Where To Stay In Oakland Ca

Cultural Events And Festivals

Oakland’s vibrant cultural events reflect the city’s diversity. From art walks to street food and jazz festivals, there is something for everyone.

A popular monthly event is the Oakland Art Murmur gallery walk, held on the first Friday of every month. More than 30 galleries in West Oakland and Jack London Square participate in Art Murmur by opening to the public from 6pm to 9pm. The event also includes musical entertainment, gourmet food trucks, and local street vendors selling art and artisanal products.

Oakland’s biggest festival, Art + Soul Oakland is a two-day festival in August that features a diverse lineup of soul, blues, jazz, and gospel concerts, as well as hip hop music and dance performances. Other highlights of the Art + Soul Festival are the carnival rides, art activities for kids, and artisan vendors’ stalls. Foodies will enjoy sampling specialties from a variety of vendors.

Oakland also has many street fairs throughout the year. Many locals head to the Temescal Street Fair, a neighborhood summertime event that includes live music, art, and street food. The LaurelStreet Fair World Music Festival in August celebrates international music, cuisine, art, and dance.

Hit The Shops In Temescal Alley

In the hip Temescal neighbourhood are two pedestrian streets that will satisfy most cravings for things handmade or vintage. Standouts are Esqueleto for jewellery, Book/Shop for trinket treasures and Ali Golden, a studio-store, with a sewing machine at its centre, selling bespoke designs. Those in need of a hipster beard trim will find the celebrated barber shop there right up their alley .

Piedmont Avenue and the main thoroughfare of Rockridge are crammed with good shops, while just down the road into Berkeley, Oaklands other famous neighbouring city, Berkeley Bowl is thanks to its range, quality and character one of the best food shops anywhere. Special mention should be made of Oaklandish , a store that promotes civic pride in its specially made clothes and accessories.

Best Places To Live In Oakland

Searching for the best places to live in Oakland? Here are 7 of Oakland’s best neighborhoods!

The west coast port city of Oakland, California has many advantages. As a thriving business center with even better weather, it is no wonder why Oakland is considered an ideal place to live in the state of California. While moving to San Francisco may be a more popular destination in the Bay Area, this bustling city on the east bay is becoming a top location for young professionals and entrepreneurs. If you are thinking about moving to Oakland then you are probably wondering where you should live. Home to many safe and sought-after communities, this neighborhood guide was created to help you find a good place to call home.

By compiling a list of only the best areas to live in Oakland, our team hopes that your big move to California will run as smoothly as possible. No matter what property type you are looking for or what lifestyle you want to live, there is a neighborhood for you. Read on to learn more about the 7 Best Neighborhoods in Oakland, California!

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Modern 66th Street Apartment

One of the struggles of visiting a city like Oakland, California is parking. With this apartment in the Grand Lake neighborhood, you no longer have to worry because this spacious property offers its own parking area and a private entrance for guests. Here, youâll have the entire accommodation for yourself. This one-bedroom rental can comfortably sleep up to two guests. If youâre looking for a no-fuss place to unwind at the end of the day, we highly advise this one.

grand Lake Area with Parking Oakland, California, United States Entire apartment1 Bed1 Bedroom1 Bathrooms

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Renovated Oakland Apartment

Temescal The Coolest Area To Stay In Oakland

Temescal is located 3 miles north of Oakland downtown and is a very cool neighborhood with many hipster cafes, art galleries, and beautiful vintage boutiques. If you like funky places, Temescal is definitely your place to stay in Oakland!

Temescal offers an amazing food scene with tons of cool cafes and restaurants. Do your best to try as many Instagrammable cafes as possible and then get lost in the streets of Temescal.

You will see many unique boutiques here so make sure to allow some time for window shopping too! For those into local products, you should not miss visiting Temescal Farmers Market where you will be able to find organic products great for whipping up a storm.

For those who do not want to stay downtown and prefer a quieter area, Temescal offers a great selection of hotels. In order not to miss the best of the best hotels that I picked for you, do not forget to make a reservation in advance. While youre at it, if you are looking for new places to explore in California and need some inspiration, I highly recommend you add Yosemite to your itinerary.

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Heinolds First And Last Chance Saloon

This shack-like place near the waterfront opened on 1883, and was a regular hangout of writer Jack London. Its name comes from being the first-and-last chance for ferry passengers to grab a drink. The floor is tilted at a steepish angle, thanks to the 1906 earthquake, so dont immediately assume youve had one too many. Its on Jack London Square, one of the most spruced-up districts of the city, with bars and eateries, as well as a farmers market, outdoor movies and kayaking in the Bay. 48 Webster St, jacklondonsquare.com

African American Museum And Library At Oakland

The African American Museum and Library at Oakland is a unique resource devoted to sharing the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in Northern California and the Bay Area. More than 160 collections document the stories of prominent families and pioneers, as well as the history of churches and social and political organizations.

