Lakeshore District, Oakland
Oakland General Attractions
Jack London Square
DESCRIPTION: Oakland’s best known general attraction to tourists is always a pleasant visit with dozens of interesting merchants like Scott’s Seafood, California Canoe & Kayak, Dashe Wineries, Edible Arrangements, Il Pescatore, Kincaid’s Restaurant, Yoshi’s Jazz & Restaurant, a Cineplex, and ferry landing.
ADMISSION: only for theatres
DAYS & HOURS: Daily morning until late
ADDRESS: Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: walking distance to Lake Merritt BART Station or 12th Street BART STation
PARKING: fee-based parking under Barnes & Noble
PHONE: 510-271-0640
WEBSITE: http://www.jacklondonsquare.com
Oaklandish
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 2000, Oaklandish is a hybrid artist loft-enterprise zone offering fresh apparel & custom goods that celebrate local love and original Oakland charm.
ADMISSION: no charge, but your retail purchases support the artists
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat Noon-6p
ADDRESS: 1444 Broadway, Oakland, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: walking distance to Lake Merritt BART Station or 12th Street BART STation
PARKING: on street
PHONE: 510-451-2677
WEBSITE: http://www.oaklandish.org
City Center
DESCRIPTION: Combines modern skyscrapers, vintage buildings, gift shops and interesting boutiques in the core of the city. The center is home to the architecturally attractive Ron Dellums Federal Buildings, State Office Building, a refurbished City Hall, and the always popular Frank Ogawa Plaza which features a grand Oak tree.
ADMISSION: no
DAYS & HOURS: daily, but slow on Sundays
ADDRESS: Broadway and 14th Street, Oakland, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: at 12th Street/City Center BART station
PHONE: 510-834-8282 garage
WEBSITE: http://www.oaklandcitycenter.com
Old Oakland
DESCRIPTION: This subdued four-block historic district of restored Victorian buildings reminds you of the city’s early days. Its now home to shops, galleries, brew pubs and restaurants.
ADMISSION: no
DAYS & HOURS: daily, hours vary by establishment
ADDRESS: between 8th, 10th, Clay, and Washington Streets, Oakland, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: walking distance to 12th Street BART Station
PARKING: paid lots nearby and on street
WEBSITE: http://oldoakland.org
Lakeshore District
DESCRIPTION: Adjacent to Lake Merritt, this is the heart of Oakland. This entertainment, shopping and dining area features a cornucopia of shops, cafes, nightclubs and one irreverent classic movie palace, the Grand Lake Theatre. Among nightclubs, the matchbox-tight jazz club is a must visit for fans on a budget.
ADMISSION: no
DAYS & HOURS: daily, hours vary by establishment
ADDRESS: between Grand Ave and Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland, CA MAP
PARKING: on street and under I-580 Freeway
RAPID TRANSIT: none
WEBSITE: none
Lake Merritt
DESCRIPTION: This 122-acre saltwater lake is the largest in the United States and the Jewel of Oakland. The park includes a children’s theme park and bird habitat that features dozens of California species; many pedal boats, row boats, and sail boats can be rented here. Most people jog, bike or sight-see around 3.5 miles of this Oakland treasure adjacent to downtown. At any given point in time you’ll see for walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors and windsurfers partaking in the fun and relaxation.
ADDRESS: from Grand Ave enter at Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 19th Street BART Station
PHONE: Park 510-238-7275 and Sailboat House 510-238-6876
WEBSITE: http://www.lakemerritt.org
Gondola Servizio
DESCRIPTION: Lake Merritt features in romantic gondolas built by hand in Venice. Private cruises come with a serenading gondolier.
ADDRESS: 568 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: 19th Street BART Station
PARKING: on street
PHONE: 866-737-8494
WEBSITE: http://www.gondolaservizio.com
Dunsmuir House and Gardens
DESCRIPTION: With a 50-acre horticultural park bedecked with 37-room colonial revival estate built in 1899, this park is a feast for the eyes and a popular site for weddings and reunions. Special events include concerts, Christmas at Dunsmuir and occasionally, the KBLX Stone Soul Picnic.
DAYS & HOURS: February-October Tue-Fri 10a-4p
ADDRESS: 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA MAP
PHONE: 510-562-0328
WEBSITE: http://www.dunsmuir.org
Mormon Temple
Perched high in the Oakland Hills, you can miss this stunningly beautiful landmark when driving along I-580 Freeway. You don’t have to be a Mormon to visit.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 7a–9p
ADDRESS:4770 Lincoln Avenue, Piedmont, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: none
PARKING: on site
PHONE: 510-531-3200
WEBSITE: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/oakland/
Anna’s Jazz Island
DESCRIPTION: A Bay Area favorite, Anna’s features local Jazz musicians every night 8pm Happy Hour, 5p-7p with drink specials & Jazz movies. Its known for signature cocktails, beers, espresso drinks and international wine list.
ADMISSION: cover charge is added to the check after music begins
DAYS & HOURS: Sun & Tue-Thu 5p-12p, Fri-Sat 5p-1a
ADDRESS: 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Downtown Berkeley BART Station
PARKING: on street
PHONE: 510-841-JAZZ
WEBSITE: http://www.AnnasJazzIsland.com
Telegraph Avenue
DESCRIPTION: Like Greenwich Village, this “Made for walking” place has funky cutting-edge street vendors and liveliness. It seems like an event or protest at nearby UC Berkeley goes on every weekend. The United nations amalgam of people, shops, crafts and artwork will keep you fascinated for hours.
ADMISSION: no
DAYS & HOURS: daily
ADDRESS: Telegraph Avenue between Bancroft Way & Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: walking distance to BART to Downtown Berkeley Station
PARKING: on street
WEBSITE: none
