Best hotels in Oakland
Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel
10 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607
This relaxed three-star boutique hotel in Jack London Square features a nautical theme in keeping with its position on the waterfront. Also, just a mile away from Oakland Museum of California, the Waterfront offers guests a heated swimming pool and complimentary weekday wine and cheese hour. Perfect for those days when you’re just exploring locally.
Executive Inn & Suites Oakland
1755 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
Situated a few minutes from Oakland’s historic center and business district, and nine miles from Oakland Airport, this three-star hotel enjoys views across Embarcadero Cove waterfront. And there’s a 24-hour fitness center and heated outdoor pool.
Homewood Suites by Hilton – Oakland Waterfront
1103 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
This three-star waterside hotel looks out over the marina and is situated close to Jack London Square, Oakland Arena and Paramount Theater. A hot breakfast is included to set you up for the day and there are evening socials during the week.
Best restaurants in Oakland
Brown Sugar Kitchen
2295 Broadway, Oakland, CA, 2295
It might not look like much from the outside, but the line around the block tells you all you need to know. This popular soul food restaurant serves up a breakfast and lunch, with buttermilk chicken and cornmeal waffles with apple syrup the specialty. They do takeout and deliveries too.
Commis
3859 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94611
This is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. Well-sourced ingredients are used to make innovative dishes, in a plush retro-style setting, with mussels and caviar both on the menu here. Maybe save this one for a special occasion or celebration dinner.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
Rockridge, 5801 College Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94618
This employee-owned restaurant has won more than 200 ‘best pizza’ awards. It’s inspired by Chicago’s deep-dish pizzas but gives them a Californian twist. There are two locations in Oakland, one at Rockridge and a second at Grand Lake, so take your pick.
Best Attractions in Oakland
Oakland Arena
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621
One of the oldest arenas in the NBA is home to the Golden State Warrior, and basketball fans won’t want to miss watching a game while in the city. And it’s not just sport. Oakland Arena also regularly hosts gigs from some of the hottest pop and rock acts.
Jack London Square
Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94607
Enjoy the waterfront from Jack London Square. Stop for a bite to eat, a bit of people watching or just soak up the atmosphere and the view. There’s entertainment both on and off the water. including canoeing and kayaking if you’re feeling energetic.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605
There are more than 850 animals at Oakland Zoo, including everything from giraffes and lions to snakes and monkeys. Travel from the African Savanna to the California Trail, and make sure to stop by for feeding time. The zoo is also known for its elephant care program and veterinary hospital.