Enjoy the Sights, Experience the Culture. Discover Oakland's captivating mix of modern and historic. The city has an abundance of intriguing, enlightening, and just plain fun things to see and do for people of all ages and interests.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Attractions
Hills area map
10000 Skyline Blvd
(510) 336-7300
http://www.chabotspace.org
The 86,000-square-foot center houses the largest public telescope in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome theater. There are also numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits. Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. members and prebooked tours only
Children's Fairyland
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
699 Bellevue
(510) 452-2259
http://www.fairyland.org/
Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park. Summer: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other seasons: hours vary.
Old Oakland Historic District
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Old Oakland area
Between Broadway and Clay Sts., from Seventh to 10th Sts.
This historic neighborhood of elegantly restored Victorian commercial buildings dates back to the 1870s and is now home to unique shops, galleries, Washington Street Restaurant Row, and a farmers market on Fridays.
USS Potomac
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area map
540 Water Street, Foot of Clay St.
(510) 627-1215
http://www.usspotomac.org
Affectionately dubbed the Floating White House by the press, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht is one of the few floating museums in the country. The restored 165-foot vessel, a national historic landmark, is a memorial to FDR and his accomplishments.
Camron-Stanford House
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Lake Merritt area map
1418 Lakeside Drive
(510) 444-1876
http://www.cshouse.org/
his beautifully restored building is the last of the Victorians that once dominated the Lake Merritt area. Built in 1876, the house features period rooms and restoration exhibits. Wed. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m.
Cathedral Building
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area map
Chapel of the Chimes
Attractions
Piedmont Ave area map
4499 Piedmont Avenue
(510) 654-0123
http://www.chapelofthechimes.com/oakland/index.htm
Chinatown
Attractions
Chinatown area
Broadway, Alice, 13th, and Seventh Sts.
Experience Asian culture and character by exploring the restaurants, specialty shops, markets, and bakeries in this vibrant neighborhood. Be sure to visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church (265 Eighth St.) and Pacific Renaissance Plaza (388 Ninth St.), which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
City Center
Attractions
City Center area
Broadway and 14th St.
Glimpse a mix of 19th-century buildings standing proud alongside modern skyscrapers and elegant landscaping. Eye-catching buildings of note include Tribune Tower, the art deco financial center building, the federal building, the historic and recently restored City Hall, the Rotunda, and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. The City Center pedestrian plaza boasts outdoor seating, restaurants, shops, and summer concerts.
Cohen Bray House
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Hills area map
1440 29th Avenue
(510) 532-0704
http://www.cohen-brayhouse.info/
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cohen-Bray House has been owned by one family since it was built in 1883 and offers views of its original interior decor and gardens. Fourth Sunday of every month and by appointment.
Crucible
Attractions
Uptown area
1260 - 7th St
(510) 444-0919
http://www.thecrucible.org
A nonprofit arts education center that fosters a collaboration of arts, industry and community.
Dunsmuir House & Gardens Historic Estate
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Hills area map
2960 Peralta Oaks Court
(510) 615-5555
http://www.dunsmuir.org/
This 37-room colonial revival mansion, built in 1899, along with its surrounding horticultural park and gardens, allows visitors to see how the wealthy lived a century ago. Grounds open Feb.-Oct.: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grounds maps are available at the Dinkelspiel House.) Mansion open April-Sept.: Wed. 11 a.m.-noon.
Fox Oakland Theater
Attractions
Uptown area map
Telegraph Avenue
http://www.foxoakland.org
The Fox Oakland Theater, on Telegraph Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets, operated as a first-run movie house from 1928 until 1962. During the next decade, under different owners and managers, it operated as both a first- and second-run movie house, closed briefly several times, and hosted various special events. The City bought it in 1996 and finished installing new roofs in 2000 as its first step in developing public and private efforts to restore and reuse the theater and its two 3-story commercial wings.
Frank Ogawa Plaza
Attractions
City Center area map
Fruitvale Plaza
Attractions
Fruitvale area map
http://www.business2oakland.com/main/itemneighborh
Golden State Bonsai Federation
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
666 Bellevue Avenue
(510) 763-8409
http://www.gsbf-bonsai.org/
Gloden State bonsai Federation is the largest association of bonsai clubs in the US with over 70 member clubs in California, and affiliate clubs in Nevada, Arizona and Mexico.
