Nestled along the San Francisco Bay, Oakland offers urban city sights and natural beauty just minutes from San Francisco. From scenic parks to historic attractions, world-class museums to spectacular views, Oakland invites visitors to explore this vibrant and diverse city.
| Attraction | Summary |
|---|---|
| Redwood Regional Park | A nature escape with ancient redwoods and outdoor activities. |
| Lake Merritt | Urban sanctuary with wildlife, boating, and walking trails. |
| Oakland Zoo | Wildlife exhibits spanning global ecosystems. |
| USS Potomac | Historic presidential yacht offering tours. |
| Jack London Square | Waterfront district with dining, shopping, and entertainment. |
| Children’s Fairyland | Whimsical theme park inspired by fairy tales. |
| Oakland Museum of California | Museum showcasing California’s natural and cultural history. |
| Red Oak Victory Ship | Restored WWII ship and museum. |
| Morcom Rose Garden | Beautiful rose garden with various species. |
| Lake Temescal | Recreational lake for swimming and picnicking. |
| Joaquin Miller Park | Park with trails, wildlife, and scenic views. |
| Cesar E. Chavez Park | Park offering stunning bay and city vistas. |
The temperate climate encourages year-round adventures outdoors while the thriving arts, food, and culture scene gives travelers plenty to do indoors. Oakland caters to all interests with this list of must-see attractions.
Redwood Regional Park
Name and Location: Redwood Regional Park is located in the Oakland hills in Oakland, California. It is part of the East Bay Regional Parks system.
History and Significance: Redwood Regional Park preserves a significant stand of coast redwood trees. The park was established in 1936 and contains the largest remaining natural stand of coast redwood found in the East Bay.
What to Expect: Visitors can walk along 36 miles of hiking trails and see majestic redwood trees over 1,000 years old. The park also features dense forests of oak, bay, and madrone trees along with Douglas fir and tanoak.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from 5am to 10pm. There are over 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Leashed dogs are permitted on trails.
Escape into nature with a visit to Redwood Regional Park, the largest remaining natural forest of coastal redwoods in the East Bay. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Oakland, adventurers here can marvel at majestic redwood groves over 1,000 years old standing nearly 250 feet tall. The park spans 2,000 hilly acres quilted with oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and running streams along with almost 40 miles of picturesque hiking trails and fire roads perfect for a tranquil walk among ancient giants. For more active exploring, cyclists can ride alongside babbling creeks while equestrians saddle up to see the park on horseback. With shaded picnic areas and helpful visitor programs, Redwood Regional Park lets you slow down and breathe easy while enjoying oak and redwood scenery.
Lake Merritt
Name and Location: Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon located in downtown Oakland, CA. It encompasses 155 acres.
History and Significance: Lake Merritt was designated as the United States’ first official wildlife refuge in 1869. It is significant for being a thriving habitat for birds and wildlife in an urban setting.
What to Expect: Visitors can walk, jog or bike on the 3.4 mile trail that goes around the lake. The area features gardens, fountains, boat rentals, a bird sanctuary, educational centers and grassy parks.
Visitor Information: The lake and the trails are open daily from 6am to 8pm. There is no entrance fee. Bike rentals and gondola rides are available seasonally.
At Lake Merritt, locals and travelers soak up sunshine strolling, jogging or biking along the 3.4 mile path circling this cherished urban sanctuary. As America’s oldest designated wildlife refuge, this 155-acre tidal lagoon features brackish waters, grassy parklands, gardens and walking trails conveniently located near downtown Oakland. Among the lush lakeside landscapes, spot native waterbirds like herons and egrets or migratory ducks and geese floating gracefully across shimmering waters. By the Lake Merritt Boating Center, visitors can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards for some aquatic fun. When ready to refuel, lakeside cafes and the Sunday farmer’s market offer tasty snacks and fresh produce. With beautiful scenery, free fitness courses and special events, Lake Merritt delights Oakland residents and visitors year-round.
Oakland Zoo
Name and Location: The Oakland Zoo is located in the Knowland Park area of Oakland, California. It sits on 525 acres in the Oakland Hills.
History and Significance: Founded in 1922, the Oakland Zoo is home to over 700 native and exotic animals. It focuses on conservation, education and animal care programs. The zoo attracts over 600,000 visitors a year.
What to Expect: Visitors can see tigers, elephants, gorillas, grizzly bears, camels, lemurs and many other species at the zoo’s natural habitat exhibits. The zoo has special hands-on areas just for kids.
Visitor Information: The zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for kids ages 2-14. Discounts are available online. Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented.
