Oakland Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Oakland Travel & Tourism, Free Oakland Travel Guide Online

Oakland Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Oakland Travel & Tourism, Free Oakland Travel Guide Online

Oakland's landscape is a picturesque mix of lovely hillside neighborhoods; exciting and diverse architecture; a bustling waterfront; two shimmering lakes; 19 miles of shoreline along the San Francisco Bay; unparalleled Bay views; and more parks and open space per capita than any other city in the Bay Area. Everyone loves the year round vacation weather with temperatures in the gentle 50's and 60's in the winter and spring, and 70's throughout summer and fall.

A city on the move, Oakland has emerged as a major economic force in the region. Long a center for international trade, the Port of Oakland is one of the nation's busiest container ports in the Bay Area. The Oakland International Airport is served by many major domestic and international airlines.

The arts are alive in Oakland as well. The city has one of the largest visual and performing arts communities on the West Coast, and the arts are celebrated on every level; from acclaimed symphony and ballet to museums, galleries, and small arts organizations. The Old Oakland district includes many of the finest examples of Victorian commercial architecture on the West Coast. Oakland's population boomed after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the Broadway Historic District showcases a range of architectural treasures constructed between 1900-1949. Bold new buildings now shine in Oakland's modern skyline.

There is definitely no shortage of things to see and do, and there is weather to match. Visitors can explore the universe at The Chabot Space and Science Center. The Center houses one of the largest public telescopes in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome Theater. Every child's fantasy comes true at Children's Fairyland
.Here young children can enjoy the enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park.

Speaking of Lakeside Park, this large saltwater lake, one of the largest in the country, and the adjoining 122-acre park is home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park. All of these draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers, year round. For a little romance, visitors can experience Gondola Servizio where they glide across Lake Merritt in a beautiful Venetian craft accompanied by a serenading gondolier.

Of course, everyone needs a chance to relax, shop and enjoy a good meal. A wonderful place for this is in Oakland is at Jack London Square. This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just rest and refresh at a sunny sidewalk cafι. For a little history in a nostalgic setting, the historic Grand Lake Theatre is a must see. A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer. Rent a sailboat on Lake Merritt, stroll along the waterfront, explore the fantastic Oakland Museum: These are all great reasons to spend fog-free days exploring one of California's largest and most ethnically diverse cities.

Oakland has near perfect weather to enjoy all of the spectacular offerings of the city. "Sunny California" applies to Oakland's climate. With the sun shining an average of 95% of the time in the summer, it's the time to experience the numerous outdoor activities available. The fall offers a chance to view Nature in transition. With the temperature dropping only slightly from the summer, visitors can enjoy the out of doors day or night. Winters are mild with the average temperature around 55 F. Snow is almost never seen, except in the higher elevations and then only briefly. Spring brings an abundance of sunshine, warmer temperatures and very low humidity. It's an ideal time for a relaxing stroll in one of the areas many excellent parks.

History, events, great entertainment, sports, scenery and an ideal climate in which to experience it all, Oakland, the City by the Bay, has it.

Oakland Attractions: Oakland Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Oakland Travel & Tourism, Free Oakland Travel Guide Online

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619

510-336-7300

Hours: Open Friday, 5pm – 10pm, Saturday, 10am -10pm, Sunday, noon – 5pm, Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm

Admission Charged
The 86,000-square-foot center houses one of the largest public telescopes in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome Theater. There are also numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits.

Children's Fairyland
699 Bellevue Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610

510-452-2259

Hours: Summer: Mon. - Fri., 10am – 4pm, Sat. and Sun. 10am – 5pm. Other seasons: hours vary, call for additional information

Admission Charged
Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park.

Chinatown
Broadway, Alice, 13th, and Seventh Sts.

Admission Free
Experience Asian culture and character by exploring the restaurants, specialty shops, markets, and bakeries in this vibrant neighborhood. Be sure to visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church (265 Eighth St.) and Pacific Renaissance Plaza (388 Ninth St.), which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.

City Center
Broadway and 14th St.

Admission Free
Glimpse a mix of 19th-century buildings standing proud alongside modern skyscrapers and elegant landscaping. Eye-catching buildings of note include Tribune Tower, the art deco financial center building, the federal building, the historic and recently restored City Hall, the Rotunda, and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. The City Center pedestrian plaza boasts outdoor seating, restaurants, shops, and summer concerts.

Gondola Servizio
568 Bellevue Ave.

Oakland, CA 94610
510-663-6603
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Glide across Lake Merritt in a beautiful Venetian gondola accompanied by a serenading gondolier. Enjoy an evening cruise for two or an afternoon group (up to six) event.

