Insider tips
On the first Friday of each month Oakland’s Kono district hosts an immersive art and community experience called First Friday. Art galleries open their doors and street artists, performers, DJs and poets entertain the masses on the street. Check out one of Oakland’s several vintage theatres which hark back to The Golden Age of Film such as the Fox, The Paramount and Grand Lake.
Eat like a local
Stock up on your fresh produce and people watch at one of Oakland’s farmers markets. Dig into a variety of Dim Sum at Shan Dong in Chinatown or splash out in Michelin Starred restaurant, Commis. Let the locals show you Oakland’s foodie neighbourhoods with tours from Savor Oakland, See Eat Love or Edible Excursions.
Best Brunch
Shakewell in the Trestle Glen neighbourhood is a buzzy Mediterranean restaurant. They do great cocktails are recommended in 2015 Michelin Guide. For a delicious Mexican brunch check out Calavera. Their tacos are to die for and it’s never too early for a margarita.
For the kids
Bring the kids trotting around the Oakland Hills on horseback, to the Chabot Space and Science Centre or if they have a head for heights to Trapeze Arts Circus School. Younger kids will enjoy Fairyland, a theme park on the shore of Lake Merritt which opened in 1950. Walt Disney visited and it’s said to have inspired Disney World.
Where to stay
Treat yourself to the boutique style Waterfront Hotel. It’s perfectly located on the water in Jack London Sq and is walking distance to shops and restaurants www.jdvhotels.com For a more moderate price try The Bed and Breakfast on Fairmount. This traditional style home stay serve up fresh eggs for breakfast that are laid by their own resident hens. www.abedandbreakfastonfairmount.com
Getting there
Fly to San Francisco or Oakland International Airports. Both are serviced by Bay Area Rapid Transport (BART). There is a regular service from San Francisco International Airport to Oakland. The journey takes about 40 minutes. For more information on Oakland got to www.visitoakland.com
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