gov/guide/airport/oak.asp[/url],]and AC Transit [url=http://www.actransit.org[/url]]Line 73 or Line 805) to the Oakland Coliseum BART Station which takes exactly 12 mintues from the airport to the Oakland Coliseum Bart Station (which is adjacent to the similarly named Amtrak Capitol Corridor station).
Other air travel options include the San Francisco [url=http://www.flysfo.com/[/url]] and San Jose [url=http://www.sjc.org/[/url]] International Airports. SFO, with its BART station, is the more convenient of the two and also sits closer to Oakland. SFO is also served by a plethora of domestic and international carriers. Those flying into SJC may have to battle significant traffic or pay for an expensive van or taxi ride. For public transportation, take VTA's Airport Flyer (Route 10) [http://www.vta.org/schedules/SC_10.html[/url] to the Santa Clara Caltrain Station, then Caltrain to the Millbrae Intermodal Station, and then BART towards Oakland.
For private pilots, Oakland Airport has a separate General Aviation area "North Field", essentially the equivalent of another airport to the north of the commercial facilities, with separate tower, taxiways, and radio frequencies. Its long runway is frequently used for jet travel, and Oakland makes a far better GA destination than San Francisco's complex, heavily trafficked field.
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By train
Oakland is served by the regional rail system Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) [url=http://www.bart.gov/]]and the nationwide, long-distance rail service Amtrak [url=http://www.amtrak.com/[/url],]with the Bay Area's largest Amtrak station located in the neighboring city of [[Emeryville[/url]].
BART [url=http://www.bart.gov/]]is a subway/elevated rapid transit system of the Bay Area. It connects Oakland to San Francisco, the [[Peninsula (Bay Area)|Peninsula[/url]], [wiki=3a9b2af2c2dcc2d96f953b81b7dca3c8]Contra Costa County[/wiki], and the far northeastern reach of [wiki=2839cbbae4c8fab9ecb75b26050b6482]Silicon Valley[/wiki]. Prices on BART vary by the distance you need to travel; a one-way ticket to Oakland is usually $3-4.
The following Amtrak lines serve the Oakland station at Jack London Square, an easy twenty-minute walk away from the center of Downtown:
*Capitol Corridor [url=http://www.amtrakcapitols.com/]]San Jose to [[Auburn (California)|Auburn[/url]] via [wiki=2ff4bdbec0419eb92d7fada8b262b480]Sacramento[/wiki]). The route also includes a stop at the Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak station, adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum BART station. The Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak station has no station agents. Passengers may board the train and buy the tickets from the conductor at no surcharge.
*San Joaquins [url=http://www.amtrakcalifornia.com/]](Oakland to [[Bakersfield|Bakersfield, California[/url]])
*Coast Starlight [url=http://www.amtrak.com]][[Seattle[/url]] to [wiki=d0aa2dffa0da83f1f34681308d04db5d]Los Angeles[/wiki]
The [wiki=b74f4df265c7db52cc242d5b69c7a366]California Zephyr[/wiki] route (Emeryville, California to [wiki=9cfa1e69f507d007a516eb3e9f5074e2]Chicago[/wiki]) starts and ends at the nearby Emeryville Amtrak station, accessible on public transit by AC Transit [url=http://www.actransit.org/]]line 31 and by the Emery-Go-Round shuttle [url=http://www.emerygoround.com/[/url]]to the Macarthur BART station in the Temescal neighborhood.
AC Transit Route 73 [url=http://www.actransit.org/riderinfo/schedules/73.html[/url]](day) and Route 805 [url=http://www.actransit.org/riderinfo/schedules/805.html[/url]](owl) provide fast, frequent, inexpensive, 24-hour bus service between the Oakland Coliseum BART station and the Oakland International Airport. Amtrak Capitol Corridor customers pay $0; ask your train conductor for a Transit Transfer. BART customers pay $1.75; take a BART-to-bus transfer from the white machine, before leaving the paid area of the BART station. The second part of either transfer is valid for a discounted return trip within several days. Otherwise, AC Transit's regular cash fare is $2.
