Things to do in Oakland

    Discover amazing Oakland activities and premium in-home experiences.

    At the heart of the Bay Area, Oakland is a vibrant mosaic where innovation meets tradition. Known for its rich cultural tapestry and spirited arts scene, this city offers an eclectic mix of world-class dining, breathtaking waterfront views, and dynamic neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Whether you’re catching live jazz in Uptown or wandering through redwood groves in nearby parks, Oakland promises diverse experiences that awaken your senses.

    Popular Activities in Oakland

    1-Hour Kayak or SUP Rental at Jack London Square

    Explore the Oakland Estuary at your own pace with a 1-hour self-guided rental

    4.5 58 reviews
    $23/ craft

    2-Hour Kayak and SUP Rental at Jack London Square

    Paddle the Oakland Estuary on a self-guided outing with gear included

    4.5 58 reviews
    $35/ craft

    3-Hour Kayak or SUP Rental in Jack London Square

    Paddle the Oakland Estuary with gear included on a flexible self-guided rental

    4.5 58 reviews
    $58/ craft

    Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour

    Walk among ancient redwoods and enjoy Sausalito’s waterfront on a convenient half-day escape

    4.7 601 reviews
    $65/ person

    Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito

    Pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Sausalito, and visit Muir Woods in one guided day

    4.7 601 reviews
    $155/ person

    Alcatraz Day Tour and Aquarium Plus Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine

    Experience Alcatraz and the Aquarium, then wander redwoods and savor Sonoma and Napa wines over two days

    4.7 601 reviews
    $205/ person

    Alcatraz Night Tour, Aquarium, Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine

    Experience Alcatraz at night, explore the Aquarium, and enjoy redwoods and curated wine tastings over two days

    4.7 601 reviews
    $210/ person

    Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

    Visit Alcatraz by day and unwind on a scenic sunset cruise around San Francisco Bay

    4.7 601 reviews
    $70/ person

    Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

    Experience the South Rim on a guided motorcoach tour with three scenic viewpoints

    4.7 601 reviews
    $127/ person

    Monterey Bus Tour With Carmel-by-the-Sea

    See Highway 1 coastal highlights: Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and Carmel aboard a luxury motor coach

    4.7 601 reviews
    $110/ person

    Silicon Valley Tech Tour

    Visit Apple, Google, and the Computer History Museum with extended Silicon Valley stops

    4.7 601 reviews
    $1,911

    Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

    Experience Yosemite Valley and hike to Tuolumne Grove with a professional guide

    4.7 601 reviews
    $150/ person

    Alcatraz and Aquarium with Yosemite Day Tour

    Discover Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay, and Yosemite in two days with guided touring and free time to explore

    4.7 601 reviews
    $215/ person

    Aquarium, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Yosemite Day Trip

    Experience Aquarium of the Bay, Alcatraz at night, and a guided Yosemite day trip

    4.7 601 reviews
    $220/ person

    Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

    Explore Yosemite’s waterfalls, cliffs, and meadows with a professional guide on a day trip from San Francisco

    4.7 601 reviews
    $150/ person

    Haight-Ashbury Food Walking Tour

    Savor five tastings as a local guide reveals Haight-Ashbury's counterculture and street art

    5.0 18 reviews
    $80/ person

    Mission and Castro Food Walking Tour in San Francisco

    Taste five local bites while exploring Castro and Mission history with a local guide

    5.0 18 reviews
    $80/ person

    Chinatown Dim Sum & Tea Tour in San Francisco

    Sample authentic dim sum, teas, and local secrets on a 3-hour guided exploration of San Francisco's Chinatown.

    4.8 327 reviews
    $42/ person

    North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour

    Taste classic North Beach flavors on a leisurely 7–8 block stroll with all food and drinks included

    4.8 327 reviews
    $42/ person

    Chinatown and North Beach Little Italy Walking Tour

    Sample dim sum, see fortune cookies made, and explore Beat hangouts on a relaxed neighborhood stroll

    4.8 327 reviews
    $53/ person

    North Beach to Golden Gate Bridge E-Bike Tour

    Glide on premium e-bikes with a local guide to SF's iconic sights from North Beach to the Golden Gate

    5.0 46 reviews

    Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz Bay Sail

    Admire Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and city skyline on a 1.5-hour family-friendly bay sail.