Jack London Square
Broadway and Embarcadero
510- 814-6000
Admission Free

This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk cafι.

Lake Merritt/Lakeside Park
Grand and Bellevue Aves.
510-238-7275

Admission Free
This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country-and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.

Morcom Amphitheater of Roses
700 Jean St.

Oakland, CA 94610
510-238-3187

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Opened in the late 1920s, this eight-acre municipal rose garden features more than 6,000 rose bushes of all varieties. Bloom season is late April through October.

Oakland Mormon Temple and Visitors Center
4770 Lincoln Ave.

Oakland, CA 94602
510-531-1475

Hours: Visitors center open daily 9am – 9pm

Admission Free
This architectural standout offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and is adorned with breathtaking lights at Christmas.

Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd.

Oakland, CA 94605
510-632-9525

Hours: Open daily, 10am – 4pm

Admission Charged
Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 400 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the butterfly garden and the "rides area," with a roller coaster, an "endangered species carousel," and a train.

Jack London Water Taxi
Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square
510-839-7572

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Take a relaxing ride on the estuary on this pontoon boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the waterfront, harbor facilities, and estuary wildlife.

Rotary Nature Center
600 Bellevue Ave.

Oakland, CA 94610
510-238-3739

Hours: Open daily, 10am – 5pm

Admission Charged
This wildlife refuge, the oldest in the United States, is located in downtown's Lakeside Park.

African American Museum and Library at Oakland
659 14th St.

Oakland, CA 946
510-637-0200
Hours: Tues.-Sat. noon - 5:30pm

Admission Free

This division of the Oakland Public Library is devoted to organizing, preserving, interpreting, and sharing the African American experience in California.

California Genealogical Society
1611 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland, CA 94612
510-663-1358

Hours: Thursday – Saturday 9am – 4pm

Admission Free
This organization, which helps people trace their family histories, maintains a vast library of genealogical documents, maps, reference books, periodicals, and other materials.

Ebony Museum of Art
1034 14th St.

Oakland, CA 94607
510-763-0141

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm

Admission Charged
This downtown museum preserves both African American and African art and promotes greater appreciation of African American heritage.

Mills College Art Museum
5000 MacArthur Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94613
510-430-2164

Hours: Sept. - May: Tues. - Sat. 11am – 4pm, Sun. 1 – 4pm

Admission Charged
At the college's museum, guests can view local and international touring exhibits as well as the permanent collection.

The Museum of African American Technology Science Village
630 20th St.

Oakland, CA 94612
510-893-6426

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10am – 5pm, Sat. noon - 6pm, Sun. 2 – 6pm. Tours Sat. and Sun., and by appointment.

Admission Charged
This museum exhibits the technical achievements of African Americans.

The Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)
538 Ninth St.

Oakland, CA 94607
510-465-8770

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Admission Charged
Tucked away in a quaint courtyard in Old Oakland, this museum offers art classes for kids and drop-in working studios, as well as rotating exhibits of art created by children.

Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St.

Oakland, CA94607

510-238-2200

Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday, call for exact hours of operation

Admission Charged

Surrounded by 51/2 acres of landscaped greenery, this museum is devoted to the arts, environment, and history of California.

Pro Arts
461 Ninth St.

Oakland, CA 94607
510-763-4361
Hours: Open Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm

Admission Charged

This downtown exhibit space features local and regional artists, and sponsors the annual East Bay Open Studios every June, when some 400 artists around the Bay Area open their workplaces to the public.

Western Aerospace Museum
8260 Boeing St. (Oakland International Airport, North Field)

Oakland, CA 94621
510-638-7100
Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am -4pm

Located in a vintage hangar at Oakland International Airport, this museum houses aircraft displays, artifacts, a giant flying boat, and an Electra similar to the one flown by Amelia Earhart, who took off from this airfield and disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

Camron-Stanford House
1418 Lakeside Dr.

Oakland, CA 94612
510-444-1876
Hours: Wednesday, 11am – 4pm, Sunday, 1pm – 5 pm

Admission Charged

This beautifully restored building is the last of the Victorians that once dominated the Lake Merritt area. Built in 1876, the house features period rooms and restoration exhibits.

Cohen-Bray House
1440 29th Ave.

Oakland, CA 94601
510-532-0704

Hours: Fourth Sunday of every month and by appointment.

Admission Charged
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cohen-Bray House has been owned by one family since it was built in 1883 and offers views of its original interior dιcor and gardens.

Dunsmuir House and Gardens Historic Estate
2960 Peralta Oaks Ct.

