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| Oakland City Center (A.Holdsworth) |
San Francisco's East Bay, just 20 minutes from the city, used to be an afterthought for vacationers. Now, the East Bay--particularly Oakland & Berkeley--has become a go-to destination unto itself. As the weather is near perfect year-round, anytime is the perfect time to visit.
OAKLAND'S CHARM
As rents rose in San Francisco, a number of top-notch restaurants and art galleries relocated to the more-affordable Oakland, sparking a cultural renaissance in the city. And, as new life was breathed into old neighborhoods, a festive feel took hold with year-round street fairs, outdoor art festivals, and farmers' markets. Come check out the festivities for yourself!
HOT SPOTS & ARTSY NEIGHBORHOODS
Oakland has several distinctive neighborhoods and, while a lot of the architecture is nondescript modern, throughout the city, there are architectural gems--beautiful Art Deco, Victorian, Arts & Crafts, and Millennial Modern buildings--now restored and turned into entertainment venues and restaurants. There are also two waterside highlights: Jack London Square on the Bay and Lake Merritt. Take a Walking Tour to learn more about each one:
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| Old Oakland (A.Holdsworth) |
Old Oakland - In the 1860s, this was the downtown area with beautiful Victorian buildings, recently restored and filled with new bistros and boutiques.
Uptown - Art galleries and beautifully-restored Art Deco gems include the Paramount Theatre, the Fox Theater, and Floral Depot building.
Temescal District - Among the 1920s-era bungalows, there's a hip scene with galleries and eateries along Telegraph Avenue and Temescal Alley.
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| Lake Merritt (A.Holdsworth) |
Preservation Park - A circle of 16 Victorian houses now used by nonprofit organizations and for public events.
Lake Merritt - The largest urban lake surrounded by a nice jogging track, gardens, and a nature refuge. Boating options include riding on a gondola!! There's a weekly farmers' market and a few restaurants with great views.
For a look inside some houses: Rockridge Kitchen Tour - Marvel at the Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, and Shingle-style homes in the lovely Rockridge neighborhood.
THE ART SCENE
All year long, there are artsy events throughout Oakland; a great way to discovery the art galleries and explore the different neighborhoods:
First Fridays (Telegraph Ave., btw 19th-27th St, 5pm-10pm): On the first Friday of every month, the art galleries stay open late and there's a street festival in Uptown with live music, food trucks, and vendors. Other events take place in Old Oakland and Jack London Square (Jack's Night Market).
Second Saturday Art Tours: Once a month, there's a free, guided tour led by Oakland Art Murmur. Learn more about the area's galleries, artists, and various art districts:
For a look inside some houses: Rockridge Kitchen Tour - Marvel at the Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, and Shingle-style homes in the lovely Rockridge neighborhood.
THE ART SCENE
All year long, there are artsy events throughout Oakland; a great way to discovery the art galleries and explore the different neighborhoods:
First Fridays (Telegraph Ave., btw 19th-27th St, 5pm-10pm): On the first Friday of every month, the art galleries stay open late and there's a street festival in Uptown with live music, food trucks, and vendors. Other events take place in Old Oakland and Jack London Square (Jack's Night Market).
Second Saturday Art Tours: Once a month, there's a free, guided tour led by Oakland Art Murmur. Learn more about the area's galleries, artists, and various art districts:
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| Telegraph Ave. (A.Holdsworth). |
Check out: SLATE, Vessel Gallery, Mercury20, 25th St Collective
Temescal District:
Be sure to visit the art galleries, cafes, bars, and shops in the Temescal neighborhood; sometimes there's even live music in the streets.
Oakland Museum: Fridays/Off the Grid (5-9pm)
1000 Oak St., Tel: 510/318-8400, museumca.org
On Friday nights, this wonderful museum stays open late; there's a wide selection of Off the Grid food trucks on the 10th Street side entrance, along with live music and other festivities.
