Oakland Zoo
Oakland Zoo offers a wide range of activities and sights. It is home to over 850 native and exotic animals, including favorites such as tigers, primates, giraffes, plus California native wildlife like black bears, mountain lions, and jaguars. As The Town’s Zoo, Oakland Zoo takes pride in providing visitors of all ages a safe, fun, and educational experience. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the Oakland Zoo is committed to “Taking Action for Wildlife” locally and globally. Additionally, 50 cents from every admission ticket goes toward conservation programs worldwide.
oaklandzoo.org
Ge Ê @oaklandzoo | @oakzoo
OAKLAND HILLS
Peter Gamez
Hello!
I am pleased to share our beautiful city of Oakland with you through stories, experiences, and images featured on the pages of our visitor’s guide.
Oakland is proudly known to many as one of the most diverse cities in the world. It’s something that’s reflected throughout The Town and is celebrated in our art, style, music, cuisine, and culture. Our city is alive with creative energy and innovative spirit. Our community is proud to call Oakland home and welcome you with warm, genuine hospitality.
With incredible places to enjoy the outdoors—both along the water and among our majestic redwoods—historic venues ideal for listening to live music, attractions that invite family fun, galleries and public murals displaying our vibrant art scene, and hundreds of restaurants serving up authentic global cuisine, Oakland is filled with endless possibilities.
Plan a visit to Oakland that allows you to explore for a day or even better, stay a while. We look forward to seeing you in The Town!
PETER GAMEZ
President &
CEO,
Visit Oakland e @visitoakland
contents
“My favorite part of Oakland has always been its diversity. From new murals to bold bright flavors, I’m certain to find whatever I’m craving here.”
—CHAVA
OROPESA, Oakland-based Bay Area food photographer
2025 Oakland Inspiration Guide Features
READY, SET, EXPLORE!
Whether you like the outdoors or cultural fun, it’s all here in Oakland.
PAGE 28
OAKLAND SPORTS
From independent league baseball to women’s hoops, Oakland sports abound.
PAGE 33
A WORLD OF ART
Film, music, dance, and art. In Oakland, they’re thriving.
PAGE 40
THE CULINARY GUIDE
Oakland’s food scene is incredibly diverse. Get ready to eat, drink, and enjoy.
PAGE 53
THE CANNABIS GUIDE
Are you canna-curious?
Explore the Oakland Cannabis Trail.
PAGE 70
Welcome to Oakland
A safe haven for all, and with plenty to offer visitors. p. 4
Lesley Evers
Styled in Oakland
PAGE 50
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Something is always being celebrated in The Town. PAGE 6
INFLUENCE & IMPACT
Learn how the Black Panther Party inspired the Oakland community.
PAGE 12
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Discover The Town’s neighborhoods.
PAGE 14
SHOP SMALL
From handmade wares to fashion and food, get to know Oakland’s brands. PAGE 50
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Find tips on how to get to and around the city, along with where to stay. PAGE 72
Oakland Arena
Oakland Arena is Northern California’s leader in live entertainment, and the premier destination where guests can experience their favorite artists live in Oakland. This venue is a top gathering place for music, sporting events, and family shows and boasts an event calendar just as diverse as its community.
In addition to hosting legendary concerts and major music festivals, Oakland Arena showcases a magnitude of event spaces that are perfect for networking mixers and all-hands meetings where you can foster connections in a relaxed yet sophisticated environment—and leave your attendees feeling like rockstars.
AROUND TOWN
Find out about The Town’s latest art, fashion, music, cuisine, and cultural happenings and events on Instagram at @visitoakland.
LET’S CONNECT
Follow us on your favorite social channels for the latest happenings, inspiration, and more, and don’t forget to tag #OaklandLoveIt
For even more insider’s info, check out our blog at VisitOakland.com/blog
“The proximity of Joaquin Miller Park to where most people in Oakland live makes it a perfect place for both recreation and sport.”
—RUE MAPP, Outdoor Afro Founder & CEO
ON THE COVER
The illustration of Oakland was created by Northern California native Larry Hausen. See more of his work at ruffhausstudio.com and instagram.com/ larry.hausen.
PUBLISHERS
CONTEN T STUDIO
WanderlustContentStudio.com e @WanderlustContentStudio k @Wanderlust-Content-Studio
PRESIDENT & CEO
Peter Gamez
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Carole Manning-Kim
SALES & SERVICES MANAGER
Kathy Marshall
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS
Renée Roberts
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Jasmin Odion
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Marilyn Aguilera
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Juan Camero
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Marité Xavier
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Valeria Mejia
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
Shirley Manan
DIGITAL MAPS
Looking for a map of The Town? Use your phone to scan this QR code and get moving!
Martha-Page Althaus & Nicole Bordges marthapage@wanderlustcontentstudio.com / nicole@wanderlustcontentstudio.com
MANAGING EDITOR Laura Kiniry / DESIGN DIRECTOR Letizia Albamonte
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Mary-Clifton Everette
COPY EDITOR Ben Fromson / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Erin Ferro
Printed by The Foundry.
Joaquin Miller Park
Meet Oakland
Oakland is a place for everyone. “The Town,” as we so lovingly call our city, is filled with positive, inspiring energy. Discover why Oakland was named the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers, explore our diverse arts and culture, shop at boutique stores found only in Oakland, and enjoy an array of incredible activities by day and by night. Whatever you love to do, whoever you share your experiences with, and however you choose to celebrate life–Oakland is ready to welcome you. We can’t wait to see you in The Town!
The Ultimate Guideto Oakland Events
What’s Happening?
A lot! With events celebrating style, arts, culture, and more, there’s always something amazing happening in Oakland. Stay up to date at
Black Joy Parade
Each year, thousands gather Downtown at this exhilarating celebration of Black community and culture. While it takes place during Black History Month, Oakland’s black legacy is honored all year long. blackjoyparade.com
BLACK VINES
Raise a glass to Black-owned winemakers and diverse art at the country’s longest-standing Black wine festival. blackvines.net
Bonus
Many of the eateries are in neighborhoods easily accessible by BART
Feast your way through 10 days of prix-fixe menus from neighborhood gems, culinary trucks, and Michelin-rated restaurants in 2024’s “Best Food City in the U.S.,” according to Condé Nast Traveler readers. With more than 150 participating restaurants, you’ll never have to eat the same meal twice, unless you want to! oaklandrestaurantweek.org
LUNAR NEW YEAR BAZAAR
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Oakland’s Chinatown, featuring two days of cultural traditions and art forms. oaklandchinatown chamber.org
OAKLAND MARATHON
Whether you’re doing the 5K, 10K, half, or full marathon, run through many of the city’s neighborhoods and enjoy a hella awesome finishing party. oakland marathon.com
Summer
JUNE
JUNETEENTH
In Oakland, Juneteenth is a citywide celebration.
This family-friendly event honoring Black and African culture hosts thousands of Bay Area residents every year. In collaboration with Last Supper Society, Hella Creative will host “Hella Juneteenth” a town-wide celebration of freedom, in the OMCA Garden.
Go to VisitOakland.com/juneteenth for more events and details.
Black Food & Wine Experience
A refined evening of fine wine, culinary dishes, and plenty of fashion—all celebrating Black culture, hospitality, and excellence. Dressing to impress is encouraged. visitoakland.com/events
SUMMER VIBES
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, you’ll find a little something for everyone going on in The Town. Savor music festivals, take advantage of hotel deals, or enjoy an interactive exhibit at one of Oakland’s many topnotch museums and galleries. Check out our latest offerings. visitoakland .com/summer
Fall
OCTOBER
OAKLAND STYLE
A celebration of art, fashion, music, cuisine, and culture, Oakland Style is a five-day series of events highlighting the many talented and stylish creatives and visionaries who call The Town home. Food meets fashion during A Taste of Style, the event’s culinary showcase. Oakland’s top chefs prepare dishes inspired by an iconic artist or designer—past meals have paid homage to Gaultier and Versace. During High Tea & High Fashion, enjoy tea service and bubbles while watching a fashion show from Oakland’s top tastemakers, like Sherri McMullen and Dorian Webb. And for the art lovers, Art Exploration is 10 nonstop hours of art walks, gallery events, art bike rides, and more. visitoakland.com/oakland-style
SAFE KEEPING
Keep calm, carry on, and make the most of your time in The Town with these recommendations.
Scan here for safe travel tips.
Oakland Style
Pride
LETTING SHINE
Oakland’s thriving LGBTQ+ community celebrates the creative and the unique in a beautiful display of diversity.
LOCAL VOICES
JEFFREY MYERS
A Sense of Place, A Sense of Pride
By Heather Kathryn Ross
In the Name of Love
In November 2023, Oakland’s city council passed a resolution for The Town’s new Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District, designating the Lake Merritt neighborhood as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. A first of its kind in Oakland, the district marked its first Pride Month last June, and hosts events like drag and fashion show fundraisers and movie nights year-round.
Support LGBTQ+
businesses like minimo, which sells and hosts queer-centric monthly gatherings, April to October.
The Oakland Pride Parade and Festival is a day full of support, sanctuary, resilience, and allyship celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride, Oakland shines a spotlight on queer businesses and artists with live music, performances, and a whole lot of love. Don’t miss the Pride Parade, which struts down Broadway in the morning. Keep the party going at the Pride Festival that follows. oaklandpride.org
The co-owner of minimo wines shares her tips for an ideal Oakland day
By Nicholas Boer
staycation
Doing The Town Right with Erin Coburn
FOOD AND DRINK
One of my favorite shops representing Oakland’s incredibly diverse and vibrant queer community is Alkali Rye, which has a fantastic selection of craft spirits. Like minimo, they make a point of featuring independent LGBTQ+ producers. My go-to dinner spot is Soba Ichi in West Oakland, which makes its own soba noodles and has an eclectic natural wine and sake selection.
ART
Oakland has a vibrant art scene. I especially love Pt.2 Gallery
Downtown –it’s a fantastic space showcasing diverse local artists. You’ll find me at their monthly exhibition openings! OMCA on Friday nights is so much fun. They have food trucks, music, and the galleries are open late.
OUTDOORS
When not working, I love being outdoors. I might be hiking in Redwood Regional Park, roller skating at Brooklyn Basin, or enjoying the sun on Jack London’s waterfront with a canned natural wine from the shop!
Oakland’s first LGBTQ cultural district, between Grand and Lakeshore avenues, is a hub for queer people and businesses, including The Sanctuary boutique, Slick & Dapper barbershop, and the Queer Arts Center. Jeffrey Myers, co-founder of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, helped spearhead this new district in 2023.
“It’s about making sure Oakland is seen by the world as a diverse, loving community,” says Myers. The community center offers support groups, a food pantry, and the Glenn Burke sexual health clinic— named for Major League Baseball’s first openly gay player, who was born in Oakland.
“No matter what age or background, you can come here and get help,” says Myers. He’s spent his life giving back—as a chaplain’s assistant in the military, a union vice president, and now a neurosurgical scrub nurse at UCSF. Today, Myers continues his work as an advocate for Oakland’s LGBTQ community, with plans for a rainbow-hued crosswalk for the district.
“[We want] to show somebody who’s coming from a place where they feel isolated that they have a home here in Oakland.”
Pride Parade (3)
For live music and Japanese cuisine, it has to be Yoshi’s. Celebrating 50 years in the Bay Area, this music venue and restaurant is renowned internationally for hosting top jazz acts. The award-winning, 310-seat space in Jack London Square has a state-of-the-art sound system for a premium music experience. Jazz reigns supreme, but Yoshi’s also showcases blues, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and comedy, with live music seven nights a week. At the restaurant, dine on traditional and fusion-style Japanese specialties. On weekdays, kick back in the lounge for happy hour. yoshis.com | G @yoshisoak | e @yoshis_oak | Ê @yoshisoakland
JACK LONDON DISTRICT
JACK LONDON SQUARE
Narrative Oakland
Discover the Bay Area’s premier vintage design collective. The expansive, 15,000-square-foot showroom is home to 40 of the Bay Area’s finest vintage vendors. Discover a thoughtfully curated selection of vintage treasures, handpicked by Narrative Oakland’s experienced buyers. Their mission is to source the most unique and timeless pieces from around the world, ensuring each item brings lasting beauty and sustainability to your home. The ever-evolving collection seamlessly blends eclectic art, objects, furniture, and home decor, creating a cohesive and inspiring experience. Open daily, 11am – 7 pm.
JACK LONDON SQUARE
Oakland Vintage Market
On Jefferson Street, shop one of the Bay Area’s top vintage markets on the first Saturday of every month, (10 am – 3 pm).
The family-friendly and pet-friendly Oakland Vintage Market features 50 local vintage vendors, offering a diverse selection of furniture, mid-century design pieces, art, pottery, records, clothing, jewelry, home decor, and ephemera. There’s two- and fourhour street parking nearby, as well as the Jack London Waterfront Parking Garage.
e @oaklandvintagemarket
LIVING HISTORY
Four ways to experience Black history in Oakland
BLACK PANTHER PARTY LEGACY CITY WALKING TOUR
Original BPP member Dr. Saturu Ned guides visitors through significant spots while sharing stories of the Party and its influence. bppaln.org
The Black Panther Party
BORN IN OAKLAND, THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY IS INDELIBLE TO THE CITY’S HISTORY AND COMMUNITIES.
BLACK LIBERATION WALKING TOUR
Experience West Oakland’s Hoover-Foster community, a center of Black culture and economic prosperity. Tours are led by Oakland natives. blwt.org
BLACK PANTHER PARTY MUSEUM
Explore exhibits highlighting Black Panther Party’s community work, including its establishment of free medical clinics. hueypnewtonfoundation. org/black-panther-partymuseum
1 2 3 4
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY AT OAKLAND
Peruse back issues of the BPP’s Commemorator and The Black Panther newspapers at this Downtown locale.
In 1966, political activists Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton met at Merritt College. Determined to stand against oppression experienced by the Black community, they organized a group of young African Americans to create the Black Panther Party. Part of the Black Power movement, the group initially focused on patrolling Black neighborhoods to protect the residents who lived there. But it evolved into a revolutionary, nationwide organization aimed at helping Black communities take control of their own destiny. With an ideology rooted in socialism, Black nationalism, and self-defense, the Black Panthers demanded guaranteed income and affordable housing, campaigned for prison reform, and registered voters. Women led many local chapters, which collectively offered over 65 Community Survival Programs focused on health, food, children, elders, and education.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Like Marcus Books, a local institution dedicated to books by and about Black people. marcusbooks.com
Forward Thinking
People
of Today Keeping the Black Panther Legacy Alive
By Brandy Collins
In 1966, Merritt college students Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale co-created the Black Panther Party, which laid a foundation for community organizing. This was not only for Oakland, but for millions of people worldwide. These community members carry on their legacy:
XAVIER BUCK, executive director of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, which preserves the history of the Black Panther Party. Buck also founded Oakland’s Black Panther Party Museum, opened in January 2024.
