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West Oakland

Just the facts

Main strip: 7th Street
Who dwells here: Working-class families, urban homesteaders, activists, artists
Population: Approx. 32,000
Founded: Early 1800s
Main architecture: Victorians, brick and corrugated warehouses
Neighborhood giant: Port of Oakland
Where to mingle with locals: The Crucible, La Perla Taco Truck, Blk Girls Green House, the West Oakland Farmers Market and at an Oakland Ballers game.

The vibe

West Oakland has long been the neighborhood of Oakland with strong African American roots that earned a nickname Harlem of the West. Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Big Mama Thornton among others had gigs along the 7th Street strip. Later, the Black Panther Party set up HQ. Despite this Bluesy activist history, the neighborhood hit hard times. But today it’s undergoing a growth spurt driven by grassroots organizations. Newcomers co-mingle with the old guard to create unique fusions like the po’-mi sandwich at 10th and Wood restaurant (bah-mi + po-boy). Dilapidated Victorian mansions, once the home of sea captains, are being spit shined. Colorful street art decorates businesses. Civic pride runs high.

**The inside inside scoop**

Completed in 2021, by muralist Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith, the Women of the Black Panther Party Mural celebrates the women who dedicated their lives to serving poor and oppressed people in Oakland and across the world. This mural is a must-see when visiting West Oakland and it is dedicated to the Women of the Black Panther Party, who made up nearly 70% of its members. Located around the block from the first official Black Panther Party Headquarters on Peralta Street and one block from the Huey P. Newton bust and plaque, the mural has quickly become a powerful centerpiece of the community.

After gazing and photographing the mural, venture inside to discover the first-floor museum highlighting the Black Panther Party's unique legacy, the women who made up the majority of its members, and the over 60 Community Survival Programs they created and ran. This museum is the only one in the world dedicated to the history of The Black Panther Party. Please text and schedule your visit in advance, the homeowner and curator will get right back to you.

If you only have three hours

One of the best ways to explore West Oakland is by joining the Black Liberation Walking Tour. In this tour, you'll discover how West Oakland residents are working on a vision to preserve the history, culture, and arts of historically Black spaces. The tour is guided by local native, David Peters, founder of the West Oakland Cultural Action Network, and Gene Anderson, author of Legendary Locals of Oakland , an Oakland historian whose family has historical roots in West Oakland. Both Peters and Anderson are passionate about telling the history of this area as a way to share historical stories, and proclaim its Black heritage.

Getting thirsty? Brix Factory Brewing offers a wide array of beer styles focused on creativity, deliciousness, and joy. Or you may also visit Ghost Town Brewing, a West Oakland brewery in operation since 2012 serving house-crafted pints & growlers in low-key, spacious surrounds. Hungry for more? Check out Matt Horn's restaurant, Kowbird, a family-owned chicken joint with a community-minded ethos and exceptional attention to flavor and detail. Looking for more options, check out other restaurants in West Oakland.

Continue your day by visiting the Prescott Night Market, where you'll find a mix of local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. After enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, head over to Raimondi Park and catch an Oakland Ballers baseball game. Our local team is known for its dynamic play and passionate fans, offering an exciting and authentic Oakland sports experience.

By the way, YES, there’s a beach in Oakland and it’s at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, built on the site of the Oakland Naval Supply Depot. See the cranes that supposedly inspired the AT-AT Walkers in the Star Wars trilogy.

At night, plan to visit the historic Continental Club. Opened in 1945, and once called “the coliseum of Oakland blues,” the Continental Club has hosted music artists including Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, among others. Today, the club has a new life, keeping the original elegance and intimate feeling, and features comedy, live music, dancing, craft cocktails and food. Or visit 7th West, an indoor and outdoor dining spot offering a place for residents to connect, socialize, and unwind.