Designed to serve students and researchers, this reference library boasts a collection of 12,000 volumes about African American history and culture, or works written by African American authors. The Eternal Voices library contains videos that represent over 80 years of African American history in Oakland and the East Bay.

Scholars may use the microfilm collection to research special topics such as African American enslavement and Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association, and key historical figures like W.E.B. Du Bois.

Address: 659 14th Street, Oakland, California

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Oakland Museum Of California

The Oakland Museum unveils the rich heritage and culture of California through its engaging exhibits and extensive permanent collection. The museum’s galleries include areas dedicated to the natural sciences, California arts, and history of the state.

This unique museum has a special focus on the Oakland community and often features exhibits related to the city’s social justice movements, as well as the history of political activism. Highlights include the ongoing exhibit on Black Power, which provides a look at the city’s Black Panther movement and illustrates the progress of Black anti-racist activism on display is Black Panther Party leader Huey P. Newton’s wicker chair.

Every Friday night from 5pm to 9pm, tourists have a chance to combine a museum visit with entertainment while mingling with the local community. The Friday Nights at OMCA event offers late-night admission hours and the chance to grab a meal next to the museum at one of the gourmet food trucks .

Address: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, California

Temescal Regional Recreation Area

The Temescal Regional Recreation Area lies about three miles outside Oakland’s downtown, formerly a reservoir for drinking water. Because of the peaceful scenery, the park draws many locals for outdoor recreation throughout the year.

There is a small beach that is popular for sunbathing during summertime. Swimming is permitted in a designated area of the lake lifeguards are on duty every day beginning Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Anglers enjoy fishing on the lake. Rainbow trout are stocked in the winter, and catfish are stocked in summer. There are also largemouth bass and bluegill fish.

At each side of the lake, picnic areas with grassy lawns offer plenty of space to stretch out, and some of the tables can be reserved ahead of time.

A paved wheelchair-accessible trail runs the length of the park, ideal for a gentle nature walk. Other paved biking paths are available for cyclists, including the East Shore Trail and a path along the park’s eastern border.

Overlooking the lake is the historic Temescal Beach House, which is sometimes used for weddings, parties, and other events.

Address: 6500 Broadway, Oakland, California

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Oakland City Guide: What To See Plus The Best Bars Hotels And Restaurants

The city across the bay has shed its inferiority complex and offers plenty of reasons to visit. In fact, you can now skip San Francisco altogether, and fly to Oakland direct from the UK

Oakland is changing fast. Once known merely as San Franciscos rough-and-tough neighbour the birthplace of the Black Panther movement and home of the Hells Angels it is rapidly becoming the most fashionable place in northern California. Those who cant afford the tech-boom prices across the Bay are making their home in the city and, greeted by an array of new restaurants and bars, a thriving arts scene, and a strong sense of energy and community. Gertrude Stein might have said about her childhood hometown that There is no there there, but, these days, Oaklands residents and visitors are more likely to shout Come here here!

Unlike 21st-century San Francisco, Oakland hasnt been emptied of its soul by money and gentrification. Its valued for its cultural and class diversity 150 languages are spoken within its borders and the locals pride in their town is infectious. Theres lots to brag about: as well as offering the glimmering ocean and wonderful Redwood forest hikes, and the sun is often shining here even as the chill fog rolls in over San Francisco.

Celebration Of The Arts

For 10 years, on the first Friday of each month, Oaklands galleries have organised an art walk to showcase the creativity of the city. Now called the Art Murmur , it takes in over 40 locations, and alongside it has evolved a popular street festival First Fridays that features performances, food trucks and pop-up installations. Essentially, its a monthly party with a diverse crowd filling a five-block stretch of Telegraph Avenue, listening to hip-hop , a brass band, drums or whatever is going down.

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Where To Stay In Oakland California

PLACES TO STAY

• Affordable hotels to stay in Oakland: Affordable, cheap accommodation options are mainly concentrated in downtown Oakland. Many tourist attractions like the Fox Theatre and the Oakland Museum of California are in immediacy. This is ideal for bag-packers and solo travellers.
• Budget hotels to stay in Oakland: Budget hotels in Oakland are strewn across the city. These are perfect if you are travelling with your family. They provide great amenities like free parking, pool and airport shuttle at affordable prices.
• Luxury hotels to stay in Oakland: Accommodation overlooking the beautiful bay is something special. Some luxury hotels in Oakland give you this view and more, while some are within the city. Making you feel special in every way, if you want to pamper yourself , this isnt a bad option.
• Airbnb: Charming Bread and Breakfasts are available for the most affordable prices. Close to many tourist attractions, these places range from being mere rooms and studio apartments to villas and more.

