THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Oakland
Things to Do in Oakland
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See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
- City Toursfromper adultAU$482
- Food & Drinkfromper adultAU$218
- Adventure Toursfromper adultAU$466
- Private and Luxuryfromper adultAU$451
- Historical Toursfromper adultAU$435
- Full-day Toursfromper adultAU$349
- from
AU$249per adultAU$234 - Historical Toursfromper adultAU$201
- Audio Guidesfromper adultAU$98
- fromper adultAU$150
Other Top Attractions around Oakland
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Vicki J1 contributionThe talent and effort put into The Lamb of God was amazing. (March 30 Matinee)
It was a beautiful and moving performance and a wonderful way to usher in Easter.Written 5 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jenny from Santa CruzSanta Cruz, CA801 contributionsThe museum covers art, history, and natural history, so there is a ton to see. I was especially impressed with the thoughtfully designed interactive stations throughout the museum, like one about how cropping photographs changes the story they tell. And the giftshop had some lovely items!
Also, it's right near the lake, so it's very easy to take a walk outside afterwards.Written 5 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RoaryVancouver, Canada3,079 contributionsHaving visited the SF Bay area so many times, I’ve never visited any redwood forests yet, so for my recent solo trip, I decided I had to visit one. I’m glad I did. It was the perfect weather where it warm but not too hot. Trails are well kept and very popular with other hikers and dog owners. I got to see my share of redwood trees and they are impressive to see.
My only mistake? I took a rideshare vehicle to get to one of the main gates. As I hiked in, I didn’t think I would lose complete phone reception once I reached one of smaller parking lots deeper in the park so I spent an extra hour to get myself to an area with good enough reception to catch a ride back home! Still a nice visit!Written 14 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RevathiSan Ramon, CA47 contributionsThe trail is predominantly flat and paved, making it easy to follow and suitable for individuals of all levels and abilities. Visit Oakland's Gardens, Children's Fairyland, explore the Oakland Library, and enjoy a serene boat rental experience.Written 20 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kyle_10Modesto, CA111 contributionsThis was our first time going to Oakland zoo. We’ve been to Fresno numerous times (also nice) and Sacramento once (average) and we were very pleasantly surprised at how nice and large Oakland zoo is.
Our friends told us they added the upper part of the zoo somewhat recently. You access it via a free gondola ride which is very nice and we could see Oakland and San Francisco clearly on the day we attended. The upper portion of the zoo has a lot of American west animals such as bears, bison, mountain lion, condors, bald eagles, wolves etc. The lower section has your African and Asian animals. They have giraffes, elephants, lions, hyenas, etc. Don’t remember seeing a rhino or hippo but otherwise they had most of the animals you would expect to see.
Also there is an area with some rides for kids that was reasonably priced. Our daughter rode the carousel once.
We went for free due to our friends being members but when we checked online for pricing it seemed reasonable. Around $20 I think.Written 10 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - e e1 contributionThe crew was very nice along the whole trip! They were very welcoming and the ride was great. Would definitely recommend!Written 13 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MLB5 contributionsOur cruise was a very cleverly run “birthday mystery” that included a number local actors portraying historical characters from the Birdman of Alcatraz through musical icons and, of course, FDR himself. All kept in character and were delightful to talk to.
We had beautiful weather and the cruise itself offered a tour of the Bay that included wildlife like pelicans fishing to upclose views of the bridges and two of the islands (Angel and Alcatraz). The crew was so helpful and friendly.
Highly recommended.Written 30 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Thomas VOakland, CA17,014 contributionsLooking better than ever with the palm trees which are beautifully lit at night. And great views across the Estuary of the new housing in Alameda. This is a well-designed urban area, but it still does not attract a critical mass and thus there are not a lot of places to shop or eat. Will it ever become a big hit?Written 24 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fal LAtlanta, GA969 contributionsTony Toni Tone was everything! I flew in on three planes to see them!!! The concert didn’t disappoint! Omgggg. I had to see them in their hometown. I really enjoyed myself.Written 26 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The Brown DaredevilMoreno Valley, CA384 contributionsI love the clear directions on where to go for your seating. Lots of staff so you will not have any trouble finding someone to ask for help. Parking is expensive though compare to others. Seating typical, you will not be able to walk in front of people without them standing up.
Parking $40 - we parked at A6 and it was walkable to the arena. I suggest if you're okay to walk even after concerts, park farther so when the even is gone, it is easier for you to leave as vehicles will line up to leave the venue. Be smart where to turn but always be careful as people is around.Written 17 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Thomas VOakland, CA17,014 contributionsWhen it is open to the public, it is a good idea to visit to enjoy the beauty of the open space and the lovely landscaping plus some excellent views of the Bay and the city.Written 26 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 24davidmartinSingapore, Singapore179 contributionsAlthough the planatarium is closed in the evenings, there are staff at each of the 3 telescopes who will explain what each telescope is pointed at. We got to see the moon, Mars and a constellation from each of the telescopes during our visit. My kids loved it. Highly recommended!Written 29 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakland
- The top attractions to visit in Oakland are: See all attractions in Oakland on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Oakland according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Redwood Regional Park
- Lake Merritt
- Oakland Zoo
- East Bay Regional Park District
- GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
- The most popular things to do in Oakland with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
- Redwood Regional Park
- Oakland Museum of California
- San Francisco Bay Ferry
- Oracle Arena