Are you looking for something fun to do in Oakland CA? Well, you’re in luck! Here are 10 of the best things to do in Oakland CA. From the best photo spots to family amusement, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Best Thing to Do in Oakland CA
Oakland Zoo
- Address: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (10806)
- Phone: +1 510-632-9525
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
5 Replies to The Best Way To Experience Oakland CA – 10 Fun Things You Must Do
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TOP 10 Fun Things to Do in Oakland CA
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
- Address: 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2941)
- Phone: +1 888-327-2757
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
This park provides a large network of trails for hiking. There are two parking lots on the south west and eastern sides that charge $5 for parking. The added bonus with the fee parking is that there is always parking available. The large network of trails provides opportunities for biking, 4-10 mile loops for hiking, and plenty of picnic areas. The trails are dog friendly with the typical leash requirements. There is a nice paved trail near the Canyon Meadow Staging Area which provides about 2-3 miles of flat elevation great for families with young children. Other trails provide roughed moderate to difficult steep terrain for those looking for some elevation gain. The lowest point around Redwood Creek is around 600 feet and trails connect up to Redwood Peak at 1539 feet. Enjoy the park and don’t forget to wave to those passing by. We are all one community connected with this lovely park to enjoy.By Josh Klaus (a year ago)As soon as we got off the plane we took BART then met up with a local contact. Maybe after a flight it’s best to rest up but the nature in this redwoods really energized our group. Though we wouldn’t recommend it some of us hiked barefoot to better connect with the planet!
Aside from those eccentricities this is a fine place to hike about it’s not quite isolated enough to forget the outside world but it almost is. I’ve seen man elderly people hiking about here and if they can do it so can you!
By mansa shaka (3 weeks ago)Came here to see the ladybugs in mid Nov. Was blown away witnessing a phenomenon where thousands of ladybugs congregate. If you are here to see the ladybugs, take the Stream Trail. Follow the trail till you see a sign about the ladybugs. Be careful on where you step as they are everywhere!Ladybugs aside, it is an absolutely beautiful trail in the redwood forest. Fresh air with eucalyptus scent. Truly a relaxing hike.
By Ymun (2 months ago)Okay. The kids LOVED the famous ladybug gathering. So THAT alone made it worth it. Would I do it again with a double stroller, NO!The wife and I parked at Skyline Ridge Staging. OMG. Lots of steep hills. On the way down, it’s downhill but on the way up, it was one heck of a challenge. We ended up partnering up and pushing the stroller together while our four year old was chanting “left, right, left.” The two year old stayed quite (thank goodness!).
We are two parents that work out pretty frequently but we were drenched in sweat when we were finished.
If this does not scare you. Bring water and lots of snacks to keep the kiddos entertained.
Good luck!
By WL (3 months ago)We parked in Canyon Meadow staging area. Bathrooms and playground, paved walking.
Stream to West Ridge to Orchard…Stream was flat, then Orchard and West Ridge was mostly vertical. Some narrow and rocky. Beautiful views.By Stephanie Gisler (6 months ago)
Oakland Museum of California
- Address: 1000 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2890)
- Phone: +1 510-318-8400
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
It’s an amazing place. The history museum has many physical exhibits and interactive equipment. Can understand history very clearly. The specimens in the nature museum are very lifelike and suitable for children. The roof terrace is very comfortable on a sunshine day. The staff are fantastic. It’s just a little expensive for parking. Five bucks an hour. In general, places worth go with your family.By Anbin Liu (11 months ago)Awesome experience… Only visited the California portion. Still spent 3 hours!! Cafe food was amazing wtheck who knew a museum would have such upscale cuisine.
All that said I’m definitely going back to view the rest of the museum I did not go to the top level (most likely best part) there are three levels, on this day we visited the mid level. We are going back next weekend. This is an amazing experience for couples, singles and families I would recommend this experience for everyone. Truly educational and great fun.By Jab Parrilla (3 months ago)Clean, modern museum with rotating exhibits as well as permanent historical exhibits. They have the historical section is fantastic and takes you all the way through ancient history through modern times complete with archaeological objects.Food available in the cafeteria.
They are rather strict about backpacks and masking so be prepared for that.
By V Tancredi (5 months ago)Fantastic museum. Kids enter for free and adults pay $19 which is reasonable for the content. The history section was enjoyable and there’s a good balance of substance and interactive exhibits to keep kids entertained. There’s also a nice garden / plaza which is free to enter. There are also some outdoor tables where you can sit and have a snack.By Jeanne Tai (2 months ago)California has a lot of great museums. This one definitely deserves more attention than it gets. The historical exhibition is very pedagogical and has a lot of interactive features (kids, but not only, will love it). The art section has a nice structure to guide through Californian art. And the “Hella Feminist” exhib proved to be very stimulating.By Benoît Majerus (5 months ago)
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
- Address: San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2512)
Joaquin Miller Park
- Address: 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd, Oakland, CA 94602, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2268)
Children’s Fairyland
- Address: 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1305)
Temescal Regional Recreation Area
- Address: 6502 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, CA 94618, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1017)
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
- Address: 2777 Middle Harbor Rd, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (998)
Morcom Rose Garden
- Address: 700 Jean St, Oakland, CA 94610, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (806)
The Cathedral of Christ the Light
- Address: 2121 Harrison St, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (699)
Oakland Aviation Museum
- Address: 8252 Earhart Rd, Oakland, CA 94621, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (319)
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Oakland CA! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy traveling!
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Oakland zoo is a lovely place to visit with your kids, family and friends, or even on your own! It’s therapeutic and educational.
Reservation for entry is needed. The Gondola ride is FREE with paid admission. Car parking is $10.
The gondola is fun and provides a spectacular view of the bay both during the day and the night!
The zoo have creative events sometime such as the Glowfari, which features hundreds of larger-than-life glowing animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. They will return in November, can’t wait to try the mini express train inside the park to explore the illuminated wonderland!
Amazing Zoo! We loved the enormous footprint. It feels like you’re actually in the wild and the animals are in a natural, comfortable space, despite the enclosures. The staff was very helpful, there are docents at almost every exhibit, not sure if they’re volunteers or paid, but each one was very informative about the animals. The gondola ride was awesome and beautiful. The ride to the top of the hill is a must for the views and bigger animals. Our group will be going back very soon!
Amazing day at the zoo! My first visit to the Oakland Zoo and we decided to go because my granddaughter is visiting from the East coast. The views were phenomenal! We loved seeing the animals and the docents who were walking around were very informative. This will be on our list when friends visit from out of town from now on! Highly recommend!
A very nice place to spend a fun day with the family. In addition to animals, the zoo has many activities for adults and kids.
The zoo consists of two parts with a Gondola connecting them. The Gondola ride is a very nice experience that provides a panoramic view over the bay. We enjoyed it very much and it is included with the general admission. We enjoyed the animal viewing specially the Grizzly Bears.
There is a restaurant with a nice over in the upper part. There is also a couple of animal-themed play ground for kids.
Reservations are required to enter the zoo. If you like it you can upgrade the tickets to a membership for free admission and parking throughout the year.
Have been here a couple times now and consider this to be a zoo/attraction to bring visitors. Vast space with many types of animals to learn about and see. The gondola ride is a great addition to the park (and is free!) to grab a bite at the cafe above and visit other animals. Lots of parking available but highly recommend buying tickets in advance.