It's an exciting time to be in Oakland and the perfect time to start exploring Fruitvale! The vibrant neighborhood at the base of the Oakland foothills is almost half Latines and is home to some of The Towns hidden treasures. Fruitvale is known for its assortment of Mexican food fare, especially Oakland’s famous street-style tacos. Many of the shops and restaurants located in Fruitvale are family-owned, and some have even been passed down from generation to generation.

History

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park is THE place to learn about the history of Native and Mexican Americans in Oakland. It's full of tours, events, youth programs and interactive museum exhibits. The six-acre park is made up of three areas the historic core adobe area, 1870 Peralta House and the Peralta Creek nature area.

Food

Obelisco
3411 E. 12th Street
Obelisco offers healthy, traditional Mexican meals using local and organic ingredients. Owner Leticia Chavez has been a staple of Fruitvale’s restaurant scene for many years, having expanded her Mexican restaurant business in this new location.

Nieves Cinco de Mayo
Inside the Public Market at 3301 E. 12th Street
Nieves Cindo de Mayo sells home-made ice cream, with flavors like rose petal, corn (elote), cactus fruit, and more. Owner Lusi Abundis also loves to have his customers participate in the ice-cream making process, bringing out his hand-cranked ice cream barrels for kids to help make his delicious creations.

Cabalen Sweet & Savory
3331 International Blvd.
Cabalen brings homemade Filipino food to Oakland. Owned by two sisters, the catering company is a homey gem dedicated to traditional Filipino cooking and flavors.

Reem's California
3301 E 12th Street
Reem’s offers the warmth of Arab hospitality through the discovery of flavors, aromas, and techniques of the modern Arab street corner bakery. We create the experience of home through fresh baked bread, using traditional Arab flavors and local ingredients, all prepared with California love. Our mission is to lift up our community through providing community benefits, living wage jobs with career paths, and supporting local businesses and farms.

Do

Rue de Merde
Hit the streets as Fruitvale boasts some of the best street art/murals in Oakland. The Rue de Merde, (which technically is in the adjacent neighborhood, Jingletown) is a mural wall composed of nearly a dozen murals and mosaics.

Fruitvale Village
The heart and landmark of the neighborhood is Fruitvale Village, the commuter plaza leading into the Fruitvale BART station, and Public Market across the street, a locally-run shopping area housing a number of vendors offering bakery items, ice cream, and treats.

Shopping

Elizabeth’s Fashion
3642 International Blvd.
This is the go-to place for all women’s formal celebration attire. Whether it’s for a wedding, quinceañera, or prom this local shop offers dresses and alterations for the special gown for your right of passage.

Fashion Palace
3832 International Blvd.
Explore Fruitvale’s premier tailor of custom men’s suits. Doing business in Oakland for over 20 years, customers choose style, colors, and fabrics and is involved in the creation process every step of the way.

Tombstone Western Wear
3323 International Blvd.
Tombstone offers cowboy apparel popular in Latino culture. Whether you’re looking for a new gallon-hat, boots, or Wranglers and accessories, this store is your one-stop shop for all Western gear.

Where to Stay

Hilton Oakland Airport Just minutes from the Fruitvale neighborhood you'll find this full-service hotel. The friendly staff plus easy access to BART and the airport are just a few reasons you should check into this hotel.