Historic places in Oakland

14 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Oakland.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
This is a beautiful building, one of the libraries donated by Andrew Carnegie, and its exterior merits a look before or after you visit the interior. The museum is on the second floor. Some of the temporary exhibits are quite worthwhile, and the permanent exhibits, which tell the black history of Oakland in text, pictures, and videotaped interviews, are really well done. Check the AAMLO web site for information on special exhibits, programs and events, such as an African American walking tour of downtown Oakland.
Mon-Thu, Sat 10AM-5:30PM, Fri noon-5:30PMFree
See
Lake Merritt
A large tidal lagoon that is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. A popular 3.1-mile (5-km) walking and jogging path runs along its perimeter and gives you a warts-and-all picture of Oakland: nature, art, culture, and diversity; gleaming skyscrapers and historic rowhouses; but also occasional run-down sections and visible homeless encampments. The lake was the United States' first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870. In the winter it's a good place for birdwatching, as birds migrating south from Canada and Alaska use it as a rest stop or a winter home. Look for grebes, pelicans, cormorants, hawks, and various types of ducks.
Buy
Marcus Books
A branch of the nation's oldest black-owned bookstore, this continues the long-standing tradition. Shelves full of excellent works from authors of color, posters and a consciousness of black history in both Oakland and the country.
Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-4PM
See
Oakland Aviation Museum
Civilian and military aircraft both large and small, even the Flying Boat. Flight simulators, flight lessons, even open cockpit days make this stop in Oakland Airport's old North Terminal a memorable one for anyone interested in flying or the history of aviation.
Wed-Sun 10AM-4PMAdults $15, seniors (60+) $12, military/student/teen $10, children 5-12 $8, children under 4 free
See
Oakland Museum of California
A startlingly good museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of California. The building itself is an admirable piece of architecture, and the exhibits are almost uniformly excellent and engaging. Free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. One thing to know is that the concrete construction of the building blocks cell signals, so be aware that you will likely lose contact for your stay in the museum.
Wed-Thu 11AM-5PM, Fri 11AM-9PM, Sat Sun 10AM-6PM$15.95/adult, $10.95/concession, $6.95/youth
See
Pardee Home Museum
The home of the Pardee family, beginning with a California State Senator in 1868, and made into a museum in 1981. The main attraction is the accumulation of knick-knacks that the family gathered from traveling the world, as well as the history of the family, and the vintage of the house and grounds.
By appointment only$10/person
See
Peralta Museum of History and Culture
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
Check website for tour hours and special events. Once headquarters of the Rancho San Antonio Spanish land grant, this six-acre park contains the 1870 Antonio Peralta House and interpretive exhibits, a native plant garden, and changing exhibits on history and culture.
Wed Fri Sat 2:30PM-5:30PM$5 admission, free for Fruitvale community members, members, and children 10 and under
See
The Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate
The Dunsmuir House
An out of the way large mansion and grounds dating to the sunset of the 19th century, the Dunsmuir House is home to a variety of events year-round, from classic car shows to Scottish Games. Open from March–September.
Tue-Fri 11AM-4PMAdults $10, seniors $8, children $6
See
The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment
The MADE
A museum dedicated to the entire history of video games, from the days of Pong and Donkey Kong to their own VR rig, available to the public. Arcade games, consoles, PC games, imports, big screens - whatever your age or your interests, there's always something to see and do.
Fri noon-midnight, Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun noon-6PM$12, members free
See
USS Potomac
Historic cruises on the bay are available Apr-Oct Th & Sa, while dockside tours run year-round. Book on the website or by phone. The Potomac was built as a Coast Guard cutter, and remodeled as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht in 1936. It served in that role until his death in 1945. In 1941, a fishing trip on the Potomac served as a cover story for Roosevelt's secret meeting with Churchill in Newfoundland waters; this meeting led to the Allied partnership during World War II and eventually to the formation of the United Nations.
Appointments and special events onlyDockside tours $10, $8 seniors, free for children 12 and under
Do Not mapped
Día de Los Muertos Annual Festival
An outdoor festival that draws 100,000 people to celebrate Hispanic history and culture in the Fruitvale neighborhood. Live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the altar artistic installations created by community members. October 31.
Do Not mapped
Oakland Art and Soul Weekend
Four stages worth of live music, in a city with a long history in the arts. Blues, Jazz, Rap, R&B and Indie performances abound.
Third weekend in August$50-60 at the gate
See Not mapped
The Chapel of the Chimes
An enormous labyrinthine columbarium designed by Julia Morgan, more famous as the architect of Hearst Castle. Hosts the yearly Garden of Memory experimental music festival. Open to the public, but be respectful as this is a burial site.
Free
See
Cathedral of Christ the Light
Locally famous for its boldly yonic design.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Oakland (CC BY-SA 4.0).