Oakland, California is a living canvas of culture and nature colliding in the most exhilarating ways. 

Nestled between the Bay and the redwoods, history hums beneath your feet, creativity spills into the streets, and nature invites you to breathe more deeply. It’s comprised of the rhythm of footfalls around Lake Merritt, the rustle of redwoods in the wind, the echoes of history in a museum hall, the taste of something incredible at Jack London Square, and the pulse of live music or sports. 

Here are my top five unforgettable things to do in Oakland…

Lose Yourself in the Magic of Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is more than water surrounded by a jogging path. It’s the heart of Oakland. Early morning mist clings to the lake’s surface, while rowers glide across the calm waters. Joggers, yogis, and musicians create a tapestry of movement and sound, and the smell of sizzling food from nearby vendors fills the air. 

Here, the city takes a deep breath, people gather, and you can pause, sit on a bench, and soak in the energy of a place that has been alive for generations. When night falls, the Necklace of Lights twinkles like constellations on the water, turning an ordinary walk into something quite cinematic.

Catch a Game or Show at the Legendary Oakland Arena

If you crave high-energy experiences, don’t miss a night at the Oakland Arena. This iconic venue has hosted some of the biggest concerts, electrifying sporting events, and unforgettable live performances in history. From sold-out music legends to intense basketball games, the energy inside is undeniable. The crowd roars, the bass vibrates through the floor, and for those few hours, nothing else matters. 

Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or singing along to your favorite artist, Oakland Arena delivers a lifetime of cherished moments.

Photo: Oakland Arena Facebook 

Step Into California’s Soul at the Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California offers a thorough look into the state’s essence: its struggles, triumphs, and wild creativity. It’s where you can hear the voices of activists, artists, and innovators echo through the halls. You don’t just look at exhibits...you can actually step inside them. Graffiti-covered walls tell fascinating stories, gold rush relics whisper of ambition, and interactive displays pull you into the living, breathing history of California. 

The museum is also a garden and gathering place; holding two million (!!) objects to marvel at and learn from. This is where you come to feel the weight of the past and the fire of the future…all at once. 

Stand Among Giants in Redwood Regional Park

Just minutes from the city’s heartbeat, the world changes. The noise disappears, replaced by the hushed rustling of towering redwoods. Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a place that will humble you. Sunlight filters through the canopy, turning the forest floor into a mosaic of gold and green. Every step on the soft, pine-scented trail feels like stepping into a sanctuary, where the air is fresher and time slows. 

Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or just standing still and looking up at trees that have seen centuries pass, you’ll feel something awaken within. Here, you have a connection to something bigger than yourself.

Feel the City’s Soul at Jack London Square

You will absolutely love Oakland’s vibrant waterfront. Jack London Square, where writer Jack London spent much of his youth, hums with history, culture, and the open sea. Walk along the marina, where sailboats rock gently in the breeze. Sip on a coffee while street musicians fill the air with soulful jazz. 

Grab a bite at a waterfront eatery and watch the world drift by. Or, hop on a ferry and let the Bay itself become part of your urban adventure.