Sculptor DANA KING created West Oakland’s bronze bust of Huey P. Newton, making her rendering of the Black Panther’s co-founder bare shouldered to show that Huey was so much more than a symbol. He was human.
Did You Know?
The BAY AREA MURAL PROGRAM (BAMP) is the collective behind West Oakland’s ”Women of the Black Panther Party,” painted by Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith (she’s also the program’s creative director). This poignant artwork at the West Oakland Mural Project is the first public art installation dedicated to the women of the Black Panther Party.
70% of the Black Panthers’ members were women.
Marcus Books
Watch It
Cowboy, a documentary, chronicles the life of Wilbert “Cowboy” Freeman McAlister, the organization’s longtime president.
SADDLE UP
The long-running Oakland Black Cowboy Association gallops its way into the future
By Brandy Collins
Seeing a member of the Oakland Black Cowboy Association (OBCA) riding horseback through The Town’s streets often elicits awe from onlookers. Imagine, a person of color in a cowboy hat and wearing chaps and custom-made spurs, meandering West Oakland atop an Arabian beauty. But for the members themselves, it’s simply a way to spread the word to others about what cowboy culture means to Oakland, and beyond.
OBCA is a nonprofit that’s dedicated to the history of Black cowboys, which some historians believe made up as many as a third of cowboys during westward expansion. The organization has been a part of the Oakland fabric for 50 years, and counting.
“[Our] goal is to educate people about the world of the black cowboy, and the role they and other pioneering men and women of color played in settling the West of America,” says Joseph Jackson, OBCA board secretary and administrator. “We’re always asking, how do we do something that will not only impact the organization, but our community?”
Jackson believes that teaching local residents equestrian skills has made a positive impact on Oakland residents, including engaging students with special needs. Of course, sharing the role of Black cowboys in settling the American West is also eye-opening.
In 2024, OBCA celebrated the 50th anniversary of its annual parade and festival, which honors Oakland’s history in cowboy culture. It’s also a day to remember the largely forgotten history of the Black cowboy.
OBCA’s future goals include expanding on local partnerships, plus the many ways that OBCA influences and impacts Oakland at large.
“We’re a private organization that is unique to the cowboys, but we’re not anything without the community,” says Jackson.
It’s All Neighborhood ABOUT THE
Neighborhoods are at the heart of Oakland’s vibrant diversity, each one brimming with personality and contributing to The Town’s one unique whole. Their standalone vibes attract visitors and local residents alike. From cultural offerings to diverse cuisine, there’s so much here awaiting your discovery.
THE MARKET BASE
West Oakland’s 12,000-square-foot Prescott Market Hall brings together eight food and beverage vendors—including a taproom by Alamedabased Almanac Beer Co.—in an expansive space that was once a manufacturing center.
OPENINGS
Two can’t-miss spots recently opened in Oakland’s beloved Jack London Square. The Salty Pearl serves up waterfront fare such as barbecued oysters and lobster rolls. Kuidaore Handroll Bar offers a modern twist on traditional temaki rolls, using sustainable seafood to boot. Also new: Jaji Uptown, a concept from the makers of Parche
MARTIAL ARTS MASTER
In 1964, martial artist (and later, movie icon) Bruce Lee founded a martial arts studio at Temescal’s Broadway and Garnet streets. The intersection now bears the name “Bruce Lee Way.”
Eco Arts
West Oakland’s O2 Artisans Aggregate features a collective of makers who are developing environmentally progressive projects, such as handmade soba noodles milled on-site.
Play Ball
Thanks to a $1.6 million renovation, West Oakland’s historic Raimondi Park became home field for the Oakland Ballers, The Town’s Pioneer League baseball team. Read more on page 33.
Temescal
Stretching along Telegraph Avenue between 40th and 51st streets, Temescal is packed with flavor.
It may be one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, but these days Temescal is best known for its food scene. We’re talking fresh Italian fare at family-owned Pizzaiolo, plates of stewed lentils served with spongy injera bread at Asmara Restaurant, an Ethiopian mainstay, and Vietnamese tasting menus at Co Nam.
The community’s origins date back to the days of horse-drawn streetcar lines. The stables remain, but have been reimagined as Temescal Alley and Alley 49, two of The Town’s trendiest streets. Shop for vintage bangles and emerald starlight earrings at Esqueleto and sustainable fashion at Ali Golden Oakland, dine on artisan ice cream at Curbside Creamery, or load up on Mother Tongue Coffee espresso at The CRO Cafe
A PLACE TO RELISH
Temescal’s compact grocery Preserved specializes in the art of preserving and fermenting foods. Along with an artisan pantry sporting a selection of small-batch preserved items (think pickles and kimchi) and a shop selling fermentation supplies and yogurt starters—the store hosts workshops in everything from sourdough to dumpling making.
Eat It Up
Edible Excursions’ Temescal walking food tour showcases the neighborhood’s culinary diversity. Chow down on foods like caramelized French pastries and classic tofu soup.
Kono
Creativity and artistic expression rule in this part of town.
An acronym for Koreatown Northgate, KONO is an active arts community on Telegraph Avenue between 20th and 35th streets. With more than a dozen art venues—including Creative Growth Art Center and SLATE Contemporary Gallery—plus eye-catching murals, public art displays (like the mosaicked trash cans of local artist Juan Lopez), and vibrant nightlife, this neighborhood is thriving.
DATE NIGHT
With its couches, cocktails, and foods like Korean tacos delivered right to your seat, KONO’s New Parkway Theater is anything but ordinary.
“Pay what you want” Wednesdays make this cinema accessible to all.
Farm Fresh
YEAR-ROUND
Oakland First Fridays. On the first Friday of each month, galleries, artist collectives, street artists, performers, musicians, poets, and dancers come together at this free event in The Town’s KONO District.
Buy locally grown produce from Black and traditionally underserved farmers at Freedom Farmers’ Market on the second and fourth Saturday of the month (July-November).
Homeroom
KONO’s Kaiser mural by 333 Arts and David Cho
Temescal Alley
Temescal Telegraph
The Temescal Telegraph district is where cuisine, culture, and community meet. Fashion forward yet community oriented, Temescal’s influence on The Town is undeniable. Home to more than 200 small and locally owned businesses, this district buzzes as a foodie and cocktail haven. There are currently seven Michelin-recognized chefs with restaurants in the district. Find good eats and sips at Burdell (named “Restaurant of the Year” by Food & Wine magazine), Tall Boy, Rose’s Taproom, Burma Superstar, Pizzaiolo, and more.
The area’s arts and culture scene is legendary. This neighborhood was the birthplace of the Black Panther Party. Check out the Temescal Roots Project, which pays homage to that history. Other can’t-miss spots include boutique shopping in Temescal Alley, the renowned East Bay Church of Religious Science, and the largest rooftop farm in California, stewarded by Deep Medicine Circle. Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Temescal Street Fair (July 12, 2025).
Uptown
Buzzing with a palpable energy, Uptown is a shopping, eating, and entertainment hub.
Start your day with a chocolate croissant at the artisan Sweet Bar Bakery; peruse the mixeduse Hive, a shopping, gathering, and living space; and visit the 3.5-acre rooftop park at Kaiser Center. Enjoy authentic Oaxacan at Agave Uptown. Head into night with a greyhound cocktail amid funky artworks at Cafe Van Kleef and endless dancing at QPOCowned Town Bar & Lounge. (Turn to page 8 for more LGBTQ+ spots.)
HELLO, DECO
The neon lights are bright on Broadway (and Telegraph) thanks to the glowing marquees of Fox and Paramount theaters. Catch a show or admire the gilded art deco interiors.
Chinatown
One of the oldest in the United States, Oakland’s Chinatown is packed with history.
First settled in the 1850s and evolved as a safe haven for Chinese immigrants following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Chinatown is the center of Oakland’s rich Asian community. Rather than flocks of tourists taking pictures outside tchotchke shops, expect family-run stores, phenomenal cuisine, and a hearty celebration of Asian arts and culture.
Taste your way between 8th and 10th streets and Franklin and Webster streets, including dim sum at Peony Seafood Restaurant, handpulled noodles at Shandong Restaurant, and Sobo Ramen’s black garlic ramen. Oakland
The Oakland Fortune Factory is the Bay Area’s oldest fortune cookie maker, using the same family recipe since the 1950s. Fun Fact
Asian Cultural Center hosts rotating exhibits on Asian arts and culture, or brush up on Asian literature in multiple languages at Oakland Public Library Asian Branch.
DOWNTOWN
Architectural gems, techie culture, and East Bay streetwear. Downtown has it all.
Downtown city center
MAKING SPACE
The free-to-use Oakland Community Hub is both a multiuse gathering venue (Oakland Community Space) and retail space (Uptown Market) for vendors from Oakland’s cultural markets.
Downtown Oakland is a cultural center: a blend of Victorians (Preservation Park), a National Historic Landmark (Rotunda Building), award-winning espresso (Awaken Cafe & Roasting and The Caffè by Mr. Espresso), all kinds of cuisine (Pintoh Thai and Sobre Mesa), a Certified B Corp streetwear brand (Oaklandish), and digital art where you can actually play the collection (The MADE).
THE ATHLETIC CLUB OAKLAND
At this Best of the East Bay category -winning sports bar, play pool and arcade games, nosh on pub grub, and catch your favorite team on one of 40 screens. Kids are welcome before 9 p.m.
The Tribune Tower
This 22-story building was home to the Oakland Tribune newspaper. Make a dinner reservation at Pierre Pierre, located on the first floor of the tower, for dishes that blend Creole and Southern flavors.
Cafe Van Kleef
Jack London District
For marina views and a pedestrian-friendly square, this is your place.
Oakland’s Jack London District is a fabulous waterfront space brimming with social gatherings, community events, and business commuters. The food here is fantastic (order the lobster roll at The Salty Pearl) and the entertainment venues extraordinary (don’t miss jazz performances and Japanese fare at Yoshi’s). Whether it’s bocce ball and bruschetta at plank, or live music and brisket at Everett & Jones BBQ,
there’s always something on offer.
Thanks to the area’s converted warehouses, several breweries have also set up shop here (see page 61 for more), though for an Old West vibe, historic Heinold’s saloon is a bonafide landmark. For a different kind of buzz, homegrown coffee shops (p. 59) like Timeless Coffee, Bicycle Coffee Company, and Peerless Coffee & Tea are all within walking distance.
Brooklyn Basin
This thriving new neighborhood transformed industrial land into a buzzy place to live, work, and recreate.
Adjacent to Jack London Square, this waterfront hub offers a growing selection of artisan shops and eateries, along with sweeping San Francisco Bay views. Take in the latter at Township Commons, a former shipping facility turned community park where events like monthly roller skating are par for the course. Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe from California Canoe & Kayak, grab a cuppa joe at the independently owned Zocalo Coffeehouse, or chow down on The Lumpia Company’s delicious Filipino dishes.
Can’t Miss Events
USS POTOMAC
Live music events, summer movie nights (Waterfront Flicks), a weekly makers and farmers market, and October’s annual DogFest
This “floating White House” once served as Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht. Book a cruise around the bay or a dockside tour.
Aerial of Jack London District
California Canoe & Kayak
Piedmont Avenue
Small but mighty: This compact stretch is full of shopping, eats, and architecture.
Not to be confused with the Berkeley neighborhood of the same name, Piedmont Avenue is a residential district in Northeast Oakland known for its main thoroughfare, as well as a wealth of manor houses and Craftsman-style homes.
True star power exists at Pomella, with its modern California-Middle Eastern fare, as well as the double Michelin-starred restaurant Commis. Or sip tropical tiki drinks at Kona Club
Enjoy a scheduled tour of the Julia Morgan-designed funeral home Chapel of the Chimes. Mountain View Cemetery’s “Millionaire’s Row” serves as final resting place for many Bay Area elites, and offers prime views of Downtown Oakland to boot.
A WOMAN’S WAY
Support over 20 women-owned businesses on Piedmont Avenue, including plants at Crimson Horticultural Rarities, clothing at Cotton Basics, jewelry at Philippa Roberts, and Twisted Sister Apothecary’s teas.
Rockridge
Packed with adorable bungalows, stellar restaurants, and cute boutiques, this quaint, tree-lined neighborhood is super walkable.
Come hungry: Order the Tavern Burger from Wood Tavern, burratatopped pizza at A16, ramen (with a side of karaoke) at Ramen Shop, shared plates at À Côté, spiced-fried chicken at Acre, and fine sips at Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop. Find a new read at Pegasus Books. For life essentials, try Atomic Garden and Maison d’Etre.
ROCKRIDGE MARKET HALL
Designed to resemble a European-style market, this specialty grocer has nine hyper-focused stations inside, selling everything from fresh produce and to choice butcher cuts and floral arrangements.
SOAK IT IN
For over four decades, Piedmont Springs has been attracting visitors with its private outdoor hot tubs, cedar-lined sauna, and massage services. Quiet and relaxing, it makes for an ideal afternoon getaway.
Pomella
Lake Merritt
A lake in the middle of the city? Yep!
Welcome to Oakland’s scenic gathering place.
Perfect for a picnic, a paddle, or a stroll, Lake Merritt is where people come to relax. Channel your “inner Venice” on a ride with Dolce Vita Gondola, catch a sunset from The Pergola at Lake Merritt, or stroll the three-mile path at dusk to see the Necklace of Lights—1920s-era lampposts and thousands of cafe lights—illuminate the water’s edge. Bring the whole family to Children’s Fairyland (p. 30). For lakeside dining and views, reserve a table at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill or Grand Lake Kitchen.
Did You Know?
Lake Merritt is a unique mixture of freshwater and saltwater that in 1870 became the country’s first official wildlife refuge.
Grand Lake
Adjacent to Lake Merritt, Grand Lake was made for exploring.
GRAND LAKE FARMERS MARKET
Saturdays, at Splash Pad Park, this year-round farmers market is the place to come for organic produce, flowers, and prepared goods (like dim sum), perfect for an impromptu picnic on the adjacent lawn.
Stay Nearby
For Your Info
Oakland Marriott City Center is a short BART ride away from Lake Merritt, so you can easily get to the Juneteenth festivities. For more places to stay, see page 74.
Grand Lake Theatre
The only thing that could pry eyes away from Lake Merritt is the glow of the architecturally stunning Grand Lake Theatre
Catch a film or simply marvel at its painted art deco interior.
WALDEN POND BOOKS
Oakland’s largest independent bookstore sells used, new, and rare books. Beloved shop dogs and titles by local authors are key at this institution.
The Gardens at Lake Merritt is home to some of the most important bonsai trees in the U.S. It’s entirely volunteer-run. Plus, admission is free!
Lake Merritt
Grand Lake Theatre
Chabot Space & Science Center
Montclair & Oakland Hills
Wilderness walks and manicured abodes are where it’s at in this area.
With some of the Bay Area’s most coveted real estate, the Montclair and Oakland Hills area’s storybook homes and winding, oak canopy-covered streets are a quaint departure from buzzy Downtown, but only a short drive away.
