Oakland is located on the inner part of the bay area, right across the bridge from San Francisco. You will hear the locals refer to this side of the bay as "The East Bay". At the foot of the Oakland Hills, Rockridge is a lovely burby-like haven where Cal Berkeley grads come to live when they exit their 20s and start yearning for historic cottages, nice gardens, and a 99 walk score.
Immigrants populated Temescal as did artists from California College of the Arts lured by the lower cost of living and bungalows. It draws the young, hip and former pop-up business. To say Downtown Oakland is eclectic and diverse would barely skim the surface of this melting pot. West Oakland has long been the cool-cat neighborhood of Oakland with strong African American roots that earned it the nickname Harlem of the West.
Immigrants populated Temescal as did artists from California College of the Arts lured by the lower cost of living and bungalows. It draws the young, hip and former pop-up business. To say Downtown Oakland is eclectic and diverse would barely skim the surface of this melting pot. West Oakland has long been the cool-cat neighborhood of Oakland with strong African American roots that earned it the nickname Harlem of the West.
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There are so many ways to enjoy the urban lifestyle that Oakland provides. From shopping at curated boutiques that carry locally crafted goods, to shows at our iconic theaters, to experiencing our nightlife like no other. We invite you to discover our side. Shayla is the ultimate vibe, and her soul is all Oakland love.
You may have heard of our incredible food scene or visited the stunning Lake Merritt, but that's just the beginning of what's happening in Oakland these days. Check out the full list of activities (many that you will be able to do once we are past the curve) to do in Oakland so you can start planning your visit!
Located on beautiful San Francisco Bay, Oakland is an epicenter of the disability rights and independent living movement. With a long history of disability advocacy 'Oaktown' is a hotbed of accessibility. From cutting edge disability art, to adapted cycling around Lake Merritt you'll find Oakland a very accessible destination while enjoying the great weather, top-notch food, and nature all within minutes of downtown.
We encourage you to use the list of resources below to discover the variety of options to consider when traveling around town. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is an all-electric train service with 45 conveniently located stations that connects the San Francisco Peninsula with Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Dublin/Pleasanton and other cities in the East Bay.
The Oakland Museum of California brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. Situated on 13-acres in the hills of Oakland, the Chabot Space and Science Center is a hands-on experience featuring exhibits, telescopes, planetariums and a large screen theater.
Reviews (13)
Karyn C.
Aug 07, 2020
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I see my first of September 13, 2019 is SORT BY NEWEST COMMENT, I was/am number (Maestro or Maestra a few notes on the piano if you please) seven, luk, siete, to review!
As say this is a Visitor Center! It is in home town Oakland or is spelling hometown? Either way, home town Oakland or hometown Oakland! People here always friendly, always helpful, very knowledgeable, great with helping Guests with different items, with different situations! If you want plan a visit to Oakland, please come here, they willing to help the Guests!
As say this is a Visitor Center! It is in home town Oakland or is spelling hometown? Either way, home town Oakland or hometown Oakland! People here always friendly, always helpful, very knowledgeable, great with helping Guests with different items, with different situations! If you want plan a visit to Oakland, please come here, they willing to help the Guests!
Laurie Caird
Jan 12, 2020
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I stopped into the Visit Oakland Visitor’s Center for the first time and met the most delightful human, Kenneth Brown. If there’s anyone who should be introducing newcomers to Oakland, it’s this guy. Gregarious and knowledgeable, he’ll direct you to whatever suits your interest and make sure you have a wonderful time.
Lori Moreno
Oct 13, 2019
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Beware of this place. They sold us two compass cards and told us they were worth more. After spending $32 for compass cards, I had to pay an additional $14 to get back home on the fairy. $5 of the compass card goes to activate the card so it is foolish to purchase the card if you will only travel for one day.
Judy Hengel
Oct 04, 2019
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Jonno Norton
Jun 10, 2019
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Debra M.