AirBART is a direct bus shuttle between the Oakland International Airport and the Oakland Coliseum BART [http://www.bart.gov/[/url] train station. The shuttle costs $3 for adults and $1 for children, seniors and persons with disabilities. AirBART accepts fare payment in the form of prepaid BART tickets, available just inside the BART station's entrance; you can also pay by inserting three $1 bills into the machine on the bus.
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By car
From San Francisco, Highway 80 east over the beautiful Bay Bridge leads to Highways 580, 880, and 980, which go to east, west, and downtown Oakland respectively.
From [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin[/wiki], [wiki=a8934153acc811d0ea00a1eed8d584f7]Sonoma[/wiki], and other counties along the northern coast of California, take US-101 to Highway 580 and cross the Richmond Bridge. 580 leads directly into Oakland.
From [wiki=f9c7792d5d9f43733332e5d21a913b62]Monterey[/wiki], [wiki=f3afa7e65135419e841ee5f5082cc1bf]Salinas[/wiki], and the [wiki=8f10aa708ee75025cf5eaa947e1c953f]Central Coast[/wiki], follow US-101 to San Jose and connect to Highway 880, which leads to Oakland.
From [wiki=3b4ba5e411b6f7d5bb4cc1e65a82d3d0]Tracy[/wiki], [wiki=9373b8ed8c8e56e5fd87b80cbd800194]Modesto[/wiki], and the [wiki=0086389337401649468ee0ad8e11dbb7]Central Valley[/wiki]'s southern portion ([wiki=68731e74eac6e5073e7034c81f1f1fd7]Southern California[/wiki], too), take the scenic Highway 580 over the Altamont Pass.
From [wiki=4501aef03518084e383cdfda4d6eda69]Stockton[/wiki], either follow the Altamont Pass route or take Highway 4 through Contra Costa County to Highway 242, then to Highway 680, which connects to Highway 24.
From [wiki=3a9b2af2c2dcc2d96f953b81b7dca3c8]Contra Costa County[/wiki], Highway 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel leads to north Oakland.
From the northern [wiki=68e2f343f220f59ad2a6705ccabe9aff]East Bay[/wiki], [wiki=9fdf1d3748c34ae462cb11f7adad4e00]Vallejo[/wiki], [wiki=ae58b84e666afa30d444347d142a51d2]Fairfield[/wiki], and the greater Sacramento, Highway 80 west leads directly to Oakland.
Most northern entries to Oakland go through the heinous MacArthur Maze, a spaghetti-like mashup of four freeways trying to merge and pass each other. It's got terrible traffic during commute times (7AM-10AM, 4PM-8PM), so you might want to avoid driving on the freeways at these times.
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By bus
Specific AC Transit Transbay bus routes [url=http://www.actransit.org/riderinfo/schedules/index.html#Transbay]]run between San Francisco's Transbay Terminal and different parts of Oakland. Some run as often as every 15 minutes. The Transbay All Nighter (Route 800) [url=http://www.actransit.org/riderinfo/schedules/800.html[/url]]serves (San Francisco's) Market Street, the Transbay Terminal, Oakland, Berkeley and Richmond. Additional All Nighter [url=http://www.actransit.org/riderinfo/schedules/index.html#AllNighter[/url]]routes link other areas with Oakland, after BART shuts down for the night. Or see [url=http://www.511.org]511.org[/url[/url] for an universal trip planner program that shows you get from here to there on all modes of (available) public transport in the SF Bay Area.
* has a terminal conveniently located in an ungentrified section of downtown Oakland, on San Pablo Avenue near 20th Street. As with such bus terminals in other cities, the immediate area is still sketchy at night. Be careful.
* Express bus service to/from [wiki=4047530ecbc0170039e76fe1657bdb01]Anaheim[/wiki], [wiki=c133513b3c1d2f3ffc1cbf13999816ec]Burbank[/wiki] and [wiki=d0aa2dffa0da83f1f34681308d04db5d]Los Angeles[/wiki]. Double Deck Coaches with WiFi, Restrooms, Power Outlets and seats starting at $1.