For family-friendly adventures, the Oakland Zoo transports guests to wildlife habitats spanning California to Africa. Located in the Oakland Hills, this 100-acre zoo houses over 700 native and exotic animals across naturalized exhibits representing different global ecosystems. Stroll through the spacious California Trail zone spotting black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles and endangered California condors in detailed recreations of their Northern California habitats. Head to Lion Country for nose-to-nose views of magnificent lions and tigers against stunning monastery ruin backdrops. Little ones love massive elephant encounters and gentle petting zoos while special zoo experiences like overnight camping allow for one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters. With thoughtful conservation efforts and exciting exhibits, Oakland Zoo offers memorable discoveries for visitors of all ages.
USS Potomac
Name and Location: The USS Potomac is a National Historic landmark ship located at Jack London Square in Oakland, California.
History and Significance: The 165-foot Potomac served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht from 1936 to 1945. Guests can take a tour to see FDR’s private stateroom and collections of ship photos and artifacts.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the ship’s main deck, browse exhibits about FDR’s travels, view collections of photos, gifts, equipment and artifacts from the ship’s history. Guided tours run daily.
Visitor Information: The USS Potomac is anchored at Jack London Square. Tours run daily on the hour from 12-4pm and cost $20 for adults, $18 seniors, $12 children. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Step aboard the impressive 150-foot USS Potomac for presidential history coming alive on the Oakland Estuary. Known as FDR’s “Floating White House,” the USS Potomac served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s luxurious presidential yacht hosting kings, diplomats, friends and family on diplomatic voyages and fishing expeditions. Originally built in 1934, today the ship serves as a floating museum allowing visitors to tour gorgeous teak decks and spacious staterooms decorated in elegant 1930’s style. Guests hear personal stories about the Roosevelt family while admiring artifacts, photographs and rare presidential memorabilia. Special Sunday brunch cruises feature delightful midday sightseeing on San Francisco Bay sure to impress history buffs. For an intriguing perspective on FDR’s presidency, tour the majestic USS Potomac in Oakland.
Jack London Square
Name and Location: Jack London Square is a popular waterfront district located in downtown Oakland, California along the Oakland Estuary.
History and Significance: Named after the author Jack London who spent time in Oakland, Jack London Square has been an important industrial and economic center of Oakland since the 1850s during the Gold Rush era. Today it is known as a dining and entertainment destination.
What to Expect: Visitors will find restaurants, shops, a farmers market on Sundays, a historical cabin dedicated to Jack London’s life, and beautiful waterfront views. Music and outdoor events occur year-round.
Visitor Information: Jack London Square is located off Broadway in downtown Oakland and is easily accessible by BART, ferry or Amtrak. Most area attractions are outdoors and open daily. Some restaurants and venues may have limited hours.
Named after legendary local author Jack London, this vibrant waterfront district invigorates Oakland’s urban harbor scene. Cobblestone streets lined with palm trees create a scenic backdrop for the bustling plazas, shops and restaurants packing Jack London Square. Visitors can browse the weekend farmer’s market for fresh produce or snag an outdoor table sampling award-winning eateries like Cosecha Cafe or Miss Ollie’s featuring scrumptious Caribbean soul food. Stop into Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, Yukon bar where young Jack London met sailors trading spellbinding stories that fueled his adventuresome writings. Later catch a summer concert at Yoshi’s jazz club or an independent film screening next door at the art deco Landmark’s Embarcadero Cinema. With nonstop events, attractions and glittering water vistas, Jack London Square supplies Oakland sensory delights.
Children’s Fairyland
Name and Location: Children’s Fairyland is a 10-acre fantasy theme park located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California.
History and Significance: Open since 1950, it is one of the first storybook theme parks in the United States. It has introduced generations of children to fairytale stories and characters. Many animals also live there.
What to Expect: Visitors can walk through sets, play areas, tunnels and mini buildings dedicated to fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Children can ride little boats and play games while parents relax in shady picnic areas.
Visitor Information: Fairyland is open daily March through November and weekends in December, 10am to 4pm. Admission is $12, free for babies under 1 year. Season passes are available. Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented.
Since 1950, Children’s Fairyland enchants little ones with whimsical fantasy worlds tucked inside Lake Merritt’s parkland. This 10-acre Storybook Land contains over 30 colorful attractions inspired by beloved fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Kids explored scaled-down sets clustered inside grassy meadows, bloom-filled gardens and shady groves lined with handcrafted cottages and castles. Meet silly Humpty Dumpty rocking atop his teetering stone wall or visit the Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe trying to manage her boisterous family. Dynamic puppet theaters, ride-on trains and magic shows keep young imaginations ignited all day long. Created to nurture children’s creativity through play, Fairyland’s sweet charm and thoughtful interactive experiences continue bringing joy decade after decade.
