Sights and landmarks in Oakland

Sights and landmarks in Oakland

1. 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-5:30PM·Free

2. See

   Chabot Space and Science Center

   Opened in August 2000, the Center is a state-of-the-art science and technology education facility on a 13-acre site in the hills of Oakland. Visitors can watch planetarium shows and/or Megadome movies, simulate space missions in the Challenger Learning Center, explore a variety of changing hands-on exhibits and observe the sky through the center's telescopes. In addition, the Science Discovery Lab (for children 7 and under and their parent/guardian) is fantastic. Discounts for first Fridays of the month, during evening hours.

   Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM·Members free, adults $24, children and seniors $19

3. See

   Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

   Redwood Regional Park

   The hills behind the Mormon Temple and to the east of Oakland's bustling streets are home to this, where redwood groves and trees and trails and wildlife help even the most weary traveler forget that a city lies at the elbow of the wilderness. Redwood is just one of a string or regional parks running along the crest of the Oakland Hills. To the north are Huckleberry Botanical Preserve and Sibley Volcanic Regional Park while to the south is Anthony Chabot Regional Park. All have trails that interconnect with Redwood. Renamed in 2019.

   Daily 5AM-10PM unless otherwise posted or permitted

4. See

   E14 Gallery

   A modest art gallery focused on the local art, crafts and artists of Oakland, the focus primarily being the urban consciousness of the city.

   Thu-Sat 11:30AM-4:30PM

5. See

   Joaquin Miller Park

   A beautiful park in the Oakland hills, made up in part of "The Hights", the old estate of California poet Joaquin Miller. The park has some of the few remaining old-growth redwood groves in the East Bay. Lots of hiking and bike-riding opportunities.

   Free

6. 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.

7. See

   Morcom Rose Garden

   A peaceful and picturesque oasis of color, near Grand Lake, often a site for weddings. Seven acres of roses, a few benches and quiet, nestled into a residential area. The garden may be reserved after Mother's Day through October 31. Reservations are booked on a first come first serve basis.

8. 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-4PM·Adults $15, seniors (60+) $12, military/student/teen $10, children 5-12 $8, children under 4 free

9. 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

10. See

    Oakland Public Library

    With branches in neighborhoods throughout the city (check their website for specific branch locations and hours), the Oakland Public Library hosts numerous public events that make use of their facilities and vast resources.

11. See

    Oakland Zoo

    The mission of the Oakland Zoo is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. At the Oakland Zoo, you can explore together, learn together, and have fun together.

    Seasonal·Adults $24, kids and seniors $20, age 2 and under/76+ free

12. 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

13. 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

14. See

    Preservation Park

    A preserved and gated Victorian neighborhood and gardens open to the public (on foot). Popular spot for weddings, and offers space for other events.

15. See

    SLATE Contemporary Gallery

    Formerly Vessel Gallery

    As the name says, exhibitions from all over the country and the world, focusing on contemporary art.

    Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat noon-5PM, First Fridays 10AM-9PM and by appointment

16. 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-4PM·Adults $10, seniors $8, children $6

17. See

    The Joyce Gordon Gallery

    A commercial fine art gallery that showcases the Bay Area's cultural and social diversity. Also hosts artistic events.

    Wed-Fri 11AM-5PM, Sat 1-5PM

18. 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

19. 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 only·Dockside tours $10, $8 seniors, free for children 12 and under

20. 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

21. See

    Cathedral of Christ the Light

    Locally famous for its boldly yonic design.

22. See

    Johansson Projects

    2300 Telegraph Ave

    Thu-Sat 1-5PM, and by appointment

23. See

    Pro Arts Gallery

    Special events on weekends.

    Thu Fri noon-6PM·Free

24. See

    Transmission Gallery

    Large venue that has exhibitions from many local artists.

    Thu Fri noon-6PM, Sat 11AM-5PM, first Fridays noon-9PM, and by appointment

25. See Not mapped

    Arrowhead Marsh

    One of the best places for birdwatching in Oakland.

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