Where to Stay in Oakland, By a Local (Best Areas & Places)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Oakland

Oakland is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, across the bridge from San Francisco and just south of Berkeley. Locals generally refer to the Oakland area as “The East Bay.”  For more information, check out this map of Oakland’s neighborhoods as you navigate where to stay in Oakland. 

Downtown Oakland

👉 Best Area For Historic Attractions | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Oakland Marriott City Center • Moxy Oakland Downtown • Courtyard Oakland Downtown

Downtown Oakland is only nine miles from the Oakland International Airport, and it’s truly a melting pot of personalities. From video game designers to civil rights lawyers, there is no doubt a place for you on the main strip of Broadway near the Oakland City Center. 

The main architecture of downtown is from the mid-1800s, such as the well-known Cathedral Building. This makes downtown Oakland an ideal stay for any historical architecture lover. But it doesn’t stop there. Between the historic attractions of downtown lay renovated, colorful shops like the boutique ice-creamery Awaken Cafe. 

In the middle of downtown is the 12-block Oakland City Center. Smack dab in the middle of this is my top hotel for downtown, the Oakland Marriott City Center, which hosts free noon-time concerts throughout the year.

From the shopping scene to the unconventional street art, downtown is welcome to anyone.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Oakland:

• Easy transportation via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station
• Historic buildings
• Closest area to the Oakland Museum
• Lively nightlife 
• Around 15 minutes from the Oakland International Airport with traffic

Cons of Staying in Downtown Oakland:

• Reservations need to be made in advance because hotels fill quickly
• Can be loud and hectic
• Hotels tend to be more expensive
• Free parking is not available

Jack London District

👉 Best Area For Access to San Francisco | ✨ Best Jack London District Hotels: Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square • Jack London Square Stylish 1BD Apartment

The Jack London District is my personal favorite place to stay in Oakland, and it’s great for those wanting easy access to San Francisco. It’s also home to the exquisite Waterfront Hotel (which has an outdoor pool!) and some great activities.

The Jack London District is near the Port of Oakland, so it’s easy to catch the ferry transit that will take you right downtown San Francisco. Oh, and the view of the San Francisco skyline from the ferry is phenomenal.

But that’s not the only reason the Jack London District is a convenient place to stay. While here, I recommend going wine tasting at urban wineries like Rosenblum Cellars. Participate in bocce and bowling at Plank, a lively arcade bar, or tune into a music night at Yoshi’s. 

Because Jack London Square is a small neighborhood, there are fewer hotels to choose from than nearby downtown. However, many apartments are available to rent for a few nights, so you can stay in style like a true Oakland local.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Jack London Square hosts an event made for you.

Pros of Staying in Jack London District:

• The best waterfront hotel in Oakland
• View of the waterfront alongside the BayTrail
• Easy access to the San Francisco / Alameda ferries for less than five dollars
• Lots of great restaurants and breweries
• Jack London Square Farmers Market and street music
• Dog-friendly neighborhood 
• Apartments and condos available to rent for your stay
• Roughly 15 minutes from the Oakland International Airport with traffic

Cons of Staying in Jack London District:

• Quieter, not for those seeking vibrant nightlife
• Bustling Amtrak station nearby means trains are heard throughout the day
• Not a huge selection of hotels
• Free parking is not available

Temescal

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Temescal Hotels: The Claremont Club • Hyatt Place

One of the oldest Oakland neighborhoods, Temescal is now mostly inhabited by younger families and is the go-to place for anyone looking to explore the hip, family-friendly side of Oakland. 

Temescal is a great option when deciding where to stay in Oakland because of its unique, fun vibe. The streets are lined with gorgeous murals, and it’s home to some of the most unique eats Oakland has to offer. There is even a pedestrian alley dedicated to shops and restaurants.

I recommend enjoying a donut at Donut Dolly’s, having a sit-down meal of wood-fired pizza at Pizzaiolo, or enjoying the smells of herbs and oils in the Homestead Apothecary. 

Temescal is mostly residential, so there are few hotels available within the neighborhood. However, more accommodation options are available to those willing to take a short drive. Stay at the famous Claremont Club in Berkeley for a luxurious hotel that’s only a 10-minute drive from Temescal’s best sights.

Pros of Staying in Temescal:

• Art galleries, unique cafes, and vintage boutiques
• Perfect for those who prefer a quieter area
• Near Lake Temescal

Cons of Staying in Temescal:

• Reservations should be made in advance 
• Pricier than other Oakland locations
• Upwards of ~20 minutes of travel to the Oakland International Airport with heavier traffic

Piedmont Avenue

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Piedmont Hotels: Imperial Inn Oakland • Signature Inn Oakland

Piedmont Avenue is where to stay in Oakland for travelers interested in trendy bars, a Michelin-starred restaurant, vintage shops, and local goods.

Although Piedmont Avenue is stacked with stores, it also has a small-town vibe with historic sites like the Chapel of Chimes, so travelers can get the best of both worlds. Imperial Inn Oakland is one of the best hotels nearby. It may not be the fanciest choice, but it makes up for this with budget-friendly prices.

