15 Unique Things to Do in Oakland, CA

Huddled in the Bay Area, close to San Francisco, lies the great city of Oakland. You can find yourself easily spending a morning at a museum, your afternoon admiring the tall Redwood Park’s trees, having a great meal in Swans Market, and an evening show at one of Oakland’s notable theaters. Although Oakland is situated between popular neighborhood cities, it has its own distinct culture, history, sounds, and tastes that make it so uniquely Oaklandish. So, whether you’re taking a trip, moving, or looking for something new to do in Oakland, CA, here are fifteen unique things to do that locals approve of.

1. Get your steps in with a walking tour of downtown Oakland

Get your steps in with a self-guided walking tour. Easily visit all twelve of the most popular historical sites in Oakland in one day. Encompassing in just 11 blocks, visit sites like the Paramount Theatre, Fox Oakland Theatre, Oakland City Hall, and more, all located in downtown Oakland Historic District.

2. Visit the Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is an interdisciplinary museum featuring rotating displays and permanent displays of art, history, and the rich culture and heritage of California state. It’s arguably the best way to learn about the history of the Oakland area and state. Clinton Stark, Publisher for Stark Insider in San Fransisco Bay area, recommends “check out the gallery of California History. It’s informative, with creative displays and lots to learn. Chances are there’s a thing or two you didn’t know about the Golden State.”

3. Watch a performance at the Oakland Theater Project

On the live theater side, Clinton recommends “an outing to the Oakland Theater Project. It’s a really great example of an innovative theater company working with the local community to surface under-represented voices and stories.” The theater has been thriving ever since its opening in 2012. Today, the theater is now located and plays year-round shows in FLAX art and design.

4. Head to the Oakland native’s favorite gift shops

Need to bring some souvenirs back home, or are you simply looking for the next trendy shop to visit? Noah Friedman, Oakland native and CEO of Vibemap, recommends heading to “Oakland Supply Co. in Jack London for local vibes. I’m a Bay Area native, so I’m always looking for vibey places and experiences in Oakland that fit my mood.” Oakland Supply Co. makes quality American-made goods and fine local wares featuring Levi’s, Fjällräven, and much more. Pair your new Oaklandish fits with fantastic selections of jewelry and bags.

5. Chill out at Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt neighborhood is one of the best, lively places in town. Whether you’re hanging out by the lakeshore or downtown, there’s something to fit everyone because the neighborhood has a little bit of everything in it, such as gardens, parks, pretty murals, the newest upcoming restaurants, and shops. Noah says, “For fun things to do anytime, I can always find my vibe at Lake Merritt. It’s a great place to get your fitness on, enjoy a picnic with friends, or just chill and people-watch. Of course, while at the lake, I make sure to stop in at Grand Lake Kitchen to enjoy some tasty food – it’s either the French Toast or the Pastrami Benedict for me.”

6. Mingle with monkeys at the Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo is the perfect day trip for anyone of all ages. The zoo houses more the 850 native and exotic animals nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in Oakland Hills. Plan a visit to learn about wildlife conservation in their educational centers, see the nationally known and excellent elephant exhibit, and attend one of many interactive programs in their rotating cultural exhibits, including the Valley Children’s Zoo center.

7. Get your science fix at the Chabot Space and Science Center

The Chabot Space and Science Center is a state-of-the-art science museum to visit, especially if you’re an astronomy nut. One of the most presigious educational centers in the US and one of the top Oakland attractions, visitors come here to learn about space exploration, the solar system, the universe at large, and enjoy the museum’s planetarium feature. The planetarium is an epic way to stargaze from a theater. On top of that, the museum houses several observatory decks where every Friday and Saturday, weather permitting, you can join astronomers for a free telescope viewing.

8. Explore Redwood Regional Park

Behind the Chabot Space and Science Center is Redwood Regional Park. If you want to get away from all the bustle of the city, this is definitely one of the best ways to do it. It’s easy to get to, just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland where the 150-foot Coast Redwoods reside. Need to take a stroll? You can take the 150-mile Interpark Regional Trail system. Explore more of the area by reserving picnic spots, and feel free to camp overnight if you want to get closer to nature.