Montclair Village has all the charm of a European hamlet. For a slow Sunday morning, savor coffee at local favorite Highwire Coffee Roasters before browsing the year-round Montclair Village Farmers’ Market. Then, hit up Montclair Egg Shop—a community staple since 1974—for brunch. Kick back at Crogan’s, a friendly neighborhood bar. Head to Farmstead Cheeses and Wines for artisan fromage and vino. Date night? Consider Perle Wine Bar for caviar and champagne.
East Oakland
Stretching from Lake Merritt all the way to San Leandro, this region covers a lot of ground.
Perhaps the most wonderful thing about East Oakland is its overwhelming dedication and focus on supporting and empowering neighborhood residents. Take the Black Cultural Zone Collaborative Partners, which hosts regular panel discussions, workshops, and gatherings at Liberation Park, including Akoma Market (artisan market) and roller skating at Umoja Roller Skating Rink. There’s also East Oakland Collective, bringing critical resources to Oakland’s unhoused residents, and youth urban farm project Acta Non Verba, addressing food justice through things like community gardening and farm workshops.
SAY CHEESE
If selecting artisan cheeses and fine wines sounds right up your alley, head to Farmstead Cheeses and Wines This casual shop is anything but stuffy. The friendly staff can guide you in selecting the perfect wedge.
TRAILS GALORE
Oakland’s acres upon acres of rolling open space, forested trails, and abundant wildlife are completely unexpected. See where to find redwoods—yes, redwoods!—and more on page 28.
LAUREL DISTRICT
A quiet though fashionable residential area
Every August, this neighborhood hosts the Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival, seven blocks of global music, dance, food, and art. It’s free and fun for the whole family. Sip a spooky-themed pint on the outdoor patio at Ghost Town Brewing, after fueling up with an exceptional breakfast at Sequoia Diner. Here, freshly baked breads and sausages are made from scratch.
Jo’s Modern Thai
On the Menu
For dishes like drunken noodles with smoked brisket and a pork laab burger (an herby, tangy, meat salad of sorts), you don’t want to miss Jo’s Modern Thai, a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery.
The Laurel
This vibrant East Oakland neighborhood, located on MacArthur Boulevard between 35th and High, is home to many BIPOC- and women-owned small businesses. Flavors range from the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Jo’s Modern Thai to legendary spots like Everett and Jones BBQ and Crumble & Whisk. Take a mural walking tour to see more than 100 pieces of original street art and hear interviews with local artists. Don’t miss the 24th annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival (August 9, 2025), a celebration of culture and traditions from around the world, and the monthly Live In The Laurel concert series.
laureloakland.com | laurelstreetfair.com e G @laureloakland
Montclair Village
This bustling, family-friendly village is just minutes from downtown. Surrounded by redwoods. Montclair Village is the gateway to the Oakland Hills and East Bay parks system. Discover dozens of locally owned boutiques and eateries, serving international cuisine from falafels to Frenchinspired plates. Mark your calendars for the annual Montclair Restaurant Walk (May 2025), Montclair Beer, Wine & Music Festival (June 14, 2025), and Holiday Stroll (December 11, 2025).
montclairvillage.com G @montclairvillage e @montclair.village
WEST OAKLAND
Culture, comfort food, and the Black Panther Party: Get to know the “Harlem of the West.”
Old Oakland
With its main stretch on Washington and 9th streets, Old Oakland was once the city’s main downtown and urban center.
Home to brick-facade buildings and Victorians dating to the 1870s, this neighborhood offers an unusual glimpse into the past in an otherwise modern city. Don’t miss its popular Swan’s Market, built in 1917. Today it’s a community multi-use space with boutiques, businesses, and restaurants.
Try The Cook and Her Farmer for fresh oysters and gourmet grilled cheese, Annapurna Restaurant & Bar for Nepalese comfort food, and Cupcakin’ Bake Shop for mouthwatering desserts. Reopened in a new space following a fire at its West Oakland location, the James Beard Award-nominated (not to mention Michelin-recognized) Horn Barbecue serves up Texas-style smoked brisket, pulled pork, and hot links.
Local art incubator E14 Gallery showcases visual artists with deep ties and enormous love for The Town. Or, for cool lounge vibes, grab a drink (wine, whiskey, and cocktails) at District.
GLENVIEW
Get to know Dimond’s cute residential neighbor, with bungalows galore.
Comforting Eats
Head to 10th & Wood for “Po-Mi” sandwiches, a combo of po’boy and Vietnamese banh mi. Kowbird is all about fried chicken goodness. At the new Prescott Market Hall, swing by Woo Can Cook for Chinese-American eats from the owner’s own childhood (bacon fried rice, anyone?). Sample Indonesian meatballs and empanadas at the monthly Prescott Night Market, May-October.
Mingle with locals over buttery vanilla-orange French toast at Blackberry Bistro. Later, wander toward the historic Leimert Bridge (check out the Bay views!) and reward yourself with Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar’s hearty Italian fare. Another option: pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) and empanadas, alongside a cold brew, at Paulista Brazilian Kitchen & Taproom.
Paulista
The Cook and Her Farmer
Prescott Market Hall rendering
Woo Can Cook
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 multigenerational Mexican Americans.
Head to Fruitvale Public Market for Latin American flavors.
Embark on a self-guided taco 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 Fruitvale is also a great spot to try some less familiar foods. With the goal of reclaiming (and educating) Indigenous foodways, James
Stay Nearby
¡Fiesta!
Fruitvale’s popular Día de los Muertos Festival takes place annually in early November.
Beard Award-nominated chef Crystal Wahpepah (Wahpepah’s Kitchen) is introducing eaters to the healthy and delicious benefits of Native, sustainable foods.
For multimedia exhibits on California and Oakland history, check out the Peralta House Museum. Cruise over to neighboring Jingletown to see colorful murals and mosaics along Rue de Merde, then sip wine at Côte West tasting room. Don’t miss the Indigenous Red Market, a semi-monthly event featuring Indigenous artists, food purveyors, designers, and entrepreneurs.
Book a room at Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport, and Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites. Turn to page 74 for more accommodations.
Airport District
Catch a flight or tee off.
OAK Airport (OAK) is front and center in this aptly named district. For aviation history—including Amelia Earhart’s use of the airport’s runway in 1937 in her attempt to circumnavigate the globe—check out the district’s Oakland Aviation Museum. Located in a 1939 hangar, the museum offers cockpit tours and flight simulators. And if you brought your clubs with you, watch the planes as you tee off at Metropolitan Golf Links
DIMOND DISTRICT
Nestled at the base of the Oakland Hills, the Dimond District is an extension of Fruitvale—but with European vibes.
German immigrants settled this neighborhood in the early 1900s and referred to it as “Little Germany,” though Oakland’s Latin community has since adopted it. Today, you’ll find taquerias and murals (like Dimond’s Hidden Jewels on Farmer Joe’s wall) intertwined with urban green spaces and parks. Stop into natural grocer Farmer Joe’s Marketplace or local fave La Farine bakery to pick up provisions for picnicking at Dimond Park. After that, hike along Sausal Creek on the Dimond Canyon Trail (leashed dogs are welcome!). Then, tuck into a Michelin Bib Gourmand meal at Bombera for seasonal Californian-Mexican fare.
Steins, brats,
and
Cutural Market
Visit Fruitvale’s Indigenous Red Market, a semi-monthly event featuring Indigenous artists, food purveyors, designers, and entrepreneurs at the Native American Health Center.
Metropolitan Golf Links
Oakland Aviation Museum
Oaktoberfest
beers,
lederhosen: It’s all here at Oakland’s own Bavarian classic in the Dimond District.
Experience Fruitvale
Come for the food, stay for the Latin culture.
Fruitvale is a diverse, ever-evolving neighborhood that serves as the epicenter of Latin culture in Oakland. With more than 300 businesses, it offers authentic Latin American cuisine from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and beyond. Visitors can enjoy fruit carts, paleteros, handmade tortillas, pan dulce, homemade ice creams—but most importantly, they’ll discover a true cultural experience. Welcome to Fruitvale!
Los Cocos Salvadoran Restaurant
This simple, authentic eatery serves many Salvadoran staples, but is best known for its variety of freshly made pupusas. Inthe-know locals have been coming here since 1991.
e @loscocos510
La Gran Chiquita Taqueria
For authentic Mexican food from Mexico City and surrounding states—house specialties include barbacoa, chamorros en carnitas, mole poblano, quesadillas y gorditas.
e @la_gran_chiquita
Bakery El Sol
Since 2008, this family-owned bakery has been delighting the community with fresh-baked goods, from pan dulce and tres leches to customized cakes for any celebration. Conveniently located across from Fruitvale BART.
e @bakeryelsol
El Huarache Azteca
Aztec murals and symbols of Mexican heritage abound, immersing diners in the culture and history of Mexico as they enjoy authentic dishes made with ancestral ingredients like corn masa, huitlacoche, and nopal huaraches.
elhuaracheaztec.com e @elhuaracheazteca_
Obelisco Restaurant
Just a few steps from the Fruitvale BART Station, Obelisco serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes. Try the housemade mole or the vegan, pork, or chicken pozole made from fresh ingredients.
obeliscorestaurant.com e @obeliscorestaurant_
Otaez
This is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Oakland. Come enjoy a combination platter with a margarita, or ask for the daily special, such as carne en su jugo, with a refreshing agua fresca.
otaezrestaurant.com e @otaez_oakland
Meika Ejiasi Photography
Oakland Hikes
Did you know that just a 20-minute drive from Downtown puts you in the heart of towering redwoods and gnarled old oaks? Oakland’s wooded hills offer a respite from The Town’s urban energy. With several thousands of acres to roam, all you have to do is choose your trail and go.
Stay Nearby
To be close to Oakland’s hiking trails and hillside views, book a room at Claremont Resort & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel
Joaquin Miller Park
TRAIL MIX
French Trail, Tres Sendas, and Stream Trail Loop
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
This loop trail features peaceful redwood groves for a quiet walk through the woods. Go counterclockwise along the trail, starting at the West Ridge Trail to French Trail, to hit your elevation gain early.
Leona Trail
Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve
Bask in the shade of bay laurel canopy and the sounds of Sausal Creek— there’s even a redwood grove just up the creek. Each spring, the trails are covered with wildflower blooms.
Lower Huckleberry and Upper Huckleberry Loop Trail
Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
With plant species found nowhere else in the East Bay, this spot is an ecological gem.
Sunset, Sequoia Bay View, Big Trees, and Sunset Loop
Joaquin Miller Park
This path travels past sunny hillsides, oak-laden woodlands, quiet redwood groves, and lush creeks and meadows. Tip: This is a popular loop, so consider a weekday visit or early morning weekend trek. The park is home to more than 200 plant species, including the rare Oakland star tulip. Visit during spring for your chance to see this elusive bloom.
staycation
Rue Mapp’s Tips for an Outdoorsy Town Stay
DO
The Founder & CEO of Outdoor Afro shares her itinerary.
By Laura Kiniry
I’m a huge fan of Joaquin Miller Park. For me, it’s a place of beauty, joy, and easy connectedness to nature. A lesser known alternative is the Morcom Rose Garden—perfect for a romantic picnic.
EAT
I love visiting Town Fare inside OMCA, where Oakland native Michele
McQueen whips up delicious Southern cuisine within a mid-century space overlooking the museum gardens. Definitely order the fried chicken! Another favorite is Uptown’s Drake’s Dealership, a restaurant/beer garden designed from a historic car showroom. It’s ideal for wood-fired pizzas and frosty pints during summer.
Walk and Talk
Meet L. Autumn King, host of KTOP’s “Trail Chats”
By LeeAnne Jones
TOVERNIGHT
The Kissel Uptown offers effortless luxury, proximity to the Oakland jewel of Lake Merritt, and many nearby dining options, including Drake’s. In the morning, head to Sweet Bar Bakery for the delicious assortment of sweet to savory treats.
Ways to Play Outside
1. Swim, fish, bike, or hike at Temescal Regional Recreation Area
2. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from California Canoe & Kayak and peruse the Oakland Estuary or San Francisco Bay.
3. Take the three-mile loop hike at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve and look for grazing cattle on the hillsides.
4. Stop and smell the roses (April through October) at the eight-acre Morcom Rose Garden in Grand Lake.
5. Stroll paved walking paths around the San Leandro Bay marshland at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline
6. Rent bikes from Bay Wheels and take a ride across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on the Bay Bridge Trail.
hey say never meet your heroes. But L. Autumn King recommends hiking with them. By day, King is the director of marketing, communications, and visitor experience at Oakland Museum of California. By night, she’s on TV and YouTube as the host of KTOP’s “Trail Chats.”
The hiking enthusiast pitched the walk-and-talk concept in part to learn more about her leader “crushes,” people she’s seen during her time (17 years and counting) working in local nonprofit and government roles. “I love watching people be good at what they do, and I love hearing the stories people share when they’re passionate,” she says. The program gives viewers a peek into the minds and hearts of community leaders— discussing both their work and how they rest and rejuvenate. Among the initial guests are Cathy Adams of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce and Edreece Arghandiwal of the Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club.
“I find nature to be healing,” says King. “And there is something about sharing that with people while they’re sharing their stories—it’s a little magical to me.”
“I find nature to be healing. And there is something about sharing that with people while they’re sharing their stories—it’s a little magical to me.”–L. Autumn King
Morcom Rose Garden
TREE DWELLER
Fluffy, playful, and oh-so-curious, Quercus is Fairyland’s nonbinary mascot: a mythical green creature that represents not just the theme park, but also Oakland as a whole. Quercus resides in a large oak tree (an Oakland symbol) above the park’s Emerald City Stage, and sports a tail, ears, and wings that mimic the shape of oak leaves. Quercus is always listening, so ask them a question. They love sharing what they’ve learned.
These can’t-miss Oakland attractions are fun for the whole family.
FOR THE AGES
1. CHILDREN’S FAIRYLAND
For three-quarters of a century, one of America’s earliest theme parks has been encouraging kids to engage with their imaginations. Now the place that inspired Walt Disney and Disneyland is celebrating 75 years, and going to great efforts to update itself in ways that will reflect the diverse community that surrounds it. “Fairyland has always just been deeply rooted in Oakland as a center of creativity,” says Maria Rodriguez, Fairyland’s Puppet Theater Manager. “However, these days it seems that kids are really struggling with the type of play where you can just sit and make believe for hours.” This is where Fairyland comes in. The whole park encourages that type of enjoyment, where kids can pretend to be Captain Hook on a Peter Pan-themed pirate ship, or wander through the twisting and turning Alice in Wonderland Tunnel, living out their own magical adventures.
Although the park’s puppet theater has been a Fairyland favorite since premiering in 1956, its productions have typically centered on European folktales like those from Germany’s Brothers Grimm, as well as stories from India, China, and Italy. "But recently, when we took a map of the world and dotted the areas that we’ve covered," says Rodriguez, "we noticed some major holes.” So Rodriguez and her fellow puppeteers decided to do something about it.