Walking along Piedmont Avenue, you’ll run into local graduate students, couples and families walking their dogs, and friends catching up while listening to live music at Cato’s Ale House.

Pros of Staying in Piedmont Avenue:

• Lively nightlife within walking distance
• One-of-a-kind shops and historic attractions
• Great place to shop for vintage clothing and home antiques

Cons of Staying in Piedmont Avenue:

• Locals frequent the restaurants and bars, so wait times can be longer
• Not as many family-friendly attractions
• The furthest location from the Oakland International Airport

Grand Lake / Adam’s Point

👉 Best Area For Casual, Quaint Stay | ✨ Best Grand Lake Vacation Rentals: Arts & Crafts Mediterranean-Style Home • Sunny Family-Friendly Home • Bright Spacious Flat

Grand Lake / Adam’s Point is where to stay in Oakland if you’re looking for more of a quaint, relaxed vibe. This neighborhood soaks up the sunshine and rests directly by Lake Merritt, one of the top attractions in the Oakland area.

After riding the Lake Merritt gondola, try grabbing a bite to eat from any of the local food trucks by the water. You can find live music and street performers here nearly every night of the week. 

Grand Lake / Adam’s Point is lean on the hotel options. Instead, I recommend checking out a vacation rental like this cozy and historic Arts & Crafts Mediterranean-Style Home.

This area is great for a romantic stay in Oakland. I recommend couples catch a film at the exquisite Grand Lake Theater. It was built in 1926, and you will be mesmerized by starry ceilings and chandeliers while purchasing your tickets. 

Pros of Staying in Grand Lake / Adam’s Point

• “Mom-and-pop” shops create a communal atmosphere 
• Multiple attractions are within walking distance
• There’s rarely traffic on the way to the Oakland International Airport
• Free parking available

Cons of Staying in Grand Lake / Adam’s Point

• Not the best area if looking for hotels in Oakland, so opt for a vacation rental
• Traffic and parking are difficult at most times of the day
• The nearest BART subway station can be a 30-minute walk depending on where you are in Grand Lake / Adam’s Point

Tips for Staying in Oakland, California

Take Advantage of Oakland’s Public Transportation

Rideshares can be incredibly expensive in the bay. I highly suggest utilizing public transportation upon your arrival from the Oakland International Airport by using the BART train. To get to San Francisco or Alameda from Oakland, I suggest checking out the San Francisco Bay Ferry routes and schedule. 

When using public transportation, download the Clipper Card app. With this, you can pay from your phone for easy access to any of the transits mentioned above.

This is a must for budget travelers. Using my Clipper Card only costs me $4.50 to visit San Francisco from Oakland on the ferry, compared to a $30 rideshare (without traffic). 

Enjoy Oakland’s Diverse Food Options

Oakland truly is a melting pot of cultures and communities. Within miles of downtown exists Chinatown, authentic Mexican food joints, vegan soul food, and food trucks with Singaporian, Columbian, and Jamaican cuisine – to name a few. 

In order to survey all the food options Oakland has to offer, try heading to Lake Merritt where you’ll run into a variety of food trucks and locals enjoying their meals by the lake. 

Visit a Street Market or Farmers’ Market

Oakland farmers’ markets are communal spaces that provide street music, unique art from local vendors, and strawberries like you have never seen – even in the off-season.

I enjoy farmers’ markets because they are a great way to show love and support for the city, and they provide visitors with a real look into the welcoming and celebratory space that is the center of Oakland.

Also, these are notable stops for anyone interested in getting souvenirs for loved ones at home during your stay in Oakland. 

Stop and Enjoy the Murals

Street art is a popular form of artistic expression in Oakland. As a visitor, you’ll witness a city where people truly love exploring their creativity – as evidenced on residential and commercial streets. 

The eclectic collection of murals in Oakland encompasses civil rights movements, dedications to the city, and colorful whirlwinds that inspire those lucky enough to stumble upon them. 

Take a Peaceful Stroll in the Redwoods

Seeing the redwoods is one of the best things to do in Northern California and you barely need to leave Oakland to do it! My favorite park, the Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a 10-minute drive from Oakland.

When you need an escape from the urban sprawl, consider exploring the shade of the towering Redwoods. This also gives you a beautiful view of the cityscape during your stay in Oakland from an irresistible vantage point. 

The Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park offers a selection of trails for both beginner hikers and experts alike. Many trail options are also dog-friendly.

🌴 Read All Our Guides to Staying in California:

• Staying in San Francisco
• Staying in Los Angeles
• Staying in San Diego
• Staying in Long Beach
• Staying in Oceanside

FAQs About Where to Stay in Oakland

💸 Read Next: How to Do San Francisco on the Cheap

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Whether you’re 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.

Plan to spend some time in SF too? Make sure to check out this guide of the best things to do in San Francisco next!