Oakland, CA 94605
510-615-5555

Hours: Grounds open Feb.-Oct.: Tues. - Fri. 10am – 4pm. Mansion open April-Sept.:
Wed. 11am - noon

Admission Charged
This 37-room colonial revival mansion, built in 1899, along with its surrounding horticultural park and gardens, allows visitors to see how the wealthy lived a century ago.

Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Ave.

Oakland, CA 94610
510-452-3556

Hours: Call for additional information
A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer.

Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon
48 Webster Street in Jack London Square

Oakland, CA 94607
510-839-6761

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Free
Built in 1880 and once frequented by Oakland resident Jack London, this saloon is a popular hangout for Jack London Square denizens and visitors alike. It was designated a national literary landmark in 1998.

Old Oakland
Between Broadway and Clay Sts., from Seventh to 10th Sts.
This historic neighborhood of elegantly restored Victorian commercial buildings dates back to the 1870s and is now home to unique shops, galleries, Washington Street Restaurant Row, and a farmers market on Fridays.

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
2465 34th Ave.

Oakland, CA 94601
510-532-9142
Hours: Tours Wed. 2 – 4pm, and first Saturday of the month at 1pm

Admission Charged

This six-acre park is the focal point of the historic 44,000-acre Rancho San Antonio, established through a Spanish land grant to Luis Peralta and his family.

USS Potomac

540 Water Street

Oakland, CA 94607
Located at the foot of Clay St. Jack London Square
510-627-1215

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Affectionately dubbed the Floating White House by the press; Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht is one of the few floating museums in the country. The restored 165-foot vessel, a national historic landmark, is a memorial to FDR and his accomplishments.

Oakland Events: Oakland Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Oakland Travel & Tourism, Free Oakland Travel Guide Online

Events

January

Chinese New Year's Bazaar

Held in late January
Location:

Chinatown

510-893-8979

Call for additional information

Enjoy this rich cultural event featuring ongoing music, foods, arts and crafts.

February

Animal Amore

Held in mid February

Location: Oakland Zoo

510-632-9525

Call for additional information
Walking tours, steamy animal facts, crafts, tattoos and face painting.

Pacific Coast Classic Men's Gymnastics Open Competition

Held in mid February

Location:

Oakland Convention Center

510-451-4000

Call for additional information
An event for the National Gymnastics Foundation Men's Scholarship Program and Men's Intercollegiate Gymnastics Support Program, featuring hundreds of registered athletes.

March

Annual White Elephant Sale

Held in early March

Location:

Oakland Museum of California

510-238-2200

Call for additional information
A world famous sale featuring acres of bargains, benefiting the Oakland Museum of California.

Tall Ships

Held early – mid March

Location: Jack London Square

415-331-3214

Call for additional information
Tall Ships - Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington will be available for dockside tours and bay excursions.

Old Fashioned Easter Celebration

Held at Easter time

Location: Dunsmuir Historic Estates

510-615-5555
Call for additional information
Tour the Mansion, enjoy a colorful Easter egg hunt and other festivities for kids.

April

Annual California Wildflower Show

Held in mid April

Location: Oakland Museum of California

510-238-2200

Call for additional information
The annual exhibition includes a profusion of native flowers brought into the museum, sorted, identified and labeled by botanists.

Pacific Sail Expo

Held in mid April

Location:

Jack London Square

866-295-9853
Call for additional information
One of the largest on the West Coast, with hundreds of sailboats and products on display.

Pacific Power Expo

Held in late April

Location:

Jack London Square

510-834-1000

Call for additional information
Anything and everything you've every wanted to know about powerboats!

May

Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade

Held in early May

Location:

International Blvd. Between 33rd and 40th avenues

510-536-4477
Call for additional information

A culturally rich festival celebrating Hispanic tradition, food and music.


MG Car Show

Held in mid May

Location:

Jack London Square

866-295-9853

Call for additional information
Featuring over 100 MG's from antiques to classics.

Festival of Greece

Held in mid May

Location:

Greek Orthodox Church, 4700 Lincoln

510-531-3400
Savor the many flavors of authentic Greek cuisine; immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Greek culture.

June

Walk in the Wild

Held in mid June

Location:

Oakland Zoo

510-632-9525

Call for additional information
Tastings from some of the East Bay's finest restaurants.

Montclair Village Fine Arts Festival

Held in late June

Location:

Montclair Village

510-339-1000
Call for additional information
Enjoy charming Montclair featuring beautiful art work by local artists.

July

Fourth of July at Pardee

Held on the fourth of July

Location:

Pardee Home Museum

510- 444-2187
Call for additional information
Enjoy an old fashioned, patriotic picnic at the Historic Pardee Home Museum.