Downtown Oakland And Lake Merritt

Downtown Oakland is the commercial and financial heart of the city..

Many of the tall buildings in the area were built during the early 20th century. The Oakland City Hall, or town hall, was completed in 1914 and at 230 feet , it was the tallest public building on the entire West Coast of the United States.

To the east of the city center lies the Merritt Lake area.

This area is home to a peaceful park, residential buildings and many cafes and restaurants.

Here you can find the Oakland Museum of California, a multidisciplinary center for art, history, and natural sciences with California as a common denominator.

This is the best area to stay in Oakland for business travelers, tourists or to go shopping in its various malls, boutiques and department stores.

What makes this a great area to stay in Oakland

• City center
• BART connections to San Francisco and Berkeley
• Lake Merritt

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San Francisco and Nearby: Oakland is just across the bay from San Francisco and is connected by the Bay Bridge, which makes it an easy day trip from San Francisco. Oakland is also a good base for visiting many attractions of the Bay Area such as the neighboring college town of Berkeley and laid-back Sausalito.

Smaller Cities: Those who prefer to vacation in smaller cities will enjoy the Monterey Bay area, best known for the city of Santa Cruz, which sits on its northern edge. At the opposite side of the bay, is the waterfront town of Monterey, once the capital of Spanish California. Five miles from Monterey is the romantic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where tourists will lose themselves in the enchanting old-world atmosphere.

Is It Safe To Stay In Oakland

Oakland is generally a safe place to visit. Just like most big cities, there are areas of Oakland where crime is more common. However, the places most tourists tend to visit are considered safe. The most common crimes that occur in Oakland are car break-ins, so it is best to avoid leaving valuables in a car.

Whether youre looking for a quaint, peaceful stay to explore local shops and cuisine or vibrant nightlife, Oakland has a place for you. Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of where to stay in Oakland and which attractions give you the most excitement.

If you plan to head south in California, then check out this great list of fun things to do in Oceanside, CA!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland

Where should I stay when visiting Oakland, CA?

Downtown is the best place to stay in Oakland for first-timers. By staying here you will have easy access to main landmarks such as Jack London Square and all the museums. The best hotels to stay here are and Waterfront Hotel.

Is it safe to stay in Oakland CA?

Oakland, California is a safe city but at night it is better to avoid deserted streets.

Which are the best waterfront hotels in Oakland?

Waterfront Hotel and the Best Western Plus are the best hotels near the waterfront in Oakland.

What are the best hotels near Oakland International Airport?

The best hotels in Oakland near the International Airport are The Marina Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

How long does it take to get from Oakland Airport to Oakland City Center?

Half an hour by BART Train and 15 minutes by taxi or car.

It is time for me to say goodbye to you dear readers. I hope you enjoyed this Oakland city tour and already found your ideal hotel. In this blog post, I talked about the best places to stay in Oakland and gave information about the things you can do in each.

As Ive said earlier I recommend you to stay in Oakland Downtown if you are visiting for the first time but you can pick the area and the hotel depending on your priority and interest and easily visit the main attractions from there thanks to the great BART connections.

Enjoy your time in Oakland, CA

Eylul

Dining & Shopping In Rockridge & Temescal

Oakland’s trendy Temescal neighborhood caters to a diverse crowd of foodies, hipsters, techies, and young families. This area has a top-notch dining scene that rivals the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley.

The main drag of Temescal is Telegraph Avenue, with many excellent ethnic restaurants and pizza places found in the area around 48 Street to 52nd Street. Just off Telegraph Avenue on 49th Street are two charming pedestrian alleyways with locally owned specialty boutiques and artisan shops.

One of the neighborhood’s most popular dining options, Pizzaiolo specializes in seasonal Italian cuisine and authentic wood-fire oven-baked pizzas.

In the historic horse stables and carriage houses of Temescal Alley , visitors will now find a favorite ice-cream parlor , stylish clothing stores, boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry, and an old-fashioned barber shop. The Temescal Farmers’ Market takes place in Temescal Alley everyday Sunday from 9am to 1pm year-round.

The Rockridgeneighborhood has a great selection of restaurants along College Avenue, between Florio Street and Bryant Avenue. This neighborhood is also full of locally owned boutiques, artisan coffee shops, casual American-style cafés, stylish French bistros, and authentic ethnic restaurants.

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