Oakland Attractions
It may be less famous and less eccentric, but don't overlook San Francisco's neighbor to the east. Oakland grew up as an industrial city, spurred into wealth by the automobile and manufacturing industries in the earlier parts of the last century. Since then, it suffered through a loss of productivity but in recent decades has begun to overcome its bad rap and to grow and even blossom as a destination of its own.
With weather in between that of San Francisco and the Central Valley, Oakland is lucky enough to experience warm and sunny days for much of the year. Spend time outside in the parkland around Lake Merritt, a salt-water "lake" (really an estuary) in the middle of the city which was the country's first wildlife refuge. On the lakeshore is a children's park, botanical gardens, and miles of walking and bike paths.
Across the lake is Chinatown, a bustling and authentic area that's one of the country's oldest neighborhoods of its kind. Unlike the Chinatown of other cities like New York and San Francisco, Oakland's Chinatown is more of an pan-Asian-town, with cultural influence from all over southern and eastern Asia. That means lots of delicious cuisines and fun souvenirs to search for.
Another unique part of Oakland is the renovated and preserved Victorian homes, such as Preservation Park. Complete with fountains and detailed landscaping, the Park is a great place for a walk or for planning an event - this is the perfect spot for a romantic throwback wedding.
There are also a number of museums worth visiting in different parts of the city. The Oakland Museum of California is filled with more information about California than anyone could absorb in one day, from art to history to geology. Even museum-shy kids can find something to interest them here. Or head to the Chabot Space and Science Center, which features a planetarium and several public-access telescopes - also a great place for a family activity.
With weather in between that of San Francisco and the Central Valley, Oakland is lucky enough to experience warm and sunny days for much of the year. Spend time outside in the parkland around Lake Merritt, a salt-water "lake" (really an estuary) in the middle of the city which was the country's first wildlife refuge. On the lakeshore is a children's park, botanical gardens, and miles of walking and bike paths.
Across the lake is Chinatown, a bustling and authentic area that's one of the country's oldest neighborhoods of its kind. Unlike the Chinatown of other cities like New York and San Francisco, Oakland's Chinatown is more of an pan-Asian-town, with cultural influence from all over southern and eastern Asia. That means lots of delicious cuisines and fun souvenirs to search for.
Another unique part of Oakland is the renovated and preserved Victorian homes, such as Preservation Park. Complete with fountains and detailed landscaping, the Park is a great place for a walk or for planning an event - this is the perfect spot for a romantic throwback wedding.
There are also a number of museums worth visiting in different parts of the city. The Oakland Museum of California is filled with more information about California than anyone could absorb in one day, from art to history to geology. Even museum-shy kids can find something to interest them here. Or head to the Chabot Space and Science Center, which features a planetarium and several public-access telescopes - also a great place for a family activity.
Craft and Cultural Arts Gallery
1515 Clay Street
Atrium, State of California Office Building
Freedom Of Expression...