Scottish Highland Games

Held in early July

Location:

Dunsmuir Historic Estates

510-615-5555
Call for additional information
In celebration of Scottish heritage; enjoy festive music, traditional foods, and arts and crafts.

August

Annual Salsa Festival

Held in late August

Location: Fruitvale Village/ Fruitvale BART Station
510-535-6900

Call for additional information
Celebrating everything salsa; food, dance and music.

Chinatown Street Fest

Held in late August

Location: Chinatown, 9th and Franklin
510-893-8979Call for additional information
Taste the cuisine of Asia and shop for unique gifts.


September

Art & Soul Festival

Held in early September

Location: Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
510-444-2489

Call for additional information
The City's premier art and music festival, featuring multiple stages of live, diverse, music, crafts of over 150 artisans and an eclectic selection of tempting foods!


Fall Boat Show

Held in mid September

Location: Jack London Square
866-295-9853

Call for additional information
This annual sailboat and powerboat show is one of the largest on the West Coat.

December

Holidays at Dunsmuir

Held in early December

Location:

Dunsmuir Historic Estates

510-615-5555
Call for additional information
Mansion tours, holiday teas, children's teas, lunch carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and children's activities.

Christmas Revels

Held in mid December

Location:

Scottish Rite Center

510-893-9853
Call for additional information
Celebrate the winter solstice with a lively cast of adults and children performing dance, drama, ritual, and song.

Fairy Winter Wonderland

Held in mid December

Location:

Children's Fairyland

510-452-2259
Call for additional information
Come and enjoy this special holiday celebration. In the days just before Christmas, the storybook park is transformed into a magical winter wonderland for kids, with twinkling fairy lights, rides open after dark, special holiday performances and decorations, and hot apple cider and cocoa for everyone!

Entertainment:

Calvin Simmons Theatre
Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center

10 10th St.

Oakland, CA 94607
510-238-7765
Call for performance schedule
Established to honor the legacy of the late Oakland Symphony conductor, this historic hall seats 1,860 people.

Four Seasons Concerts
10 10th Street

Oakland, CA 94607
510- 601-7919

Season runs September – May, call for performance schedule
Four Seasons Concerts presents world-acclaimed classical music performances at the Calvin Simons Theatre.

Holy Name College
3500 Mountain Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94619

510-436-1254

Call for performance schedule
Located high in the Oakland Hills, with a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay, the college presents choral and orchestral concerts, lecture series, and lively dance performances.

Malonga Saselourd Center for the Arts
1428 Alice St.

Oakland, CA 94612
510-238-7219

Call for performance schedule
This restored 1920s building is a popular multicultural, multidisciplinary performing-arts complex sponsored by the city. The 400-seat theater and five rehearsal and class spaces showcase drama, ballet, and African and contemporary dance. Several long-standing arts organizations-Axis Dance Company, Bay Area Blues Society, CitiCentre Dance Theater, Dimensions Dance Theater, and Oakland Youth Orchestra-call the center home.

Network Associates Coliseum and the Arena in Oakland
7000 Coliseum Way
Oakland, CA 94621

510- 569-2121

Call for performance schedule

This complex comprises the 63,000-seat stadium (home to the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A's) and the recently renovated 18,300-seat arena (home of the Golden State Warriors). Both are major concert and entertainment venues, and both sponsor special events year-round.

Oakland Ballet
2025 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94612
510-452-9288

Call for performance schedule
The city's ballet company performs in town September through December at the Paramount Theatre. The troupe's unusual repertoire-which includes revivals of Diaghilev-era ballets-has garnered worldwide notice.

Oakland East Bay Symphony
2025 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94612
510-444-0801
Call for performance schedule
The symphony presents classical and inventive new works for small orchestra and chamber ensembles in six annual performances at the Paramount Theatre and in numerous concerts at other venues throughout the year.

Oakland Youth Orchestra
Alice Arts Center

1428 Alice St.
Oakland, CA 94612

510-832-7710
Call for performance schedule
The orchestra presents five shows a year, including its popular pops concert in January or February.

Paramount Theatre
2025 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94612
510-893-2300

Call for performance schedule
This beautiful art deco landmark, built in 1931, screens classic films and hosts performances by both up-and-coming and well-known entertainers.

Woodminster Amphitheater
3300 Joaquin Miller Rd.

Oakland, CA 94602
510- 531-9597
Call for performance schedule
Nestled among the redwoods of Joaquin Miller Park, this natural amphitheater hosts musicals throughout the summer.

