Start your first day in Oakland by visiting the Oakland Art Murmur in Uptown, which features various galleries showcasing local artists. You can easily spend a few hours browsing through unique installations and paintings. Afterward, take a 10-minute drive to the Oakland Museum of California to learn more about the state's history through art exhibits, history, and science. Finally, head to the Jack London Square to enjoy the scenic views while grabbing dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Start your day by visiting Lake Merritt, a beautiful spot for a morning jog, picnic or a walk. Afterward, head to Chinatown, which offers an array of shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Stop by the Paramount Theatre, an Art-Deco landmark that regularly hosts live performances. Finally, visit the famous Oakland Zoo, which is home to over 650+ species and offers the opportunity to get up and close to many exotic animals.
Consider renting a car or utilizing rideshare services to make getting around Oakland easy and convenient. Expect to pay around $20-$40 per day for car rentals or use services like Uber or Lyft to go around the city. Public transportation like BART or AC transit can also be utilized to reach specific destinations, at an average cost of $2.50-$3.50 per ride.
If you have more time, consider taking a trip to Alameda Island, which is just across the bay from Oakland and features scenic walking and biking paths. For visitors with less time, focus on a specific neighborhood like Rockridge to see some of Oakland's historic architecture and trendy shops and restaurants.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the main airport serving the city and is located just 10 minutes from downtown Oakland. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is another popular airport located 30 miles north of Oakland. Alternatively, you can fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC), located 40 miles south of Oakland. Both airports offer multiple transportation options to get you to your destination.