48 Hours in Oakland, CA

Oakland, also known as the “Town of Trees,” is a city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in California and one of the most populous cities in Alameda County. Oakland has a rich history—from its Gold Rush origins to its bustling streets—and every corner of the city is filled with surprising experiences. Discovering them feels like entering a place where past and present meet. The city is known for several famous sites, including Lake Merritt, which offers beautiful views and is the first U.S. wildlife sanctuary; Redwood Regional Park, home to towering redwood trees that will take your breath away; and the Chabot Space & Science Center, offering immersive space exhibits and hands-on exploration opportunities.

Moreover, Oakland is home to vibrant neighborhoods and squares like Uptown and Jack London Square, each offering something unique, alongside a diverse food scene influenced by cuisines from all around the world and catering to all preferences.

If you’re planning to visit Oakland for 2 days and don’t know how to make the most of your time, don’t worry—we have you covered. This ultimate guide consists of everything from the best things to do in Oakland, restaurants, famous attractions, nature spaces, and nightlife. Keep reading to explore more!

Start your first day in Oakland by having breakfast at Grand Lake Kitchen, situated very close to Lake Merritt. Grand Lake Kitchen is known for its traditional American breakfast and friendly service. The menu features several options, including vegetarian dishes, brunch favorites, and egg meals. Some of the special menu items include French toast, Pastrami Benedict, soft scrambled eggs, Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles Verde, and Avocado Toast. This place features both indoor dining and an outdoor terrace, as well as a private dining experience through its bubble room.

Address: 576 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610

After breakfast, visit nearby Lake Merritt for a relaxing, natural start to the day. Lake Merritt is a 3-mile tidal lagoon situated in the center of Oakland and is considered the first official wildlife refuge in the United States. It is surrounded by green parks, which are great for yoga and picnics, and stone walkways, perfect for jogging, cycling, or walking. You can also visit the Lake Merritt Boating Center, which offers kayak, rowboat, and gondola rentals to explore the lake. Moreover, Lake Merritt is known for its protected sanctuaries that allow visitors to see more than 70 bird species, including pelicans, snowy egrets, black cormorants, and Canadian geese.

• Yonsei Handrolls– 1738 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
  Chef Kyle Itani makes bowls of rice, marinated fish, and seaweed with a Japanese touch. Menu highlights include light and refreshing options like the salmon roll with lemon and sesame or the tuna loin with rich soy sauce flavor.
• Shawarmaji– 2100 Franklin St, Suite 2190, Oakland, CA 94612
  A well-known pop-up by Chef Muhammad, serving Jordanian-style chicken shawarma. The wraps are filled with sliced, golden, shredded chicken, along with loaded fries and salads.

After lunch, explore Uptown, home to several famous Oakland attractions, including Atlas, Oakland’s second-tallest building at 400 feet with 40 floors. Uptown is also known for its theaters, like the Paramount Theater and Fox Theater, and murals such as the Lilies Mural and the Oakland-Palestine Solidarity Mural.

Situated near Uptown, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) tells visitors stories about the diversity of California by fusing art, natural sciences, and history. The museum houses over 70,000 pieces of art from the mid-1800s to the present, featuring artists including Theibaud, Bierstadt, and Diebenkorn. The craft movement collection of Arthur and Lucia Mathews is also on display.

The history section consists of 1.8 million artifacts covering Native American cultures, the Gold Rush, technology, and agriculture. The natural science collections highlight California’s biodiversity, including insects, mammals, reptiles, birds, shells, and plants. Families will enjoy OMCA Kids, a nature play area, and a Native Flora Garden.

Located near Telegraph Avenue, Temescal Alley is a lively hidden gem. Previously a horse-drawn carriage road, it is now home to independent shops and artisan studios where visitors can find handcrafted goods, vintage items, and regional art. Some well-known shops include Esqueleto (handcrafted jewelry), Minds Eye Vintage (antique clothing), Homestead Apothecary (plants and herbal products), Bague (fashionable bags), and Interface Gallery (modern art). Temescal Alley also hosts pop-up markets and live performances on weekends.

• PyeongChang Tofu House– 4701 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
  Serving Korean food with banchan, Korean BBQ, cold noodles, ginseng-stuffed chicken soup, seafood pancakes, tofu soup, and bibimbap.
• Copper Spoon– 4031 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
  Provides a bohemian dining experience with Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Signature dishes include lamb merguez burger and deviled eggs with togarashi, complemented by specialty cocktails.

After dinner, head back to Uptown to catch a show at the Fox Theater, a restored 1920s cinema palace. The theater has 2,800 seats, stunning Middle Eastern-inspired architecture, and hosts major performers. Check the schedule before visiting.

Start your second day with breakfast at Noah’s NY Bagels, offering East Coast-style breakfast in the Bay Area. Menu highlights include Texas Brisket Egg Sandwich, Double Stack Egg Sandwich, Farmhouse Egg Sandwich, and Breakfast BLT Egg Sandwich. Pair your bagel with a fresh cup of coffee.

Address: 3351 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Visit Redwood Regional Park for a hiking adventure. Famous for its towering third-growth redwood trees, many over a century old, the park features well-marked trails like the 4-mile scenic redwood loop and the French Loop Trail for full-day hikers. Wildlife includes deer, squirrels, and birds such as owls and woodpeckers. The park also has shaded walks, picnic sites, playgrounds, and restrooms, making it ideal for families. Redwood Regional Park is only 15 minutes from downtown Oakland and connects to Joaquin Miller Park.

Located in Montclair Village, Daughter Thai Kitchen delivers authentic flavors from Thailand. Menu options include noodles, soups, Thai salads, appetizers like fish cakes and samosas, and specialties like crab fried rice, slow-cooked beef curry, Thai fried rice, and Kang Tai Pla.

Address: 6118 Medau Place, Oakland, CA 94611

The Chabot Space & Science Center features over 23,000 square feet of exhibitions, including the NASA Experience and a 70-foot Planetarium with hourly Milky Way and sun shows. Public telescopes Leah, Rachel, and Nellie are available for free sky gazing on Fridays and Saturdays. Rotating exhibits provide hands-on experiences suitable for all ages.

Oakland’s estuary shoreline offers dining, recreation, and stunning bay views. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, rent kayaks at California Canoe & Kayak, try paddleboarding at the Jack London Aquatic Center, or visit the Sunday farmers’ market for fresh produce, flowers, bread, and fish.

This iconic restaurant serves smoky meats and homemade sauce since 1973. Menu highlights include beef brisket, beef link dinner, and a full slab of pork ribs. Drinks include beer, tequila, and specialty cocktails like Lemon Drop and Bandero Reposado.

Address: 126 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

A historic bar with sloping wooden floors and walls dating to the 1906 earthquake, frequented by Jack London. Offers draft beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails like Sandy Kilt Valentino and Gin Lay Chee.

Address: 48 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94607

Don’t wait — turn your Oakland adventure from “maybe” to “booked”! Reserve your room at Westwind Lodge and nestle into comfort while you explore the city!