Oakland California is located about eight miles east of San Francisco and is situated on the San Francisco Bay, just south of the city of Berkeley. It is a port of major importance to the state and national economy. This city of around 400,000 offers many activities, from nightlife and dining to shopping and professional sporting events. The close proximity to San Francisco is a also a draw for people coming in from out of state who wish to see as much of the Bay Area as possible. There is a vibrant art scene and an abundance of culture distributed throughout the some 100 distinct neighborhoods in the city. Some of these neighborhoods are so small as to not be shown on a map. Top-notch hotels, amazing outdoor activities, and pro sports are just the beginning in Oakland CA.

Not everyone is aware of the fact that there are three pro sports teams located in Oakland California. This is due in large part to the fact that neighboring San Francisco also has a number of sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants, who won the 2010 World Series. The Oakland Athletics (or A’s to fans), the Oakland Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors all officially call Oakland home. There are also many opportunities for nightlife in and around the downtown area, as well as throughout the neighborhoods that make Oakland so unique. Downtown specifically offers a range of nightclubs and music venues, from punk rock clubs to discos, as well as a huge selection of bars and restaurants.

Jack London Square is another fantastic place for nightlife with an array of clubs, bars, restaurants, and movie theaters. The Paramount Theater and Fox Theater put on alluring events uptown and the Oakland Art Murmur is a monthly event staged uptown that features a number of art gallery openings and other festivities. There are also many annual events of interest for people who plan to visit the Bay Area. The Oakland Greek Festival in mid May, the Fine Arts Festival in July, and the Art and Soul Festival in August constitute just a few of the most popular things to do in Oakland during the summer.

California Map

It is possible to enjoy a nice variety of family-friendly activities in Oakland. The Oakland Zoo is just one possibility. Or get out on the water on a cruise aboard the U.S.S. Potomac or take the entire family for a fun and education experience at the Oakland Aviation Museum. Of course, if anyone if your group is a sports lovers, a summer baseball game and Oakland Coliseum would provide quite a memorable evening.

There is a broad selection of guest accommodations in the city, from luxury hotels and boutique hotels and suites to budget motels and bed and breakfasts. It is possible to enjoy Oakland and the entire Bay Area without breaking the bank, too. There are plenty of outdoor activities and low cost attractions that provide a lot of fun. Good examples include the zoo, museums, and the city’s parks.