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By ferry
The Alameda-Oakland Ferry [url=http://www.eastbayferry.com]]has departures from both Pier 41 and the Ferry Building in San Francisco, weekdays year-round and weekends except for mid-winter. Its Oakland terminal is at the foot of Clay St. in Jack London Square. (On summer weekends there are also trips to Angel Island [http://www.angelisland.org/[/url], an island park in the middle of the bay, formerly an immigration station.)
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By car
A car is the best way to get around the city, although taking public transit around the city may be an option in the tourist part of the city; unless going to the hills in the eastern part of which there is sparse or no public transit. Public transportation is not recommended all around Oakland as buses may traverse some heavy crime-ridden areas.
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By bus
The AC Transit [http://www.actransit.org/] bus system service is a good way to get around if you're headed for downtown Oakland, Jack London Square, the Grand Lake district, or Temescal. Otherwise, depending on where you're going, it can seem like you're waiting for a long time for the bus to arrive. The AC Transit costs $2.10 for adults. Add $0.25 for transfers.
Downtown, there is a free shuttle service called the "B on Broadway" which runs along Broadway from Jack London Square up to Grand Ave. Runs Monday-Thursday, 7am-7pm, Friday 7am-1am, and Saturday 6pm-1am. There is typically a bus every 15 mins.
Those, however, needing to go to the hills of Oakland should have a car as bus service to these areas is sparse.
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By subway
BART has 8 stops at major areas of visitor interest, which makes it perhaps the best way to experience Oakland. A majority of these stations are adjacent and of walking distance to popular neighborhoods, eliminating car and parking hassles.
BART stations are usually named after the neighborhood they are located in. For example, to visit the chic Rockridge neighborhood, exit the Rockridge BART station, conveniently located steps from this area. Same goes for the Fruitvale District (Fruitvale BART station). Lake Merritt BART station is only a block away from the Oakland Museum of CA. Chinatown is 3 blocks from the 12 Street/City Center BART station. BART service ends around midnight.
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By rideshare
Ridesharing and casual carpool offer an alternate to more traditional modes of transport. These can be more flexible and offer a wider range of pickup options than other modes. 511.org[url=http://rideshare.511.org/]]has information on casual carpool stops. A good example of a ride sharing application is Carma[http://www.carmacarpooling.com/United%20States/Oakland/[/url]. There is also Uber, Lyft and Sidecar.
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Erected in 1912, this once prominent train station has a great facade. Going inside it is officially off limits as of now due to reconstruction because it suffered significant damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
* Check the AAMLO web site for information on special exhibits, programs and events, such as an African American walking tour of downtown Oakland.
* Oakland's principal tourist destination, Jack London Square has seen serious renovation over the years. Named after writer Jack London, the city's favorite son, the area was the original wharf district of Oakland and retains some of its maritime feel. The main attractions today are shopping and restaurants, though, and it appears to be in a state of transition with several prominent stores like Barnes and Noble closing down recently.
* A startlingly good museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of California. The building itself is an admirable piece of architecture, and the exhibits are almost uniformly excellent and engaging. Well worth a visit.
* A beautiful park in the Oakland hills, made up in part of "The Hights", the old estate of California poet Joaquin Miller. The park has some of the few remaining old-growth redwood groves in the East Bay. Lots of hiking and bike-riding opportunities.
* Historic cruises on the bay are available Apr-Oct Th & Sa; these must be booked with TicketWeb [url=http://www.ticketweb.com]]or by calling +1 866 468-3399. Originally built as a Coast Guard Cutter, the Potomac was remodeled as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht in 1936 and served in that role until his death in 1945. In 1941, a fishing trip on the Potomac served as a cover story for Roosevelt's secret meeting with Churchill in Newfoundland waters; this meeting led to the allied partnership during World War II and eventually to the formation of the United Nations.
* Check website for tour hours and special events. Once headquarters of the Rancho San Antonio Spanish land grant, this six-acre park contains the 1870 Antonio Peralta House and interpretive exhibits, a native plant garden, and changing exhibits on history and culture.
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*A rotating collection displaying over 100 Bonsai at any given time. The garden setting provides a pleasant space to escape the bustle of the city.
*A small block within downtown Oakland featuring a collection of 19 Victorian-era homes, many which were moved from various locations around the city during later development. Stroll through and admire some of Oakland's early architectural heritage.
