Downtown Oakland Travel Guide
Oakland
Visit Downtown Oakland
Popular places to visit
Fox Theater
You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Paramount Theatre
Come and see the ballet, a concert or a stand-up comedy performance at this spectacular art deco theater in the heart of Oakland.
Oakland City Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Oakland City Center during your visit to Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Oakland Museum of California
Delve into Californian history at this interdisciplinary museum, which features enthralling exhibits of landscape paintings, cultural artifacts and natural science under one roof.
Jack London's Cabin
You can find out about the history of Oakland with a trip to Jack London's Cabin. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Old Oakland
During your trip to Oakland, you can enjoy retail therapy at Old Oakland. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration
San Francisco: Lombard St Best City Highlights Open Air Van Tour
San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat
San Francisco Double Decker City Tour (2 hours)
Top hotels in Downtown Oakland
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Bad experience
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Location was great, staff was nice, but wish we knew pool was broken.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast was amazing, lots of choices. Room was clean. Convenient to walk and sightseeing.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Great place if you want to be somewhere convenient. Stayed here for a concert at Bill Graham. Small rooms, so they’re good if you plan on justbut efficient rooms
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Staff is friendly and helpful. Only thing, I wish the bedding was softer, and more high end
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
The hotel is aging and not spotless, but the front desk people were friendly and the bedding was fresh.
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Check Downtown Oakland hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Oakland
West Oakland
While you're in West Oakland, take in top sights like Old Oakland and jump on the metro at West Oakland Station to see more of the city.
Grand Lake
If you're spending some time in Grand Lake, Grand Lake Theater and Morcom Rose Garden are top sights worth seeing.
San Antonio
If you're spending some time in San Antonio, Lake Merritt and Phap Duyen Tu are top sights worth seeing.
Piedmont Avenue
Though Piedmont Avenue may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grand Lake Theater and Children's Fairyland.
Temescal
If you're spending some time in Temescal, Temescal Alley and Oakland Floats are top sights worth seeing.
West Alameda
If you're spending some time in West Alameda, Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach and Pacific Pinball Museum are top sights worth seeing.
