Things to do When Visiting Oakland, California

Oakland Zoo Grand Lake Theater Camron–Stanford House USS Potomac Paramount Theatre Lake Merritt Henry J Kaiser Convention

The San Francisco Bay Area offers countless things to do for visitors of all ages. Hawthorn Suites Oakland/Alameda is perfectly situated just minutes from some of the most popular attractions Northern California has to offer

Jack London Square. Jack London Square buzzes with excitement. Situated along the Oakland waterfront, Jack London Square offers dining, shopping, cultural attractions, and a marina for exciting water sports like kayaking and sailing. Visit www.jacklondonsquare.com.

Oakland Zoo. The Oakland Zoo has been entertaining and educating children and adults since it was founded in 1922. The zoo is home to over 440 animals, including native and exotic species. A children’s play area, train and sky ride are also featured. Visit www.oaklandzoo.org.

McAfee Coliseum. McAfee Coliseum in Oakland is home to the Oakland Raiders NFL team and the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team. Cheer your favorite professional sports team to victory from the sidelines of this premier Bay Area stadium. Visit www.coliseum.com.

ORACLE Arena. Located adjacent to McAfee Coliseum, ORACLE Arena is home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. When the Warriors aren’t taking center court, the Arena plays host to an impressive schedule of live performances from headline entertainers and bands, to children’s shows, and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Visit www.coliseum.com.  [Top]

Grand Lake Theater. Experience cinema nostalgia at the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland. This vintage movie house has been the gathering place of friends and neighbors since it opened in 1926. The theater’s historic Mighty Wurlitzer Organ plays before select shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit www.renaissancerialto.com.

Oakland Museum of California. The three–tiered Oakland Museum of California opened in 1969 with the mission of providing unique collections, exhibitions and academic programs to provide a deeper understanding of California’s history, its people, environment, and future. The museum’s permanent gallery collections include the Gallery of California Art that houses original art; California: A Place, A People, A Dream, which explores the social complexities of California; and Walk Across California, which explores California’s natural history. Visit www.oaklandmuseum.org.  [Top]

Camron–Stanford House. The Camron–Stanford House is a stately 1876 Victorian mansion located on the shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland. Prior to an extensive rehabilitation project in the 1970s, the house served as a private residence and the Oakland Public Museum. Today, the house is a Victorian museum that traces Oakland’s history. Docent–led tours are available. Visit www.cshouse.org.

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. Walk among native Bay Area plant life at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in Oakland. The 235–acre preserve features year–round blossoming plants and self–guided nature paths. The preserve features many examples of plant life found only in the East Bay. Visit www.ebparks.org.  [Top]

USS Potomac. The USS Potomac, also known as Franklin Roosevelt’s Floating White House, is a National Historic Landmark. The 165–foot yacht is now a museum and is open for tours on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The ship was built in 1934 and serve as FDR’s presidential yacht until his death in 1945. After many years of decline, including sinking in the San Francisco Bay, the Port of Oakland purchased the ship and completed a $5 million restoration project. Visit www.potomac.org.

Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco features an abundance of attractions, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Visit Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, and an aquarium. Fisherman’s Wharf is also known for its delicious fresh fish and clam chowder served in signature San Francisco sourdough bowls. Visit www.fishermanswharf.org.  [Top]

Paramount Theatre. The Paramount Theatre in Oakland is one of the finest examples of remaining Art Deco building in the country. The Theatre is home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and various performing arts productions including converts, variety show, and live theatre. Classic movie screenings such as The Wizard of Oz and Casablanca are also offered throughout the year. Tours are available of the theatre. Visit www.paramounttheatre.com.

Piedmont Avenue. Oakland is marked with scores of chic boutiques, antique stores, quaint cafes and lively clubs. Shop Piedmont Avenue for eclectic vintage clothes and accessories, and antiques. Fuel up at gourmet food stores and hip restaurants lining the lively corridor. Visit www.oaklandcvb.com.  [Top]

Lake Merritt. Lake Merritt in Oakland is the largest fresh and salt water lake located in the heart of an urban area. Numerous parks, walking paths, a golf course, and cultural attractions surround the 3.4 mile lake. Visitors can also kayak on Lake Merritt. Visit www.oaklandnet.com.

Children’s Fairyland. Children’s Fairyland is located along the shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland. The 10–acre outdoor amusement park is an educational theme park that brings children’s literature to life through fairy tale exhibits and talking storybooks that kids can activate with a “magic” keys. Visit www.fairyland.org.  [Top]

Henry J Kaiser Convention Center. The Henry J, Kaiser Convention Center, formerly known as the Oakland Civic Auditorium, is a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Oakland that accommodation up to 8,000 people. The Center houses performing arts, conferences, sporting events, and community events. Visit. www.hjkevents.com.

The USS Hornet Museum. The USS Hornet is open daily. Visitors can explore the ship on their own or participate in a docent–led tour. Allow three to four hours to explore the ship’s four distinct areas: Hangar Deck, Island Structure, Flight Deck and Second Deck. All tours involve climbing steep stairways. Layered clothing for varied temperatures aboard the aircraft carrier, and non–skid shoes are recommended.

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