* Coinciding with the Oakland Art Murmur ([http://oaklandartmurmur.org/[/url]) gallery walk, the Uptown neighborhood closes the streets and hosts an eclectic arts and culture public event on the first Friday evening of each month. Art, music, and performances may be seen in the area's many galleries, bars, and street block parties. Many restaurants and food trucks also participate in the event.
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Centers
Opened in August 2000, the Center is a state-of-the-art science and technology education facility on a 13-acre site in the hills of Oakland. Visitors can watch planetarium shows and/or Megadome movies, simulate space missions in the Challenger Learning Center, explore a variety of changing hands-on exhibits, observe the sky through the center's telescopes, and much more. In addition, the Science Discovery Lab (for children 7 and under and their parent/guardian) is fantastic.
* Mixed seasonal hours, almost always open on weekends. Amazing, dynamic playground and destination for children, right on Lake Merritt. Please note that only adults with children can enter. Make sure you get a Magic Key.
* *The mission of the Oakland Zoo is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. At the Oakland Zoo, you can explore together, learn together, and have fun together.
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Professional sports
Known as "The Team of the Decades," the Raiders have a long tradition of victory, commanding the fierce support of Oaklanders and enjoying a large fan base across America. Be sure to enjoy the famous pre-game tailgating scene in the Coliseum parking lot, as well as the Black Hole of hard-core fans in the endzone section. Most home games are not sold out, so it should be possible to buy tickets up until game time.
* With nine trophies to their name, four since relocating to Oakland, they are one of the most successful franchises in baseball. The A's also have the best deal in baseball: $2 tickets and $1 hot dogs for nearly every Wednesday game. The cheap tickets sell out quick, so buy a day or two in advance. In the baseball configuration, The O.co Coliseum has the odd distinction of having the most foul territory of any MLB field, and by a large margin.
* The Warriors play a fast, loose, and fun type of basketball, a departure from the stereotypical NBA team. After moving from Philadelphia to San Francisco, the Warriors settled in the East Bay and won their second championship in the 1970's. Prices are on the lower end for the NBA ($15 to over $250), though cheaper tickets sell out for most games and all tickets sell out for big games up to a week before.
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Theaters
A former movie theatre, the Fox was built in 1928. It closed its doors in 1970 and stood empty until 2009, when it reopened as a 1,500-2,800 seat music venue, following a two-year, $75 million renovation. One block from the 19th St BART stop, it is in the heart of Oakland's Uptown neighborhood, which due to the construction of stylish condos and refurbishment of lofts and the arrival of notable chefs and their boutique restaurants to cater to the influx of monied younger residents, has done much to jump-start the city leaders' plans to regenerate downtown as Oakland's the Arts and Entertainment district.
* This beautiful Art Deco theater (built in 1926) shows first-run movies. It has a spectacular neon sign that is lit on weekends, and is famous for the ultra-liberal (and sometimes conspiracy-minded) weekly sign proclamations from the theater owner. At Friday and Saturday evening shows, an organist plays standards in the main theater.
* This gorgeous Depression-era theater, completed in 1931, has been completely restored and is maintained in almost mint condition. It's worth just looking at the sculpture, the paintings, even the carpets. Shows include classic movies, concerts, and other live performances.
* Closed its doors in May 2009. A second-run movie theater, the Parkway had two huge screens with large comfy couches to sit on. Best of all, they served pizza, salads, and beer that you could eat and drink while you watched the movie. There are community efforts to reopen the Parkway at some point in the future. The New Parkway Theater was recently opened in the spirit of the Parkway.
* This community theater is modeled after the Parkway Speakeasy Theater and opened in 2012. Seating in the theater rooms are a mix up tables, chairs, and couches. Diner-style food, pizza, beverages, beer, and wine are served in the theater and allowed in the rooms.
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The type of classic men's hat store you can't find anymore -- except here. First-class service and a contagious passion for hats. The largest inventory of hats on the West Coast -- hats in all sizes and hats for women and children, too.
*Adult Gallery offering mature products, quality service, and a memorable experience. 'More Than Just Sex, its a Lifestyle.
