Top Things to Do in Oakland: Attractions & Hidden Gems

Oakland, California’s vibrant “Town” has something for every traveler – from outdoor adventures and museums to world-class food and nightlife. With its diverse neighborhoods and artsy vibe, Oakland celebrates its diverse community, artistic vibe, [and] award-winning multicultural cuisine. In fact, according to Condé Nast Traveler, readers voted Oakland the #1 Best Food City in the U.S.. Whether you’re exploring lakeside parks or sampling international cuisine, this Oakland travel guide will help you find the best attractions in Oakland – and even secret hidden gems in Oakland – to suit any interest or age.

Outdoor Activities and Parks

Oakland is surrounded by parks and scenic spots, perfect for nature lovers. Redwood Regional Park in the hills is a hidden oasis of towering 150-foot coast redwoods, a lush escape just minutes from the city. Lake Merritt in the heart of town is a 155-acre tidal lagoon with a 3.4-mile walking path, bird sanctuaries, and gardens – often called “the heart of Oakland” – and was the first official wildlife refuge in North America. Other outdoor highlights include Joaquin Miller Park, with redwood groves and panoramic views, and Lake Temescal, a small lake and beach great for swimming and picnicking. These green spaces offer relaxing walks, picnics, and outdoor fun for everyone.

• Redwood Regional Park: Enjoy shaded hiking trails under towering coast redwoods (some trees reach 150 ft).
• Lake Merritt: Stroll or bike around this scenic urban lake, row a boat, or watch swans and herons (it was North America’s first bird sanctuary).
• Joaquin Miller Park: Hike wooded trails and see historic redwood groves and the sunlit Chrysanthemum Garden.
• Lake Temescal: Swim or relax at this hillside lake park with a sandy beach and picnic areas.

Museums & Cultural Attractions

Oakland boasts a rich cultural scene and museums covering art, history, and science. The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is a must-visit – it mixes art, history, and natural science in interactive exhibits about California’s culture. Nearby, the Oakland African American Museum & Library preserves local Black history and civil rights artifacts. For science fans, the Chabot Space & Science Center in the hills has a planetarium and telescopes to explore the stars (it’s officially the NASA Ames Visitor Center). You’ll also find galleries and studios across neighborhoods: for example, the monthly First Fridays art walk in Uptown turns Telegraph Ave. into a five-block art festival.

• Oakland Museum of California: Explore the art, history, and ecology of California in one place.
• African American Museum & Library: Learn about Oakland’s Black history through exhibits and archives.
• Chabot Space & Science Center: Gaze through powerful telescopes and see space exhibits and a planetarium.
• Local Galleries: On First Fridays, artists open studios in Uptown, and in Chinatown you’ll find Asian art galleries.

Culinary Delights & Food Spots

Oakland is a food lover’s paradise, offering cuisines from around the world. Jack London Square on the waterfront has seafood and American eateries. In Chinatown and Old Oakland, try dim sum, Vietnamese pho, and trendy cafes. Temescal (Grand/Telegraph Ave.) is known for artisanal bakeries, Mexican tortas, and craft breweries. Don’t miss the Grand Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays for fresh local produce and treats. Unique local favorites include historic Ratto’s Market & Deli, a family-run Italian deli over 110 years old, and Wahpepah’s Kitchen, a modern Native American restaurant serving bison tacos and frybread（family-owned, Native-led).

• Jack London Square: Waterfront restaurants and Sunday farmers market.
• Chinatown & Old Oakland: Classic dim sum, killer ramen and new American bistros.
• Temescal / Grand Ave.: Trendy brunch spots, vegetarian taco shops, and local breweries.
• Ratto’s Market & Deli: A nearly 110-year-old Italian specialty shop and sandwich counter.

Nightlife & Entertainment

When the sun goes down, Oakland’s nightlife comes alive with music, bars, and festivals. According to Time Out, the city’s First Fridays event is “a vibrant block party” spanning five blocks on Telegraph Avenue, with food trucks, live music, and street art. For live performances, historic venues like the Fox Theater and the Paramount Theatre host big-name concerts and shows. If you prefer a night out in a cozy pub or cocktail lounge, check out the bars in Uptown or laid-back breweries in Temescal and West Oakland. Sports and stage shows also happen downtown (the Bay Bridge Arena and Oakland Convention Center host events), so there’s always something happening after dark.

• First Fridays: A monthly arts festival with music, food, and crafts on Telegraph Ave. (free to attend).
• Fox Theater & Paramount: Catch a concert or film in these beautifully restored 1920s movie palaces.
• Craft Breweries: Sample local beers at Oakland’s breweries (like Temescal Brewing and Oakland United Beerworks).
• Uptown Bars and Clubs: Trendy lounges and dance clubs line Broadway and Telegraph for late-night fun.

Family-Friendly Fun

Oakland is great for visitors of all ages. The Oakland Zoo in the hills features 700+ animals and a Skyride gondola over the park. Little ones will love Children’s Fairyland on Lake Merritt, a storybook-themed amusement park that actually inspired Disneyland. Lake Merritt itself has boat rentals and a children’s petting zoo (the Gardens at Lake Merritt also include a Japanese Garden and Bonsai Garden). Families can also visit the Chabot Space & Science Center for kid-friendly star shows, or take a paddleboat or gondola ride on Lake Merritt. Outdoor family fun can be found in any park: many have playgrounds and picnic areas.

• Children’s Fairyland: A storybook-themed amusement park for young kids (note: it inspired Walt Disney’s vision).
• Oakland Zoo: See elephants, lions, and monkeys; don’t miss the Skyride chairlift with panoramic views.
• Lake Merritt Gardens: Ride paddleboats on the lake, visit the Rotary Nature Center or the Bonsai Garden (curated by the US’s first female bonsai master).
• Chabot Space Center: Kids can touch moon rocks and look through telescopes on stargazing nights.

Hidden Gems in Oakland

Beyond the famous sights, Oakland has unique hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One is the Chapel of the Chimes: a beautiful columbarium with a Moorish-Gothic labyrinth of fountains and gardens. Another is the Lakeside Park Bonsai Garden, tucked beside Lake Merritt – it’s curated by the first non-Japanese female bonsai master in the U.S.. Literature fans will enjoy Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, a quirky pub made from an old whaling ship where author Jack London once worked. For a peaceful puzzle, visit the Mazzariello Memorial Labyrinth, a stone spiral labyrinth hidden in the Oakland hills. These offbeat attractions and others give Oakland its creative character.

• Chapel of the Chimes: An ornate mausoleum with winding corridors and fountains (architect Julia Morgan’s design).
• Lake Merritt Bonsai Garden: Tiny bonsai trees grown in demonstration gardens.
• Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon: An old-time bar made from a derelict boat, famous to Jack London fans.
• Mazzariello Labyrinth: A stone labyrinth path built on a wooded hillside.
• Hidden Murals: In neighborhoods like Fruitvale and West Oakland, keep an eye out for colorful street art and community murals.

Conclusion

With its mix of urban energy and natural beauty, Oakland offers an appealing mix of activities. The city’s diverse community and cultural vibe mean you can sample cuisines from all over the world, experience lively festivals, and explore tranquil parks all in one trip. From walking the Lake Merritt waterfront to dancing at a First Fridays festival or hiking among redwoods, there truly is something for everyone. Use this Oakland travel guide to plan your adventure – the “Town” is ready to welcome you with its museums, eateries, and friendly neighborhoods. No matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to find plenty of exciting things to do in Oakland.

FAQs