Discover Oakland's Highlights: Best 10 Things to Do

Oakland overflows with undiscovered treasures and incredible landmarks, from its thriving center to its varied and rich cultural heritage, it has a lot to offer to visitors. This city has a unique history, distinct flavors, sounds, and social movements of its own. No matter the duration of your stay—be it a day, a weekend, or more—Oakland is a city you won't regret visiting. If you're planning a delightful visit to Oakland, here are the 10 must-visit attractions in Oakland CA.

With a three-mile beachfront, Lake Merritt is a wonderful destination and among the must-visit Oakland attractions. It provides plenty of activities for visitors including boating, and fishing, and also has a stroll area where you can take a stroll and get to explore the beautiful gardens including the Japanese garden, Bonsai Garden, succulent garden, and stunning pathways. Lake Merritt is also the oldest recognized USA wildlife sanctuary which provides guests with educational opportunities to learn about the surrounding wildlife through bird viewing, nature walks, and other activities.

The extremely rich cultural legacy of California is on display at the Oakland Museum of California featuring a large assortment of both permanent and seasonal exhibits. Different sections are devoted to different topics including history, art, natural sciences, and more. This location also showcases Oakland's history, with displays covering social justice movements and political action. Also don’t forget to check out this museum of Oakland's outside garden, which has several native plants in it.

The Chabot Space and Science Center focuses on space travel, the solar system, geology, physics, technology, and the cosmos. Overall, if you're an astronomy nerd and a science lover visiting this place is among the best things to do in Oakland. There are three large telescopes at the observatory which allow visitors to get up close to planets and stars. In addition, there are also interactive displays.

The Redwood Regional Park is home to towering 150-foot redwoods that are preserved with great care. Moreover, it occupies a significant part of the ridgeline separating Oakland from other East Bay suburbs, and offers a unique natural escape. 

Aside from captivating views, this park is perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing at Lake Chabot, being a must-visit spot for nature lovers.

If you love to explore museums, the African American Museum is an amazing place to visit. This museum encompasses a wealth of historical information that is vital to witness and is devoted to the history, culture, and lifestyles of African Americans who lived in the region. The permanent records of over 160 African American families are housed here and are part of the library's enormous archive. In addition, there are more than 12,000 volumes of books, papers, and other materials that describe the rich history and culture of African Americans.

Visiting Oakland Zoo is among the most fun things to do in Oakland CA. A renowned location that showcases 700+ animal species in naturalistic habitats. It offers diverse entertainment options including rides and games suitable for all ages. Highlights include Penguin Point, the African Savannah, and rainforest displays featuring stingrays and exotic birds. Visitors can admire the breathtaking Oakland Hill views while children explore and learn about different animals and their environments. It's an ideal spot for families looking for both adventure and educational experiences.

The Bay Bridge stands as one of Oakland's top attractions. Opened to the public in 1937, it has become an essential part of the city's infrastructure, linking Oakland to San Francisco. When traffic is light, you can reach San Francisco in just 10 to 15 minutes via this mile-long bridge. Additionally, it serves as a fantastic spot for photography or simply enjoying the view from afar. The bridge is also an excellent place to watch the sunset, providing a stunning view of the city skyline, and making it one of Oakland’s key landmarks.

If exploring Oakland’s historical sites is your thing, then a visit to the Fox Theatre is a must. Renowned for hosting concerts, events, and stage performances, its distinctive red-and-gold decor sets it apart from nearby modern buildings. The theatre is reputed to be the first in Oakland to show talking movies and boasts a rich history, making it one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks for many compelling reasons.

It is a must-see location for anybody hoping to escape the daily grind. From breathtaking exhibits of endangered orchids to luxuriant tropical rainforest settings, the park is home to approximately 13,000 different plant species from all over the globe and is one of the most varied botanical gardens in North America. A stroll along the meandering trails is another option for those who like to learn more about the different plants and their ecosystems. Guided tours are also available here.

The novelist Jack London authored some of his most well-known works while living in Oakland so that’s why this waterfront neighborhood is named after him and is included in the list of Oakland’s must-visit places. It has a wide range of eateries, pubs, and retail establishments in addition to a Sunday farmers market. It also comprises the Jack London Museum which focuses on displaying items connected to Jack London's life and Aquatic Park for breathtaking views of San Francisco.