Hidden Gems to Explore in Oakland, California

Although some people may have a special love for San Francisco’s high-tech vibe or Los Angeles’ Hollywood glamour, many of the Bay Area's hipsters, entrepreneurs and artists prefer calling Oakland home. So, if you’re planning a trip to the local area, why not check out some of our favourite spots in this often overlooked Californian city?

Situated on the opposite side of San Francisco Bay, Oakland is a renowned foodie haven that boasts some of the best eats in the area – from dim sum in Chinatown to tacos in Uptown. It's also home to cultural institutions like the Oakland Museum of California, a bustling downtown scene and a few unique offerings that aren't well-known to anyone but the locals.

If you find yourself with a little free time in between meetings or when out with friends, check out some of these hidden gems in the East Bay.

The Hidden Lagoon at Kaiser Rooftop Garden

300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612

Lake Merritt is a big attraction in Oakland, since it makes Oakland the sole city in the world with a natural saltwater lake contained completely within its boundaries. However, this famous lake isn't the only body of water in town.

If you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy your lunch or take a break from city life, check out the reflecting lake located atop the Kaiser Center's parking structure. The architect built a 3.5-acre rooftop garden and lake, complete with beautiful landscaping and a wooden bridge. The refreshing environment offers some serenity in the middle of the bustling metropolis of Oakland.

Source: Shutterstock

Fentons Creamery

4226 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611

Looking for a scoop of homemade ice cream? Serving delicious sundaes since 1894, Fentons Creamery is more than just an ice cream parlour. It’s home to a few secret menu options that definitely qualify as hidden gems for foodies. Whether you want a sweet dessert or a savory option, there’s plenty of tasty dishes awaiting.

Port View Park

7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Until 2011, Oakland's Middle Harbor Shoreline Park was one of the city's best-kept secrets. But since Mumford & Sons held a concert here, the public park has become a much busier venue. Luckily, there’s a quieter green space to while away a few hours in Oakland.

If you enjoy waterside views and peaceful surroundings, Port View Park is often called "The Park at the End of the World," due to its unique position at the harbor. Located at the end of 7th Street, this cute little park has its own history museum – which although not that big, is great for quick insights. The park also has a public path which takes you to the outer edges of Oakland for some of the most unique views of Oak Town.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

6800 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611

Favored among hikers and nature lovers, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers a great combination of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. One of its most notable features, Round Top, was formed from the remnants of a volcano that dates back 10 million years.

Sibley is also home to two hidden labyrinths made from natural rock formations within the park's quarry pits. Find the unique heart-shaped maze by following signs for the "Quarry Pit." Whether you visit to learn more about the region's volcanic past or to wander one of the labyrinths, the cool factor alone makes it worth the trip.

Banh Mi Ba Le Sandwich Shop

1909 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94606

Don't let the hole-in-the-wall appearance throw you. This Vietnamese sandwich shop serves what many locals call "the best" banh mi sandwich in the city. Other local favorites include the meatball and fried egg sandwich, lemongrass pork and grilled chicken sandwich, and steaming bowls of pho. If you're short on time, Ba Le Sandwich Shop also offers to-go boxes that are ready to go in the cold case.

Hidden Staircases

Oakland, CA 94611

If you relish the idea of breaking a sweat with your sightseeing, skip the gym in favor of climbing one of Oakland's historic hidden staircases. Originally built to provide pedestrians with shortcuts down to streetcar stations, these concrete stairs still exist in many neighborhoods in the city. If you want to tackle one of the city's longest connected secret stairways, head to the Merriewood Steps on Thornhill and get your cardio workout by climbing more than 630 steps.

NIDO’s Backyard

104 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Nestled along the Oakland waterfront, this locally sourced, farm-fresh Mexican food joint goes beyond your normal taco corner. NIDO’s Backyard serves up a variety of delicious Mexican food, creating unique takes on classic dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a distinctly Californian touch. Tuck into shareable specialties like birria spiced beef quesabirria, chorizo empanada and brussel sprout quesadilla.

The Crucible

1260 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Get a taste of Oakland's edgy art scene with a visit to The Crucible. This 56,000-square-foot facility houses studios where artists and professionals practice their crafts and teach classes. The venue offers free guided tours that give visitors an inside look into the kinetic art, blacksmithing, fire performance art and industrial art created by local artists.

Check out our favorite local spots in the Bay Area for yourself. Reserve your Oakland car rental with Hertz today.