{"id":128383,"date":"2026-04-19T03:48:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T10:48:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=128383"},"modified":"2026-04-26T23:25:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T06:25:58","slug":"things-to-do-in-oakland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-oakland\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Oakland? Here are 11 things locals told us to try"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether you\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/oakland-ca\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">renting an apartment in Oakland<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, 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\u2019s what they told us.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">1. Go for a hike in the Chabot Regional Park<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-128386\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-chabot.jpg\" alt=\"lake chabot oakland\" width=\"696\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-chabot.jpg 884w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-chabot.jpg?resize=500,283 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-chabot.jpg?resize=768,434 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-chabot.jpg?resize=150,85 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mica Talmor, owner of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pomella Oakland<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, shared with us a lesser-known path for adventurers to take for breath-taking views. \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">I love Oakland for many reasons having to do with people and with food, yet one of my favorite things&#8211;if not THE favorite thing&#8211;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.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cA secret spot that I wanted to share is a section of Chabot Regional Park that I access through the Clyde Woolridge Staging area,\u201d said Talmor. There&#8217;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&#8211;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.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">2. Visit Rockridge<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cVisiting Rockridge gets my vote as a must-see and \u2013do,\u201d said Nathan Waldon, owner of local business <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nathan &amp; Co<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The neighborhood\u2019s free \u201cRock-N-Stroll\u201d 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.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cAnd if you\u2019re 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,\u201d Waldon added. If you&#8217;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 &#8220;foodie&#8221; even existed. Also, Rockridge&#8217;s College Avenue is a richly diverse street for food, shopping and just hanging out with a cup of coffee.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">3. Explore Lake Merritt<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-128385\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-merritt.jpg\" alt=\"lake merritt oakland\" width=\"696\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-merritt.jpg 884w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-merritt.jpg?resize=500,283 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-merritt.jpg?resize=768,434 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/lake-merritt.jpg?resize=150,85 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Romney Steele, the co-owner of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Cook and Her Farmer<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, recommends a trip and a walk around Lake Merritt, to \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">enjoy the beautiful views and surroundings.\u201d For those visiting with kids, the Fairy Land along the shore of Lake Merritt is another recommendation by Steele.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lake Merritt has a small but great farmers market,\u201d shared Amber Robbins, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springintoclean.com\/\">Spring Into Clean<\/a>. \u201cThere 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&#8217;re patient it&#8217;ll be worth it.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW6937028 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW6937028 BCX0\">Anita Hodzic of <a href=\"https:\/\/bahousecleaning.com\/\">BA House Cleaning<\/a> suggested something similar as well. &#8220;<\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">One of the things I always tell people about Oakland is that the best parts of the city aren\u2019t big attractions\u2014they\u2019re the everyday moments that make it feel like home. A perfect Saturday for me starts at the Grand Lake Farmers Market. You\u2019ve got incredible food vendors, live music, and a mix of people from all over Oakland. It really captures the energy and diversity of the city in one place. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">From there, you\u2019re just steps away from Lake Merritt, which is one of those spots locals never take for granted. Whether it\u2019s a quick walk, sitting by the water, or just taking a break from a busy week, it\u2019s something I think more people should experience regularly.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">4. Hug the Redwoods of Joaquin Miller Park<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">TeAirra Mitchell<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, local photographer, recommends a trip to Joaquin Miller Park. \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">For tree-huggers, including myself, hiking in the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Joaquin Miller Park<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> redwoods provides stunning views of light flares throughout the forest with easy trails to chat with friends, or even do a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">photoshoot<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u201d 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">5. See the Oakland museums and learn its history<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bark Like Meow<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, says that \u201ct<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">his museum has a wide variety of exhibits on California history, art, and culture. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the museum.\u201d And after you\u2019re done exploring, you can enjoy the beautiful garden on the premises.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW223026331 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW223026331 BCX0\">Sarah Akin of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cshouse.org\/\">Camron-Stanford House<\/a> encouraged us to e<span class=\"TextRun SCXW177743314 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177743314 BCX0\">xplore Oakland\u2019s history and landmarks. &#8220;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Visit Lake Merritt and Oakland\u2019s first museum, the Camron-Stanford House,&#8221; she suggested. &#8220;The house is the last remaining of the iconic Victorian mansions that Samuel Merritt developed along the lake 150 years ago.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Visit Oakland&#8217;s historic museums at the Peralta House, the Pardee House, and the Cohen Bray House. Join a walking tour with Oakland Urban Paths. Go to Joaquin Miller Park. Tour the 16th Street Station. Get a drink at Heinold\u2019s Saloon in Jack London Square,&#8221; Akin told us. &#8220;Oakland historic landmarks need our recognition and patronage to keep them preserved. Once they are gone, so much of our history will be lost.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">6. Check out the Jack London Square <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-128384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/jack-london-square.jpg\" alt=\"jack london square oakland\" width=\"696\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/jack-london-square.jpg 884w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/jack-london-square.jpg?resize=500,283 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/jack-london-square.jpg?resize=768,434 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/jack-london-square.jpg?resize=150,85 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hife also recommends a shopping trip to Jack London Square. \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Patricia Lee and Jeanne Taylor, co-owners of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tailorly Home<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, also recommend this location, and especially the farmers market that is organized here every Sunday. \u201cImmerse yourself in Oakland\u2019s 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&#8217;s nonprofit signature monthly celebration of arts, culture, food and community.