This year, the theater will be debuting “What Makes a King,” a show based on a Maya folktale, and “Tio Conejo’s Big Wish,” Fairyland’s first fully bilingual show. “I wanted to do a story from Cuba,” says Rodriguez, “because that’s where my father’s from.”
For many local kids, it will be their first opportunity to see themselves in the characters that are on the stage.
Above: Puppeteer Maria Rodriguez getting ready to perform with Quercus for Oakland’s Magic Kitchen
Stop by the gift shop and buy a key to “unlock” classic fairy tales from audio story boxes throughout the park.
Children's Fairyland Storybook Puppet Theater
2.
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
There’s so much to love about the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). Not only is it a recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service—the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant contributions to their communities—but the seven-acre campus also hosts a multidisciplinary collection of art, history, and natural science that’s interactive, educational, and incredibly enlightening. One minute you’re learning about California’s prime avian location along the Pacific Flyway, the next you’re exploring the history of the state’s Black Power movements.
From April through October the museum also hosts Friday Nights at OMCA, a free evening block party that welcomes guests with everything from Off the Grid food trucks to live Afrobeat performances, turf dance battles, and lawn games. While the lineup changes weekly, you can always expect plenty of hands-on activities like wire sculpting and live figure drawing. Of course, the galleries are open, too.
Look for an exhibit highlighting "75 Years of Fairyland" this winter.
BETTER HEALTH
Go behind the scenes at the Oakland Zoo with its Veterinary Hospital Tours. Small groups of up to 15 visitors embark on this exclusive-access visit, which highlights an on-site laboratory and pharmacy, and radiology and surgical suites that can accommodate wildlife as small as a blue-bellied roller or as large as a Siberian tiger. Tours take place on select Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round, beginning at 10 a.m.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Get a deeper understanding of OMCA’s artworks, artifacts, and stories through its Gallery Chats, an opportunity for visitors to ask questions of and connect with museum facilitators in a more in-depth and meaningful way. Gallery Chats occur on-site weekly on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m., and during Friday Nights at OMCA.
3.
OAKLAND ZOO
Whether it’s watching zebras roam in the zoo’s African Savannah, or learning the stories of the Golden State through the condors and grizzlies that reside along its California Trail, there’s plenty to see, do, and experience at this more-than-century-old nonprofit. But the Oakland Zoo’s dedication to animal rescue, welfare, and conservation is equally as impressive. Over the years, the organization has provided sanctuary for wildlife such as lions and macaws that have been illegally procured as pets, and assisted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the rescue of confiscated invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals, caring for them until they can find a forever home.
In 2013, the zoo launched a Bay Area Cougar Action Team (BACAT) to help treat mountain lions for illness and injury. In the years since, BACAT has rescued 27 of these felines. This includes Briar, a four-week-old orphaned cub that was found in El Dorado County last summer. The zoo is committed to assuring Oakland’s resident black-crowned night herons have a place to thrive, and outbreeding North American bison so that they can repopulate and increase the biodiversity of Blackfeet tribal lands. It’s in this type of behind-the-scenes work that the zoo truly comes alive.
WANT TO TAKE A PIECE OF THE OAKLAND ZOO HOME WITH YOU?
The zoo’s staff members issue complimentary trading cards featuring its own wildlife inhabitants. Collect them after Keeper Talks, at special events, or simply by asking for one. The cards rotate monthly, so there’s always something new.
OMCA
4.
CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
For well over a century, Oakland’s Chabot Space & Science Center has been educating the public about the cosmos, from its constellations to sunspots caused by magnetic fields. In just one day, visitors can witness an aurora storm in the center’s full-dome planetarium, play with light-bending lenses in its Astrolight exhibition, and view stars and distant galaxies through Chabot’s three large-scale telescopes— Rachel, Leah, and Nellie—for free, every Friday and Saturday night.
In 2021, Chabot also opened its NASA Ames Visitor Center, a handson space where kids and adults alike can engage in the thrilling, challenging, and inspiring process of scientific discovery through real-life NASA tales. Here, you can try a hand at designing, building, and testing a robot for space exploration, or marvel at an eightfoot-tall replica of NASA’s VIPER Rover, originally built to search out water ice (which could then be converted to rocket fuel) on the moon. Also on display, spacesuits from the Mercury and Gemini missions, both predecessors to Apollo.
SIPPING SCIENCE
Chabot’s Sip Series shines the spotlight on adults 21 and over looking to pair a drink or two with a fun activity that keeps astronomy as its focus. Head out on a hike for a sunset trek through the redwoods, followed by a bit of stargazing, or opt for a painting workshop exploring themes like the Orion Nebula. A bit of imbibing keeps the vibe extra casual.
Chabot Space And Science Center
Chabot Space & Science Center NASA Experience
Teams Home FOR THE Root
By Ethan Fletcher
Scrappy, the Rally Possum, Raimondi Park, West Oakland
Exciting sports options abound in Oakland. The newest addition to the scene, the Oakland Ballers, made its debut at West Oakland’s Raimondi Park. This scrappy, independent league baseball team’s inaugural season was a rousing success, keeping crowds entertained with an affordable, family-friendly activity and fun events like Star Wars Night and Dia de los Ballers.
Equally exciting is the news that the Oakland Roots are returning to Oakland proper. The dynamic USL soccer club has captured The Town’s heart since launching in 2019—this despite the lack of a permanent local home and playing in Hayward the last two years. The Roots finalized plans to play their 2025 season in the Coliseum, the former home of the A’s. The club also announced the building of an interim 10,000-seat stadium next door to serve as a stable home base for at least ten years starting in 2026. Sharing those grounds will be the Roots’ sister club, the Oakland Soul, a women’s team that will play at Merritt College in the one-year interim.
Speaking of up-and-coming teams, did you know that Oakland is home to one of the most successful teams in Ultimate Frisbee Association history? Check out the high-flying disc action of the former back-to-back UFA champ Spiders at Fremont High School. And if you’ve followed Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese into the women’s hoops craze, you’ll know about the Golden State Valkyries. The new WNBA team will play home games in San Francisco but has strong ties to Oakland, where its practice facility and front office is located. Finally, all basketball fans should mark down Feb. 12–16: That’s when the Warriors host the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, with signature events set to take place at the Oakland Arena among other Bay Area locations.
staycation
Edreece Arghandiwal shares his tips on enjoying The Town.
By Ethan Fletcher
DINE:
The co-founder and chief marketing officer of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer clubs highlights a sporty day in Oakland
I love Sea Wolf down near Jack London Square. It has an intimate vibe and experience: It feels like a dive bar but with a bit more modern interior. It’s a great place to catch a game any weekday or weekend. Plus it’s family friendly and has a wide variety of food options.
DO:
I think something a lot of people undervalue is that Oakland has some of the most beautiful natural areas. One of my core memories as a child and something I still do as an adult is to go up to Redwood Regional Park for a hike. It is so beautiful there, it’s almost like you’re transported to Yosemite— and it’s right here in our backyard. I used to play semiprofessional soccer, so one of my other favorite things is to play pickup soccer at any Oakland park. Some great places to find a game
WORLD CUP 2026
Stay in Oakland
Come 2026, all eyes will be on North America as it hosts the quadrennial FIFA World Cup, in which 48 of the world’s top men’s soccer teams compete for the ultimate championship. With six matches occurring at the Bay Area’s Levi’s Stadium, Oakland makes the perfect overnight base. Book early!
are San Antonio Park, Cesar Chavez Field in Fruitvale, or Raimondi Park
SLEEP:
One of the cool newer places is the Moxy. It has a modern twist with tiki vibes, the rooms are amazing, and it has such a great Downtown connection. It’s also really walkable: Especially on a First Friday, you can just pop out and experience that great scene, and then come back for drinks and listen to local music in the lobby.
WAKE UP:
I live Downtown, so for me, an amazing spot is Caffè by Mr. Espresso. It has a bit of a more European feel and does collaborations with local chefs, and the drinks are highly unique. And of course, it’s owned by Mr. Espresso, a longstanding Oakland institution.
Levi’s Stadium
THE PL A CETO
How the Oakland Ballers went from a crazy idea to baseball reality.
For Oakland Ballers’ founders Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel, the impetus to start a new independent league baseball team in Oakland–from scratch (in less than a year) started with a five-word text from Freedman: “I have a crazy idea.” But really, the spark ignited decades prior through their teenage summers spent together, watching the Oakland A’s play and leading to a lifelong friendship and love of baseball. Now in their mid-forties, the two hated the idea of their kids—and all of Oakland—not having the same opportunity with the A’s leaving town. What followed was a whirlwind nine months in which Freedman and Carmel raised millions of dollars, rallied city approval, assembled a full roster and staff, and oversaw the formation of a new stadium in West Oakland’s historic Raimondi Park— just in time for the team’s sold-out home opener on June 4, 2024. Since then, the Ballers have steadily captured the imagination of the city, drawing thousands for what has proved a tough but ultimately successful first season, both on and off the field. Crazy, indeed.
Triple Play
The independent league Oakland Ballers offer a proven pathway to the pros.
By Ethan Fletcher
The name “Pioneer League” inspires images of prairies and wagons more than it does big-city baseball. But suiting up for the independent league Oakland Ballers has been a valuable stepping stone on the road to baseball’s big time for three players who signed pro contracts with major league outfits in 2024. Danny Kirwin was the first to make the move, when the Boston Red Sox purchased the right hander’s contract and assigned him to its minor league system. Soon after, the Chicago White Sox followed suit by signing Tyler Davis, an intriguing two-way player who excels at both pitching and hitting. A week later, acrossthe-Bay neighbor San Francisco Giants got into the action by snapping up the Ballers’ towering 6’5” fireballer Elijah Pleasants And while Oakland Ballers team officials were sorry to see the players go, the club views each signing as validation of its scouting talent and proof that the Pioneer League is a valuable feeder system for major league success. It’s also a positive for the city of Oakland: the Ballers donated a portion of the proceeds from each player’s sale to local charities. Win-win!
From left to right: Mistah F.A.B., Bryan Carmel, Paul Freedman, Kelsie Whitmore
From left to right: Brett Carson, Daunte Stuart and Noah Martinez
Celebrating 75 years years of family fun!
Children’s Fairyland
Celebrating its diamond anniversary in 2025, Children’s Fairyland is America’s oldest storybook theme park. Renowned for stimulating children’s imaginations and creativity, Fairyland features live performances, hands-on activities, seasonal events, cultural celebrations, and educational entertainment, plus slides, rides, and storybook sets for kids ages 0 to 8. With daily performances, Fairyland’s Storybook Puppet Theater is the longest-running puppet theater in the country with over 150 mesmerizing puppet shows in rotation.
Fairyland is a beloved Bay Area treasure, an iconic landmark, and an Oakland oasis where learning, playing, green spaces, community investment, and family fun come together to make magic for generations.
fairyland.org e @fairylandca | G @childrensfairyland
LAKE MERRITT
Oakland Ballers
The Oakland Ballers are Oakland’s baseball team playing at the historic Raimondi Park in the heart of West Oakland. They enter their second season eyeing another playoff run while celebrating The Town all summer long.
oaklandballers.com, tickets.oaklandballers.com e @oakland.ballers | G @oaklandbaseballballers @oaklandballers
Dolce Vita Gondola
Dolce Vita Gondola brings the magic of Venice to Oakland. Take in the sights and atmosphere of the city on a romantic cruise on Lake Merritt. Sunset cruises, festive group tours, and event space rentals are available; cruises depart from Dolce Vita Gondola’s private dock at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill.
dolcevitagondola.com | G e @dolcevitagondola
EAST OAKLAND
Oakland Roots Sports Club
Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club is a purpose-driven professional soccer organization rooted in Oakland’s culture and community. In 2025, the Oakland Roots will play at the Oakland Coliseum, marking an exciting new chapter for the team. Oakland Soul, the club’s women’s team, plays at Merritt College, further enriching the local sports scene. Buy tickets at oaklandrootssc.com. oaklandrootssc.com
Ge Ê @oaklandsoulsc
GeÊ @oaklandroots @oaklandrootssc
WEST OAKLAND
LAKE MERRITT
Chabot Space & Science Center
Founded in 1883, Chabot Space & Science Center is Oakland’s home for science, with three research-grade telescopes, the NASA Ames Visitor Center, a 70-foot full-dome planetarium, exhibitions, and more. Chabot is set within the largest stand of coastal redwoods in the East Bay, making it a perfect day trip. chabotspace.org | Ge @chabotspace
The MADE
Discover the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The MADE), the Bay Area’s only playable video game history museum, open five days a week. Ignite creativity with free Saturday game design classes for kids ages 8-13.
themade.org G @themuseumofartanddigitalentertainment e @mademuseum | ú @themadeoak
Metropolitan Golf Links
Experience links-style golf at this 18-hole public golf course adjacent to Oakland International Airport. Metro features an all-grass driving range, short game practice area, and some of the finest public greens in the Bay Area. Banquet space is available—book a tour with the friendly and experienced Weddings and Events team at Fairview Metropolitan. Metropolitan Golf Links is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and a leader in environmental stewardship. playmetro.com | Ge @playmetro | Ge @fairview.metro
OAKLAND HILLS
OLD OAKLAND
AIRPORT DISTRICT
Oakland Museum of California
Discover OMCA, the Oakland Museum of California. This museum and gathering place in the heart of Oakland represents the legacy of California and its diverse communities. The Museum’s collection is presented in three core galleries: the Gallery of California Art, Gallery of California History, and Gallery of California Natural Sciences. A fourth gallery space, the Great Hall, houses major rotating exhibitions. Free and open to the public, the OMCA Garden features native plants and a lush green lawn perfect for play and picnics. Between April and October, locals and visitors gather to enjoy Friday Nights at OMCA with live music, hands-on activities, and local food trucks. Children ages 12 and younger always receive free admission to OMCA’s galleries and exhibits.
museumca.org | G @museumca | e @oaklandmuseumca
CHINATOWN
OAKLAND THE vibe
You’ll feel it as soon as you arrive. Oakland is alive with a palpable energy that celebrates the artists, creators, and innovators who call The Town home. From film and murals to music and dance, here’s how you can experience Oakland’s unique vibe.
HOLLYWOOD NORTH FILM
City officials, advocates, and entertainers push to ignite filmmaking in Oakland.
By Ethan Fletcher
oakland’s W. Kamau Bell is a Bay Area powerhouse. The stand-up comedian, author, and star—as well as executive producer—of the five-time Emmy Award-winning CNN docuseries United Shades of America, which ran for seven seasons, also happens to be an ACLU Artist Ambassador for racial justice. He has co-hosted thought-provoking podcasts, directed and produced a Peabody Awardwinning limited series, and uses his work to fight for social justice. Yet somehow it seems that this gatherer of great minds is only just getting started.