Gondola Servizio
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
568 Bellevue Avenue
(866) 737-8494, (510) 663-6603
http://www.gondolaservizio.com/
Glide across Lake Merritt in a beautiful Venetian gondola accompanied by a serenading gondolier. Enjoy an evening cruise for two or an afternoon group (up to six) event.
Grand Lake Theater
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Grand Avenue area map
3200 Grand Avenue
(510) 452-3556
A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer.
Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area map
48 Webster Street in Jack London Square
(510) 839-6761
http://www.heinoldsfirstandlastchance.com
Built in 1880 and once frequented by Oakland resident Jack London, this saloon is a popular hangout for Jack London Square denizens and visitors alike. It was designated a national literary landmark in 1998.
Jack London Cabin
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area
Webster Street in Jack London Square
A remote cabin in Alaska was authenticated by a handwriting expert from Oakland PD's forgery detail as having notes in London's hand on the ceiling. The cabin was dismantled, and dragged out of the wilderness. A city in Canada got a cabin made with half of the logs the other half-cabin has been in Jack London Square since 1970, right by Heinold's.
Jack London History Walk
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area
Follow the etched wolf paws on the path that leads to London's waterfront haunts. (510) 645-5968
Jack London Square
Attractions
Jack London area
Broadway and Embarcadero
(866) 295-9853, (510) 814-6000
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com
This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk café.
Jack London Water Taxi
Attractions
Jack London area
Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square
(510) 839-7572
Take a relaxing ride on the estuary on this pontoon boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the waterfront, harbor facilities, and estuary wildlife. Tours available for groups up to 30.
Lakeside Park
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
Grand and Bellevue Aves.
510 238-7275
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/parks/lakeside.asp
This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country-and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.
Lakeside Theater
Attractions
Lake Merritt area
300 Lakeside Drive
(510) 271-6100
http://kaisercenter.com
This space is fabulous for concerts, poetry events, film screenings, lectures, presentations and small theater productions.
Lost Canyon Winery
Attractions
Jack London area
2102 Dennison St.
(510) 534-9314
http://www.lostcanyonwinery.com
Lost Canyon Winery's focus is on producing small lots of vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Syrah from some of the finest vineyards in the Russian River, Sonoma Coast, and Los Carneros appellations. The tasting room is complemented by original artwork and is an ideal location for a special event or reception. Tasting hours are 1:00-6:00 Friday through Sunday and other times available by appointment.
Morcom Rose Garden
Attractions
Grand Avenue area
700 Jean St.
(510) 238-3187
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/rental_
Opened in the late 1920s, this eight-acre municipal rose garden features more than 6,000 rose bushes of all varieties. Bloom season is late April through October.
Oakland Mormon Temple and Visitors Center
Attractions
Hills area map
4770 Lincoln Avenue
(510) 531-1475
http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,
This architectural standout offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and is adorned with breathtaking lights at Christmas. Visitors center open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Oakland Zoo
Attractions
Hills area map
9777 Golf Links Road
(510) 632-9525
http://www.oaklandzoo.org
Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 400 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the new butterfly garden and the 'rides area,' with a roller coaster, an 'endangered species carousel,' and a train. Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pardee Home Museum
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area map
672 11th St.
(510) 444-2187
http://pardeehome.org
A national historic landmark, this museum gives visitors a chance to learn about the domestic life of the prominent Pardee family, which occupied the house from 1868 to 1981.
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Fruitvale area map
2465 34th Avenue
(510) 532-9142
http://peraltahacienda.org
This six-acre park is the focal point of the historic 44,000-acre Rancho San Antonio, established through a Spanish land grant to Luis Peralta and his family. The park's Peralta House, an 1870 Italianate Victorian farmhouse on the National Register of Historic Places, is in the midst of a major restoration. Tours Wed. 2-4 p.m. and first Sat. of the month at 1 p.m.
Preservation Park
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area map
Martin Luther King Jr. Way at 13th St.
(510) 874-7580
http://www.preservationpark.com
These 16 restored Victorian houses occupy two richly landscaped blocks and provide a sneak peek of historic Oakland. The park includes a 19th-century fountain and showcases five distinct domestic architectural styles.
Rotary Nature Center
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
600 Bellevue Avenue
(510) 238-3739
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/rnc.asp
This wildlife refuge, the oldest in the United States, is located in downtown's Lakeside Park. Visitors here can observe resident and migratory waterfowl at close range and participate in education programs. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Roof Garden
Attractions
Lake Merritt area
300 Lakeside Drive
(510) 271-6146
http://www.kaisercenterroofgarden.com/
The Kaiser Center Roof Garden was the first roof garden built in the United States after World War ll. The meticulously maintained Kaiser Center Roof Garden is open for public enjoyment Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m.
