Location: Oakland
Top Things to do in Oakland
What to do and see in Oakland, California (CA): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Oakland, in the hub of the Bay Area, is both historic and modern. Visitors will find a little bit of everything in this diverse metropolis, from the picturesque waterfront to expansive hills. Explore Oakland's growing arts, entertainment and food scene or enjoy recreational opportunities like hiking, sailing and biking. Root for one of the three professional sports teams or take a tour of a historic landmark. The city is easily accessible through Oakland International Airport, train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.
Restaurants in Oakland
1. Redwood Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By JerriKop - Oakland, United States
Redwood Park is our favorite local hiking spot, especially if we have our dog with us. There are many hiking trails, most are on easy hills, and many of the trails allow dogs off leash. Areas that dogs must be leashed are well marked; the Stream Trail is beautiful but dogs must be leashed to protect the watershed. Please note that the East Ridge Trail, to the left as you enter the park from the parking lot, is also a mountain biking trail. It's fine to walk your dog off leash on the East Ridge Trail but be wary of cyclists that don't always respect the "yield to humans and dogs" signs. The East Bay Regional Park system is a local treasure. The parks are well maintained and restrooms are scattered throughout the park. Bring your dog for a great day outdoors!
2. Oakland California Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 418 reviews
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the Family Search Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill auditorium and most events are free.
Reviewed By tdhawk13 - Danville, United States
Bring your camera and enjoy the beautiful, serene atmosphere of this Bay Area landmark. I have visited often and taken a number of photos (see attached). Give yourself enough time to explore the flowers and lush landscaping, visual perspectives of the Oakland Temple from a variety of angles and distances, the view of the Bay, and the visitor center tour. I prefer going in the early evening before sunset and the early morning hour after sunrise.
3. Chabot Space & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Chabot Space & Science Center inspires and educates students of all ages about our Planet Earth and the Universe. Its historic telescopes and observatory, planetarium, hands-on interactive exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science. Chabot's three large telescopes are open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Reviewed By 862tanyap
My friends and I had an amazing experience at Chabot Space and Science Center. We had a small group reservation at the outdoor observatory due to Covid regulations and the team at Chabot Space took such great care to keep us feel safe and comfortable, and enable us to enjoy the magic of our beautiful night sky. We saw Jupiter and it's moons, Saturn and its rings, Mars, the M15 star cluster etc. The outdoor deck is a beautiful space to safely connect with people, and reconnect with nature. Photo Credit: @arefreeme
4. GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
The Bonsai Garden and Museum at Lake Merritt is one of the largest and finest collections of bonsai in the US. Approximately 90 bonsai and viewing stones (Suiseki) are on display at any given time. Displays are rotated on a seasonal, peak performance of the bonsai. Bonsai lovers come from all over the world to the garden to view our world-class collection. Free admission. Public parking available. Open six days per week. Closed Mondays. 11-3 Tuesday -Friday. 10-4 Saturday. Noon - 4 Sunday.
5. Oakland Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Dbp2908 - Oakland, United States
Grands had great time and learning is fun too.. both young and older learn history about planes and history of the people who made them what we see now..