In fact, Bell is now one of the driving forces behind the East Bay Film Collective, a collaboration of city creatives, filmmakers dedicated to bringing filmmakers to Oakland and transforming The Town into a “Hollywood North” with their initiative #MakeItBay. Approached by the mayor last year, Bell helped assemble a dream team of community leaders like Pastor Michael McBride and Favianna Rodriguez alongside entertainment industry players with local ties—such as Boots Riley, Grace Porras, and Cheryl Dunye; the production company of Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, Dreams With Friends; and even Warriors star Stephen Curry via his multimedia company Unanimous Media—to come up with a plan to make Oakland a more film-friendly destination, and build a thriving film
community that revitalizes Oakland’s unique cultural and creative identity.
The results have been impressive. Legislation passed this summer would provide Oakland with the most competitive film incentives in California, contingent on adequate funding. Of particular note, Bell points to a provision that encourages productions to hire and train local residents, with an emphasis on those from underserved neighborhoods.
“It’s not just acting and camera work,” says Bell. “There are the people driving trucks, providing catering, building sets—a lot of those are union jobs. It’s good for the economy.”
Similar ventures have taken off in cities like Atlanta and San Antonio, even as Oakland’s close proximity and familiar state regulations hold natural appeal to Hollywood heavy hitters—as does the city’s varied landscape and diverse, creative population. Ultimately, #MakeitBay’s main goal is to revitalize the Bay Area’s cultural economy by supporting film and media production, while creating the jobs and training necessary for the next generation of local filmmakers to thrive.
“We want to give young people with talent an opportunity right here,” Bell says. “We to be part of an Oakland renaissance.”
You Oughta Be in Pictures
With Oakland ready for its close-up, here are four on-screen opportunities in which The Town has already shined.
Sorry to Bother You
Directed by The Town’s own Boots Riley, this sci-fi comedy offers an alternate reality of present-day Oakland. Look for Downtown’s Cathedral Building, recognizable in any universe.
Blindspotting
A powerful scene in this 2018 comedy-drama highlighting The Town occurs in Mountain View Cemetery Oaklanders Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs wrote, produced, and star.
Freaky Tales
Four interconnected stories set in 1987 Oakland. Grand Lake makes an appearance, as does Tom Hanks, who attended Skyline High. Oakland’s Ryan Fleck co-directs.
Fruitvale Station
Explores the brief life of Oscar Grant. Scenes were shot in and around the BART station, where Grant’s killing occurred in 2009. The Town’s Ryan Coogler directed.
Children’s Fairyland fairyland.org
Oakland Museum of California museumca.org
Town Fare by Michele McQueen (located in the OMCA) townfarecafe.com
A Great Good Place For Books ggpbooks.com Doña donaoakland.com
The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment themade.org
“
The city has always had a vibrant art scene and we want to give young people with talent an opportunity right here. We want to be part of an Oakland renaissance.”
—W. KAMAU BELL
MUSIC
SOUNDS OF THE TOWN
From blues to jazz to hyphy beats, Oakland’s live music scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself.
By LeeAnne Jones
Doing Concert Night Right
Hitting The Town for a show? Here are some recommendations for preand post-concert eats, drinks, and sleeps, so you can compose the perfect night out.
FOX THEATER + PARAMOUNT
THEATRE + NEW PARISH
Uptown Oakland boasts two elegantly restored former movie palaces—the Paramount and the Fox—plus the intimate New Parish nightclub. Neighborhood pre-concert eats incude standouts like the Colombian tapas at Parche and lamb cheeks at Mua
Extend your evening with some whiskey sips and jazz and soul on vinyl at Shiru. Or, opt for craft cocktails and bento boxes
at Night Heron before tucking in for the night at the boutique
Moxy Hotel
YOSHI’S
A renowned venue exists in West Oakland: Japanese jazz club Yoshi’s, where pre-show sushi is a must before live music.
Stay out post-show at Irish tavern Sláinte. Then check-in to the Oakland Marriott City Center with its Downtown-inspired decor.
OAKLAND ARENA + COLISEUM
These massive venues welcome nationally touring bands and musicians. Make your opening act pork shoulder or chicken tacos at Jack London Square’s NIDO’s Backyard, where margaritas and sangria are also par for the course.
After the encore, head back to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, for a bit of relaxation and cozy beds for the night.
OAKLAND’S MUSICAL HISTORY
West Coast Blues
The blues came to California during the Great Migration (1910-1970), when Black Americans moved from the South to escape oppressive Jim Crow laws. They brought along unique sounds that collided with those in Oakland, creating a new, swingy genre called West Coast blues.
Seventh Street Touted as the “Harlem of the West,” postwar Seventh Street experienced an explosion of sound and creativity. Jazz clubs and music venues like Esther’s Orbit Room, Eli’s Mile High Club, and Slim Jenkins Supper Club hosted musical greats such as Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin. Despite
staycation
Art & Culture Picks from Oakland Symphony’s New Musical Director
Armstrong shares his artsy faves.
By LeeAnne Jones
these venues closing, the street’s musical legacy lives on.
Bay Area Hip-Hop
The Bay Area, specifically Oakland, created new takes on Bronx-born hip-hop and pumped out some of the greatest rappers and MCs of all time, including Too Short, MC Hammer, and Digital Underground. Today, the region’s distinct hip-hop sounds range from mobb music to the up-tempo hyphy movement, credited to Oakland’s Keak Da Sneak.
Walk of Fame
“The Music They Played on 7th Street: Oakland Walk of Fame” is a public installation of 150-plus plaques memorializing the performers, record companies, and more that called Seventh Street home.
Listen Up
Thanks to its rich history and eclectic sound, Oakland’s music scene is still booming today. Here’s where to go and what to listen to.
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music provides music education for people in urban areas, including classes in Black banjo and afterschool jazz for girls.
West Coast Blues Society
Dedicated to the preservation of blues, jazz, and gospel as a Black American art form, West Coast Blues Society plays all around The Town.
Oakland Symphony
While the Oakland Symphony plays traditional orchestral music, this long-running group also infuses performances with audience interaction and community collaborations.
EAT
Town Fare Café at OMCA is honestly some of the best food I’ve had in a museum. Go for the art, stay for the food—or vice-versa!
SEE
The streets of Oakland are like an art museum. The murals are stunning. I like Ode to Oakland on Mandela Parkway and Zero Hunger on the side of Oakland Marriott City Center.
HEAR
The BAM House recently hosted a play called Pac & Biggie Are Dead. I am just personally thrilled that there is a local Black theater that speaks to the community.
DRINK
I’m trying to, you know, give up caffeinated coffee at this point in my life. I’m a big chai person, and Delah Coffee has definitely one of my favorite chais in the city.
LOCAL VOICES
NICOLE STRANGE
General Manager, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, ASM Global
“Oakland is such a unique and special place. It’s vibrant, gritty, full of diversity, and has a great sense of pride. We take great pride in showcasing an events calendar that is just as diverse as the community we are a part of. There truly is something for everyone at Oakland Arena, and we are proud to be a place where friends and family come together to enjoy their favorite artist, family show, or sporting event.”
WHERE TO STAY
Oakland Marriott City Center
Stay at this classic Downtown standby and you’ll be within triangulated striking distance of much of the city’s impressive abundance of live music. That includes rock, indie, and hip-hop acts at the Fox, Paramount, and New Parish theaters in Uptown; internationally acclaimed jazz artists at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square; and stadium-filling headliners at the Coliseum and Oakland Arena, located just three stops away on BART.
WestCoast BluesSociety
Conductor Kedrick
OAKLAND BALLET
Enjoy innovative ballet at the art deco Paramount Theatre. This genre-spanning company reflects the East Bay’s diversity, with performances ranging from classical ballet to folklórico to street dance.
BANDALOOP
Watch in wonder as aerial dancers from BANDALOOP glide, leap, and flip across walls. As pioneers of vertical dance, these artists perform while suspended by nylon climbing ropes.
AXIS DANCE COMPANY
For expressive, thought-provoking movement that explores everything from the meaning of home to veterans’ issues, AXIS Dance Company is an inspiring troupe of disabled and nondisabled performers that reimagines what dance can be.
TURFINC
If you stroll the streets of Oakland long enough, you’ll spot turf dancing, a unique, born-in-Oakland style that combines graceful, balletic movements with abrupt, angular gestures like popping, tutting, and bone breaking. See the young dancers of TURFinc perform in Oakland and beyond.
DANCE
THE RHYTHM OF LIFE
Whether performing ballet or bustin’ moves, Oakland’s dancers leave audiences transfixed.
Oakland Ballet
A SPLASH OF COLOR
Vibrant murals, eclectic galleries, and inclusive community events— experience The Town’s creativity for yourself.
PUBLIC MURALS
Murals help visually tell Oakland’s story, celebrating everything from local history and social justice to The Town’s pride and spirit. The Bay Area Mural Program (BAMP) helps transform Oakland’s public spaces by beautifying them, and empowering viewers in the process. Check out Murals of Oakland (@muralsofoakland) on Instagram for details on a self-guided tour—but know that with more than 1,000 murals throughout the city, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Oakland Art Murmur and Black Liberation Walking Tour also have thoughtfully curated maps for your solo art sojourn.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK BY OAKLAND ART
MURMUR
This nonprofit artist collective celebrates diversity, creativity, and the power of art. On their monthly First Friday Art Walks, galleries and studios open
Did You Know?
All Accessible
Have trouble differentiating between shades of red and green? Not to worry. OMCA now offers visitors free-touse EnChroma glasses to help enhance color vision while perusing the exhibits. Pick them up at the museum’s ticketing desk.
their doors to the public and guests can chat with creators, learn about their work, and even take home an original piece. You can also visit Oakland’s art galleries on your own during a self-guided art district walk. Use Oakland Art Murmur’s maps to discover a collection of galleries in Downtown, Uptown, West Oakland, and Jack London Square. oaklandartmurmur.org
THE CRUCIBLE
The Crucible is the largest nonprofit industrial arts education facility in the U.S. Offering handson workshops in metalworking, blacksmithing, ceramics, glassblowing, and more, the complex also hosts the annual Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction—an evening of food, music, fiery displays, and one-of-a-kind works. Take a free tour of this 56,000-square-foot studio. thecrucible.org
Being originally from a big Mexican city where muralism is part of our architecture, I have always loved how Oakland has murals everywhere! They bring a sense of community into urban spaces and place art at the forefront of the public’s eye.”
CHAVA OROPESA Oakland-based food photographer known for creating colorful, bold images
LOCAL VOICES
LEVA ZAND
Oakland’s ARTogether founder shares her tips on finding your first work of art.
“Art is a universal language,” says Leva Zand, whose nonprofit ARTogether supports immigrant and refugee communities through creativity. “The expressions and emotions that come out in their works, even the artists themselves are amazed.”
When shopping for art, says Zand, “Set a budget first, and then start researching. Go to galleries and learn about the artists that you connect with.” If there’s a specific piece of art that interests you, “try and find out the story behind the work.”
For perusing art, Zand recommends the East Bay Open Studios, as well as Oakland Art Murmur. “It has a good directory for different venues and happenings.”
Oakland Dreams mural
Black Cultural Zone
The Black Cultural Zone is more than just a place—it’s a movement. As a symbol of Black excellence, this nonprofit is dedicated to empowering the community and celebrating heritage. Mark your calendars for annual celebrations like Black Love Month, Juneteenth, and the Sooo Chocolate Festival. Connect with leaders and residents at block parties, community meals, and outdoor skating sessions. Discover local artisans, enjoy live music at outdoor concerts, and participate in workshops that showcase Black talent. Be a part of shaping the future of the community through collaborative workshops and initiatives. Visit the Welcome Center (8321 International Boulevard) to learn more. The friendly staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you on your journey. While you’re here, support Black businesses! Shop the vibrant retail locations at 1955 Broadway and Liberation Park.
Liberation Park
Sooo Chocolate Festival
Community skating at Liberation Park
Akoma Grand Market
Black Joy Parade
Oakland Symphony
This season, the Oakland Symphony welcomes Music Director Kedrick Armstrong. Enjoy concerts that celebrate Oakland’s diverse cultures through music. You’ll hear harmony in the Community Chorus and you’ll see promise on the faces of the Youth Orchestra. This is the spirit of the Oakland Symphony.
oaklandsymphony.org Ge @oaksym
OAKLAND
Oakland
Theater Project
From re-imagined classics to innovative new plays, “the Bay Area’s most daring theater” (San Francisco Chronicle) produces exquisite theatrical experiences to explore human connection and inspire compassion with tickets starting at just $10.
oaklandtheaterproject.org | G @oaklandtheater e
Oakland’s Paramount Theatre is one of the finest remaining examples of art deco design in the United States. Restored to its original splendor, meticulously maintained, and fully upgraded to modern technical standards, today the Paramount Theatre is one of the Bay Area’s premier performing arts facilities. Along with hosting live music, comedy, and notable speakers, the Paramount Theatre is home of the Oakland Ballet and Oakland Symphony.
paramountoakland.org
Ge @oakparamount
DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN
OACC
Located in Chinatown, Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) offers arts, cultural, and social justice programming, like this performance by the Ishami Dance Company. The center also offers rental opportunities to the community, including a 4,300-square-foot auditorium, conference rooms, dance studio, and commercial kitchen.
oacc.cc G @oasianculturalctr | e @oaklandasiancc ú @oaklandasiancc290
Piedmont East Bay
Children’s Choir
PEBCC offers choral music classes (ages 5-18), music camps, a public concert series, and hosts the Golden Gate International Choral Festival, a week of public performances, competitions, and connections.
piedmontchoirs.org G @piedmonteastbaychildrenschoir | e @pebcc
Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
This historic arts and entertainment venue has more than 200,000 square feet of event space, on-site parking, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Merritt. From live music and theater to a birthday bash or company picnic, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts is Oakland’s gathering place.
hjkarts.com GeÊ @hjkcenterforarts
CHINATOWN
CHINATOWN
OAKLAND
The Arts in Oakland
For more on The Town’s galleries, museums, live music venues, and more, head to VisitOakland.com
Ramsess Art Garden
This urban oasis and event space is devoted to natural beauty and community, with a seasonally focused selection of interior and exterior plants, pieces from local artists, workshops, parties, and more.
ramsessartgarden.com e G @ramsessartgarden
Oakland Public
Conservatory of Music
The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC) provides world-class musical experiences through an array of diverse and affordable classes, concerts, seminars, and community celebrations. OPC’s programs celebrate, preserve, and extend the musical heritage of the people of Oakland.
opcmusic.org | e @mixmusic
UPTOWN
WEST OAKLAND
JESSICA SWANSON
StyledinOakland
DORIAN WEBB
OAKLAND
STYLE
Each October, the weeklong Oakland Style event celebrates The Town’s art, fashion, cuisine, music, and culture.
Turn to page 7 for more.
Authentically
Oakland
A percentage of sales from Oakland's Own apparel line goes to Fordtown Foundation, dedicated to empowering the local community.