*College Avenue is well-known for its shopping and food, boasting international cuisines via a riotous range of higher-end, nationally noted restaurants such as Wood Tavern, Ramen Shop, Box and Bells, and the iconic Oliveto. Easily reached from the Rockridge Bart station [http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationguide/stationoverview_rockr.asp], one can enjoy delicious food hailing from various continents, take in a yoga class, go book shopping at friendly independent book stores, buy artisan crafted jewelry, treat oneself to gourmet chocolate and sweets, or take a break with a pint and some pub grub. Family friendly and easily reached, College Avenue is a destination for many Oaklanders.
*A great farmer's market featuring lots of organic produce from regional farms, artisanal meats and cheeses, flowers, and hot food options as well. Tends to be rather crowded. Bring cash.
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Downtown
Downtown Oakland contains some excellent Asian foods that are as authentic as anything else you'll find in the Bay Area. But the emerging Uptown (27th Street to the north, San Pablo Avenue to the west, City Center to the south, and Broadway to the east) area of downtown neighborhood has become an important entertainment district in recent years. Refurbished theaters, stylish new condos, and the influx of young professionals have enticed notable chefs to open a range of upscale and distinctive eateries to complement the established Asian restaurants.
* Excellent Cambodian-style fare, but the portions are slightly smaller than might be expected.
*
*The hottest addition to Oakland's dining scene.
* Serves cuisine from primarily northern and Castilian Spain, with Southern French influences; considered by many as the latest high-profile boutique restaurant in Uptown, with star chef Paul Canales, formerly of Oakland's renowned Oliveto Restaurant, at the helm.
* Serves vegetarian Vietnamese food, considered by some to be some of the best vegetarian food in the Bay Area.
*Fantastic seafood and steaks in an elegant dining room overlooking Lake Merritt. Step out onto the pier for a drink and gondola ride.
*Excellent food with a great selection of Belgian Ales, a small dance floor in a separate room, and a pool table in the back.
*A hip, new restaurant and bar in a large space just north of downtown.
* Serves Cantonese-style dishes and dim sum. One of the most popular Chinese restaurants on the East Bay. Big crowds on Saturdays and Sundays.
* Rivals the best you'll find in [wiki=5466ee572bcbc75830d044e66ab429bc]Shanghai[/wiki]. The decor is minimal but the staff is friendly. Xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings) and Szechuan style shredded pork are two highlights.
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Grand Lake
The Grand Lake neighborhood contains an eclectic mix of restaurants, from high-end to drive-thrus.
*The best Mediterranean brunch buffet anywhere (or order from the menu).
* High-end Mediterranean cuisine, with a good bar and occasional live music.
* Incredible gourmet chocolate and gelato.
* One of the best Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area. Usually a long wait for a table on the weekend.
* Great family-run Vietnamese restaurant with good food at good prices, and a ridiculously good beer selection. Local delivery, but it's always better fresh out of the kitchen.
* A neighborhood favorite, with cuisine ranging from Italian to Mexican to Thai. Order the Coconut Lime Mussels, and save some rosemary rolls for dipping. No corkage fee.
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Piedmont Avenue
The Piedmont Avenue neighborhood is a foodie's delight. From gourmet Bay Wolf and Commis to Baja Taqueria, great food abounds.
* An avenue institution with lines sometimes out the doors for their great and innovative Baja style seafood and other Mexican food. The fish tacos are legendary and the lobster burritos hit home like nothing else. The portions are big and the prices are reasonable. Try the agua frescas too.
* Michelin-starred, nationally renowned restaurant, Commis offers innovative, cutting-edge molecular gastronomy, created by star chef James Shyabout.
* A Bay Area tradition for almost forty years, Bay Wolf offers an elegant and relaxed setting in which to enjoy fine cuisine inspired by the regions of the Mediterranean.
* This hundred-year-old ice cream parlor is a cornerstone of Oakland culture -- one of those places that East Bay folks point to as making the region special. The parlor is mentioned in the 2009 Pixar film Up. Huge bowls of ice cream and sundaes of various sorts are served in this always-crowded eatery. Sugar-amped kids roam the aisles all day and into the evening, and although the place attracts a cannabis-enhanced college crowd towards the end of the night, it always has a sweet and wholesome atmosphere.
