Guidebook for Oakland
Essentials
Specialty grocery store with hot fresh foods (including soups and sandwiches) full salad bar in the deli section, great produce, full meet market, lots of wine choices and the BEST EVER Orange Juice made in the store. The orange juice is in the front of the store (not in the OJ section). Ask for OJ made in house. YUM!
230 locals recommend
Farmer Joe's Marketplace
3501 MacArthur BlvdSpecialty grocery store with hot fresh foods (including soups and sandwiches) full salad bar in the deli section, great produce, full meet market, lots of wine choices and the BEST EVER Orange Juice made in the store. The orange juice is in the front of the store (not in the OJ section). Ask for OJ made in house. YUM!
Shopping
Oaklandish
3419 Fruitvale AveGreat Oakland souvenir t-shirts, jackets, books and other cool items.
Food Scene
They have the best pastries and cakes in Oakland. I used them for my wedding cake. I recommend the morning bun. They are right next to Peets Coffee if you want a larger choice of coffee drinks.
70 locals recommend
La Farine
3411 Fruitvale AveThey have the best pastries and cakes in Oakland. I used them for my wedding cake. I recommend the morning bun. They are right next to Peets Coffee if you want a larger choice of coffee drinks.
This is the only pizza I will eat. It is thin crust and made fresh from scratch daily. It is a casual place but the pizza is awesome.
15 locals recommend
Dimond Slice Pizza
2208 MacArthur BlvdThis is the only pizza I will eat. It is thin crust and made fresh from scratch daily. It is a casual place but the pizza is awesome.
If you are in the mood for Sushi, try this place. It is a great family owned restaurant and within walking distance. Support local.
12 locals recommend
Ramen and Sushi (nama Japanese Cuisine)
3400 Fruitvale AveIf you are in the mood for Sushi, try this place. It is a great family owned restaurant and within walking distance. Support local.
Parks & Nature
Lake Merritt is one of Oakland's gems. It is the only man-made salt water lake in the country. You can walk around the entire lake in about one hour. It is all flat. You can also rent boats or take a ride in an authentic gondola from Italy. It includes a bird sanctuary and Children's Fairyland (Walt Disney's inspiration to build Disney land).
751 locals recommend
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt BoulevardLake Merritt is one of Oakland's gems. It is the only man-made salt water lake in the country. You can walk around the entire lake in about one hour. It is all flat. You can also rent boats or take a ride in an authentic gondola from Italy. It includes a bird sanctuary and Children's Fairyland (Walt Disney's inspiration to build Disney land).
Arts & Culture
If you are in Oakland on the First Friday of the month, you have to go to the Oakland First Fridays event on Telegraph Avenue between W.Grand and 27th St. You will have a once in a lifetime experience. This event attracts 30k-50k people and over 200 arts, craft, and food vendors. It includes live music and performances, a beer garden and an open art gallery walk. Bring your dancing shoes and get your camera ready. There is always something new and different each month. The event is free.
64 locals recommend
First Fridays
2633 Telegraph AveIf you are in Oakland on the First Friday of the month, you have to go to the Oakland First Fridays event on Telegraph Avenue between W.Grand and 27th St. You will have a once in a lifetime experience. This event attracts 30k-50k people and over 200 arts, craft, and food vendors. It includes live music and performances, a beer garden and an open art gallery walk. Bring your dancing shoes and get your camera ready. There is always something new and different each month. The event is free.
Museum & park dedicated to the history of such cultures as Native & Mexican Americans. I haven't been yet but it has great reviews.
7 locals recommend
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
2465 34th AveMuseum & park dedicated to the history of such cultures as Native & Mexican Americans. I haven't been yet but it has great reviews.
Entertainment & Activities
Chabot Space & Science Center is a hands-on center featuring interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, a large screen theater, hands-on activities and three powerful telescopes. This is a great place to take the family.
122 locals recommend
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd Chabot Space & Science Center is a hands-on center featuring interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium, a large screen theater, hands-on activities and three powerful telescopes. This is a great place to take the family.