Changing perceptions one visitor at a time
Oakland, Calif. – Even to the ephemeral visitor, it's nearly impossible to overlook the passion and pride Oakland residents hold for their beloved city of approximately 425,000 denizens. For good reason. Spend a little time here and you'll quickly discover that inside this California city often noted for its sharper edges, lies an vital undercurrent of creative energy, determination and cultural delights. The stunning scenic beauty and natural wonders add to the many surprises you'll discover in this proud city.
A city of bold contrasts, visitors can curate their very own adventure among Oakland's amazingly diverse array of travel experiences. Start your day with a contemplative morning amidst the towering Redwoods or a stroll and bite around the waterfront at the famed Jack London Square. Spend your day exploring thought-provoking museums and art galleries or plunge into the frenetic fun of urban hustle and bustle. A colorful mosaic of neighborhoods, Oakland's charm blends in all directions throughout its 78 square miles. From breathtaking scenery to urban delights, there's something for everyone. Yes, let's Visit Oakland!
Things to Do in Oakland
Art Route
Impossible to miss, massive murals and art fixtures around Oakland serve as one of the compelling and colorful clues to the creative happenings and expressive statements being made throughout the city. Art Route Oakland captures the spirit with a free, self-guided tour that will leave you in awe. Looking for unique, quality artwork to hang in your business or home, the art galleries of Oakland are sure to inspire!
Starting Points
Tyranny Allen Gallery
461 9th Street Suite C
An unforgettable name, Tyranny Allen is one of Oakland's self-described serial entrepreneurs and during the pandemic splashed onto the local art scene. Demand and success quickly followed. Featuring originals and highlighting artwork from artists of color, Tyranny Allen Gallery has become a vehicle to help break down prejudice and open unlikely friendships.
SLATE Contemporary
Currently featuring the work of Tobias Tovera, where the physical, metaphysical, and elemental realms intersect. Surreal and fun experience. SLATE Contemporary is known for its emphasis on abstract painting and photography. Located at 473 25th Street in Oakland.
» Learn and go at https://www.slatecontemporary.com/
e14 gallery and shop
e14 is about community. Featuring artists with deep ties and strong love for Oakland, they proudly state, "We honor Oakland as an incubator of revolutionary consciousness and the artists featured here capture the spirit of uprising, self-determination, and cultural rebellion in their work."
Located at 461 9th Street, learn more at https://www.e14gallery.com/
Visit the art galleries to take a peek at the artistic side of Oakland!
Museums & Oakland Zoo
Chabot Space & Science Center
Time travel is made easy at Chabot Space & Science Center. Large telescopes allow the public to gaze into the heavens and a guided planetarium show that will have you rethinking your place in the cosmos. It's all pretty far out fun! The exhibits offer an eye-opening glimpse of space travel both past and present. Follow the science at the family-friendly Chabot & Science Center.
OMCA – Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California walks you through California history while highlighting successes and struggles, many of which persist to this very day. A thoughtfully curated and presented museum evokes empathy and compassion more than most. A must visit.
Oakland Zoo
A long-time favorite, the Oakland Zoo brings back wonderful memories from many years ago. Now is the perfect time to create new experiences. The Oakland Zoo has made transformational changes since our last visit and it will not disappoint. To learn how the Oakland Zoo soars above, check out our recent article here.
Natural Beauty
Our recent visit to Oakland had us reshaping our flawed perceptions. Bucolic parks, towering redwoods and calm escapes were once at odds with our mental view of Oakland's urban life. Boasting 1,200 miles of trails and 19 miles of shoreline, Oakland abounds with places to quiet the spirit while reflecting and enjoying the California outdoors. If you seek out some of the higher vantage points, the scenery on clear days is breathtaking. Unexpected Zen moments have a way of finding you here.
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
The largest remaining natural stand of coast redwood found in the East Bay, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park boast 40 miles of trails, picnic and camping facilities. Clean and spacious, a wonderful place for family and friends to unwind and chill.
Lake Merritt
Popular urban lake and surrounding neighborhoods allow visitors to shop, dine and recreate without missing a beat. Take a jog around the lake or glide across the lake on a kayak, Lake Merritt is the place to soak it in.
We ♥ Oakland
Travel has a fine way of turning assumptions upside down. Heading to Oakland, we anticipated more of a dour, big city vibe. What we discovered was the exact opposite. Gregarious locals, endless smiles and a transparency that we typically don't associate with many American cities.
This sharp-edged city still retains it creative, vibrant, and energetic appeal thanks to the people and cultures that love this place they proudly call home.
Oakland changing perceptions, one visitor at a time. Yes, let's Visit Oakland!