Guidebook for Oakland
Fruitvale BART Station
This is 3 miles from the house and is located in a Mexican-American neighborhood. It is the cheapest Lyft ride distance to a BART. There are lots of eateries and a convivial atmosphere. It may not be a great neighborhood at night.
This is a beautiful running or walking trail in a second growth redwood forest; it's a 7 minute drive from the house
214 locals recommend
Joaquin Miller Park
3300 Joaquin Miller RdThis is a beautiful running or walking trail in a second growth redwood forest; it's a 7 minute drive from the house
If you need to take BART to the city or elsewhere, this is the best station to go to as it is in a fun area with a lot of shops and restaurants and food markets. Parking, however, is limited. (Buy a day use parking pass online.)
127 locals recommend
Rockridge Station
5660 College AveIf you need to take BART to the city or elsewhere, this is the best station to go to as it is in a fun area with a lot of shops and restaurants and food markets. Parking, however, is limited. (Buy a day use parking pass online.)
BART - I do NOT recommend Coliseum BART - just listing it so people will use Rockridge instead. Coliseum is a sketchy neighborhood, especially after dark, though there is a bus from the station up Seminary which is convenient.
6 locals recommend
Coliseum Way
Joe Morgan WayBART - I do NOT recommend Coliseum BART - just listing it so people will use Rockridge instead. Coliseum is a sketchy neighborhood, especially after dark, though there is a bus from the station up Seminary which is convenient.
Essentials
Best local organic and non organic food store in area; it's big brother is on Fruitvale (Gov. Brown shops there).
230 locals recommend
Farmer Joe's Marketplace
3501 MacArthur BlvdBest local organic and non organic food store in area; it's big brother is on Fruitvale (Gov. Brown shops there).
Food Scene
Covid has changed the game. But...there are lots of great takeout options.
Old Weang Ping Thai is just 4 blocks away and has excellent Thai food.
The college campus has swimming facilities, a post office, and cafe that are open to the public.
36 locals recommend
Mills College
5000 MacArthur BlvdThe college campus has swimming facilities, a post office, and cafe that are open to the public.
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveBest for a splurge, home of Alice Waters/California cuisine.
Temescal Farmer's Market
5300 Claremont AveDon't miss - Sundays 9-1
One of my favorite restaurants where you can take in the seaside allure of the Bay. And the food is sensational.
126 locals recommend
Fish.
350 Harbor DrOne of my favorite restaurants where you can take in the seaside allure of the Bay. And the food is sensational.
This is the local hamburger joint. It reminds me of the John Belluci skit on SNL about cheeseburgers. It's run by an Asian family. Milkshakes are great. The beef comes from Niman Ranch (above average quality). There's plenty of parking. TAKEOUT.
29 locals recommend
Sparky's Giant Burgers
4120 Redwood RdThis is the local hamburger joint. It reminds me of the John Belluci skit on SNL about cheeseburgers. It's run by an Asian family. Milkshakes are great. The beef comes from Niman Ranch (above average quality). There's plenty of parking. TAKEOUT.
Best food within walking distance. Family run and very homey. Good takeout spot during pandemic.
21 locals recommend
Old Weang Ping
6217 MacArthur BlvdBest food within walking distance. Family run and very homey. Good takeout spot during pandemic.
The best close coffee spot. I don't go there, but guests say it's good.
50 locals recommend
World Ground Cafe
3726 MacArthur BlvdThe best close coffee spot. I don't go there, but guests say it's good.
Quintessential, cool, black owned Oakland coffee place. It's about 4 miles from my house. If you do not have a car, you can rent a Revel moped nearby.
13 locals recommend
Red Bay Coffee Roastery & Coffee Bar (Headquarters)
3098 E 10th StQuintessential, cool, black owned Oakland coffee place. It's about 4 miles from my house. If you do not have a car, you can rent a Revel moped nearby.
Fist of Flour Doughjo
4166 MacArthur BlvdWood fired local pizza place. Excellent quality. Delivery.
Local farm to table eatery with lots of takeout. The fried chicken is a favorite.
35 locals recommend
Communitē Table
4171 MacArthur BlvdLocal farm to table eatery with lots of takeout. The fried chicken is a favorite.
Taqueria La Mejor
3411 High StVery authentic Mexican. Takeout only.
Sightseeing
One of our great Bay Area sights and traditions. Biggest market is on Saturdays 9-2.
95 locals recommend
Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market
1 Ferry PlazaOne of our great Bay Area sights and traditions. Biggest market is on Saturdays 9-2.
Tennessee Valley Hiking
Tennessee Valley RoadBest walk to the beach.