Best Things to do in Oakland | Must-see attractions 2025

Cow Palace

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Business Center

Geneva Avenue and Santos Street 2600 Geneva Avenue Daly City

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Cow Palace is an indoor arena in Daly City, California, known for hosting concerts, sports events, and conventions since 1941.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event; check specific event for details.

Oakland Zoo

Mo-Fr 10:00-16:30; Sa-Su 9:30-16:30

Zoo

9777 Golf Links Rd

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Oakland Zoo, established in 1922, features over 700 animals and a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, all dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.

Duration: 3-4 hours.

General admission is $25 for adults, $20 for children (2-14 years). Children under 2 are free.

The Cathedral of Christ the Light

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

2121 Harrison St (at Grand Ave)

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The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland features contemporary architecture of wood and glass, hosting liturgical and cultural events reflective of the local community.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Dunsmuir House and Gardens

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2960 Peralta Oaks Court

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Dunsmuir House and Gardens is a historic estate in Oakland, CA, showcasing Victorian architecture and lush gardens, making it an ideal venue for events and gatherings.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Lakeside Park and Garden Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

666 Belvedere (Grand Ave.)

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Lakeside Park and Garden Center in Oakland features diverse gardens, including Japanese and Polynesian designs, perfect for nature lovers and horticulture enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Rotary Nature Center and Waterfowl Refuge

8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Park

600 Bellevue Ave Lakeside Park

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Rotary Nature Center and Waterfowl Refuge in Oakland offers a habitat for migratory birds, educational programs, and natural beauty, attracting nature lovers and families alike.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special programs may require a donation.

Museum of Children's Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1221 Broadway Lower Level Suite 49

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Museum of Children's Art in Oakland provides a creative space for kids to explore art through interactive exhibits and workshops designed for young artists.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special workshops may require a paid ticket.

Preservation Park

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1233 Preservation Park Way (between 12th and 13th Streets)

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Preservation Park in Oakland features 16 restored Victorian homes, representing early Oakland history and architecture amidst a tranquil park setting.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free to enter. Special event fees may apply.

Lafayette Square Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

635 E 11th St

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Lafayette Square Park in Oakland is a historic local favorite, known as 'Old Man's Park,' featuring lush greenery and community spaces.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

Henry J Kaiser Convention Center

Varies by event

Business Center

10 10th St. Oakland

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Henry J Kaiser Convention Center, built in 1914, features a 1,900-seat theater and a 4,500-seat arena. A site for events ranging from concerts to community gatherings.

Duration: 2-3 hours for events.

Variable. Event rentals may have different pricing structures.

Temple Sinai

10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Church

2808 Summit St

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Temple Sinai, founded in 1875, is the oldest Jewish congregation in the East San Francisco Bay region, located at 2808 Summit Street in Oakland, California.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.

Oakland Convention Center

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Business Center

550 10th Street

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Oakland Convention Center, located in downtown Oakland, offers 64,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space, near attractions like Jack London Square and Chinatown.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free entry to the center; specific events may incur fees.

Alameda Naval Air Museum

Sa 10:00-16:00

Museum

2151 Ferry Point Road

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Alameda Naval Air Museum in Oakland features naval aviation history artifacts and aircraft, celebrating the region's aviation legacy with educational exhibits.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special programs and events.

African American Museum and Library at Oakland

12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Museum

659 14th St (at Martin Luther King Jr Way)

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African American Museum and Library at Oakland, a vital cultural resource, offers extensive collections on African American history, literature, and art in Oakland, California.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Cohen Bray House

11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

1440 29th Ave

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Cohen Bray House, a historic Victorian residence in Oakland, was built in 1894 and showcases beautifully preserved architecture and rich cultural history.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Guided tours may require a reservation.

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Doolittle Dr. & Swan Way

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Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland features scenic Bayview trails and a boating center for outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Rentals at the boating center may incur fees.

Vantage Point Park

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

13th Ave & East 12th Street

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Vantage Point Park in Oakland offers panoramic views of the Bay Area, with recreational activities, art installations, and easy access via various transport modes.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Various events may have specific fees.

The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment

12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Museum

3400 Broadway

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The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment in Oakland, California, showcases digital art and gaming with fully playable exhibits, promoting the culture of video games.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require paid tickets.

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

7:00 AM–sunset

Park

2777 Middle Harbor Rd

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Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland, California, offers scenic trails, BBQ facilities, an amphitheater, and panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt

11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Garden

650 Bellevue Ave near the Lakeside Garden Center

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GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt features one of the largest bonsai collections in the US, showcasing 90 bonsai and Suiseki displays. Free admission and public parking available.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Public parking available.

Chapel Of The Chimes Oakland

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Monument

4499 Piedmont Ave

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Chapel Of The Chimes Oakland, established in 1909, serves as a crematory and columbarium with a unique Moorish-Gothic architecture featuring gardens and mosaics.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and special events.

Friends of Peralta Hacienda Historical Park

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2465 34th Avenue

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Friends of Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Oakland offers insights into local history, featuring a historical house and lush gardens in a serene park setting.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a fee.

Grand Lake Theater

12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

3200 Grand Ave

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Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, built in 1926, offers a vintage cinema experience with a balcony, Wurlitzer organ, and vibrant marquee featuring political messages.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General admission: $10. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Fox Theater Oakland

12:00 PM–10:00 PM

Theater

1807 Telegraph Ave (btwn 18th & 19th St)

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Fox Theater Oakland is a historic live music venue, known for its Art Deco architecture and diverse performances ranging from concerts to community events.

Duration: 2-3 hours, depending on the event.

Prices vary by event; typically range from $30 to $150. Some events may be free.

