Live and Play by the Bay
Oakland Museum of California
Art, history, and natural science tell the incredible story of California and those who call it home. With thousands of feet of gallery space, gardens, and interactive features, you’ll probably need several trips to take it all in.
Yoshi’s Jazz Club
Yoshi’s epitomizes Oakland’s eclectic culture. Jazz meets Japanese cuisine at this sushi bar in the heart of trendy Jack London Square. But it isn’t a gimmick – both the bites and the music venue are world-renowned.
Children’s Fairyland
The name says it all. This 10-acre fantasyland boasts enough storybook-themed attractions, rides, and playful animals to please even the most precocious kid. It’s fun for the whole family, especially those under 8.
A History of Oakland
By the time Oakland was incorporated in 1854, it had been a hub of activity and commerce for at least a decade. The loggers came first, followed by hopeful squatters chasing the California Gold Rush. But 1869 brought the first real wave of expansion when the modest city was chosen as the western terminus of the transcontinental railroad.
The population exploded over the next 75 years, thanks to a new harbor, the Oakland Bay bridge, and factories of every kind. Oakland quickly became a multicultural melting pot. The diverse ethnicities and cultures often clashed, making it a hothouse for artists and political movements by mid-century.
Today Oakland is best known for its professional sports teams, performing arts, and vibrant nightlife. Once considered San Francisco’s scrappy little brother, the city is now a sought-after destination all its own.