USS Potomac Visitors Center
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area map
540 Water Street
(510) 627-1502
http://www.usspotomac.org
http://www.kaisercenterroofgarden.com/
What's New:
Bill Nye Climate Lab Exhibit at Chabot Space and Science Center
April 7, 2010
Chabot is very pleased to announce the official launch of their newest program, Bill Nye's Climate Lab www.billsclimatelab.org . Developed in conjunction with award winning educator Bill Nye the Science Guy and a team of internationally renowned climate scientists, Chabot Space and Science Center has developed this site to teach children about the challenges of climate change through the lens of opportunity and innovation. The web site uses engaging interactive games and activities to educate and inspire young people, and serves to supplement a new Bill Nye Climate Lab exhibit that opens at Chabot at the end of this year.
You can play an important role in their efforts! Pass this along to your friends and networks who are concerned about climate change and the education of our children…post this on your blog, your Facebook page or tweet away…get your kids to try the challenges and see if they can outdo their peers, or try them yourself!….working together, and collectively we can have an impact.
So please join Bill Nye the Science Guy and Chabot Space and Science Center on an urgent mission to thwart climate change, discover clean energy opportunities and solutions, and empower our kids. As Bill reminds us, we can “Change the World!”
Vessel Gallery Opens May 2010 in Vibrant Downtown Arts District of Oakland
April 2, 2010 Vessel Grand Opening & Reception for Artists Cyrus Tilton & Eric Silva
Vessel inaugurates its new gallery location with:
"A Place In-Between"
Sculptures + Drawings by Cyrus Tilton
and New Works by Jeweler Eric Silva
Grand Opening Reception: Saturday, May 15, 3 - 6:00 PM
471 25th Street
Celebrating new works by Cyrus Tilton, and Eric Silva
Portion of proceeds will benefit local charity First Place for Youth
Wine pouring by local winery Two Mile
Music by Nathan Tilton and Ross Peacock of NED
I LOVE OAKLAND! 2010 Video Contest
What do you love most about Oakland? What do you think visitors should see? Share your short films with us. Amateur and professional videographers are invited to enter the 2010 OCVB Video Competition to showcase their best short films featuring Oakland.
What to Enter
We are looking for videos that portray Oakland as an attractive, interesting destination. Films will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit. Surprise us!
A total of at least $5,000 in prize money will be distributed, with at least one Grand Prize of $3,000. Winners and finalists in the video competition will be listed on the OCVB's website, www.oaklandcvb.com , for up to one year, including contact information for referrals. For more details, contact destinationoakland@yahoo.com .
Guidelines
Entrants must submit an original video of a minimum of 25 seconds and a maximum of four minutes in length featuring Oakland, CA. Two minutes is ideal for YouTube, however, quality videos up to 4 minutes will be accepted. Winning entries will be selected by their depiction of Oakland as well as video quality. All entries and completed entry forms must be received by June 1, 2010.
How to Submit Entries
The Crucible's Cathedral Gallery is looking for ‘Cast'
The Crucible's Cathedral Gallery is looking for artists to participate in their upcoming-juried group exhibit ‘Cast' . The sculpture technique of casting has been around since 6000 BC and is used with a vast array of materials. Historically casting has been traditionally associated as a manufacturing process for metal, but casting has also been widely used with glass, concrete, plaster, plastic resin and lesser imaginable say ‘alternative' materials (thanks to those artists of the world…). ‘Cast' will highlight Bay Area artists varied explorations in art utilizing the casting processes. The exhibit will be held March 18th through May 7th at the Crucible's Cathedral Gallery located at 1603 Broadway in Downtown Oakland.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT:
1. Download and complete Submission Form . 2. There is a limit of 5 submissions per artist. Prepare images as specified below:
3. E-mail the “Submission Form” and Images to: \n gallery@thecrucible.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(We prefer E-mail in our effort of being eco-conscious. If E-mail is not an option, submissions may also be mailed or dropped off to: The Crucible c/o Daniel Stauber, 1260 7th Street, Oakland, California 94607 during business hours Monday-Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-2)
4. Deadline for Entries - March 5, 2010. No late submissions will be accepted after this date. Notifications of acceptance will be March 9, 2010. Art drop-off will begin March 12, 2010. Exhibit Opening is March 18, 2010 corresponding with Oakland's monthly art event Third Thursdays.