Handcrafted jewelry made with semiprecious and precious stones, as well as sterling silver and 18K gold, is the name of the game at Webb’s Montclair studio. Schedule a time to view, try on, or discuss a custom piece. dorianwebb. com
ESQUELETO
Lauren Wolf opened her Temescal Alley shop to showcase her hand-cast creations. It's now a boutique for ethically sourced, handcrafted fine jewelry, goods, and wares from independent artists. shopesqueleto.com
LESLEY EVERS
Lesley Evers is known for incorporating fun, bright, and colorful fabrics into her joyful designs. Shop the made-in-Oakland collection at her Rockridge store. lesleyevers.com
Oakland's unique style is thanks to the creators and innovative risk takers who call The Town home. Here is just a sampling of the boutiques, designers, and trendsetters that make Oakland oneof-a-kind.
Necklaces by Esqueleto
Lesley Evers
TAYLOR JAY COLLECTION
Bay Area native Taylor Jay focuses on body positivity and using sustainably sourced materials in everyday essentials, like midi skirts and flare pants. Discover your best fit at their boutique on Broadway. taylorjaycollection.com
UREMBO ASILI
A bespoke blend of science and African ingredients, Urembo Asili (which means “natural beauty” in Kiswahili) skin care products are plant-based and cruelty-free. Find the company’s Oakland-made products online. uremboasili.com
SHOP SMALL
From Bohemian boutiques to horticultural havens, you’ll find the perfect item you never knew you needed.
Cultivate Your Own Vintage Shopping Experience
Fast fashion? Not in Oakland. Discover the thrill of the hunt in The Town’s vintage shops to curate your own style. There are dozens of vintage and consignment shops around Oakland, including these standouts:
Mercy Vintage (Rockridge) From quilted Chanel clutches to vintage Versace and ’60s sunglasses, this is the place to go for carefully sourced designer goods.
Down at Lulu’s (Temescal) Rock ’n’ roll-inspired pieces take center stage at one of The Town’s oldest vintage shops.
Narrative Oakland (Jack London Square) Discover unique finds at this design collective housing 50 vendors in a 15,000-square-foot showroom.
ReLove Oakland (Grand Lake District)
Peruse a thoughtfully curated mix of vintage, designer, and independent
Owned by two Oakland natives, Alkali Rye beverage shop has a well-curated selection of wine, beer, spirits, coffee, and teas, many of which are made by women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ producers. And in KONO, family-owned Bee Healthy Honey Shop specializes in the sweet stuff. Elsewhere, Grand Lake’s Oaktown Spice Shop offers fresh-from-the-source spices, herbs, and teas. If you need a little more greenery in your life, check out Uptown's Ramsess Art Garden, an oasis for lovers of plants, music, design, magic and art owned by California native (and resident plant whisperer) Malik Ramsess. Peruse local artisan goods and works by independent makers at Maker’s Loft Boutique and Bay-Made, or explore Block Community Hub, a free retail space for local market vendors. Snag a new vinyl at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records, specializing in punk, indie, and obscure labels. And to add a new look to your wardrobe, there’s Kosa Arts.
labels. Plus, browse ceramics from local artisans.
Sola Lucy (Montclair) Women- and Latina-owned, this long-running consignment shop features an ever-changing fashion selection.
Heads or Tails Collective (Piedmont Avenue) Shop an eclectic mix of colors and patterns, as well as pieces made by local artists.
Oakland Vintage Market (Jack London Square) Over 45 vintage vendors of all walks sell their wares, every first Saturday of the month.
5 Tips for Scoring the Perfect Find
1. Keep an open mind. Maybe you weren’t searching for a 1940s-inspired tweed coat—but if it’s speaking to you, listen!
2. Set a budget. And stick to it. It’s easy to get swept away in the racks, but adhering to your budget will keep you focused.
3. Flaws are OK. Don’t be dismayed if you find an imperfection on your item. Remember, it’s been gently used and loved.
4. Talk to the shop owners. They’re the experts! Ask questions about where pieces are sourced from. If you’re looking for something specific, they can probably point you in the right direction.
5. Don’t pass it up. If you spot an item you must have, don’t leave it behind. Chances are, it will be gone the next time you come in.
Second-hand shopping is sustainable shopping! Reuse, Reward
Dorian Webb
Oaktown Spice Shop
Oakland Vintage Market
The Block Community Hub, conveniently located right off the 19th Street BART stop, on the first floor of Uptown Station, includes Uptown Market and the Oakland Community Space. The Uptown Market provides a free retail space for local entrepreneurs and includes a food and beverage stall, and four retail spaces featuring rotating vendors. The 5,000-square-foot Community Space is a gathering place for community organizations to host board meetings, celebrations, education sessions, and more.
blockcommunityhub.com e @block.xyz
WEST OAKLAND Marcus
Books
Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Marcus Books is considered a national treasure. As the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstore, Marcus Books is a must-see space for those traveling to or through the Bay Area. This Oakland staple holds thousands of titles that span all genres, as well as art and gifts for book-lovers and beyond.
marcusbooks.com eG @marcusbooks
Culinary
Michelin and James Beard recognized restaurants
akland encompasses just 78 square miles, but within its borders, your taste buds can travel the world. The city’s skilled flavor makers take their inspiration from places near and far—from Asia to Africa, from California to the American South. Of course, local culinary superstars do things Oakland style, putting a fresh spin on honored traditions. Here’s just a sampling of what’s on the menu in The Town.
#1 Best Food City in the US by Condé
By Kimberly Olson
Commis
Nast Traveler readers
food & drink
CHINESE
For authentic Sichuan- and Hunan-style cuisine, head to Michelin Guide-recommended Chuan Yu, located on the second floor of Pacific Renaissance Plaza. Start with a cilantro yuba salad, then try the crowd-pleasing Chongqing fish filet in chili oil. Chuan Yu shares a space with Sakura Bistro, a bonus if you’re with someone who’s craving sushi.
OTHERS TO TRY
Huangcheng Noodle House whips up dishes like fresh, knife-shaved noodles flavored with minced pork and eggplant sauce or beef sirloin and tomato sauce. For warm, flavorful soup dumplings, try Dumpling Hours. After hours, wind down with a no-frills bite at New Gold Medal, open until 3 a.m. (except on Tuesdays).
staycation
The Former Top Chef Star Shares His Oakland Favorites for Food and Culture
By Nicholas Boer
MEAL
Tay Ho is where my wife and I had our first date. It’s an institution for rice crepes, with bánh cuôn available only when the matriarchs make them to order at lunch.
NEIGHBORHOOD
In Brooklyn Basin, The Lumpia Company’s Alex Retodo, dubbed Oakland’s King of Lumpia, creates modern twists including the bacon cheeseburger lumpia. Also, the Basin’s Oaklandish offers wearable merch that captures the spirit and pride of Oakland.
ACTIVITY
Huangcheng Noodle House at Swan’s Market
JAPANESE
Buckle up, sushi lovers. Mujiri serves authentic Japanese sushi with a revolving selection of quality fish (at reasonable prices), imported from Japan and elsewhere. Locals love the Edomae-style nigiri combo— seven pieces of fish with a maki (roll)— paired with sake or a Japanese lager. Finish your meal with yuzu or matcha cheesecake.
MORE FROM THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN: For flavor-packed ramen, check out Marufuku Ramen or Mensho. For memorable yakitori (grilled chicken) skewers, head to Tada Ramen and Yakitori.
Look for Lake Merritt’s legendary free performances from local heroes like E-40, Goapele, Too Short, and Mistah F.A.B. The art deco Caribbean restaurant Sobre Mesa by Top Chef alum Nelson German has the best cocktails, period.
SWEETS
Bake Sum creates innovative Asian-inspired pastries such as Croissubu, a must-try cross between musubi and a croissant.
Tu David Phu: chef, author, filmmaker, Oakland native.
Sobre Mesa
NATIVE AMERICAN
At Wahpepah’s Kitchen, Kickapoo chef Crystal Wahpepah—a 2022 James Beard Emerging Chef semifinalist—serves Indigenous fare like blueberry-infused meatballs and smoked squash tacos. (Wahpepah was the first Native chef to appear on the Food Network show Chopped.) Everything is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you’re celebrating a birthday, book several days ahead to request an Indigenous Berry Cake.
NEW AMERICAN
At Commis, chef James Syhabout, an Oakland native, delights diners with innovative New American-, Thai-, and Lao-inspired creations. This fine dining restaurant, known for its legendary tasting menus, is a celebration of flavors, textures, and aesthetics. Commis, whose cuisine is matched by its extensive yet well-curated wine list, has consistently garnered two Michelin stars.
MORE TO EXPLORE
At Almond and Oak, Oakland native Chef Rico Rivera (who trained at the Culinary Institute of America) serves seasonal California New American dishes in an airy dining space with high ceilings, exposed brick, and greenery. If you’re gluten free (or avoid dairy, nuts, or refined sugar), you’ll feel right at home at Kitava. Enjoy casual fare—like a wild mushroom bowl or lemon tahini salad—in a bright, modern space.
Wahpepah was the first Native chef to appear on the Food Network show Chopped.
Commis
ETHIOPIAN
If you’re craving or curious about Ethiopian food stop into Barcote, where every dish is bursting with spicy deliciousness. It’s no surprise that Barcote landed a spot in the Michelin guide. Choose a meaty entree or one of the restaurant’s vegan dishes, along with some tangy injera bread. And make sure to try the Ethiopian coffee or spiced tea.
OTHER MUST-TRYS
Like Barcote, Shewhat Cafe has a warm, welcoming vibe. Owner Abby Dair cooks authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes from her mother’s recipes. Try the chicken tibsy (pan-roasted chicken strips simmered with garlic, onion, and butter). Another standout is family-owned Café Romanat, serving meat and vegan dishes, including gluten-free options. Don't miss the sumbussas at Café Colucci, a family-run eatery powered by Brundo Spice Company, which specializes in heirloom Ethiopian spices.
Aomboon Deasy
Farmer and owner, Pomet
Vibrant, seasonal Californian dishes are on offer at Pomet, owned by farmer Aomboon Deasy, who buys fresh ingredients from local purveyors and fellow farmers she’s worked with for roughly 30 years. Pomet earned a rare Michelin Green Star in 2024 for sustainable practices like sourcing local ingredients, partnering with regenerative ranchers, and feeding the kitchen’s food scraps to the farm’s chickens.
DEASY’S DELIGHTS
For a meal with intent “The Wolf is just down the street from Pomet, and I love chef Yang [Peng]. The food is simple, and it’s so diverse … thoughtfully prepared and tastes delicious.”
For a carbo-load “I do enjoy Ramen Shop once in a great while when I’m feeling like I need some carbs.”
VEGAN
At Millennium, chef and owner Eric Tucker dazzles vegans and carnivores alike with inventive plant-based cuisine. On the ever-changing menu, you’ll find temptations like bourbon barbecue tempeh and mushroom estofado, as well as sweet treats like pistachio cake. Michelin has recognized Millennium as a Bib Gourmand restaurant for offering quality food at moderate prices. Enjoy your meal alfresco on the covered patio.
MORE PLANT-CENTRIC DESTINATIONS
Get konjac shrimp tacos or a soy chorizo burrito at Rico Rico Vegano and wash it down with a refreshing coconut horchata. Roasted and Raw has earned an enthusiastic local following for its scrumptious vegan bowls and house-made falafel burgers.
Barcote
Millennium
Roasted and Raw
food & drink
Priscilla Przygocki Chef, MAMA Oakland
MAMA is a tribute to Italian-American grandmothers, known for their exceptional culinary skills. The menu was especially inspired by co-owner Maria Germano Stacionis’s own Abruzzo-born grandmother, whose beef and pork meatballs and sugo sauce are on the menu. In addition, Chef Priscilla gets playful with seasonally minded entrees like braised octopus with fried lemon.
CHEF PRISCILLA’S PICKS
For first-rate vegan
“I'm a secret vegan in real life, so I really enjoy Millennium, a restaurant made for people who might be interested in vegan dishes or who have a vegan friend.”
For the morning
“I love the vegan pastries and coffee drinks at Timeless Coffee They ready me for the day.”
For a twist on an old favorite
“Lion Dance Cafe moved from a brickand-mortar to a pop-up location at Tallboy, which is a bar. It features vegan hot dogs.”
Vegan Trail Stops
MARKET
DAYS
Find fresh produce, local goods, and tasty eats at Oakland’s farmers markets.
Old Oakland Farmers’ Market: Fridays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., year-round
Grand Lake Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., year-round
Jack London Square Farmer’s Market: Sundays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., May–December
Freedom Farmers’ Market: Every second Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., August–November
Temescal Farmers’ Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., year-round
Fruitvale Farmer’s Market: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m., year-round
WHERE TO STAY
Kissel Uptown
West Oakland Farmers Market: Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., year-round With imaginative, flavor-packed dishes that impress vegans and the vegan-curious alike, the Oakland Vegan Trail should not be missed.
The surrounding Uptown district is home to artisan breads from Firebrand bakery, wood-fired pizza at Drake’s Dealership, and Viridian's craft cocktails, while other neighborhood dining hubs like Rockridge are just a BART ride away. Another option: the expert drinks and comfort fare of Kissel’s in-house restaurant, Otto’s, followed by digestifs at its rooftop bar, High 5ive.
Montclair Village Farmers’ Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., year-round
LATIN AMERICAN
Order pupusas stuffed with oyster mushrooms at Popoca, a Salvadoran eatery that started as a local pop-up. Try alaMar Kitchen & Bar for Dominican, and Bombera for a culinary intersection of Mexican and Californian cuisine. Pucquio in Rockridge serves up a contemporary take on Peruvian street fare.
OTHER TOP PICKS
For modern Colombian eats, visit Mägo, a Michelin Guide restaurant with an exceptional tasting menu. Local institution El Huarache Azteca dishes out authentic Mexican cuisine, or join local residents for a selection of tamales, empanadas, and tacos at Fruitvale’s women-led La Guerrera’s Kitchen. Taco trucks are also an Oakland staple, and the selection is outstanding!
Janice Dulce Chef, FOB Kitchen
At her Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, chef Janice Dulce welcomes diners as pamilya, “the family that extends beyond,” then nourishes them with Filipino dishes like daing na bangus (whole boneless milkfish with cherry tomato, scallions, cilantro, and finadene, a flavorful and spicy Chamorro sauce).
Here are Chef Dulce’s favorite flavors around The Town.
JANICE’S JOYS
For breakfast “Alem’s Coffee, an Ethiopian breakfast place that's right around the corner from FOB Kitchen. Shihan ful (stew)— savory, delicious—is my go-to and I’ve been hooked since my first bite.”
For an (elevated) childhood favorite “Lovely’s—the fishwich! Crispy, panko-crusted fish, hella tartar sauce, and shredded cabbage. It’s like the grown-up version of my childhood favorite, filet-o-fish.”
For refreshed Burmese ”Teni East Kitchen [for] the Teni spicy noodles, roti, and the tea leaf kale salad. All the flavors are just delicious, every time.”
SOUTH ASIAN
Taava Kitchen, serving Indian, Pakistani, and halal food, quips that “they do not curry in a hurry.” That’s because everything is fresh and made-to-order food. Choose traditional dishes like saag, unique options like masala chow mein, or exclusives like achari. Once take-out only, Taava now offers indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant is located at Forage Kitchen, a shared kitchen space and event venue.