East Bay Open Studios (Spring & Fall/Winter)
During two weekends in the spring & again in the fall/winter, you can visit over 400+ local artists' studios showcasing an amazing array of talent in all mediums of the creative arts. [Check out: Cleo Vilett, Anthony Holdsworth]
Creative Growth
355 24th St., Tel: 510/836-2340; creativegrowth.org
Creative Growth is the oldest and largest art center for people with disabilities. The quality of the artwork done here is so phenomenal, several CG students have work in prominent museums. Stop by to view the changing exhibitions and/or arrange a tour of the site to get a better understanding of the scope of CG's services.
STREET FAIRS & FESTIVALS
A host of street fairs, art festivals, and outdoor markets keep things lively all year long. Many of these events take place in Jack London Square. Here are just a few:
Farmers' Markets (Year long): On different days of the week, outdoor markets overflowing with fresh produce pop up in a number of locations: Jack London Square, Old Oakland, Temescal, and along the shores of beautiful Lake Merritt.
Oakland International Film Festival (Sept): To promote independent filmmakers in Oakland and worldwide. (During the summer, there's free Waterfront Flicks at Jack London Square on Thursday nights.)
Art & Soul (Summer): A street party with live entertainment, local bands, art installations, and food trucks with tasty offerings.
THE FOOD SCENE
Foodies and wine aficionados are flocking to Oakland for all the hot, trendy restaurants. In just a few short years, some 60+ top-quality, restaurants have opened, including startups by several of San Francisco's top chefs. There are so many excellent choices you need to do a bit of research before making a reservation. Dining: Here's a small sampling.
Commis (3859 Piedmont Ave.) - Chef James Syhabout's Michelin-starred restaurant.
Le Cheval (1007 Clay St.) - French-inspired, Vietnamese cuisine and, go figure, very popular with Oakland cops.
Sweet Bar Bakery (2355 Broadway) - Soups, sandwiches & sweets; owner Mani Niall was once Michael Jackson's private chef.
Tamarindo (468 8th St.) - Traditional Mexican cuisine in a modern setting.
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill (1520 Lakeside Dr.) - On Lake Merritt, go for the views.
Chinatown: For some cheap & tasty eats, head to Oakland's bustling Chinatown. Try New Gold Medal (389 8th St.).
Oakland Restaurant Week - A great way to sample all Oakland has to offer with $20, $30 & $40 prix-fixe menus.
LOCAL SNACKS & WINES
Fox Theater (1807 Telegraph Ave.) - This former movie palace, opened in 1928, has been restored to its original Art Deco glory and now hosts top music acts from rock and R&B, folk to rap.
The Paramount Theatre (2025 Broadway) - Restored to its original, 1930s movie-palace splendor, The Paramount is now home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony as well as a venue for popular music concerts, variety shows, theatre, and classic films.
Yoshi's (510 Embarcadero West) - Oakland's legendary sushi & music venue offers great food and music ranging from Jazz to Mambo to The Blues & beyond!
Where To Stay: Hopefully, you're now convinced to plan a trip to Oakland. Choose from any number of nice accommodations:
Oakland Marriott City Center (1001 Broadway, Tel: 510/451-4000) - Simple and centrally-located.
The Washington Inn (495 10th St., Tel: 510/452-1776) - Nice boutique hotel.
Waterfront Hotel (10 Washington St., Tel: 510-836-3800) - Great Bay views.
Getting There: Fly directly into Oakland. Or, fly to San Francisco, then take the BART to downtown Oakland (12th St/City Center station), or take a Ferry or drive over the stunning Bay Bridge.
Temescal District:
Be sure to visit the art galleries, cafes, bars, and shops in the Temescal neighborhood; sometimes there's even live music in the streets.
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| Fox Theater (A.Holdsworth) |
Oakland Museum: Fridays/Off the Grid (5-9pm)
1000 Oak St., Tel: 510/318-8400, museumca.org
On Friday nights, this wonderful museum stays open late; there's a wide selection of Off the Grid food trucks on the 10th Street side entrance, along with live music and other festivities.