JC Cellers Presents Winestock Winestock ....An evening of wine, appetizers and bands. Saturdat, February 27th, 4:00-8:00pm. Bell-bottoms encouraged.
Also, join JC Cellers the first Wednesday of every month for "Wine Wednesday" from 6-7pm for complimentary tastings and exclusive deals on featured wines.
510-465-5900
www.jccellars.com
Encuento at Jack London Square
New restaurants and cafes continue to make Oakland's Jack London Square one of the state's hottest cuisine scenes, with San Francisco style at affordable prices: encuentro www.encuentrooakland.com is an intimate and casual café is the collaboration between Eric Tucker executive chef at Millennium Restaurant in San Francisco, Lacey Sher former owner of Down To Earth Restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey, and Linda Braz. Encuentro means “to meet, gather, encounter” and encuentro will embody exactly that – a neighborhood wine bar and café featuring an eclectic mix of organic/sustainable wines from small, local and old world vintners.
The menu highlights simple, flavorful, organic and local, vegetarian cuisine in the style of enotecas and tapas bars including bocadillos, hearty salads, local cheeses, small plates, artisanal chocolates and sweets utilizing seasonal and market driven ingredients. In addition to an extensive wine menu, they serve small brewery beers, organic teas, coffee, and artisanal non-alcoholic beverages. The simple décor utilizes recycled materials and a bamboo topped bar creates an inviting, casual and friendly environment. Small tables and cozy bench seating further emphasizes an intimate atmosphere to linger over wine and conversation. Conveniently located a couple of blocks from the Oakland Amtrak station, a short walk from the Lake Merritt BART station and just a few blocks from highways, 880/980/580 makes encuentro a great place to grab a drink, have a light meal or take something delicious, organic and healthy to enjoy at home.
Learning Vacations - Fire Arts, Boating & Trapeze
February 3, 2010
Put down those books and pencils and learn something REALLY new this year. Arts - Oakland is home to a rising number of artists, many of whom relocated from SF in search of better weather and more space. The result is not just important arts events such as First Fridays http://www.proartsgallery.org/firstfridays/ , Oakland Art Murmur and ProArts Open Galleries, but also a growing number of art schools. * TheCrucible.org - Refine your pyromania skills with short courses from The Crucible, the celebrated arts collaborative that now offers short courses. You can choose from glassflaming, welding, blacksmithing, jewelry making and more - each for as little as $75 a session. www.thecruicible.org
Sports - Oakland's temperate weather makes it possible for sporty vacations throughout the year. Learn to boat on SF Bay and take home new skills that will last a lifetime. * California Canoe & Kayak - Learn basic and advanced kayaking techniques in beautiful San Francisco Bay, either in a scheduled class or through private instruction. Located at Jack London Square, California Canoe & Kayaking is known for being one of the best instructors in the US. www.calkayak.com
Club Nautique - Ever wished you could charter a boat in the Caribbean on your own? Club Nautique can take you from landlubber to captain. Many members travel from throughout the US to learn at the school, which is known for its Offshore Sailing and Powerboat classes and its Caribbean charter preparation. The school is located on the island of Alameda, located adjacent to Oakland. yahoo.com www.clubnautique.net Trapeze Arts - What's the intersection between arts and sports? The circus, of course. This 10,000 square foot learning center teaches adults and children Flying Trapeze, Trampoline, Fast-Track Tumbling and Chinese Acrobatics. Single session trapeze classes are only $40 - making them affordable options for individuals, families or corporate teambuilding events. www.trapezearts.com .
Registration Surpasses 2,500 Runners for Inaugural Oakland Running Festival
January 10, 2010
Registration for the March 27th-28th inaugural Oakland Running Festival has surpassed 2,500 total runners. With more than two months to go until the event, the number represents 33% of the anticipated final field.
To ensure runners have the best experience possible the total field size will be limited to only 7,500 total runners. Race officials have limited the field to 1,500 participants in the marathon, 4,000 runners for the half marathon, 1,000 in the 5k and 250 four-person relay teams. Based on experience race organizers anticipate registration will increase exponentially as the event draws closer and at this pace they're anticipating a sellout, which would be an amazing accomplishment.
For more information visit: www.oaklandmarathon.com