MORE SPICY SPOTS
Fans of Guru Curry House appreciate the Indian restaurant’s expert blending of herbs and spices to create dishes with deliciously layered flavor. Annapurna serves authentic Indian, Himalayan, and Nepalese classics in Old World environs.
SOUL FOOD
At Burdell, Food & Wine magazine's "2024 Restaurant of the Year," chef Geoff Davis (a 2024 James Beard finalist for Best Chef) serves modern dishes inspired by his grandmother’s recipes (the restaurant is her namesake). He leans on local ingredients to create delish dishes like grilled eggplant gumbo z’herbes.
MORE (REFRESHED)
SOUTHERN COMFORT:
Treat yourself to crawfish beignets at Brenda’s Oakland or visit Lois the Pie Queen for Louisiana gumbo or barbecued ribs (and pie, of course).
9 Julio Empanada
Burdell
Mägo
El Huarache Azteca
Quench Yourself
From coffee to cocktails, Oakland is a land of discovery.
GET CAFFEINATED
At Mohka House, lounge with friends while enjoying a spiced Yemeni coffee from the mountains of Haraz, known for distinctive flavor profile. Or enjoy ethically sourced and locally roasted coffees at Farley’s East, a long-running local hub. Long-running Highwire Coffee Roasters pours light and medium roasts at various Oakland locations, while Tea On Piedmont offers globally-inspired options like a hojicha (Japanese roasted green tea) latte. For a dizzying selection of Chinese teas, visit Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
WINE DOWN
Enjoy the community buzz at Ordinaire Wine, serving up natural wines from both California and Europe that can be perfectly paired with a charcuterie board on the patio. Also offering natural wines is The Punchdown, a 2022 James Beard Foundation nominee for Outstanding Wine Program, and minimo wine shop, featuring thematic tasting flights on weekends. Peruse the impressive selection of BIPOC brand vinos at Alkali Rye in the Grand Lake District, then enjoy a glass in the modern, loft-like space. Jack London Square’s Brooklyn West Winery is a tasting room that doubles as a local hangout, while Rosenblum Cellars is known for its zinfandel and Rhone varietals.
KEEP IT FRESH
Get custom-made, fresh-pressed juices at Zenful Juice, or order one of their healthful smoothies (with plantbased yogurt, if you’re inclined). At Earth Grown Drinks, sip purpose-driven juices, like their Yuzhu lily and snow pear concoction which moisturizes the lungs and reduces dryness. Head to Rush Bowls for a health-boosting smoothie bowl like the colada-inspired Aloha.
Sugar High
You’re never far from a swoon-worthy sweet treat in Oakland.
BAKED TO PERFECTION
Pop into La Farine—a to-go boulangerie and patisserie— for French classics such as frangipane pastries and chocolate éclairs. Crumble & Whisk Pâtisserie specializes in "works of art" cheesecakes with buttery shortbread crusts and creamy fillings. Enjoy flaky sweet rotis—a popular Thai street food—at Dek Doi Café. Edith’s Pie dishes up unique slices like caramel apple oat and fig clafoutis.
FROZEN FAVORITES
Small-batch creamery Miharu Ice Cream features global flavors (think lychee with raspberry rose swirl). Treat yourself to a sundae at Fenton’s Creamery, serving scoops since 1894.
HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE
College Avenue is home to Latin American-inspired Casa De Chocolates, Leonidas Love + Chocolate (sustainably-sourced treats), fair-trade Xocolate & Confections and The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery, where craft chocolate bars pair with specialty hot chocolate. In Grand Lake, Michael’s Chocolates has won hearts (and awards) with its hand-decorated confections.
Fenton's Creamery
Highwire Coffee Roasters
food & drink
The Oakland Ale Trail
Oakland breweries boast a dazzling array of distinctive, handcrafted beers.
Oakland Brewery opened in 1852, serving thirsty gold miners and those who’d headed West to find their fortunes in other ways. Before long, more beermakers popped up. There were bumps along the way—Prohibition being one—but in recent decades, Oakland has been at the forefront of the country’s craft brew scene.
The Jack London Brewing District alone is home to seven microbreweries. There's Dokkaebier, serving Asian-inspired craft beers with unexpected flavors; Oakland United, pouring local brews like the award-winning East Bay Nights; and family-owned (and family-friendly) Line 51, whose IPAs are served East Bay-wide.
You’ll also find Original Pattern, with lagers, sours, and IPAs featuring New Zealand hops; Cellarmaker Brewing Co., with an ever-evolving line-up of small-batch beers; and Shapeshifters Cinema and Brewery, where you can catch a flick while enjoying a beer made from seasonal California ingredients. Or stop by Hella Coastal, among just a handful of Black-owned breweries in the country, for Thursday night pick-up orders.
In August, sample craft brews and food, enjoy live music, and shop for handmade crafts at the annual Jack London District Brewing Party
Beyond Jack London Square, hot spots include Two Pitchers Brewing Company, specializing in craft radlers, and Ghost Town Brewing, where an impressive selection of tasty beers is served in a taproom with a delightfully spooky sensibility.
EVERYONE
NEEDS AT LEAST ONE “BAD FRIEND
”
At home, impress your friends with this original cocktail shared by Ben Dimond, bar manager of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake district.
THE ZEROPROOF COCKTAIL
By Laura Kiniry
With an upswing of mocktails and zero-proof beverages coast-to-coast, The Town is no exception. Here’s where to get your N/A fix:
NIDO’S
BACKYARD
Pair a spicy Agua Fuego mocktail with fish tacos at this colorful and upbeat margarita garden along Oakland’s waterfront.
VIRIDIAN
Uptown’s Asian-inspired bar and eatery features a selection of sinfully good zero-proof drinks. Try the Temperance Sour, a combo of Lyre’s American malt, sugar, and egg-white.
—Ben Dimond “
Smoky mezcal and piney gin combine to make this Negroni variation perfect for the fall and winter months.”
Recipe for a Bad Friend
1.5 oz reposado mezcal (Bardo uses Ilegal)
0.5 oz St. George Terroir gin (no substitute!)
0.75 oz blanc vermouth (try Cocchi Americano or Lacuesta Blanc)
0.75 oz Gran Classico bitter 1 dash of orange bitters
Stir and serve over a large ice cube, garnished with an orange twist.
BAR SHIRU
A hi-fi listening bar specializing in vinyl grooves, Bar Shiru also offers several mocktails made with house-made shrubs and steeps.
Ben Dimond Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
Calle de Margaritas, Tacos, y Fiestas
These two award-winning Mexican restaurants satisfy your cravings for tacos, margaritas, mezcal, and fiestas of all sizes.
For more than 10 years, the esquina bonita of Oak and 4th was home to Bay Area favorite, NIDO. One global pandemic and anagram later, enter Odin, Oakland’s first mezcalería focusing on agave-centric cocktails and inventive Mexican plates. The bar is stocked with more than 300 bottles of agave, and the kitchen creates everything from scratch. Nearby is Odin’s sister restaurant, NIDO’s BackYard, one of Oakland’s preeminent indoor/ outdoor dining spots. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping margaritas and sharing plates of farm-to-table Mexican food with friends. There’s an ever-changing list of community events, vendor pop ups, and more. (Pro tip: This is where you want to host your next event or celebration!) odinoakland.com | backyardoakland.com | e @odin.oakland @nidosbackyard | G @backyardoakland
JACK LONDON SQUARE
ODIN Mezcaleria
NIDO’s BackYard
NIDO’s BackYard
TEMESCAL
Co Nam
Discover the perfect blend of modern flair and authentic Vietnamese flavors at Co Nam. Delight in a diverse menu of flavorful dishes while enjoying creative cocktails in a chic, vibrant setting.
conamrestaurant.com e @co_nam
Attraros Thai Eatery
Attraros Thai pays tribute to the flavors of the owner’s heritage and the Thai culinary gems they’ve discovered over the years. Every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients, delivering pure bliss with each bite in an inviting, cozy atmosphere.
attrarosoak.com e @attrarosoak
Enjoy
plankoakland.com
OLD TOWN OAKLAND
Crogan’s Restaurant & Bar
Hang out at this friendly neighborhood pub and sports bar and enjoy classic American comfort food while watching the Golden State Warriors (or their rivals!). Crogan’s Restaurant & Bar also serves weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
crogans.com | G @crogansmontclair
Crumble & Whisk
Known around the Bay Area for its artisan-style cheesecakes, Crumble & Whisk serves both sweet and savory treats. Start your day with the avocado toast, or enjoy the ham and fig sandwich or kale Caesar salad for lunch. Save room for dessert!
crumbleandwhisk.com G e @crumbleandwhisk | Ê @crumbleandwhiskoakland
For a dose of Italy in downtown, step up to this coffee bar and place your order. This family-owned cafe evokes Italy’s coffee culture, where coffee is ordered and enjoyed while standing at the bar. Just walk up, find an open space, and order (no long lines here!). The menu ranges from classic espresso to housemade specialties like horchata cold brew and fan favorite butterscotch latte.
thecaffeoak.com
mrespresso.com e @thecaffeoak @mrespressooak
MONTCLAIR
LAUREL DISTRICT
DOWNTOWN
Brundo Spice Company
Brundo Spice Company offers premium imported Ethiopian heirloom spices. Visit the culinary shop to browse Ethiopian coffee, African spirits, local Black-owned wines, and cookbooks from the diaspora, or shop online.
brundo.com e @brundospices
Sweet Fingers
Visit Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant and Bar, and you’ll immediately feel the connection to Oakland’s culture and community. Discover signature Jamaican dishes, Caribbean libations, and live reggae at this gem of an eatery located in the heart of East Oakland. Sweet Fingers is just minutes away from OAK Airport and has plenty of free parking.
sweetfingersrestaurant.com
G @sweetfingers e @sweetfingersjamaican
Cafe Colucci
Cafe Colucci opened in 1991 and remains an Oakland favorite with its fresh mix of vegan, meat, and seafood dishes. Neighborhood regulars love the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, standout cocktails, spice shop, and garden patio.
cafecolucci.com e @cafecolucci
GOLDEN GATE
GOLDEN GATE
EAST OAKLAND
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
Decked out in lavish 1960’s furnishings, Bardo serves Michelin-recommended California comfort food and inventive craft cocktails with unpretentious and family-style hospitality. Nestled in the Lakeshore District near Lake Merritt, Bardo takes its cues from iconic mid-century dinner parties, where home entertaining, eye-catching style, celebrations with close friends, and curated cuisine were the life of any good party. Add in some revelry with alluring cocktails in vintage glassware, and you have all the ingredients of a great night. Perfect for a casual dinner, a special night out, or a landmark occasion—Bardo loves to celebrate. Ask about the private event mezzanine or full buyout options. bardooakland.com |
Cocobreeze Caribbean Restaurant
Visit the islands without leaving the Bay Area at Cocobreeze Caribbean Restaurant, Bakery, and Catering Company. This Black women- and family-owned business offers authentic Caribbean cuisine from the islands of Trinidad & Tobago. Enjoy roti, fritters, plantains, spicy jerk chicken, and more flavorful dishes. Caribbean Catering is also available via delivery, full-service, buffet-style, or individually packed meals.
cocobreeze.co e Ê G @cocobreezeco
Farley’s East
For 15 years, Farley’s East has been more than just a cafe— it’s a community hub where Oakland gathers. Whether you’re starting your day with an espresso and a housemade muffin or stopping by for a panini for lunch, every meal here is a celebration of simple, delicious food served with a smile.
farleyscoffee.com Ge @farleyseast
UPTOWN
LAUREL DISTRICT
DOWNTOWN OAKLAND
Pintoh Thai Oakland
Enjoy a dining experience that transports you to Thailand. Pintoh Thai’s distinctive and flavorful Thai dishes, along with drinks and cocktails, are crafted from locally sourced ingredients and are a true feast for the eyes.
pintohthai.com G e @pintohoakland
Agave Uptown
Agave Uptown sets the standard for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in the heart of Uptown Oakland. Try the signature mole paired with a mezcal cocktail. Agave Uptown also offers catering and a private room for special events.
agaveuptown.com GeÊ @agaveuptown
Town Fare
Located in Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), Town Fare serves Southerninspired soul food from chef Michele McQueen. Enjoy your meal in the café, on the outdoor patio, or on the rooftop deck. Try the Lowcountry shrimp and grits or the fried chicken sandwich for lunch, and don’t miss Sunday’s brunch (go for the chicken and waffle plate with homemade brown sugar syrup!).
townfarecafe.com e @town_fare | G @townfarecafe
CHINATOWN
UPTOWN
Coming soon!
Jaji will serve contemporary Afghan cuisine in Uptown.
Parche and Jaji
This contemporary Colombian restaurant, Parche, pays homage to the culture, biodiversity, and ingredients of Colombia. Roughly translating to “a gathering place for a group of people to come together,” Parche envelops guests in warmth and color, and it’s a space where dishes are meant to be shared with friends. Menu highlights include seasonal ceviches using Colombian produce and posta negra (a Coca-Cola slow-braised short rib). Coming in January 2025 from the owners of Parche, Jaji will offer a modern twist on Afghan cuisine. Named after the owner’s ancestral Pashtun tribe, Jaji will embrace cuisine that honors the diaspora’s influence.
visitoakland.com
parcheoak.com | G e @parcheoak jajioak.com | e @ jaji.oakland
YOUR GUIDE TO
Oakland’s Cannabis Scene
Whether you’re a nug novice or cannabis connoisseur, there’s always something new to learn. Here’s a quick primer, plus tips on how to partake in some good bud along the Oakland Cannabis Trail.
A WHOLE LOT OF GREENERY
Oakland takes center stage as home of the Emerald Cup, Northern California’s premier celebration of cannabis culture.
Keep Your Ears Peeled
The 2025 Emerald Cup dates will be announced soon.
There is perhaps no single event that better captures the evolving complexity, community, and culture of cannabis than Tim Blake’s Emerald Cup. Twenty years ago, north in Laytonville, this cannabis-loving entrepreneur thought of starting a casual competition between Mendocino growers looking to prove their craft and push cannabis forward—plus a little fun for good measure. It was a good idea–in the last two decades, this “casual competition” evolved into today’s Emerald Cup, moving cannabis into a bona fide phenomenon that draws thousands of tokers together for a weekend of food, music, workshops, and of course, a whole lot of smoke.
But just as a cannabis plant gets too big for its pot, so did Blake see that the Emerald Cup needed a change
of scenery. After years at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and the 2023 awards ceremony in Hollywood, the gauntlet passed to the Bay Area. Starting in 2024, the newest iteration of the Emerald Cup will take place at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Downtown Oakland for the next five years. The center has an auditorium, convention space, and outdoor areas perfectly suited to meet the Emerald Cup’s unique needs. It also positions attendees near other significant cannabis landmarks in The Town—you can’t talk about cannabis history without bringing up Oakland. The nearby Oaksterdam University, the nation’s first cannabis trade school, has been helping graduates enter the industry since 2007. Pioneering Harborside dispensary has been in operation since 2006. It's known as one of the oldest, largest, and most influential cannabis dispenseries in the United States.