Oakland Museum of California
Name and Location: The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is an interdisciplinary museum located in Oakland, California dedicated to the art, history, and natural science of California.
History and Significance: Founded in 1969, OMCA was one the first interdisciplinary museums in the country and hosts over 1.3 million visitors annually. Its collections illustrate California’s diverse culture and environment.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore exhibits related to California’s history, see paintings by local artists, learn about California’s geology and ecosystems, enjoy indigenous crafts and artifacts, and participate in educational programs and events. There is also a cafe and gift shop.
Visitor Information: OMCA is located at 1000 Oak Street. It is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-5pm. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, discounted for seniors, students and youth. Free admission for children under 5.
For a comprehensive showcase of California’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage, make time for Oakland Museum of California near Lake Merritt. Their impressive multi-level complex houses extensive permanent exhibits decoding state history from early indigenous people through modern trailblazing achievements. Wander halls featuring interactive artist studios, Chinatown artifacts, sustainably sourced redwood forest recreations, centuries of fine art and more. Current traveling exhibitions have covered influential topics like Black Panther legacy, cannabis culture evolution and the Chinese experience in America interpreted through impactful imagery, objects and multimedia. With dynamic indoor/outdoor spaces, scenic gardens and inspiring events, Oakland Museum of California makes an engaging destination for visitors seeking local perspective.
Red Oak Victory Ship
Name and Location: The SS Red Oak Victory is a restored World War II cargo ship, docked at the Port of Richmond’s Shipyard 3 in Richmond, California.
History and Significance: The Red Oak Victory was built during World War II and made vital deliveries to allied troops in the Pacific theater. It is now one of only three restored WWII cargo ships nationwide to offer tours as a living museum.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the ship’s 5 cargo decks, see artifacts from its service history, and learn what life was like for merchant marines in WWII. Special events and youth educational programs are also offered.
Visitor Information: The SS Red Oak Victory is located at 1337 Canal Blvd in Richmond, CA. Public tours are available Thursdays-Sundays from 10am-3pm. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for youth 6-17 years old. Active duty military enter free.
History buffs and nautical lovers find floating sanctuary on the SS Red Oak Victory. This magnificent ship saw wartime naval service before conversion to a U.S. Army cargo carrier supporting American troops across the Pacific theater. Eventually retired near the Port of Oakland, the aging vessel faced demolition before dedicated volunteers from the non-profit Richmond Museum Association began her decade-long restoration process. Today the immaculately preserved Red Oak Victory Ship serves as a living monument to the Merchant Marine servicemen who braved harsh conditions shipping supplies to aid the Allied victory effort during World War II. Guests can listen to veteran stories during tours of the ship’s various compartments while admiring dredging arms, high-powered boilers and mighty hull mechanics required working at sea. For an authentic view into wartime transport vessels, Red Oak Victory delivers history at its most compelling.
Morcom Rose Garden
Name and Location: The Morcom Rose Garden is a beautiful 7-acre municipal rose garden located within Oakland’s Morcom Amphitheater of Roses in the Oakland Hills.
History and Significance: Created in 1932, it was one of WPA’s first projects and is historically significant for its collection of over 8,500 rose bushes from over 800 species – one of the most diverse rose collections in the country.
What to Expect: Visitors can wander curved brick pathways to admire and smell roses hybridized specifically for Northern California’s climate. Benches and lawns provide places to relax while taking in views of the San Francisco Bay.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily from 8AM–8PM, located off Skyline Blvd in Oakland. Peak bloom is May-June. Occasional concerts, classes and events are also held in the Amphitheater.
Oakland’s beloved Morcom Rose Garden belongs on every sightseeing list, especially when over 50 varieties of roses erupt in vibrant pinks, reds and yellow hues. Set upon serene Mountain View Cemetery near downtown, these sculpted terraces contain almost 800 stunning rose bushes beside whimsical fountains and quaint stone benches perfect for appreciating floral magnificence. Established in 1932, today this tranquil park honors former Oakland mayor Fred Morcom. Visitors stroll curved pathways gazing at blooming flowerbeds adorned with botanical plaques identifying hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras and more amid the sweet perfumed air. During peak season from May through June, Morcom Rose Garden flourishes as one of the loveliest free flower shows around.
Lake Temescal
Name and Location: Lake Temescal Regional Park is centered around a man-made lake located in the Oakland Hills. The park area covers 147 acres.
History and Significance: Lake Temescal was created in 1868 as a reservoir and named for the local indigenous tribe “Temescal” meaning “place of the sweat house.” Today it provides year-round recreation.
