Old Oakland

Originally a sleepy little town hidden in the shadow of its neighbor across the bay, Oakland was a major hub after it became the western terminal for the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. And at the heart of it all was Old Oakland.

Here you’ll find brick-facade buildings and Victorians dating to the 1870s, an unusual glimpse into the past in an otherwise modern city. One of the most popular places to visit in Old Oakland is Swan’s Market, a community multi-use space built in 1917. A combo of boutiques, businesses, and restaurants call this gathering place home.

Try The Cook and Her Farmer for fresh cafe fare (oysters, gourmet grilled cheese, and biodynamic wines), La Guerrera’s Kitchen for authentic Mexican cuisine (fresh masa, pozole, barbacoa), Dela Curo for Japanese black curry, or Cupcakin’ Bake Shop for classic and seasonal cakes, cookies, and, of course, cupcakes.

Wander the neighborhood and check out E14 Gallery, showcasing visual artists with deep ties and enormous love for The Town. Or for cocktails with art decoinspired aesthetics, head to Binny’s (it also hosts Tuesday movie nights and Wednesday trivia nights). And for cool lounge vibes, grab a drink at District.

West Oakland

Culture, comfort food, and the Black Panther Party: Get to know the “Harlem of the West.”

The Black Panther Party

Eclectic Eats

For handmade buckwheat soba noodles, you’ve got to try Soba Ichi. For Southern comfort food with a twist, there’s 10th & Wood (Tip: Order the Po-Mi sandwich). And for an insane weekend brunch, head to Magnolia Street Wine Lounge & Kitchen.

Located on Peralta Street, the Black Panther Party headquarters is a historical destination where the Panthers dreamt up their resulting contributions to Oakland and the nation. While walking through the neighborhood, stop at the West Oakland Mural Project — a restored Victorian with a beautiful mural featuring the women of the Black Panther Party. Turn to p. 46 to learn more about the group and mural.

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Slowcooked Foods

Local Voices

MARIA ALDERETE

Executive Director and Co-Founder of Community Kitchens, a nonprofit ensuring that everyone in Oakland has access to at least one hot, nutritious meal every day.

“What’s special is the soul of Oakland. We are a city of compassion, love, and solidarity. Oaklanders know we are all connected. We cannot thrive as individuals unless we first thrive as a community.”

Eco Arts

Meet Matt Horn, pit master and owner of the James Beard Award-nominated Horn Barbecue, a Texas-style barbecue joint.

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Local Artist

Observe long-time Oakland resident and wood sculptor John Abduljaami’s unique work at Oakland Museum of California’s permanent collection. Flip to learn more about Oakland’s arts.

West Oakland’s eco-industrial park, O2 Artisans Aggregate is a working collective home to makers who are developing and promoting environmentally progressive projects. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, from a plant nursery (Cultural Roots Nursery) and compost business (Common Compost) to a blacksmith (Jay Morgan Handcraft) and sake (Den

Fruitvale

Murals, pan dulces, and a constant celebration of Mexican culture and heritage abound in this part of town.

Having once been a stretch of land covered in fruit trees, Fruitvale is now the urban center for first and second generation Mexican Americans.

Head to Fruitvale Public Market for a lesson in traditional Mexican ice cream. Order a mangonada, hand-churned ice cream with mango and chamoy (a sweet-savory chili sauce) from Nieves Cinco de Mayo. And you can’t go wrong with a taco (or five!). Embark on a self-guided tour to spots like Mi Grullense and Tacos Sinaloa food trucks. Order the pozole at Obelisco Restaurant and snag a sweet treat at the family-run Bakery el Sol, both of which are located in Fruitvale Village

For a dose of local history, check out Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. The six-acre park hosts the Peralta House Museum, where you can take a tour through multimedia exhibits on the history of California and Oakland. Cruise over to neighboring Jingletown to see colorful murals and mosaics along Rue de Merde. And be sure to visit the Indigenous Red Market, a semi-monthly event featuring indigenous artists, food purveyors, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Airport District

Departures, arrivals, and a fly ball or two.

It may seem obvious, but this neighborhood is home to Oakland International Airport (OAK). With more than eight million passengers in and out of OAK every year, none have been quite so famous as Amelia Earhart. She used the airport’s runway in 1937 in her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. For even more aviation history, check out the Oakland Aviation Museum. Located in a 1939 hangar, the museum offers cockpit tours and flight simulators. Nearby, be a part of town fandom at an Oakland Athletics game at RingCentral Coliseum. See p. 28 for more.

A’s Fan Facts

On October 15, 1981, history was made in the stands when pro cheerleader Krazy George Henderson led the Coliseum crowd in the first recorded instance of The Wave.

Local Voices

CAHERI GUTIERREZ

Sr. Manager of Communications and External Affairs, The Unity Council

“Fruitvale is a culturally rich, vibrant community. We have delicious food, clothing stores, and great street vendors!”

¡Fiesta!

Read about Fruitvale’s popular Día de los Muertos Festival celebrations on p. 80.

Fireworks

After a home game, sit on the A’s outfield during special fireworks and drone show nights.

East Bay native and Hollywood darling Tom Hanks used to sell hot dogs at the A’s stadium!

Though technically named the RingCentral Coliseum, the ballpark is simply called “the Coliseum” by homegrown fans.

Fore!

Hit the driving range, practice your short game, or tee off at the Metropolitan Golf Links.