Things to Do in Oakland

With unique attractions, inviting outdoor spaces, a thriving nightlife, and fun for all ages, you’ll never run out of things to do in Oakland. 

Family Friendly Things to Do

Whether school’s out for summer or the family simply needs a break from it all, Oakland has plenty to offer! Kids of all ages will delight in a visit to the Oakland Zoo which houses more than 850 native and exotic animals to see! Or head to the shores of Lake Merritt and visit Oakland’s whimsical 10-acre Fairyland where children can create, imagine, play, and learn all day long. 

A trip to Oakland would not be complete without exploring its vast outdoors with over 100,000 acres of parks and trails. Take the family out on a hike or a picnic beneath the redwoods. Love sports? Catch an Oakland A’s game and root for the home team! Or cheer on the Oakland Roots as they kick their way to victory!
 

Unique Things to Do

Oakland is the perfect destination for travelers looking to expand their horizons and try something entirely different. 

Cannabis enthusiasts and the canna-curious, alike, will thoroughly enjoy a trip down the Oakland Cannabis Trail. The trail offers a curated, immersive trip including premium cannabis retail shops, recommended food spots, and sensory attractions covering art, nature, and cultural experiences that will make the experience an unforgettable one. If cannabis isn’t your thing, Oakland has other trails to explore such as our Oakland Ale Trail, which celebrates the city’s craft brewery scene or our Oakland Vegan Trail which highlights the flavors of our local vegan cuisine. 

Speaking of cuisine, visitors can enjoy the city’s world-class cutting edge culinary scene no matter where they find themselves. From local gems to Michelin-rated restaurants, Oakland is a must-visit destination for delectable gastronomy.
 

Museums, Art Galleries, & Science Centers

Visit the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) for carefully-curated exhibits that tell extraordinary stories of California’s unique culture of creativity and innovation. Don’t forget to stop by the newly opened OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace where the little ones can play and learn. 

For an out of this world experience, visitors won’t want to miss a trip to the Chabot Space & Science Center. The center features interactive exhibits, planetariums, Northern California’s only Zeiss Universarium star projector, and the NASA Experience.

While Oakland’s arts and culture includes traditional world-class museums, it also boasts eclectic street art, unique live performances, and an incomparable cultural immersion.
 

Cool Neighborhoods in Oakland

To truly appreciate Oakland’s diverse culture, spend some time exploring our neighborhoods. No matter where you find yourself, you will learn about the city’s expansive and diverse history. Visit one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States or make your way to Fruitvale for its Mexican influences including taco trucks and tequila bars on International Boulevard, as well as vibrant murals on Peterson Street. Take a guided tour and let an expert tell you all about Oakland’s past and present.

The Oakland style is unmatched, and you can find it at any of our small businesses and shops. Empowered by a grand array of women- and minority-owned spaces and an unending support for the LGBTQ community, Oakland is a welcoming space for all. 

When the sun goes down, bars and clubs come alive in Oakland. Dance the night away or simply sit back and listen to live music over drinks. From craft beers and local wines to creative cocktails, our nightlife has something for everyone. 

Whether you’re visiting the city for a day or a week, whether it’s your first time in Oakland or you’re a local exploring home on a staycation, there are so many things to check off your bucket list here. Plan your visit today!