Holy Names University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

3500 Mountain Blvd

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Holy Names University is a private Catholic institution in Oakland, California, known for its coeducational programs and beautiful campus.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free. Admission to events and programs may vary.

Patten University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

2365 Coolidge Ave.

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Patten University, a Christian liberal arts institution in Oakland, California, offers diverse programs emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours for a campus tour.

Free for campus tours. Some events may require paid tickets.

Bjornson Hall

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Event hall

2248 MacArther

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Bjornson Hall in Oakland hosts numerous cultural events and lectures, complete with modern acoustics and seating for up to 300 guests.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours for events.

Varies by event. General entry typically $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors.

Joaquin Miller Park

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

3300 Joaquin Miller Road

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Joaquin Miller Park is a 500-acre public park in Oakland, California, featuring extensive trails, mountain biking paths, and rich natural landscapes.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free.

Bates Hall

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

6670 Foothill Blvd (67th Ave)

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Bates Hall in Oakland offers stunning architectural design, historical significance, and serves as a vital hub for culturally enriching events and exhibitions.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require prior registration or tickets.

Snow Building

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Event hall

Oakland

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Snow Building, located in Oakland, is an architectural marvel that showcases modern design and serves as a pivotal cultural center for the community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Oakland Museum of California

We 11:00-17:00; Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00

Museum

1000 Oak St

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Oakland Museum of California showcases over 1.8 million objects, exploring California's art, history, and natural sciences through rotating and permanent exhibitions.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Oakland International Airport

24 hours

Airport

1 Airport Drive

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Oakland International Airport serves as a major aviation hub in northern California, offering diverse domestic and international flights, with a focus on cargo operations.

Duration: Typically under 1 hour for drop-offs or pickups.

Free access. No ticket required for entry.

California Shakespeare Theater

12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Theater

100 Gateway Blvd

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California Shakespeare Theater, located in Oakland, is a renowned venue offering classic and contemporary plays with an emphasis on Shakespearean works.

Duration: 2-3 hours depending on the performance.

Tickets range from $20 to $80, with discounts available for students and seniors.

Redwood Regional Park

Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

7867 Redwood Rd

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Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, California, features redwood groves, diverse wildlife, extensive trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds within vast woodlands.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10:00 AM–10:30 PM

Museum

10000 Skyline Blvd (Joaquin Miller Rd)

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Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and historic telescopes for educational exploration of space and Earth.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

General admission $10; children 3-12 $5; free for children under 3.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Open 24 hours

Park

9999 Redwood Rd

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Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Oakland offers 3,314 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, camping, and a marksmanship range for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Facilities and special events may incur additional costs.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Open 24 hours

Park

Oakland

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Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve features extensive trails through a unique volcanic landscape in Oakland, California, ideal for hiking and nature exploration.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free.

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

7087 Skyline Boulevard

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Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in Oakland is a nature reserve featuring hiking trails and diverse native plant species in a wooded environment.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours recommended.

Free. No admission fee required.

The Gardens at Lake Merritt

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

666 Bellevue Ave

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The Gardens at Lake Merritt in Oakland feature scenic gardens showcasing diverse plant life, making it a lush retreat for nature lovers and visitors alike.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

4705 Virginia Ave

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oakland features stunning architecture and a rich cultural history, attracting visitors for both worship and tourism.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations may be accepted during events.

Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve

Open 24 hours

Park

Leona Trail

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Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve in Oakland offers wooded canyons for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic outdoor recreation in a natural park setting.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No admission fees for entry.

Mills College Art Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

5000 MacArthur Blvd (at Mills College)

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Mills College Art Museum in Oakland features a diverse collection of contemporary and historical art, primarily focusing on women artists and innovative exhibitions.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Dimond Park

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

3860 Hanly Road

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Dimond Park in Oakland features creekside hiking trails and a public swimming pool, providing an engaging outdoor experience for families and nature enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. The public pool may require a small fee during peak summer months.

Oakland Floats

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Spa Center

344 40th St

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Oakland Floats offers a unique sensory deprivation experience in a tranquil setting. Ideal for relaxation and mental clarity, it’s suitable for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Starting at $60 for a 60-minute float session. Discounts available for first-time visitors.

Woodminster Amphitheatre

4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Theater

3300 Joaquin Miller Rd (Butters)

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Woodminster Amphitheatre in Oakland hosts outdoor performances in a natural setting with seating for 2,500. It provides a unique cultural experience for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: 3-4 hours, depending on the performance.

Paid. Ticket prices vary by event. Children and seniors may receive discounts.

Emeryville Shellmound

Open all day

Museum

Shellmound St

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Emeryville Shellmound is a significant archaeological site in California, representing ancient Native American burial practices and cultural history.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for site maintenance.

Raimondi Park

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

18th St (btwn Wood & Campbell)

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Raimondi Park in Oakland offers a baseball diamond, multisport field, playground, and putting green, ideal for recreational activities and family fun.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require registration fees.

Saint Mary's College Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1928 St Marys Rd PMB 5110

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Saint Mary's College Museum of Art in Moraga, CA, features a diverse collection focusing on Northern California artists, with engaging exhibitions and cultural programs.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Splash Pad Park

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

746 Grand Avenue

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Splash Pad Park in Oakland features a vibrant fountain, palm trees, and hosts a weekly farmer’s market with live music, creating a lively urban atmosphere.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Events and special activities may have separate fees.

Montclair Park

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Amusement Park

6226 Moraga Ave

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Montclair Park in Oakland offers visitors scenic views, lush greenery, and recreational facilities in a family-friendly environment.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special community events may require registration.