Grand Lake Travel Guide
Oakland
Visit Grand Lake
Popular places to visit
Grand Lake Theater
You can make plans for a show at Grand Lake Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Jack London Square
Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.
University of California, Berkeley
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of California, Berkeley during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
Greek Theater
You can get tickets for a performance at Greek Theater during your stay in Berkeley. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Oakland Zoo
Watch alligators being fed, ride a train through the Australian outback and see a herd of elephants on the African savannah at this animal park.
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco's Grace Cathedral Self-Led Exploration
San Francisco: Lombard St Best City Highlights Open Air Van Tour
San Francisco Double Decker City Tour (2 hours)
Top hotels in Grand Lake
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
The hotel was in a great location and close to everything we needed. Although the room cleanliness could be improved, the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Great area , the bed wasn’t very comfortable and the bathroom counters weren’t completely cleaned
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Great stay. Great location with lots of things to do in walking distance
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Yotel is an idea spot, especially if you are going to shows at Bill Graham Civic center! Suvch a quick walk! We also loved that Bay Wheels was right up front. We used the bikes to get all around the city and had a blast!
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Clean room & staff was okay. Had 24 hour security which was nice. No valet parking like the website states, breakfast was not available & the restaurant was not open at all like it was advertised on the website either anytime i had a question in regards to either , staff had no answer.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
This hotel was absolutely filthy and not up to code in my view. The elevator did not work, there were pipes showing everywhere. The room was unclean. Sheets, bedding, and carpet were so old they were tattered.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Grand Lake
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 Paramount Theatre.
Piedmont
You'll enjoy the lake views and architecture in Piedmont. You might want to make time for a stop at Davie Tennis Stadium or Piedmont Sports Field.
Temescal
If you're spending some time in Temescal, Temescal Alley and Oakland Floats are top sights worth seeing.
Downtown Oakland
Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.
San Antonio
If you're spending some time in San Antonio, Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park and Garden Center are top sights worth seeing.
Rockridge
Be sure to check out the restaurants and shopping while you're strolling through Rockridge, and hop on the metro at Rockridge Station to see more of the surrounding area.
