What are Some Tourist Attractions in Oakland, California?

There are many tourist attractions in Oakland, California which will keep the traveler entertained. Oakland is a city of a few firsts, like a three-dimensional children’s amusement park, which inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland, and the creation of the first Popsicle sticks. It also has some interesting features that make it unique. Lake Merrit, Oakland’s beautiful lake is the only salt-water lake that is completely surrounded by a city.

Sitting just across the San Francisco Bay from San Francisco, and located right near Berkeley, California, you still may be too intrigued by the many tourist attractions in Oakland to have time to visit another of these fine cities. But their close proximity to Oakland does offer additional tourist activities if you’d like to see more of the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you have children, especially ten years or younger in age, your first stop might be at Children’s Fairyland, one of the best-loved tourist attractions in Oakland. Fairyland is very child friendly, with gentle rides, climbing structures based on fairy tales, a marvelous dragon slide, and lots of plays and performances to keep young children entertained. It’s a magical place for young children, but older children may not be able to go on all the rides. Be sure to check with the park for height requirements.

Children’s Fairyland is situated on the beautiful Lake Merrit, definitely one of the best tourist attractions in Oakland. You can take walks around the lake, watch sailors and windsurfers, and picnic in many of the beautiful park areas provided around the lake. At night the lake is lit up — just make sure to go with friends if you plan to walk Lake Merrit at night.

To keep all the kids happy, check out the nearby Oakland Zoo, one of the finest in California with lots of stuff for the family to do. The Oakland Museum of California and the downtown Oakland area can be both fun and educational places to visit. They represent the history of the city of Oakland, and its place in California’s development.

Another of the tourist attractions in Oakland is its smaller, but not much newer than San Francisco’s, Chinatown. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining in Oakland’s Chinatown, and it is far easier to park in and navigate than is San Francisco’s Chinatown. With the many Chinese-American residents of Oakland, you can definitely be assured of wonderfully authentic and mouthwatering meals at its restaurants.

One of the famed tourist attractions in Oakland is Jack London Square. It offers lots of shops and dining opportunities, overlooking the San Francisco bay. While you're there, don't forget to visit Heinhold's First and Last Chance Saloon. This tiny wooden structure is also known as "Jack London's Rendezvous," since it was frequented by the author as a young person. From Jack London Square you can also catch ferries to visit San Francisco or Vallejo, and a ride on the San Francisco Bay is well worth it.

Fans of plants and horticulture will enjoy visits to the Knowland State Park Arboretum and the Joseph McInnes Botanic Garden. If you’re looking for unusual and free tourist attractions in Oakland don’t miss visiting the wealthy town of Piedmont, completely surrounded by Oakland. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful architecture on the West Coast, and certainly some of the most impressive mansions. Simply park the car and take a walk through any of Piedmont’s streets to marvel at the beautiful homes.

If you’re looking for entertainment, you should definitely check the schedule at the Oakland Coliseum, which has both indoor and outdoor stadiums. Famous rock bands frequently perform at the Coliseum. Alternately, if you’re a sports fan, one the greatest tourist attractions in Oakland is still the Coliseum, which plays host to the Athletics, the Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors. There’s usually a chance to catch a home game, though if you don’t buy tickets in advance, you may not be able to get them.