Recently heralded by National Geographic as a Best Trip in the category of culture, Oakland’s vitality, diversity, and people will thrill you. There is an entire month dedicated to Art and the Artists of Oakland that innovate, as well as a culinary scene that is as diverse as it gets. Many restaurants celebrate cultural influences from the Caribbean to Ethiopia, while Chinatown (settled in the 1850s) boasts Pan Asian eateries where you can dine on truly authentic delicacies from savory to sweet. The nightlife is similarly packed with unique energy and cultural diversity. Whether you are seeking dance clubs or live comedy theater, you will find something exciting in Oakland. Because of the great weather all year long, there are annual events and festivals galore in the Easy Bay. Each season of the year has multiple opportunities to eat new food, find new music, see new art, and discover a new passion. Favorite annual events with locals are the Eat Real Festival, Autumn Lights Festival, and the Art & Soul Festival.

With the world-famous Napa Wine Region nearby, wine touring may be on your mind while in Oakland. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a charming method of travel to and around Napa’s wine country, or take a leisurely drive up to Napa and plan to stay overnight at a local B&B or wine country inn. If wine tasting is your desire, but you prefer to stay local, the Oakland Urban Wine Trail is calling. Mostly housed in renovated warehouse spaces, the local wine scene is second to none, with vintners sourcing grapes from all over California for their lovingly-crafted, award-winning varietals. Beer lovers will find fun along the Oakland Ale Trail, featuring 13 local breweries and awesome food trucks typically parked right out front. Relax in outdoor beer gardens or make new friends in the taprooms and don’t forget the growler to go!

Outdoor activities in Oakland are bountiful, just like the sunshine. Whether you aim to to go hiking or biking, Oakland has breathtaking outdoor spaces tucked into every corner. Lake Merritt, an urban estuary and wildlife refuge in the heart of downtown, is one of Oakland’s most notable features. The mix of fresh and salt water makes this body of water home to unique and endangered animals. Enjoy a brisk morning jog along the pathways while viewing the indigenous wildlife or relax in the golden hours of evening while gliding along the water in a private gondola. Tilden Regional Park is one of the area’s oldest parks, featuring a carousel, Botanic Garden, lake swimming, and plenty of lush greenery to refresh your spirit. The Redwood Regional Park, on the hills east of Oakland, offers miles of winding trails that will take you through ancient Coastal Redwoods and beautiful ferns. At just a 15 minute drive from downtown, this regional park is a great place to go for a quick mountain bike ride, too.

Popular activities with tourists and locals alike include a visit to the Oakland Zoo, taking in a Golden State Warriors game, or hopping the ferry to San Francisco for the day. The Oakland Zoo houses over 700 native and exotic animals in their natural habitats, and has a particularly exceptional elephant care program. Or plan to take the younger children for a delightful day in one of the country’s earliest “themed” amusements parks, Children’s Fairyland. Opened in 1950, this 10 acre storybook-themed park was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney when he was designing his own fairytale-themed park. For indoor explorations, the Chabot Space & Science Center will thrill kids of all ages with hands-on interactive exhibits, planetariums, powerful telescopes, and much more. Located in the Redwood Regional Park, this facility also hosts gala events and weddings.