Things to Do in Oakland

Things to Do in Oakland, CA - Oakland Attractions

Things to Do in Oakland

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center, Redwood Regional Park, Walking Tours, Specialty Museums.
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Top Attractions in Oakland

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travelers are saying

  • Mike W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So beautiful! The grounds are so well kept and the view of the bay is stunning! A must see in the Oakland area. You will love it!
    Written October 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kane M
    Lakewood, CO98 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beatiful area and a great hike. Parking could be difficult, but there are entry points with parking on the roadside. The redwoods are not every where, so plan ahead if that’s what you want to see.

    There’s a portion in the valley on the southern side of the park.
    Written September 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 196LindaC
    Mukwonago, WI822 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice way to spend a beautiful afternoon. I enjoy visiting zoos while traveling as there is always something different to see. Although the zoo is nice, I have seen better. The zoo has lots of chain link fencing, making it difficult to see the exhibits while giving the effect of imprisonment instead of enjoyment
    Written September 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ekutch
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I only saw Lake Merrit on my way to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in a Lyft, going to the 4:00 P.M. Saturday Vigil Mass.
    The driver told me a little about it, that it was man- made,and I was struck by how pretty it was, as well as the surroundings.
    (This was my first visit to Oakland, for the Bay Bridge Half Marathon)
    In Southern Cal, where I’m from, you hear all kinds of stories about how bad the Bay Area is, Oakland crime situation in particular.
    I only spent a couple of days there, but found the city to be quite charming, especially at Jack London Square,
    Lots of good restaurants, friendly people,
    and a really nice vibe.
    Yes, crime is a factor, but that is so even in the most seemingly safe places.
    Written May 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jenny from Santa Cruz
    Santa Cruz, CA802 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum covers art, history, and natural history, so there is a ton to see. I was especially impressed with the thoughtfully designed interactive stations throughout the museum, like one about how cropping photographs changes the story they tell. And the giftshop had some lovely items!
    Also, it's right near the lake, so it's very easy to take a walk outside afterwards.
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffrey D
    Griffin, GA2,803 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't let the name fool you; there isn't seaplane service running across the Bay as you might see in Vancouver. The Alameda Seaplane Ferry is a high-speed (10 min) direct ferry running from the SF ferry terminal to the the Alameda Seaplane Basin right next to the USS Hornet museum. The one-way fare is only about $4.50 and you get some great views of the SF skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Yerba Buena Island. Be forewarned, though, that there aren't yet any great connections to public transportation for the west end of Alameda, so Uber may be your best bet if you want to visit downtown Alameda from the ferry dock.
    Written June 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GoVols79
    Chattanooga, TN3,904 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jack London Square is a nice area to visit on the Oakland waterfront. There were multiple restaurants open, a marina with views of San Francisco and a nice trail that goes along the shoreline. The Jack London cabin is a highlight and Heinhold’s Saloon is a must visit. I enjoyed my visit here and would definitely return if I came back to Oakland.
    Written September 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The Brown Daredevil
    Moreno Valley, CA365 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love the clear directions on where to go for your seating. Lots of staff so you will not have any trouble finding someone to ask for help. Parking is expensive though compare to others. Seating typical, you will not be able to walk in front of people without them standing up.

    Parking $40 - we parked at A6 and it was walkable to the arena. I suggest if you're okay to walk even after concerts, park farther so when the even is gone, it is easier for you to leave as vehicles will line up to leave the venue. Be smart where to turn but always be careful as people is around.
    Written December 17, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Journey818920
    Washington42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went to Totally Tubular, 80's show on July 30th. Entrance que was well controlled and comfortable. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Theatre was gorgeous with historical elements. Large venue inside, with different levels. Paid for seat in mezzanine and stood on floor in front of stage b/c it wasn't crowded with pushing, crowd was pleasant.
    Written July 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fal L
    Atlanta, GA2,081 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tony Toni Tone was everything! I flew in on three planes to see them!!! The concert didn’t disappoint! Omgggg. I had to see them in their hometown. I really enjoyed myself.
    Written November 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 24davidmartin
    Singapore, Singapore187 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although the planatarium is closed in the evenings, there are staff at each of the 3 telescopes who will explain what each telescope is pointed at. We got to see the moon, Mars and a constellation from each of the telescopes during our visit. My kids loved it. Highly recommended!
    Written April 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Navigator100726
    French Camp, CA2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love history! Love being on San Francisco Bay! So right there this was a win. But this was far better than I had even imagined. A lot of docents who were all friendly, well informed and eager to share their love of the history of the USS Potomac. I would do it again and encouraging friends to take this voyage. My friend and I did the 3 hour tour (and no, not stranded on a desert isle).
    Written September 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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