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">7. Take the Oakland Ferry to San Francisco<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-128387\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/oakland-ferry-sf.jpg\" alt=\"ferry oakland sf\" width=\"696\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/oakland-ferry-sf.jpg 884w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/oakland-ferry-sf.jpg?resize=500,283 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/oakland-ferry-sf.jpg?resize=768,434 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/10\/oakland-ferry-sf.jpg?resize=150,85 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another recommendation by Lee and Taylor is to take the \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">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 \u201cdinosaurs\u201d 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.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">8. Enjoy the cafes &amp; restaurants<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We received many recommendations of where to eat or enjoy coffee in Oakland. Auset Shridevi, local executive chef and owner of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eatinglove.com\/about\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">EatingLove.com<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, recommends that tourists and locals try \u201c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">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\u2019s Also a really great place for date night. Chef Amol is creative and innovative with classic signature dishes, that are always on point.\u201d For a cozy caf\u00e9 visit, Shridevi recommends the Hidden Caf\u00e9, with \u201camazing food and drinks, artistically prepared in a perfect location. Warm vibes emanate from everyone and everything there!\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lee and Taylor recommend Commis, \u201cthe 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!\u201d Mitchell says that \u201cif you\u2019re in the mood for sushi, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kansai<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is the spot. They have a variety of rolls in a chill vibe. You\u2019ll leave happy.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Robbins also gave us some must-visit spots in the city. \u201cOakland is home to a number of restaurants that have been featured on Food Network shows like Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and Top Chef.\u00a0 Some of these restaurants include Horn BBQ, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and Clove &amp; Hoof.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It seems you will never be left without a place to enjoy amazing food in Oakland.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>9. Visit the <span class=\"TextRun SCXW13705761 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW13705761 BCX0\">Chabot Space &amp; Science Center<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW237851764 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW237851764 BCX0\">Sarah Nelson Goswick, marketing manager at the <span class=\"TextRun SCXW13705761 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW13705761 BCX0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chabotspace.org\/\">Chabot Space &amp; Science Center<\/a>, told us all about this wonderful place for all ages. &#8220;One of my favorite spots in Oakland is the Chabot Space &amp; Science Center. By day, a fun and engaging museum where families can come to learn about space, check out the NASA Ames Visitor Center, take in a planetarium show, and check out the 3 historic telescopes. By night, a space for Paint &amp; Sips, Hike &amp; Sips, Sci-Fi Movie Nights, free public telescope viewings, Astrophotography Workshops and so much more! Plus,\u00a0it&#8217;s\u00a0a nonprofit organization, so while\u00a0you&#8217;re\u00a0painting, taking night sky photography, and hiking through the redwoods, you are also investing in the future of STEM education in the Bay Area! At Chabot, everyone is a scientist. And now you can stay overnight, under the stars, at the Center! Cosmic Camp-ins are\u00a0a great opportunity for families to create core memories and foster a love for science.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>10. Stroll down <span class=\"TextRun SCXW158020730 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158020730 BCX0\">Piedmont Avenue<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201377632 BCX0\">&#8220;Piedmont Avenue is a true hidden gem for shopping, featuring several local boutiques that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201377632 BCX0\">showcase<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201377632 BCX0\">\u00a0the work of talented local jewelry artists and\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed GrammarErrorHighlight SCXW201377632 BCX0\">designers,&#8221; said <span class=\"TextRun SCXW119484949 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119484949 BCX0\">Yan Liu of <a href=\"https:\/\/lireille.com\/\">Lireille<\/a>. &#8220;<\/span><\/span><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is also a fantastic destination for foodies, boasting a variety of great restaurants, including the only 2-Michelin-star restaurant in the East Bay. For dessert,\u00a0Fentons\u00a0Creamery is a must-visit; it has been serving some of the best ice cream for over 100 years and was even featured in the Pixar movie &#8220;Up.&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;My favorite time of year here is the Halloween parade, held on a Saturday in October. All the stores participate as the street is blocked off specifically for thousands of children to trick-or-treat in their best costumes. It is a wonderful community event that more people should experience.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>11. Retreat to <span class=\"TextRun SCXW132541170 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW132541170 BCX0\">Broadway Terrace<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW116104046 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW116104046 BCX0\">Rael Razor of <a href=\"https:\/\/raelts.com\/\">Rael T&#8217;s<\/a> told us &#8220;<span class=\"TextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">I almost hate to reveal my favorite place in Oakland Lake Temescal at the top of Broadway Terrace because I\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">don\u2019t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">\u00a0want to see it polluted or overcrowded.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">It\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">\u00a0a very tranquil beautiful gem in the Oakland hills. It has three meadows, walking trails\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW124023457 BCX0\">that some<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">\u00a0are paved and others of dirt. And\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW124023457 BCX0\">of course<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">\u00a0there is the lake that is open for swimming in the summer as well as fishing in other parts of the year.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">It\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\">\u00a0a safe, clean,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW124023457 BCX0\">non confrontational<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW124023457 BCX0\"> environment.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><span class=\"LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW124023457 BCX0\"><span class=\"SCXW124023457 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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:\u00a0<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/oakland-ca\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/oakland-ca\/<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":148,"featured_media":128388,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[39016],"class_list":["post-128383","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-resources","tag-oakland-ca-local-guides","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>11 Things to Do in Oakland According to Locals - RentCafe blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for fun things to do in Oakland? 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