East Bay Open Studios (Spring & Fall/Winter)
During two weekends in the spring & again in the fall/winter, you can visit over 400+ local artists' studios showcasing an amazing array of talent in all mediums of the creative arts. [Check out: Cleo Vilett, Anthony Holdsworth]
Creative Growth
355 24th St., Tel: 510/836-2340; creativegrowth.org
Creative Growth is the oldest and largest art center for people with disabilities. The quality of the artwork done here is so phenomenal, several CG students have work in prominent museums. Stop by to view the changing exhibitions and/or arrange a tour of the site to get a better understanding of the scope of CG's services.
STREET FAIRS & FESTIVALS
A host of street fairs, art festivals, and outdoor markets keep things lively all year long. Many of these events take place in Jack London Square. Here are just a few:
 |
| Farmers' Market (A.Holdsworth) |
Oakland International Film Festival (Sept): To promote independent filmmakers in Oakland and worldwide. (During the summer, there's free Waterfront Flicks at Jack London Square on Thursday nights.)
Art & Soul (Summer): A street party with live entertainment, local bands, art installations, and food trucks with tasty offerings.
THE FOOD SCENE
Foodies and wine aficionados are flocking to Oakland for all the hot, trendy restaurants. In just a few short years, some 60+ top-quality, restaurants have opened, including startups by several of San Francisco's top chefs. There are so many excellent choices you need to do a bit of research before making a reservation. Dining: Here's a small sampling.
 |
| (A.Holdsworth) |
Le Cheval (1007 Clay St.) - French-inspired, Vietnamese cuisine and, go figure, very popular with Oakland cops.
Sweet Bar Bakery (2355 Broadway) - Soups, sandwiches & sweets; owner Mani Niall was once Michael Jackson's private chef.
Tamarindo (468 8th St.) - Traditional Mexican cuisine in a modern setting.
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill (1520 Lakeside Dr.) - On Lake Merritt, go for the views.
Chinatown: For some cheap & tasty eats, head to Oakland's bustling Chinatown. Try New Gold Medal (389 8th St.).
Oakland Restaurant Week - A great way to sample all Oakland has to offer with $20, $30 & $40 prix-fixe menus.
LOCAL SNACKS & WINES
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| (A.Holdsworth) |
Foodie Phenomenon: In addition to the thriving restaurant scene, several, small, artisanal food companies making everything from chocolates to jams to kale chips and cured meats have set up shop in Oakland. Try some locally-made snacks.
Wineries: In Oakland alone, there are some 10+ urban wineries. Start with two good ones: JC Cellars & Dashe Cellars: Go for a Tasting and sample the local varieties.
East Bay Wine Tours: A fun way to discover some wineries as well as the beautiful East Bay area and get some exercise at the same time.
THE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
Along with the growing arts and restaurant offerings, there's a vibrant, nightlife scene in Oakland in some spectacular settings:
East Bay Wine Tours: A fun way to discover some wineries as well as the beautiful East Bay area and get some exercise at the same time.
THE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
Along with the growing arts and restaurant offerings, there's a vibrant, nightlife scene in Oakland in some spectacular settings:
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| The Paramount (A.Holdsworth) |
The Paramount Theatre (2025 Broadway) - Restored to its original, 1930s movie-palace splendor, The Paramount is now home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony as well as a venue for popular music concerts, variety shows, theatre, and classic films.
Yoshi's (510 Embarcadero West) - Oakland's legendary sushi & music venue offers great food and music ranging from Jazz to Mambo to The Blues & beyond!
Where To Stay: Hopefully, you're now convinced to plan a trip to Oakland. Choose from any number of nice accommodations:
 |
| Lake Merritt (A.Holdsworth) |
Oakland Marriott City Center (1001 Broadway, Tel: 510/451-4000) - Simple and centrally-located.
The Washington Inn (495 10th St., Tel: 510/452-1776) - Nice boutique hotel.
Waterfront Hotel (10 Washington St., Tel: 510-836-3800) - Great Bay views.
Getting There: Fly directly into Oakland. Or, fly to San Francisco, then take the BART to downtown Oakland (12th St/City Center station), or take a Ferry or drive over the stunning Bay Bridge.
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