Things to do in Oakland

Activities, attractions and tours

Oakland
A large telescope with a blue base and a white tube inside a dome structure.
Oakland
A memorial wall with engraved names and a central blue stained glass window.
A multi-story brick building with a distinctive architectural style, featuring a balcony and a patterned wall.

Things to do

Golden Gate Bay Cruise Service: sail around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

HK$306
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

HK$376
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

HK$455
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

HK$415
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self Led Exploration

San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration

HK$110
per adult
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration
All Day Unlimited Mini Golf and Games in Bay Area

All Day Unlimited Mini Golf and Games in Bay Area (East)

HK$227
per adult
All Day Unlimited Mini Golf and Games in Bay Area (East)
San Francisco: Lombard St Best City Highlights Open Air Van Tour

San Francisco: Best City Highlights Tour Open Air Van Small Group

HK$346
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Best City Highlights Tour Open Air Van Small Group
Alcatraz Tour

Ultimate San Francisco Tour Pass with All Major Sites Package

HK$980
per adult
Ultimate San Francisco Tour Pass with All Major Sites Package
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

HK$839
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour
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Most popular experiences in Oakland

Tours & day trips

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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Activity duration is 1 day
8.6 out of 10 with 1508 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was HK$518 and current price is HK$466 per adult
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top BusOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 153 activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

Activity duration is 23 hours and 59 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 134 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$384 per adult
California Academy of Sciences Daytime AdmissionOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 113 activities
Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch

Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 280 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,521 per adult
Redwoods & Wine Country Escape to Sonoma & Napa with Optional Gourmet LunchOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 62 activities
San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$267 per adult
San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39Opens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 41 activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 618 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$306 per adult
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)Opens in new tab

What to do in Oakland

Stay near popular Oakland attractions

University of California, Berkeley

8.8/5 (2,701 reviews)
This iconic campus combines world-class academia with stunning Bay Area views from its Campanile tower. Wander through historic buildings, attend public lectures, or explore the Berkeley Art Museum during your visit.
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Where to stay in Oakland

Find the best Oakland areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oakland
Learn more about Oakland

Downtown Oakland

Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.

Jack London District

If you're spending some time in Jack London District, Jack London Square and C. L. Dellums Oakland Amtrak Station are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape with a river, dense forest, and a bridge.

Temescal

If you're spending some time in Temescal, Temescal Alley and Oakland Floats are top sights worth seeing.

The Art Museum Pacific Film Archive building with a modern design, large windows, and a visible street with cars and a cyclist.

Downtown Berkeley

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Berkeley Repertory Theater and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Downtown Berkeley Station to see more of the city.

Late afternoon sun shines on the historic church and downtown of the bay area city of Alameda, California, USA.

Downtown Alameda

While Downtown Alameda isn't home to many top sights, Alameda Museum and Alameda Island Brewing Company are some notable places to visit nearby.

An aerial view of a rural landscape with rolling hills, fields, and a small town with houses and roads.

Dublin

A calm lake with a small island in the center, surrounded by forested hills.

Castro Valley

Berkeley

Berkeley

Pleasanton

Pleasanton

The sun sets over the San Francisco Bay Area in California. This heavily populated region includes the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Richmond, and more.

Emeryville

A waterfront with a dock, a house, and a bridge.

Fremont

A vast salt flat with a winding road and distant mountains.

Newark

A suspension bridge at sunset with a vibrant sky.

Union City

Frequently asked questions

Is Oakland worth visiting?
Oakland has an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Oakland?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Oakland Zoo and USS Hornet Museum. Then, tour other parts of Oakland for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oakland?
The top tourist attraction in Oakland is Greek Theatre, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Oakland?
Three days in Oakland is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Greek Theatre, Oakland Museum of California and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as San Francisco.
Is Oakland a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Oakland is a great place to see on foot. Wander between Oakland Museum of California and Children's Fairyland. Then take a stroll around Downtown Oakland, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Lake Merritt, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Oakland with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oakland with kids.

What to do in Oakland for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Oakland for adults including Rosenblum Cellars and St. George Spirits.
Are there free things to do in Oakland?
In Oakland, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Oakland.

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