Ode To Oakland
Day Note:
Before you hit Jack London Square, stop off for brunch at the Fat Lady. During Halloween, this one-time brothel (and its wait staff) is decorated in all manner of spooky gear. After mimosas, follow the "wolf tracks," which lead to historical points of interest, including Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (in operation since 1883). After a good dose of California-centric art and natural science, work your way back to the Washington Inn Hotel, which is...
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Oakland Museum of California
Contact:
- (510) 238-2200
- visit website
Location:
- (at the corner of 10th Street)
- Oakland,CA94607
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Map
Description:
This East Bay museum is an architectural work of art and is filled with a variety of educational exhibits, permanent and temporary, that touch many aspects of California history. The permanent displays include a gallery of California art, a simulated journey through California's diverse ecosystems, and exhibits on the history of the state's multicultural populations. Many people visit the museum just to stroll through its amazing sculpture garden.
Day Note:
After exploring the cosmos at the Chabot Space & Science center, get your feet back on the ground by exploring some of the Anthony Chabot Park’s 5,067 acres. End your day with a meal at A Cote and window-shopping in the upscale neighborhood of Rockridge.
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Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Contact:
- (510) 562-PARK
- visit website
Location:
- Redwood Road
- Oakland,CA94605
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Map
Description:
Camping, fishing, and a wealth of other outdoor activities are available only 20 minutes from downtown Oakland at the 4,972-acre Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Day Note:
Today is all about the Oakland jewel known as Lake Merritt. Walk around it, paddle in it, or let a gondolier do the work. Totally central, the Lake is the perfect jumping off point for exploration in neighborhoods such as Piedmont, Lakeshore and Chinatown.
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Lake Merritt
Contact:
- (510) 238-7275
- visit website
Location:
- At the corner of Bellevue and Grand avenues
- Oakland,CA94610
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Map
Description:
This shallow, 195-acre lake in downtown Oakland provides a variety of recreation activities to the city and its people. Pedal boats, sailboats, canoes, and rowboats are available for rent at a boating center that is open daily from 9am to sunset. Many local sports and environmental clubs congregate here. On any given day you might witness joggers, cyclists, or a boat race. It's also a place to view more than 29 species of local and migratory birds. The lake features an adjoining park equipped with picnic facilities and a storybook children's park, Children's Fairyland.
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Gondola Servizio
Contact:
- (510) 663-6603 / (866) 737-8494
- visit website
Location:
- Hatt Market
- Oakland,CA94617
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Map
Description:
Wish to be transported to Renaissance Italy? Couples, take a ride in a Gondola and hold hands - you would notice how the the atmosphere turns magical, as romance fills the air. Go on enjoy. Shakespeare himself must have written Romeo and Juliet, while pinning away in these romantic boats.
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Camron-Stanford House
Contact:
- (510) 444-1876
- visit website
Location:
- 1418 Lakeside Drive
- Oakland,CA94602-4307
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Map
Description:
This historic Victorian mansion is the last of its kind at Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland. Built in 1875, it was once the home of one of Oakland's wealthiest residents. The beautifully restored Italianate gives a good glimpse into Oakland's rich and colorful history. Afterwards, take a walk around Lakeside Park or rent a paddleboat on Lake Merritt. Guided tours are available. Cash only.
San Francisco
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Pardee Home Museum
Contact:
- (510) 444-2187
- visit website
Location:
- (at Jefferson Square)
- San Francisco,CA94607
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Map
Description:
This is considered one of the greatest historical landmarks in Northern California. Built in 1868, the house is an Italianate villa that once belonged to Enoch Pardee and his family, all of whom made a great impact on local and state politics in the late-19th and early 20th centuries. The estate is attractive both architecturally and historically and features authentic carriage and tank houses. It is known as the centerpiece of Oakland's Preservation Park Historic District.
Oakland
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Oakland Zoo
Contact:
- (510) 632-9525
- visit website
Location:
- Off Highway 580
- Oakland,CA94605
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Map
Description:
The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 440 exotic and domestic birds, mammals, marsupials, and reptiles. Some of its attractions include a park with picnic facilities, an educational wildlife theater, a childrens' petting zoo, a carousel, a chair lift ride, and a miniature train. The zoo also offers group tours and a lecture series for adults in the spring.
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Round Top Loop
Contact:
- (510) 562-7275
- visit website
Location:
- 6800 Skyline Boulevard
- Oakland,CA94611
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Map
Description:
The Bay Area tourist may be surprised to learn that volcanoes once roared in the Oakland Hills. This preserve, maintained by the East Bay Park and Recreation Department, features the Round Top, a peak made of 10-million-year-old lava and volcanic debris that is one of the highest points in the Oakland Hills. A visitor center at the park shelves self-guided tour brochures so guests can stroll the park and learn of its historic significance at their own leisure. The hike starts just west of here and follows the Round Top Loop.