    4.9 1K reviews
    $37/ person

    Sunset Sail: Alcatraz, Golden Gate & Skyline

    Glide past Alcatraz and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge as the city skyline glows in the setting sun.

    4.9 1K reviews
    $95/ person

    45-Minute Golden Gate Adventure Cruise

    High-speed bay cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge with close-up views of sea lions and historic landmarks

    5.0 923 reviews
    $72/ person

    San Francisco Bay 90-Minute Excursion

    Ride a 12-passenger boat under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge with captain narration and sea lion views

    5.0 923 reviews
    $94/ person

    Golden Gate Whale Watch

    Spot humpbacks and gray whales near the Golden Gate on a family-friendly 2.5–3 hour cruise

    4.6 1.4K reviews
    $94/ person

    Golden Gate Bridge Sunset Cruise in San Francisco

    Watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge while sipping a complimentary drink aboard a cozy small-group cruise

    4.9 80 reviews
    $91/ person

    Golden Gate Sailing with Drink & Bay Views

    Sail beneath the Golden Gate and enjoy panoramic views with a complimentary drink

    4.9 80 reviews
    $47/ person

    Private Yacht Charter on San Francisco Bay

    Celebrate any occasion on a 2-hour private yacht cruise with drinks and iconic Bay views

    4.9 80 reviews
    $2,140

    San Francisco Movie Sights Tour

    See iconic film locations with clips aboard a theater-on-wheels bus

    5.0 127 reviews
    $52/ person

    Alcatraz & San Francisco Electric Bike Tour

    Experience Alcatraz Island then explore San Francisco neighborhoods by electric bike over two days

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $191/ bike

    1 Day Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour

    See iconic San Francisco sights at your pace with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off pass

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $69/ person

    Alcatraz and Full-Day Electric Bike Rental

    Visit Alcatraz and explore San Francisco with a full-day electric bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    Alcatraz & the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Tour

    Explore Alcatraz then bike across the Golden Gate to Sausalito over two days for a classic San Francisco experience.

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    2-Hour Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf

    Ride a well-maintained bike with maps and gear included for an easy city outing

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    All-Day Bike Rentals at Fisherman's Wharf

    Explore San Francisco all day with quality bikes, helmets, and maps included

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

    Ride the waterfront and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, with a ferry return option

    4.5 2.8K reviews

    Private California Sunset Tour

    Cross the Golden Gate at sunset with a private guide and all-day bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $122/ person

    Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

    Ride with a private guide over the Golden Gate to Sausalito with a custom start time and all-day bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $122/ person

    Private Golden Gate Park Tour

    See Golden Gate Park on a private tour with a dedicated guide and all-day bike rental

    4.5 2.8K reviews
    $122/ person

    Explore the Vibrant Spirit of Oakland

    Oakland is a dynamic city where creativity and culture thrive. Known for its diverse communities, this urban gem offers an eclectic mix of experiences that cater to every traveler’s taste. From art galleries in Uptown to historic theaters downtown, there's always something happening here. The iconic Fox Theater hosts world-class performances while nearby Jack London Square provides a scenic waterfront backdrop perfect for dining or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere.

    Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Oakland's stunning outdoor spaces. Take a hike through Redwood Regional Park, where towering trees create a serene escape from city life. For those visiting during spring or summer, Lake Merritt is ideal for picnics or paddle boating under sunny skies—it's also home to a vibrant farmers market on weekends offering local produce and artisanal goods.

    No visit would be complete without exploring Oakland's culinary scene—a true reflection of its multicultural identity. Sample global flavors at bustling food trucks or enjoy farm-to-table meals at one of many acclaimed restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhoods like Temescal and Rockridge. Whether you're discovering street art murals around every corner or catching live music in intimate venues, Oakland invites you to experience its unique blend of innovation and tradition firsthand.

    Oakland FAQs