Things to Do in Oakland - See the Sights of Oakland!
So you’re planning a trip to Oakland! You’re wondering what you could do over the next few days in Northern California…. Let me give you a few ideas to help you plan your trip! Following are the most popular and worthwhile places to visit in Oakland.
Zoo
The Oakland Zoo has 4 areas to visit with more than 600 animals to discover. It is great to visit with smaller children since it is a smaller zoo, more accessible to family with younger children. They offer interesting cultural programs teaching kids how to care for the different animals. The 4 acres children’s zoo allows your kids to interact with the animals and learn. You can also participate to the animal feedings sessions.
Museums
The two most popular Museums in Oakland are: The Chabot Space and Science Center and The Oakland museum of California.
The Chabot Space and Science Center, more than just a Science museum, it also offers a planetarium and interactive exhibits. The Ask Jeeves Planetarium and the Tien Megadome Theater offer different shows to watch on 70- foot screens. You can observe the sky at night at the Chabot Observatories and even learn how to make a telescope during telescope workshops offered every fridays.
The Oakland Museum of California is a great place to visit to learn all about the California State history. The museum completely dedicated to the history but also the art and natural sciences of the state. It enables you to get an idea of all the changes endured by California on a human, artistic and scientific level. This museum offers 3 permanent galleries and various changing exhibitions.
Jack London Square
The Jack London Square is the historic area of Oakland offers you an educative visit, a possibility to shop, eat and entertain yourself. You will find in the Square FDR’s Floating White House and the Lightship Relief: Embark for a historic cruise on the Bay of Oakland! During summer nights, outdoor movies are screened. And all year long different seasonal events are organized from wine tastings to cooking demonstrations and much more. Enjoy being entertained in this charming scenery.
Fairyland
Oakland also offers some fun times for the youngsters, too! After enjoying the shores of the Lake Merritt, why not bring your kids for a little entertainment? This 10 acres park offers attractions and animations – such as puppet shows, a children theater and small rides – based on story books. This park is mostly recommended for younger children as minimum and maximum heights might limit your possibilities.
Relax/ Sport
The Lake Merritt Park and Wildlife Refuge is situated in Downtown Oakland on the shores of Lake Merritt. This park can be visited as a relaxing stop to get away from the city life. It can also be an educational excursion. The Lake Merritt Park and Wildlife Refuge is home of many different birds species and is often visited to observe and learn about them. And finally the park is also great for sports, providing trails to run but also access to the shores of the lake for sailing or canoeing.
San Francisco
Oakland is also just a bridge ride away from San Francisco and San Francisco is always worth a visit. See the Transamerican Pyramid that gives the Skyline of San Francisco its recognizable look, visit Alcatraz, enjoy some authentic Chinese cuisine or walk along the waterfront from Pier 39 to Fisherman’s Warf!
Enjoy your visit and discover Oakland for yourself! It is a cool city and there is a lot to see!
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