Feb 17, 2019
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Chris L.
Jan 12, 2019
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Wow what a nice place to start off your visit to Oakland and Jack London Square.
I had the Good Fortune of meeting with Kenneth Brown, who expkained the history of Jack London Square and all the wonderful amenities and attractions they have in this area.
While I was visiting here, quite a few interesting to buy tickets for the ferry and other attractions. This is really a convenient spot.
I had the Good Fortune of meeting with Kenneth Brown, who expkained the history of Jack London Square and all the wonderful amenities and attractions they have in this area.
While I was visiting here, quite a few interesting to buy tickets for the ferry and other attractions. This is really a convenient spot.
Christopher Lopez
Sep 03, 2017
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Guru D.
May 31, 2016
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This is the best place for new and reacurring visitors to start. The folks here are excited to help you explore the best city in the east bay Oakland. They have maps, suggestions, discounts, they even have fre suntan lotion in case you forgot yours.
This is also a perfect spot to consider visitng for locals and new business owners to network and connect to everything thats Oakland.
This is also a perfect spot to consider visitng for locals and new business owners to network and connect to everything thats Oakland.
Carol C.
Sep 20, 2015
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Date: 9/19/2015 Time: 12:30 PM 73° Sunny & warm
Husband and I are walking on Water Street on our way to the Eat Real Festival when we see the three framed storefront windows have Go Raiders Nation etched on it. On the yelp site, it shows the place is closed for today.
I thought the business sold Raiders memorabilias until I walked in and noticed an assortment of tour leaflets and books about Oakland - This is Oakland, A Guide to the City's Most Interesting Places by Melissa Davis; Brown Sugar Kitchen by Tanya Holland with Jan Newberry; and Oakland, CA Home Field Advantage, The City
Husband and I are walking on Water Street on our way to the Eat Real Festival when we see the three framed storefront windows have Go Raiders Nation etched on it. On the yelp site, it shows the place is closed for today.
I thought the business sold Raiders memorabilias until I walked in and noticed an assortment of tour leaflets and books about Oakland - This is Oakland, A Guide to the City's Most Interesting Places by Melissa Davis; Brown Sugar Kitchen by Tanya Holland with Jan Newberry; and Oakland, CA Home Field Advantage, The City
Ivy R.
Jan 09, 2013
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Through my constant addiction to Instagram I came across Visit Oakland. I am an avid amateur photographer and am constantly with my camera. One of my favorite photography spots is, you guessed it, Oakland.
Visit Oakland has a contest on Instagram where if you follow them and then tag your Oakland photos #oaklandloveit, you could potentially win a prize pack, based on everything Oakland.
Well you're reading a twice winner right here!! Wooooo! I love Oakland, even though I don't live there I'm here a lot.
Besides visiting my yelp page you should really go to their website, or
Visit Oakland has a contest on Instagram where if you follow them and then tag your Oakland photos #oaklandloveit, you could potentially win a prize pack, based on everything Oakland.
Well you're reading a twice winner right here!! Wooooo! I love Oakland, even though I don't live there I'm here a lot.
Besides visiting my yelp page you should really go to their website, or
Pamela B.
Apr 21, 2011
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I've not had good experiences with the Oakland Convention & Visitor Bureau. They have not responded to numerous attempts by a certain local destination to update their listing with the Bureau.
IMHO, the whole point is for the Bureau to have up-to-date listings for ALL Oakland attractions so folks coming to visit can make educated choices about their activities.
It is also my experience that when working with these folks on joint events, they will not give you or your organization any credit for your effort and hard work. They will not even say thank you. They will either take
IMHO, the whole point is for the Bureau to have up-to-date listings for ALL Oakland attractions so folks coming to visit can make educated choices about their activities.
It is also my experience that when working with these folks on joint events, they will not give you or your organization any credit for your effort and hard work. They will not even say thank you. They will either take
Christian M.
Jul 05, 2008
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