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Alameda, California 510-522-1000
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Things To Do In Oakland, CA

Alameda and Oakland, California offer countless things to do for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
 
Hawthorn Suites is perfectly situated just minutes from some of the most popular attractions in the Alameda and Oakland area, so whether you're looking to spend a fun day at the Oakland Zoo, take in some history at the USS Hornet Museum or experience the thrill of professional sports at the O.com Coliseum or the Oracle Arena, you'll definitely find some fun things to do in Alameda and Oakland, California.

Things to do in Alameda, California

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, boating and sailing. www.jacklondonsquare.com
 

Oakland, California Zoo

The Oakland Zoo has been entertaining and educating children and adults since it was founded in 1922. The zoo is located in southeastern Oakland and is home to over 600 animals, including native and exotic species. The zoo is nationally known for its exceptional elephant exhibit. A children's play area, train and sky ride are also featured. www.oaklandzoo.org
 

The USS Hornet Museum

The USS Hornet is open daily. Visitors can explore the ship alone 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. Check out the schedule of special events by vising online at www.uss-hornet.org
 

O.com Coliseum

The O.com Coliseum 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. www.coliseum.com

ORACLE Arena

Located adjacent to the 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. www.coliseum.com
 

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. 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. www.oaklandmuseum.org

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. 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. www.ebparks.org
 

Fisherman's Wharf

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

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 served 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. www.potomac.org
 

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. www.paramounttheatre.com
 

Piedmont Avenue

This unique boulevard in 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. www.oaklandcvb.com

Children's Fairyland

Located along the shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland, Children's Fairyland is a 10-acre outdoor amusement park and educational theme park that brings children's literature to life through fairy tale exhibits and talking storybooks that kids can activate with "magic" keys. www.fairyland.org
 

Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt in Oakland is the largest fresh and saltwater 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. www.oaklandnet.com

Chuck Corica Golf Course

Known for taking Golf to new heights, the Chuck Corica Golf Course is a peaceful golfing destination. The fairway is lined with trees and soft trimmed grass, additionally they have an impressive fully-stocked pro shop with the finest and newest equipment. Additionally the staff always has impeccable customer service. http://www.golfinalameda.com/
 

Metropolitan Golf Links

Serious Golfers are encouraged to step up to the tee at Metropolitan Golf Links, where every Golfer who steps onto the course will be tested and challenged by the great links golf course. The fairway is always in top notch playing condition unhindered by the weather. http://www.playmetro.com

Activities

Crown Memorial Beach

Restored in 1982, the Crown Memorial Beach has a picturesque 2.5 miles trail for hikers and bikers. Come experience the beautiful sands and warm waters of Alameda at the Crown Memorial Beach, locals and visitors alike often enjoy picnicking, swimming, boating, board sports and etc. For more information please visit www.ebparks.org/
 

Shopping

  • South Shore shopping center
  • Alameda Landing shopping centers.
 
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