Sports:

Golden State Warriors Basketball
Games played at The Arena in Oakland

Season runs October - April
888-479-4667

Call for game schedule and additional information

Oakland A's Baseball
Games played at the Network Associates Coliseum

Season runs April - October
510-762-2255

Call for game schedule and additional information

Oakland Raiders Football

Games played at the Network Associates Coliseum

Season runs September - January
510-762-2277

Call for game schedule and additional information


UC Berkeley Intercollegiate Athletics
Events take place at Berkeley
510-762-2277

Call for a complete list of sports, schedules, and additional information

Golden Gate Fields Racetrack
1100 Eastshore Hwy.

Albany, CA94710

Season runs November - March

510-559-7300

Call for schedule and additional information
Thoroughbred racing at this track features the sport's top jockeys and horses. Racing season runs from November through March, and the track is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Oakland Facts: Oakland Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Oakland Travel & Tourism, Free Oakland Travel Guide Online

Population: 399,484

Elevation: 42 feet above sea level

Land Area: 56.1 square miles

Location: Located in the northwestern portion of California,

Time Zone:Pacific Time Zone (when it's noon in Oakland, it's 2pm in Chicago and 3pm in New York City). Oakland observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

Oakland also has near perfect weather to enjoy all of the spectacular offerings of the city. "Sunny California" applies to Oakland's climate. With the sun shining an average of 95% of the time in the summer, it's the time to experience the numerous outdoor activities available. The fall offers a chance to view Nature in transition. With the temperature dropping only slightly from the summer, visitors can enjoy the out of doors day or night. Winters are mild with the average temperature around 55 F. Snow is almost never seen, except in the higher elevations and then only briefly. Spring brings an abundance of sunshine, warmer temperatures and very low humidity. It's an ideal time for a relaxing stroll in one of the areas many excellent parks.

How to Get There:

By Air

Oakland International Airport

1 Airport Drive

Oakland, CA 94621

510-563-3300

Conveniently located to downtown, the airport is served by many of the nationally known airlines, as well as certain international, charter, local and regional carriers.

Ground Transportation

Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus services are available at the airport as well as throughout the city.

By Car

Oakland is located across San Francisco Bay on the eastern side of the Bay Bridge. From San Francisco, follow I-80 to the Bridge. From the north and south, Oakland is accessible by way of I-880, and from the east via Highway 24.

By Train

Amtrak

245 Second Street
Oakland, CA 94607

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus

Greyhound

2103 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612

510-832-4730

How to Get Around:

Due to the many sites to see and attractions to experience, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. A car affords the visitor the opportunity to experience all that Oakland has to offer in a convenient fashion.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President' Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year's Eve, December 31

Oakland Kids Activities: Oakland Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Oakland Travel & Tourism, Free Oakland Travel Guide Online

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619

510-336-7300

Hours: Open Friday, 5pm – 10pm, Saturday, 10am -10pm, Sunday, noon – 5pm, Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm

Admission Charged
The 86,000-square-foot center houses one of the largest public telescopes in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome Theater. There are also numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits.

Children's Fairyland
699 Bellevue Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610

510-452-2259

Hours: Summer: Mon. - Fri., 10am – 4pm, Sat. and Sun. 10am – 5pm. Other seasons: hours vary, call for additional information

Admission Charged
Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park.

Jack London Square
Broadway and Embarcadero
510-814-6000
Admission Free

This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk cafι.

Lake Merritt/Lakeside Park
Grand and Bellevue Aves.
510-238-7275

Admission Free
This large saltwater lake, one of the largest in the country, and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.

Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd.

Oakland, CA 94605
510-632-9525

Hours: Open daily, 10am – 4pm

Admission Charged
Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 400 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the new butterfly garden and the "rides area," with a roller coaster, an "endangered species carousel," and a train.

Jack London Water Taxi
Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square
510-839-7572

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Take a relaxing ride on the estuary on this pontoon boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the waterfront, harbor facilities, and estuary wildlife.

Western Aerospace Museum
8260 Boeing St. (Oakland International Airport, North Field)

Oakland, CA 94621
510-638-7100
Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am -4pm

Located in a vintage hangar at Oakland International Airport, this museum houses aircraft displays, artifacts, a giant flying boat, and an Electra similar to the one flown by Amelia Earhart, who took off from this airfield and disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Ave.

Oakland, CA 94610
510-452-3556

Hours: Call for additional information
A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer.

USS Potomac

540 Water Street

Oakland, CA 94607
Located at the foot of Clay St. Jack London Square
510-627-1215

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Affectionately dubbed the Floating White House by the press; Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht is one of the few floating museums in the country. The restored 165-foot vessel, a national historic landmark, is a memorial to FDR and his accomplishments.

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