Harborside
THE 411 ON 420
Get to know Mary Jane better with these four facts.
1 2
Cannabis 101
DIFFERENT TOKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
Cannabis is a biphasic plant, meaning it has two phases. After visiting an Oakland dispensary, you’ll see that cannabis comes in many strains and forms, from edibles to vape pens. Your experience depends on what form you ingest, but also on how much. IT GROWS EVERYWHERE
Originating in Asia, cannabis grows on every habitable continent. Humans began actively cultivating cannabis 6,000 years ago.
3
NO FLY ZONE
Cannabis laws are all over the place. Since the federal government hasn’t legalized cannabis in the United States, you can’t legally take it across state or national borders.
4
MADE FOR YOU
The human body is designed for cannabis. We all have endocannabinoid systems, which are vast networks of receptors in our brains, organs, and nerves, that help us turn cannabis into an enjoyable experience.
Although activists pushed the first piece of state legislation legalizing medical marijuana in San Francisco, just as many waves have been made across the bay in The Town.
First, Some History
Enjoy Responsibly
Next, The Basics
Several dispensaries have dedicated lounges where you can safely and comfortably toke up and learn about accessories like vaporizers and bongs.
California cannabis dates back to around the 19th century, when farmers cultivated hemp for textiles, and cannabis oil was sold legally as an overthe-counter medication. The 20th century saw its criminalization, with federal cannabis prohibition in 1937. However, its users have always found ways to access, consume, and celebrate it.
All new strains generally fall into one of three categories: indica, sativa, and hybrid. An indica typically feels like a relaxing body high; a sativa more cerebral; and a hybrid has a bit of both. There’s no wrong way to consume cannabis—always go at your own pace. If you’re not a smoker, try edibles or vape pens. If you want low doses, buy products with a ratio of THC (the main psychoactive component in cannabis) and CBD, which offers wellness benefits without the high. Always follow the recommended dosage, and remember, the old adage of “start low and go slow” endures because it’s true! You can always do more, but not less.
HIGHER GROUNDS
This cultivated travel experience highlights the past and future of cannabis culture.
Oakland’s new Emerald Cup host status dovetails nicely with its inclusion in California’s Cannabis Trail, an amalgamation of landmarks, businesses, and heady historical sites that will span nine counties, from Trinity
In The
Rickey
to Santa Cruz. Founder Brian Applegarth got the idea for a statewide cannabis romp when he met the late, great cannabis activist Dennis Peron, the father of the 1996 medical marijuana legislation Proposition 215. Like
Root'd in Equality
Oakland’s own Cannabis Trail, the national trail pairs tourism with the culture and history of CA regions that have contributed to cannabis’s influence and legacy. Oakland, in Applegarth’s opinion, is a perfect trailhead.
“I look at Oakland as being the jump-off point,” says Applegarth. “It’s completely visionary. The Cannabis Trail is about celebrating what makes California special, which is innovation, human rights, pushing the edge of ‘how are we living?’ Oakland’s a really important part of that story.”
The trail now includes eight new historic landmarks, including Oakland’s own Harborside.
In 2017, Oakland enacted a cannabis social equity program to support applicants affected by the war on drugs, and minimize barriers to their entry into the industry through loan and grant programs, legal assistance, and free business planning workshops. Root’d in the 510 is one of the program’s greatest success stories. Co-founders Rickey McCullough and Daniel Chung met in Oakland’s then-medical marijuana industry, and turned their insider knowledge into a first-class cannabis experience. Their atrium-style shop offers brands as diverse as the cannabis community; at the Town’s inaugural Emerald Cup, Root’d hosted forty local lines as an Equity Retailer.
“We want to maintain that community feel of an old-school dispensary,” says Chung.
For McCullough, who grew up in East Oakland, it’s a dream made reality. “This is a city that has been a pioneer of cannabis culture.
A lot of trends start here,” he says, and “we welcome visitors with open arms.”
Root’d
510 co-founders
McCullough (L) and Daniel Chung (R)
Root'd in the 510
Getting Here
No matter how you travel, getting to Oakland is easy.
AIR
TO AND FROM
How to travel around town
BART
is the regional rail system that offers service around the Bay Area. bart.gov
AC Transit is the city bus with transbay connections to San Francisco. actransit.org
Getaround and Zipcar are car-sharing apps good for driving around Oakland and the greater Bay Area. getaround.com, zipcar.com
Traffic 411
OAK Airport (OAK) is the second largest airport in the Bay Area. Located less than 10 miles from Downtown, this easily navigable airport is one of the nation’s best for on-time arrivals and departures. OAK is serviced by major car rental brands, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), rideshares, taxis, shuttle services, and public transit buses. iflyoak.com
WATER
If you’re arriving from somewhere more local, consider hopping aboard the San Francisco Bay Ferry to take in the panoramic view as you cruise across the bay. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may even pass under the Bay Bridge. The ferry arrives and departs regularly at Jack London Square and is a short 30-minute trip to San Francisco. sanfranciscobayferry .com
FYI
LAND
Driving to Oakland is a cinch with points of access along I-880, I-580, and I-980. Or take the stress out of driving and arrive via Amtrak
If you’re arriving from the Central Valley, The Town is accessible (at Jack London Square) on the San Joaquins train. It’s also a stop along the Capitol Corridor line. There’s also a Greyhound bus terminal in West Oakland. amtrak.com, greyhound.com
SAVVY TRAVELER
Get the most out of your visit with these need-toknow urban travel tips.
Travel Light
Keep those valuables and keepsakes at home for worry-free exploring.
BYORWB
Bring your own reusable water bottle—and don’t forget a shopping bag, too—to help keep Oakland eco-friendly.
Lock It
When driving, always keep your car windows up and the doors locked, and leave plenty of space between the car in front of you. When you get to your destination, take your belongings with you and don’t leave anything behind in the car.
Be Aware
As with traveling to any big city, be aware of your surroundings and limit distractions. Take out the AirPods and look up, not down at your phone.
Keep It Bright
Oakland has a fun nightlife scene. Enjoy it responsibly and take a well-lit route back to your hotel or car. Waiting for your rideshare? Hang out inside until you see your driver arrive.
It’s no secret that the Bay Area is home to some pretty gnarly traffic. To maximize your time in Oakland, avoid peak commute hours (7–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–6:30 p.m.) on freeways.
The Bay Area has a toll system. So if you cross the Bay Bridge or drive in the express lane, the California DMV will run your plates and issue a bill. You can pay your bill at the rental car counter, too.
Flying in and out of Oakland is a breeze.
For the millions of travelers who live and work in the Bay Area, OAK Airport (OAK) is the preferred gateway to the world. OAK is the only airport centrally located in the Bay Area with superb access to the region’s top attractions, including San Francisco, Napa Valley, Monterey, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park. Travelers have easy access to the on-airport rail station where BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) departs every six minutes. Upon your arrival or before your departure, sample Oakland’s incredibly creative food scene—OAK’s food and beverage options are also local foodie hot spots.
iflyoak.com Ge @iflyoak @iflyoakland
Parking at OAK (Park OAK) is the official parking for OAK Airport. With four lots to choose from and options for every budget, it’s never been so easy (or affordable!) to park at OAK. Make a reservation to save time and get a guaranteed spot during peak travel days. All parking is within walking distance to OAK’s terminals, and a shuttle is offered in the Economy parking lot.
Stay Awhile
From waterfront views to city-center locales, here’s where to stay in Oakland.
Oakland offers a range of accommodations for all budgets. For a stay in Downtown, book your room at AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown, Residence Inn by Marriott Oakland Downtown, Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center, or Oakland Marriott City Center. For more of a social hub, book a room at the stylish Kissel Uptown Oakland (check out the rooftop bar) or Moxy Oakland Downtown Or for a taste of quiet luxury steeped in rich history, book the Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel nestled in the Oakland Hills.
AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown marriott.com
Americas Best Value Inn Oakland-Lake Merritt sonesta.com
Bay Breeze Inn baybreezeinnoakland.com
Bay Bridge Inn Oakland baybridgeinn-oakland.com
Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel baysidehoteloakland.com
Indicates places where pups are welcome.
Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel fairmont.com
Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport marriott.com
Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown marriott.com
Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove executiveinnoakland.com
Extended Stay America Oakland-Emeryville extendedstayamerica.com
Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center hilton.com
Highlander Motel highlandermoteloakland .com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakland-Airport ihg.com
Holiday Inn & Suites
Oakland Airport ihg.com
Homewood Suites by Hilton OaklandWaterfront hilton.com
Jack London Inn jacklondonhotel.com
Kissel Uptown Oakland hyatt.com
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oakland Airport Coliseum wyndhamhotels.com
Motel 6 OaklandEmbarcadero motel6.com
Moxy Oakland Downtown marriott.com
Oakland Airport Executive Hotel oakairporthotel.com
Oakland Marriott City Center marriott.com
Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport choicehotels.com
Ramada by Wyndham Oakland Downtown City Center wyndhamhotels.com
Residence Inn by Marriott Oakland Downtown marriott.com
Signature Inn Berkeley Oakland signatureinnoakland.com
SpringHill Suites Oakland Airport marriott.com
The Washington Inn choicehotels.com
West Wind Lodge westwindlodgeoakland.us
UNPACK & UNWIND
Take advantage of hotel perks during your stay.
ROOFTOP SIPS
Enjoy cocktails and bites with an urban view at Kissel Uptown’s High 5ive Rooftop Bar. (There’s even a special menu of local- and minority-owned draft beer).
HAPPENING DIGS
With seasonal drinks, Wednesday trivia nights, rotating art installations, local brewery collabs, bike rentals, and guest chef menu items, there’s always something happening at Moxy Oakland Downtown.
SOCIAL HOURS
The Claremont Club & Spa offers a robust calendar of events and activities, including Thursday wine tastings, Saturday morning hikes, and pop-up art events.
DOGS WELCOME!
There are more than a dozen pet-friendly hotels in Oakland. Go to VisitOakland.com/stay to find the perfect room for you and your pooch.
Moxy Oakland Downtown
Rest + Relaxation
Find more details on the perfect place for your overnight, weekend, or weeklong stay at VisitOakland.com /hotels
Signature Inn
Berkeley Oakland
Signature Inn Berkeley Oakland pairs modern amenities with cozy guest rooms for a memorable stay. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and free limited on-site parking.
signatureinnoakland.com G signature inn berkeley oakland | e @signatureinnberkeley
Oakland Marriott City Center
in comfort and style at the
entertainment, and Oakland’s vibrant cultural
center. Tee off at Topgolf Swing Suite, located in the
games and casual dining in a sophisticated lounge environment.
marriott.com/oakdt oaklandmarriottcitycenter.247activities.com Ge @oaklandmarriott
meetings and events
Spaces + Places
When it comes to hosting meetings and events, here’s why Oakland checks all the boxes.
With a convenient location near three major airports, Oakland is an ideal choice for your next meeting or event. Meeting venues range from traditional conference center spaces to industrial warehouse settings, live music and entertainment arenas, and more. Plus, with more than 30 hotels offering nearly 6,000 guest rooms, you’ll find a place to stay that suits all budgets, whether you want a boutique-style stay or a national branded hotel.
Here are just a few of The Town’s diverse meeting spaces:
Oakland Arena and OaklandAlameda County Coliseum
With a capacity for up to 10,000 guests, these venues have a diverse range of offerings.
BONUS: A dedicated BART stop makes getting here a breeze.
Oakland Convention Center
In the middle of downtown sits
100,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. There's also the on-site Oakland Marriott City Center, which features 500 guest rooms.
The Continental Club
This historic venue is big on style and fun. Bring in live bands to perform on stage and enjoy the rooftop lounge.
Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
As one of Oakland’s premier performing arts spaces, this recently-renovated venue has multiple indoor and outdoor options, including a lake-view terrace and 1,500-seat theater.
The Rotunda Building
Attendees can’t help but look up and marvel at the 125-foot glass dome ceiling of this Beaux-Arts style building. Find 5,000 square feet of flexible open space.
The Terrace Room
For panoramic views of Lake Merritt, consider this art deco-style building. The all-inclusive venue can accommodate up to 190 for a seated meal.
3
30 International Airports
Hotels
All within an hour’s drive to downtown Oakland (OAK, SFO, SJC)
5,500
Guest rooms
125+ BY THE NUMBERS
Languages spoken in The Town
Think Outside the Box
When it’s time for breakout sessions and team-building retreats, why not try something new? Book a handson art workshop at The Crucible, play a round of bocce and kick back with pizza and beers at plank, or practice your golf swing at Topgolf at the Oakland Marriott City Center. Looking for something outdoors? Stroll the trail around Lake Merritt, kayak on the Oakland estuary, or set off on an invigorating hike through the redwoods. Education more your thing? Wander through the galleries at OMCA, then peer through the telescopes at the Chabot Space and Science Center for an otherworldly view at the stars. You never know where inspiration will strike because in Oakland, inspiration is everywhere.
The Crucible
Oakland Marriott City Center
Rotunda Building
Bardo
Oakland City Center
Nestled in the heart of Oakland, Oakland City Center is a premier business destination with prime office accommodations just steps away from the 12th Street BART station. Experience the perfect blend of convenience and community with an array of tenant amenities, outdoor free concerts, a sports club, and a secure environment.
Oakland City Center also offers a Conference Center featuring five adaptable meeting rooms available Monday through Friday. Ideal for hosting gatherings, trainings, and more. Enjoy complimentary WiFi and cutting-edge audio-visual equipment with video conferencing capability to enhance your event. Visit Oakland City Center today!
DOWNTOWN
Nightingale Photography
C.Wagner Photography
The Terrace Room
The Terrace Room is the Bay Area’s best-kept secret. This landmark gem, built in 1927, features art deco design, panoramic views of Lake Merritt, and impeccable service. As an all-inclusive venue specializing in weddings, corporate events, celebrations, and more, The Terrace Room offers menus featuring upscale California cuisine. There's a variety of options and pricing for different budgets and group needs. Let The Terrace Room help you host an event to remember!
theterraceroomevents.com e @terraceroomevents G the terrace room Ê @theterraceroom
Angela Jazmin Studio
Photo by Emma Quinn
Claremont Club & Spa
Opened in 1915 and nestled at the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve base overlooking scenic San Francisco Bay, Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, offers 276 guest rooms and suites, a celebrated wellness program, and an impressive dining portfolio. Once home to a beautiful estate known locally as the “Castle on the Hill,” the Claremont boasts incredible history. Today, event planners have access to 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including the Empire Ballroom that can accommodate up to 450 attendees, and several meeting rooms with bay views. The resort is home to the private Club at the Claremont, with members who enjoy all the resort has to offer including Limewood Bar & Restaurant, East Bay Provisions, Fairmont Spa, fitness facilities, and lifestyle programming. Come to reconnect with friends, family, and loved ones while enjoying sunset views over the San Francisco skyline.
claremont-hotel.com | Ge @claremonthotel