Drink

Ruby Room

A larger bar with a similar ambiance to the Radio Bar (with which it shares an owner), this includes a pool (billiards) room.

Address: 132 14th St
Getting there: between Madison & Jefferson, across from Central Library

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Oakland, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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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.
Eat
Lake Chalet
Elegant dining room overlooking Lake Merritt. When the weather is warm you can have lunch or happy hour outside on the pier. The food itself (seafood and steaks) is mediocre. The wine list is rather generic, but they do have their own local beer. You can also take a gondola ride around the lake. Online reservations. Space for private parties.
Mon-Thu 11AM-8PM, Fri 11AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-8PM$15-35
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
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.