*Superb Vietnamese fushion and cocktails (try the lychee martini). The spring roll sampler platter is unbelievable.
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Old Oakland
Stylish Italian caffè where patrons line up patiently for capuccini, chorizo & eggs, polenta, fresh fruit granola, panini sandwiches & salads.
*
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West Oakland
West Oakland has some great, homey places for breakfast and lunch.
* Locally owned and operated full-service grocery store and nutrition education center, providing healthy choices for the urban community. Veggie and vegan friendly.
* A wonderful little cafe in West Oakland. With veggie and vegan friendly food, WiFi, and a tons of comfy couches to sink into. What else do you need?
* Serving what media darling chef Tanya Holland (graduate of the prestigious University of Virginia and holder of a Grand Diplôme from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Burgundy, France) calls "new style down home" cuisine -- i.e., gourmet Soul food with a hipster twist -- for lunch & brunch. Favorites include cornmeal waffle, BBQ shrimp & grits, baby back ribs, and smoked pork hash, skillfully rendered through decidedly upscale African-American and French sensibilities. A great wine selection, local draft beers, and homemade desserts which change daily. On Sundays, they are invariably packed.
* Go for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Korean American diner with a friendly staff. The only seating is bar stools.
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Temescal
Bakery/cafe. Folks are literally lined up down the block for BB's chicken sandwiches and lemon slushies. Outdoor seating at ironing boards makes for very fun people-watching along one of the main streets in the Temescal district.
* The Gal has infused the comfortable atmosphere of an yummy cafe with the excitement and variety of a play space. Toddlers can slide, climb, jump, build, role play and pretend cook in the safe play area while parents look on with their cappuccino in hand or play along in their socked feet. Not only do they offer no-reservations-necessary play times, they also host movie nights, parent education lectures and workshops, sing-alongs and story times. Mother's Helpers available 10AM-2PM daily.
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East Oakland
Located in a residential neighborhood, you will find this cozy restaurant that has a flair of Southern Asia flavors. The mix of Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Mien cuisine makes this restaurant a unique one. Make sure to get an order of Pad Thai.
* Located a block from Lake Merritt, it's a great place to get lunch and take it to the lake. The restaurant is a mixture of Lao and Thai cuisine and run by a mother and daughter. The lao sausage and papaya salad are amazing. If you don't see what you'd like on the menu, just ask and they will make you an original delicious masterpiece.
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Fruitvale
Oakland's vibrant Latino community, a 10-block strip located on International Boulevard adjacent to the Fruitvale BART station, is a host to some of the best (and most inexpensive) Mexican food in the Bay Area. Although the recently built "Fruitvale Village" shopping area next to the BART station has several new restaurants, they are probably not worth visiting. If one prefers real local flavor, one should visit the following:
Essential eateries are:
* Widely regarded to have the best tacos, but offers a wide array of options (burritos, enchiladas, tortas, etc) and dinner plates. Most items are less than $5, have to eat the medium-large portions, and have generous ingredients (dinner plates are less than $10 and are "a la carte"). Another plus is the free self serve restaurant-made tortilla chips and delicious salsa and guacamole. Plenty of room to sit inside this historic and creatively decorated restaurant, or sit outside on the patio and enjoy the sunshine.
*
Could be considered the best taco truck in Oakland, with fare that by far surpasses most restaurants. Their burritos are over 12" and unbeatable. Contrary to popular belief, taco trucks (especially this one) are sanitary and often have food as good or better than what one can find in standard restaurants. As there is no place to sit, people eat standing up next to the taco truck, or in their cars. There is a parking lot with free parking.
* A small, outdoor patio restaurant that features seafood but has the regular fare of typical Mexican restaurants. Spicy, so make sure you request no salsa or jalapenos if that is your preference. A former burger joint turned-taqueria, this eatery is good for lunch and best enjoyed in fair weather with a refreshing agua fresca, as tables are exclusively on the outdoor patio.
