Downtown Oakland Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Oakland
Popular places to visit
Fox Theater
You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Paramount Theatre
Book a seat at this beautiful art deco theatre and experience an exciting night out at the ballet, a comedy show or stirring orchestra recital at one of the west coast’s most famous venue.
Oakland City Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Oakland City Center during your visit to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene 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 entertainment choices 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.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Lombard Leap: 90 Minute City Highlight Tour
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat
Our pick of the best Downtown Oakland Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Clean room
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
All good
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Great
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Our room was huge, spotless, and perfect. The staff is super friendly and helpful and the hotel is in a very safe and absolutely fantastic location! Great restaurants, shopping, and transportation all around. We can’t wait to go back and will be doing so in a few months!
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
No complaints, they did a great job.
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Room was modern and clean
Reviewed on 16 Feb 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.
Mosswood
Even though there aren't top sights in Mosswood, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Paramount Theatre. Jump on the metro at MacArthur Station to see more of the city.
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 Children's Fairyland and Paramount Theatre.
Temescal
If you're spending some time in Temescal, Temescal Alley and Oakland Floats are top sights worth seeing.