What to Expect: Park activites include picnicking areas, hiking trails, fishing (license required), non-motorized boating, birdwatching, biking trails, an off-leash dog area and sandy swimming beaches.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily 5am to 10pm. There are 1.5 miles of lake perimeter trail. A parking fee is $5 on weekends April – October. Swimming area opens late May to September.
Cooling relief from warm Oakland days arrives at Lake Temescal, a cherished recreational lake tucked in the rolling Oakland Hills. In 1867, the freshwater reservoir began storing creek water needed during long dry California summers for nearby cattle ranches and emerging Bay Area cities. Today swimming and non-motorized boating happen daily on Lake Temescal’s gentle waters. Shady lawns surrounding the lake invite picnicking families while 3-miles of multi-use dirt trails challenge joggers and mountain bikers with moderate climbs through secluded woodlands. Leashed dogs enjoy frolicking in designated areas and kids stay busy pumping legs on the lakeside playground. With convenient city proximity and ample amenities, Lake Temescal supplies simple pleasures combating urban life’s hustling pace.
Joaquin Miller Park
Name and Location: Joaquin Miller Park is a large open space park located in the Oakland Hills spanning 238 acres. It contains both the Joaquin Miller Native Plant Botanical Garden and Woodminster Amphitheater.
History and Significance: Named for poet Joaquin Miller, who bought the land in 1886 and built his home and poet’s refuge there, the park preserves the cottage where he lived and wrote alongside botanical gardens showcasing California’s native flora.
What to Expect: Visitors can hike over 15 miles of trail, see waterfalls, old-growth redwoods, the iconic Sunset Viewpoint gazebo, outdoor theater performances in summer months, diverse wildlife habitats and beautiful gardens.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily 5am to 10pm, spanning Skyline Blvd to Highway 13. Some trails allow dogs on-leash. The botanical gardens feature self-guided and docent led tours seasonally for $8.
Rugged wilderness beauty thrives minutes from Oakland’s city center at Joaquin Miller Park. Often called “The Jewel of Oakland,” this dynamic park spans over 500 acres in the Oakland Hills honoring renowned poet Joaquin Miller’s romantic legacy. The park’s Monterey pine and redwood forests, running creeks plus chaparral and grassland habitats provide sanctuary for native wildlife including over 100 bird species. Visitors connect with nature photographing local denizens like bushy fox squirrels or colorful Allen’s hummingbirds visiting bright gardens. Almost 10 miles of picturesque public trails accommodate all skill levels whether you’re an avid outdoorsmen or casual hiker looking to wander beneath a lush forest canopy framing panoramic bay views. With picnic sites and special events like summer theater performances, Joaquin Miller Park captivates year-round.
Cesar E. Chavez Park
Name and Location: César E. Chávez Park is located in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, California. It covers 20.27 acres between East 12th St, Derby Ave, East 10th St, and 23rd Ave.
History and Significance: Named after Latino-American civil rights activist Cesar Chavez in 1993, it provides recreation and event facilities for an area once without a park space.
What to Expect: Two children’s play structures, picnic tables & barbeques, a synthetic turf field, baseball diamond, basketball court and large lawns for yoga or soccer practice. Various community music & cultural events year-round.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily 5am-10pm. Located in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland accessible via Fruitvale BART station. Permitted activities: jogging, yoga, kite-flying, informal sports, picnicking, etc. No alcohol allowed.
Sweeping panoramas spanning San Francisco Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge unfold from Cesar E. Chavez Park crowning the Berkeley Hills above Oakland. Developed to honor Mexican-American civil rights activist and labor leader Cesar Chavez, this peaceful 12-acre park features multiple terraces, scenic overlooks, native gardens and wooded trails perfect for gazing at the striking city and water vistas. On clear days, spot iconic landmarks like Alcatraz Island and downtown San Francisco while watching sailboats dotting the bay’s sparkling blue expanse. Shaded lawns offer spots to relax surrounded by fragrant lavender bushes, olive trees, coastal oaks and vibrant butterfly bushes. For an elevated urban escape with inspirational backdrops, Cesar E. Chavez Park’s lofty location supplies ample space and beauty worth celebrating.
Between epic bay views, historic sites, regional parks and family-friendly culture, Oakland delivers dynamic attractions revealing Northern California at its finest. Urban city lovers find cosmopolitan cafes, shops and museums coexisting beside peaceful lakes, gardens and breathtaking wildlands crossed with hiking trails. With temperate weather year-round, Oakland makes an easy breezy destination to appreciate natural and metropolitan treasures waiting just across the bay.