* This is home of the original Banh Mi Sandwich. The restaurant's origins and claim to fame is that they introduced banh mi sandwiches to California in the early 80s.
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Rockridge
Rival "gourmet ghetto" to the city's Piedmont Avenue and nearby Berkeley, Rockridge is Oakland's affluent "boho" neighborhood right out of the IFC network's charming satire, Portlandia
* Charming small portion French meals in great ambiance.
*A family-friendly Mexican restaurant dedicated to freshness and sustainability while maintaining traditional flavors. Everything at Cactus Taqueria is made from scratch with no artificial ingredients or fillers. Top your taco, burrito, quesadilla, or enchilada with one of the multiple house-made salsas, and cool your mouth with a delicious glass of horchata.
* Asian Fusion food is a must see for the trendiest in California cuisine.
* Nationally renowned for its Northern Italian cuisine, with forays into Southern French and Spanish offerings. One of Oakland's grand dames of upscale dining, and the restaurant credited with putting the Rockridge district on the culinary map. Now entering its third decade with a new chef, the well regarded Jonah Rhodehamel.
* Upscale American brasserie experience, noted for its superior technique, focus on fresh, local ingredients, and sophisticated interpretation of California cuisine
* Expansive selection of dishes at affordable prices especially given prompt service, simple and pleasant ambiance, solid wine by the glass list. A weeknight favorite. Seafood items among strongest on menu.
*No one will dispute that Zachary's has the best stuffed Windy City deep dish pizza in the Bay Area (thin crust is also available). Not to be confused with “Sicilian” style, “Stuffed Crust” or other “deep dish” pizzas, Zachary's stuffed pizza starts with a thin layer of fresh made-from-scratch dough in a deep pan filled with a blend of quality cheeses and any combination of fresh ingredients. Another thin layer of dough is then added to cover the filling. The pizza is then topped with a mildly spicy, tangy tomato sauce and is cooked in an oven.
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Chinatown
If you have an urge to visit a Chinatown, Oakland's Chinatown can be an option just as much as the larger San Francisco Chinatown. There are innumerable places to eat in Chinatown, Oakland; not only Chinese restaurants but Japanese and some Vietnamese as well. Chances are any place you choose to venture in will have some inexpensive and great food.
* Although Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown has visited this place (a framed picture of him and the restaurant owner is proudly displayed), this restaurant has the characteristics of a local, "dirty but delicious" gem. Entrees are inexpensive and flavorful. Often crowded with local Chinese, and so when busy one may have to wait a while to get a table.
* This is the best restaurant in Chinatown for a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Be sure to order a noodle soup and fish cake(with a sweet and sour salad).
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San Antonio District
The neighborhood centered on International Blvd and 8th Avenue is not officially named "Little Saigon" but may as well be, as this area has predominantly Vietnamese shops and restaurants. As Vietnamese is the language of choice, it will take some creativity when seeking restaurants and ordering food, but it's well worth the effort for those unbeatable $2 French-inspired Vietnamese sandwiches and the infinite varieties of Pho.
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Have a martini made from Hangar One vodka, a premium micro-distillery located on the island of Alameda, just off Oakland's waterfront.
*Sing along with pianist Rod Dibble as he plays the oldies.
*Prohibition-era atmosphere bar with early-20s clientele, reasonable prices.
*Featuring the best beer selection in Rockridge and good pub food, Barclay's is a fun place to meet friends and watch a game. A short walk from the Rockridge BART station.
*Good beer selection and the bacon cheeseburger is to die for. An easy two minute stumble from the Rockridge BART station.
*Artsy bar with live music. Greyhounds are the house drink--their margaritas are good too.
* A popular pub and restaurant with a great local feel.
*Bottomless sake for $3.50 provided you spend $12 on food. Need I say more?
*Good pub food with a fresh twist, microbrew beers on tap, and cafe.
*A great tiki bar serving dangerous tropical drinks in Rockridge.
* The reigning see-and-be-seen king in Oakland. Farmer's Market Cocktail Hour (new menu every week with drinks made from Grand Lake farmer's Market produce) every Saturday afternoon.
*Enjoy a tropical drink in this tiki bar, and lift up the grass skirt on the anatomically correct hula girl statue.
