Visiting Oakland? Here Are 8 Things Locals Told Us to Try

Oakland is one of the major cities in the Bay Area and an often underrated Californian city. It is home to many important institutions and companies, as well as many cultural attractions including museums and science centers, local and regional parks. There are many things to do in Oakland for visitors and residents alike, from enjoying the gorgeous vistas to delighting in the cuisine. 

Whether you’re renting an apartment in Oakland, settling down in your own home, or simply visiting as a tourist, there are many things that you can do here. To give you the inside scoop, we asked locals to give us their insight and their favorite hidden gems in Oakland. Here’s what they told us. 

1. Go for a Hike in the Chabot Regional Park 

Mica Talmor, owner of Pomella Oakland, shared with us a lesser-known path for adventurers to take for breath-taking views. “I love Oakland for many reasons having to do with people and with food, yet one of my favorite things–if not THE favorite thing–about Oakland is how within just a few minutes of driving and barely a mile into a hike, you can find yourself in the most beautiful, secluded places.”  

“A secret spot that I wanted to share is a section of Chabot Regional Park that I access through the Clyde Woolridge Staging area,” said Talmor. There’s a great parking lot (and often many bikers) as I head towards Lake Chabot, but then I turn into Bass Cove, where my dog Easy and I stop and breathe. The view of the lake seems exaggerated, like a baroque landscape painting with ducks and pelicans waiting there just for us. From there we take the Columbine Trail–hands down, the most beautiful day-after-the rain trail. With running water and Fairyland views, this trail will loop back towards Skyline trail, and the parking lot.” 

2. Visit Rockridge 

“Visiting Rockridge gets my vote as a must-see and –do,” said Nathan Waldon, owner of local business Nathan & Co. “The neighborhood’s free “Rock-N-Stroll” events combine music and art with great shopping and a choice of exceptional dining options I dare you to find elsewhere. The area is a true cornucopia where you can discover vintage boutiques, charming gift shops, quirky bookstores and even a plant store that supports mental health initiatives.” 

“And if you’re hungry or thirsty, good luck deciding! Some of my Rockridge favorites include dinner with friends at Acre sharing their incredible rotisserie chicken, small plates and a glass of wine,” Waldon added. If you’re looking for something a little spicier, try Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery. If dining in is more your style, stop by a true Oakland landmark, Market Hall, which was founded before the word “foodie” even existed. Also, Rockridge’s College Avenue is a richly diverse street for food, shopping and just hanging out with a cup of coffee.” 

3. Explore Lake Merritt 

Romney Steele, the co-owner of The Cook and Her Farmer, recommends a trip and a walk around Lake Merritt, to “enjoy the beautiful views and surroundings.” For those visiting with kids, the Fairy Land along the shore of Lake Merritt is another recommendation by Steele.  

“Lake Merritt has a small but great farmers market,” shared Amber Robbins, founder of Spring Into Clean. “There is a really nice mix of produce stands and a wide variety of food booths to get lunch at. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare though, but if you’re patient it’ll be worth it.” 

4. Hug the Redwoods of Joaquin Miller Park 

TeAirra Mitchell, local photographer, recommends a trip to Joaquin Miller Park. “For tree-huggers, including myself, hiking in the Joaquin Miller Park redwoods provides stunning views of light flares throughout the forest with easy trails to chat with friends, or even do a photoshoot.” The park is one of the few areas where you can find redwoods in urban settings, and it is a lovely spot to go for a walk during your lunch break, or with your dog. The park also has two of-leash areas where you and your companion can play. 

5. See the Oakland Museum of California 

Home to over 1.9 million objects, the Oakland Museum of California is a cultural hub and a gathering place where people can explore the varied stories of California. Eloisa Hife, CTO of Bark Like Meow, says that “this museum has a wide variety of exhibits on California history, art, and culture. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the museum.” And after you’re done exploring, you can enjoy the beautiful garden on the premises.  

6. Check Out the Jack London Square  

Hife also recommends a shopping trip to Jack London Square. “This waterfront district has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering around and exploring all that Jack London Square has to offer.”  

Patricia Lee and Jeanne Taylor, co-owners of Tailorly Home, also recommend this location, and especially the farmers market that is organized here every Sunday. “Immerse yourself in Oakland’s diverse and rich culture and community by visiting the Jack London Square Farmers Market, located along the beautiful Oakland waterfront. Vendors gather every Sunday to offer local produce, food and craft products. For some evening fun, consider Oakland First Fridays, Oakland’s nonprofit signature monthly celebration of arts, culture, food and community.” 

7. Take the Oakland Ferry to San Francisco 

Another recommendation by Lee and Taylor is to take the “Oakland Ferry at Jack London Square to San Francisco. In the short 25-minute journey across the bay, you will see the most amazing views of the Bay Bridge and be awe-inspired by the magnitude of the containers and “dinosaurs” at the Port of Oakland. Visit the San Francisco Ferry Building and on your return trip, make a stop at one of the hip, lively, dog-friendly breweries at Alameda Point. Before heading back to Oakland, end your day watching the sunset at Faction Brewery.” 

8. Enjoy the Cafes & Restaurants 

We received many recommendations of where to eat or enjoy coffee in Oakland. Auset Shridevi, local executive chef and owner of EatingLove.com, recommends that tourists and locals try “Bardo Lounge and Supper Club, a Michelin recommended restaurant near lake Merritt. This spot is perfect to just hang out and have drinks at the bar with a few bites and It’s Also a really great place for date night. Chef Amol is creative and innovative with classic signature dishes, that are always on point.” For a cozy café visit, Shridevi recommends the Hidden Café, with “amazing food and drinks, artistically prepared in a perfect location. Warm vibes emanate from everyone and everything there!” 

Lee and Taylor recommend Commis, “the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Oakland. The courses are as inventive and delicious as they are visually artistic, with service to match. You will not leave hungry!” Mitchell says that “if you’re in the mood for sushi, Kansai is the spot. They have a variety of rolls in a chill vibe. You’ll leave happy.” 

Robbins also gave us some must-visit spots in the city. “Oakland is home to a number of restaurants that have been featured on Food Network shows like Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and Top Chef.  Some of these restaurants include Horn BBQ, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and Clove & Hoof.” 

It seems you will never be left without a place to enjoy amazing food in Oakland.  

Intrigued? We are sure ready to pack up our things and explore this amazing city. If you love what you find here and think about moving to Oakland, check out these amazing rental apartments:  https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/ca/oakland/