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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Oakland
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Excellent stay
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Shops nearby were helpful. Super close to a big Macy’s that had food options and in walking distance of a Trader Joe’s. The pool was under maintenance while we stayed which we were not informed about before hand. That was disappointing.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel was a little older. They recently acquired the property and have done an amazing job. Staff unbelievable, room was updated and excellent. The breakfast everyday is absolutely spectacular. I would highly recommend and will be booking it again. Did I say the location couldn’t have been ...
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Great location with a bit of history for the movie buffs. Easy walk down to Union Square and transport options all around. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
I’m hoping someone reads this review because I wish I had read reviews before booking. First, this hotel is not affiliated with Embassy Suites. That’s what I assumed when I booked, but it’s actually a completely separate hotel called The Embassy. It’s located in the Tenderloin District, one of the ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
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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 Lakeside Park and Garden Center 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 Paramount Theatre.
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.