*The outdoor patio and pier with views of Lake Merritt is the perfect place to have drinks and appetizers on a sunny day or a warm evening. Take a gondola ride around the lake from the pier
*A small, cozy lounge.
* A more upscale bar with a mixed crowd of people.
*Excellent food with a great selection of Belgian Ales, a small dance floor in a separate room, and a pool table in the back.
*A standard Irish Pub in Rockridge.
* A popular brewpub.
* A small hipster bar with a cool DJ.
* A larger bar with a similar ambiance to the Radio Bar.
* Large selection of both Belgian-sytle and local beers. Knowledgeable staff and good bottle selections for the road.
*Full bar and gastropub serving comfort food.
*Local bands and DJs, often with no cover. Big venue with an antique bar and outdoor patio.
*A neighborhood dive, full of interesting characters behind and above the bar. Allows dogs and food from the outside.
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Anthony Chabot campground is a great place to use as a base of operations for seeing the rest of the bay area. Only 10 miles from downtown Oakland and a few miles from the nearest BART station. There is a ten PM curfew which keeps the place safe. But if you are out late you could get stuck. The campsites themselves are rather average. Close together. Camp site 69 is the best. Bathrooms are clean. Flush toilets and showers.
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*Located on I-880 close to O.co Coliseum (McAfee Stadium) and Oakland International Airport.
*Steps from BART subway, traveling to San Fran in mins. Property offers: outdoor pool, fitness center, & 3 meeting rooms.
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* Airport shuttle service and a swimming pool.
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*An all-suite hotel with fully-equipped kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast daily, dinner with beer and wine M-Th, and high-speed Internet.
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* Onsite restaurant, fitness center and heated swimming pool. Access to downtown shuttle system.
*Relax minutes from your flight at the newly renovated Courtyard Oakland Airport Hotel. The new state-of-the-art lobby provides greater flexibility and choices for our guests and features inviting, flexible spaces to work or relax in, free Wi-Fi throughout the lobby and easy access to the latest news and weather conditions via our GoBoard™.
* Enjoy complimentary bike rentals, 100% smoke-free accommodations and a locally sourced artisan breakfast at this newly renovated hotel. Find upscale rooms and suites just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco, in the heart of Oakland’s flourishing restaurant scene. Stay two blocks from a major BART connection point, for easy access to the entire Bay Area.
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For all of its gentrification and swaths of wealth, Oakland also has crime-infested neighborhoods giving the city one of the highest per capita murder rates in the country. Violence is mostly limited to particular poorer neighborhoods in the flatlands. Property crime statistics are still relatively high as well in newly monied parts of the city, as crime can spill out from poorer districts and into the gentrifying areas and even, on occasion, the affluent hillside neighborhoods. Nonetheless swaths of Oakland are safe and as in any large city, it is a good idea for tourists to exercise care and always be aware of their surroundings.
The affluent hills east of Interstate 580 and the Jack London Square area are by far the safest parts of the city. Downtown and Chinatown are safe during the day, and, with the arrival of the Uptown district as a major entertainment and cultural center within downtown Oakland, much safer during the night than in decades past. Other parts of the city, including the "flatlands" from the west of Lake Merritt and to the south to the San Leandro border, and large parts of West Oakland, generally northwest of downtown, still suffer very high crime rates and require prudence and care for visitors and residents alike.
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[wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki]. Oakland's neighbor across the bay. The two cities are connected by the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge.
*[wiki=cd3018fcc79b150dad3581247f222564]Berkeley[/wiki]. Eclectic, political and always interesting neighbor to the north. Home of the University of California-Berkeley.
*[wiki=dbd87685a27c291d6496487a45a6e47b]Alameda[/wiki] Island city to the west, across the Oakland Estuary. A quiet town with an out of the way air to it, Alameda also has an lengthy beach along its south shore.
*[wiki=6a01e42f0b9900809ecf2ca4c0e0d2f2]San Leandro[/wiki]. Oakland's quieter neighbor to the south, home of Otis Spunkmeyer's headquarters, malls, hotels, and beaches.
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[[WikiPedia:Oakland, California]]
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