9. Shop and eat at Swans Market

For Over 60 years, Swans Market has been the heart of old Oakland as the city’s major shopping center until its closure in 1983. The site stood vacant until EBALDC acquired the area and came up with an award-winning redevelopment for the whole block. Swans Market quickly converted into a community gathering place for housing, small businesses, and a blend of artistic culture and culinary traditions to serve the diverse downtown community. Today, Swans Market is still a popular destination, home to affordable rental apartments and condos, the best Bay Area food, and a range of businesses, all located in the heart of a revived neighborhood.

10. Watch an Oakland A’s game at the RingCentral Coliseum

Wander anywhere in Oakland, and you’re bound to see the local’s beloved baseball team everywhere. For example, their elephant mascot, Stomper, is peppered all throughout Oakland. Support the Oakland Athletics, known as Oakland A’s, at their home game in the Oakland Coliseum. Known as the “Swingin’ A’s,” the team won back-to-back World Series in 1972-1974 and is one of the only franchises in the five major American professional sports leagues to play in Oakland. There’s so much to love about the game. The crowd is always excited. The food is greasy and good. And to top it off, there are fireworks. 

Pro tip: get a giant A’s hat loaded with nachos from BBQ Ribs and Things in Section 104.

11. Soak in the Bay views at Mountain View Cemetery

Mountain View Cemetery looks much more like a park than a cemetery. It’s the kind of place to go to for a beautiful evening stroll at sunset. From atop the hill, the park offers spectacular views of San Francisco Bay’s surrounding areas. The cemetery also offers an impressive repository of the state’s history and was designed by architect and landscaper Fedrick Law Olmsted, who designed New York Central Park

12. Smell the roses at the Morocom Rose Garden

Located in a residential neighborhood near the Piedmont border lays Morocom Rose Garden, a beautifully manicured garden with intricate paths, reflecting pools, cascading fountains, and hundreds of roses. In 1933, the first rose was planted by Mayor Frank Morcom, whom the garden was formally named after. The garden is known to be one of the most romantic places in Oakland, a sanctuary of peace, and occasionally a special place to hold weddings. Anyone is welcome to volunteer as a “Dedicated Deadheader” to tend the garden and make sure it’s in pristine condition. 

13. Pro Arts Gallery and COMMONS

One of the most unique multi-use art spaces in downtown Oakland, the Pro Arts Gallery and COMMONS showcase experimental art pieces that traditionally follow the alternative arts organization movement in the 1970s. All the gallery’s exhibitions are collaborations between artists and activists that clearly reject the traditional model of modern art galleries to emphasize a commentary on social issues. Visitors can walk through rotating displays or attend a specific art program. Programs include films, literary events, and community debates.

14. Art and Soul Oakland

If you’re in town for the summer, you can’t miss the Art and Soul Oakland, an annual summer festival that celebrates the city’s unique and beloved artists, musicians, and foods. The event is held at the Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland for two days. Past festivals have seen a variety of music artists and bands, like the Pacific Mambo Orchestra and Toni Toni Tone, to name a few. 

15. Don’t walk, roll to the Brooklyn Basin

The Brooklyn Basin is Oakland’s newest waterfront destination for local businesses, new residences, and waterfront recreation and is surrounded by San Francisco and the East Bay Hills. It’s a very mixed-use neighborhood on the Bay, with wide industrial-like open spaces perfect for roller skating, leisurely strolls, and biking on the grand boardwalk decks. 

The boardwalk starts at the first part of Brooklyn Basin, called Township Commons Park. Township has endless picnic areas across its grassy hills beside a large paved area that’s most frequently visited by roller skaters due to its size. The paved area is bigger than your typical roller rink. Most weekends, roller skating classes are offered here for all ages.

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