7-Day Budget Adventure Itinerary in Oakland, CA - Food and Fun Under $450

Day 1: City Exploration

Oakland, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Human Bean

Enjoy an affordable breakfast burrito and coffee at The Human Bean to kickstart your day.
Located in downtown Oakland, easily accessible.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lake Merritt

Take a leisurely stroll around Lake Merritt, a lovely spot for walking and enjoying nature.
A quick 10-minute walk from The Human Bean.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dunstad’s

Indulge in a delicious and budget-friendly lunch at Dunstad’s; try their sandwiches or salads.
10-minute walk from Lake Merritt.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Oakland Museum of California

Visit the Oakland Museum for a blend of art, history, and science at a reasonable price.
15-minute walk from lunch.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Jack London Square

Explore Jack London Square, where you can enjoy shops, views, and a picturesque atmosphere.
A 20-minute walk or quick rideshare from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Alley

End your day with quality cheap eats at The Alley, known for its family-style Italian dishes.
Short walk from Jack London Square.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: San Francisco Day Trip

San Francisco, CA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start the day with the famed French toast at Mama's, a local favorite — don’t miss it!
Take BART to Embarcadero then transit to North Beach.
USD20, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Golden Gate Park; plenty of free areas and gardens to wander.
Public transport, approximately 30 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Park Chow

Grab lunch at Park Chow, offering reasonably-priced American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
A 10-minute walk from the park.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Stroll through Fisherman's Wharf; see street performers and enjoy the sea air.
15-minute rideshare from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Alcatraz Island (Self-Guided Tour)

Take a budget-friendly ferry trip to Alcatraz for a self-guided audio tour of the historic prison.
Ferry departs from Pier 33, accessible from Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD40 (advance online purchase suggested), 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Boudin Bakery Café

End your day at Boudin Bakery Café, serving classic sourdough and hearty soup in a bread bowl.
Short rideshare from the ferry terminal.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Berkeley Adventure

Berkeley, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Mediterranee

Enjoy an affordable Mediterranean-inspired breakfast at the charming La Mediterranee.
Take BART to Berkeley, approximately 30 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour UC Berkeley Campus

Explore the beautiful and historic UC Berkeley campus on your own, including Sather Tower.
Self-guided tour, easily walkable.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cheeseboard Pizza

Head to Cheeseboard for a famous pizza slice or salad at reasonable prices.
A short 10-minute walk from campus.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Berkeley Art Museum

Check out the diverse exhibitions at the Berkeley Art Museum for an affordable arts experience.
15-minute walk from lunch.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Tilden Regional Park

Enjoy nature with a free hike or scenic walk at Tilden Regional Park.
20-minute rideshare from the museum.
USD10 (parking fee), 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Gather

Savor a meal at Gather, featuring fresh farm-to-table dishes reasonably priced for dinners.
A 15-minute ride from Tilden Park.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Day Trip

Point Reyes, CA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Marin Coffee Roasters

Grab some delicious coffee and a pastry to-go from Marin Coffee Roasters before venturing out.
Drive or rideshare for approximately 1 hour from Oakland.
USD10, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Hike Point Reyes National Seashore

Spend your morning hiking on the scenic trails of Point Reyes National Seashore; it's absolutely free!
Follow the signs to the trails upon arrival; parking fees may apply.
USD10 (parking fee if applicable), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Point Reyes Station

Stop for a budget-friendly lunch at Point Reyes Station; consider Cowgirl Creamery for cheese and a sandwich.
Short drive from trailheads.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Marshall Beach

Relax on Marshall Beach and enjoy breathtaking coastal views and nature.
A scenic drive of 30 minutes from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Point Reyes Lighthouse

Visit the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse, enjoying spectacular ocean views along the way.
A 20-minute drive from Marshall Beach.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Siren Cafe

Dine at The Siren Cafe, featuring delicious meals made with local ingredients without breaking the bank.
Drive back towards Oakland for dining.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Outdoor Adventures

Mount Diablo State Park > Oakland, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Start your day with an inexpensive breakfast sandwich and coffee at The Coffee Shop.
Drive to Mount Diablo State Park, approximately 1 hour.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike Mount Diablo

Spend the morning hiking the scenic trails of Mount Diablo State Park, enjoying beautiful vistas.
Follow the signs to trailheads upon arrival.
USD10 (parking fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Secret Garden

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Secret Garden Café, offering a great variety of options.
Located in the park, easy access.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore More Trails

Continue your adventure by exploring more trails or relaxing in picnic spots at Mount Diablo.
Park exploration.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Oakland

Drive back to Oakland to wind down your adventurous day.
About a 1-hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Homestead

End your day with a cozy dinner at Homestead, featuring seasonal dishes at reasonable prices.
Located in Oakland upon your return.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wine Country Tour

Wine Country, CA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Kickstart the day with a delicious breakfast pastry from the renowned Model Bakery in Napa.
Drive to Napa Valley, about 1 hour.
USD10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Wine Tasting at V. Sattui Winery

Experience a budget-friendly tasting at V. Sattui Winery, showcasing a delightful range of wines.
A 30-minute drive from breakfast.
USD25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Napa Valley Vineyards

Take a scenic drive and stop at a couple of vineyards for tastings which cost less than standard tours.
Use Napa Valley main roads.
Varies (approximately USD10-20 per tasting), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Oxbow Public Market

Enjoy diverse food options at Oxbow Public Market, sampling local snacks and meals at casual spots.
Easily accessible from vineyards.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Robert Mondavi Winery

Indulge in tastings at Robert Mondavi Winery; keep an eye out for discounts on less busy days.
Short drive from lunch.
USD25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at St Helena Grill

Savor a delicious and reasonably priced dinner at The St Helena Grill where farm-to-table meets affordability.
Drive from Robert Mondavi; it’s a short ride.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relax and Reflect

Oakland, CA

8:00AM

Brunch at Brown Sugar Kitchen

Enjoy a notable brunch of creative Southern comfort food at Brown Sugar Kitchen, known for its delicious fare.
Located in Oakland, a short drive.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Oakland Zoo

Spend the morning visiting the Oakland Zoo, featuring various animals and conservation efforts.
A 15-minute drive from brunch.
USD22, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Boot and Shoe Service

Savor handmade pastas and pizzas at The Boot and Shoe Service for a delicious lunch.
A 15-minute drive from the zoo.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Lake Temescal Regional Park

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Lake Temescal, with lovely views and easy walking trails.
Drive or rideshare to the park, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Final Dinner at The Shoreline Grill

Conclude your adventure with a cozy dinner at Shoreline Grill, capitalizing on the stunning waterfront views.
Drive back towards Oakland.
USD30, 2 hours
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