Piedmont Avenue

Clocking in at one of Oakland’s smallest districts, this cute area is full of shopping, eats, and historical architecture.

Not to be confused with the Berkeley neighborhood with the same name, Piedmont Avenue is a residential district in the northeast part of Oakland with its main thoroughfare named — yep, you guessed it — Piedmont Avenue. But just because this manor house and Craftsman-clad stretch of town has dog-walking couples, families, and grad students, doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.

Here you’ll find true star power at places like Fentons Creamery, a classic parlor that serves enormous scoops of ice cream (it even had a cameo in Pixar’s Up), and the two Michelin-starred restaurant Commis (turn to p. 52 for a glimpse into the creative mind of chef-owner James Syhabout). And don’t sleep on Pomet, a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant. For architectural prowess, schedule a tour of the Julia Morgan-designed funeral home Chapel of the Chimes (really!) or stroll through Fredrick Law Olmsted’s (you know, the one who designed Central Park) Mountain View Cemetery.

For a bit of shopping, check out Mercy Vintage for retro wares and find your perfect pair of jeans at Maple Street Denim. For a fun night out, catch an indie film at Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre and sip on a tiki drink from Kona Club.

Rockridge

This tree-lined area is just too quaint to handle.

Packed with adorable bungalows, stellar restaurants, and cute boutiques, this neighborhood will have you thinking: So when can we move?

Order a bomb burger from Wood Tavern, rad wood-fired pizza from A16, ridiculous ramen at Ramen Shop, and yummy small plates from À Côté. Find a new page turner at bookstores (remember those?) like Pegasus Books and East Bay Booksellers. Get a new look at Pretty Penny and Chic Boutique, or something for home at Atomic Garden and Maison d’Etre

Local Hangouts

For a good time,

Market Hall

Grocery shopping might not be high on your list of things to do during your visit, but a trip to Rockridge’s Market Hall will change your mind. Designed like a European-style market, this specialty grocer sits on the corner of Shafter and College avenues and has nine hyper-focused stations inside. From fresh produce and baked goods to choice butcher cuts and floral arrangements, Market Hall is a must visit.

Music Time

Every Wednesday and Sunday, Cato’s Ale House hosts live music at its Piedmont Avenue

BART Art

See 2,000 hand-painted tiles at the Rockridge BART station remembering the 1991

Secret Garden

in is

Stellar Views

See the stars and learn about space at the Chabot Space & Science Center. See p. 33 for the full story.