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Enjoy the Sights, Experience the Culture
Discover Oakland's captivating mix of modern and historic. The city has an abundance of intriguing, enlightening, and just plain fun things to see and do for people of all ages and interests.

All Arts and Attractions    Attractions    Galleries, Museums and Public Art    Historic Sights and Landmarks    Performing Arts / Theaters    Tours and Itineraries   

Searching for all arts and attractions
We found 71

Chabot Space & Science Center
Attractions
Hills area map
10000 Skyline Blvd
(510) 336-7300
http://www.chabotspace.org
The 86,000-square-foot center houses the largest public telescope in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome theater. There are also numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits. Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. members and prebooked tours only

 
Children's Fairyland
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
699 Bellevue
(510) 452-2259
http://www.fairyland.org/
Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park. Summer: Mon.-Fri.
10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other seasons: hours vary.

 
Oakland Museum of California
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Lake Merritt area map
1000 Oak Street
(888) 625-6873, (510) 238-2200
http://www.museumca.org/
Surrounded by 51/2 acres of landscaped greenery, this museum is devoted to the arts, environment, and history of California. Wed.-Sun. Free second Sunday of the month.

 
Old Oakland Historic District
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Old Oakland area
Between Broadway and Clay Sts., from Seventh to 10th Sts.
This historic neighborhood of elegantly restored Victorian commercial buildings dates back to the 1870s and is now home to unique shops, galleries, Washington Street Restaurant Row, and a farmers market on Fridays.

 
USS Potomac
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area map
540 Water Street, Foot of Clay St.
(510) 627-1215
http://www.usspotomac.org
Affectionately dubbed the Floating White House by the press, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht is one of the few floating museums in the country. The restored 165-foot vessel, a national historic landmark, is a memorial to FDR and his accomplishments.

 
African American Museum and Library
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
City Center area map
659 14th St.
(510) 637-0200
http://oaklandlibrary.org/aamlo
This division of the Oakland Public Library is devoted to organizing, preserving, interpreting and sharing the African American experience in California. Tues-Sat noon-530pm.

 
California Ballroom
Performing Arts / Theaters; Performing Arts / Theaters
Uptown area
1736 Franklin
(510) 834-7761
http://www.californiaballroom.com

 
California College of the Arts
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Rockridge area map
5212 Broadway
(510) 800-4471
www.cca.edu

 
California Genealogical Society
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
(510) 663-1358
http://www.calgensoc.org
This organization, which helps people trace their family histories, maintains a vast library of genealogical documents, maps, reference books, periodicals, and other materials. Thurs. Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

 
Camron-Stanford House
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Lake Merritt area map
1418 Lakeside Drive
(510) 444-1876
http://www.cshouse.org/
This beautifully restored building is the last of the Victorians that once dominated the Lake Merritt area. Built in 1876, the house features period rooms and restoration exhibits. Wed. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m.

 
Cathedral Building
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area map

 
Chandra Cerrito Contemporary
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area map
25 Grand Avenue
(415) 577-7537
http://www.chandracerrito.com
Tucked away between a Subway sandwich shop and a boarded up storefront on Grand Avenue is Mercury 20, a large, one-room art gallery. And upstairs, hovering above it all, is the Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, a small room currently showing the work of three professional art-installers, who happen to be artists themselves.

 
Chapel of the Chimes
Attractions
Piedmont Ave area map
4499 Piedmont Avenue
(510) 654-0123
http://www.chapelofthechimes.com/oakland/index.htm

 
Chinatown
Attractions
Chinatown area
Broadway, Alice, 13th, and Seventh Sts.
Experience Asian culture and character by exploring the restaurants, specialty shops, markets, and bakeries in this vibrant neighborhood. Be sure to visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church (265 Eighth St.) and Pacific Renaissance Plaza (388 Ninth St.), which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.

 
Christensen Heller Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Rockridge area map
5829 College Avenue
(510) 655-5952
http://www.christensenheller.com

 
City Center
Attractions
City Center area
Broadway and 14th St.
Glimpse a mix of 19th-century buildings standing proud alongside modern skyscrapers and elegant landscaping. Eye-catching buildings of note include Tribune Tower, the art deco financial center building, the federal building, the historic and recently restored City Hall, the Rotunda, and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. The City Center pedestrian plaza boasts outdoor seating, restaurants, shops, and summer concerts.

 
City of Oakland/State of California Craft and Cultural Arts Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
City Center area
1515 Clay St.
(510) 622-8190
http://www.oaklandculturalarts.org
Located in the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building atrium, this spacious gallery showcases major works by local and regional artists. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

 
Cohen Bray House
Historic Sights and Landmarks; Historic Sights and Landmarks; Historic Sights and Landmarks; Historic Sights and Landmarks
Hills area map
1440 29th Avenue
(510) 532-0704
http://www.cohen-brayhouse.info/
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cohen-Bray House has been owned by one family since it was built in 1883 and offers views of its original interior décor and gardens. Fourth Sunday of every month and by appointment.

 
Creative Growth Art Center
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area
355 24th St.
(510) 836-2340
This gallery exhibits artwork produced by artists with disabilities. Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and by appt.

 
Dunsmuir House & Gardens Historic Estate
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Hills area map
2960 Peralta Oaks Court
(510) 615-5555
http://www.dunsmuir.org/
This 37-room colonial revival mansion, built in 1899, along with its surrounding horticultural park and gardens, allows visitors to see how the wealthy lived a century ago. Grounds open Feb.-Oct.: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grounds maps are available at the Dinkelspiel House.) Mansion open April-Sept.:
Wed. 11 a.m.-noon.

 
Ebony Museum of Art
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
City Center area
1034 14th St.
(510) 763-0141
This downtown museum preserves both African American and African art and promotes greater appreciation of African American heritage. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

 
Four Seasons Concerts
Performing Arts / Theaters
Lake Merritt area
P.O. Box 507
510-845-4444
http://www.fourseasonsconcerts.com
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season, Four Seasons Concerts presents world-acclaimed classical music performances at the Regents Theatre at Holy Names University, October through May.

 
Fox Oakland Theater
Attractions
Uptown area map
Telegraph Avenue
http://www.foxoakland.org
The Fox Oakland Theater, on Telegraph Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets, operated as a first-run movie house from 1928 until 1962. During the next decade, under different owners and managers, it operated as both a first- and second-run movie house, closed briefly several times, and hosted various special events. The City bought it in 1996 and finished installing new roofs in 2000 as its first step in developing public and private efforts to restore and reuse the theater and its two 3-story commercial wings.

 
Frank Ogawa Plaza
Attractions
City Center area map

 
Front Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area map
35 Grand Avenue

 
Fruitvale Plaza
Attractions
Fruitvale area map
http://www.business2oakland.com/main/itemneighborh

 
Golden State Bonsai Federation
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
666 Bellevue Avenue
(510) 763-8409
http://www.gsbf-bonsai.org/

 
Gondola Servizio
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
568 Bellevue Avenue
(866) 737-8494, (510) 663-6603
http://www.gondolaservizio.com/
Glide across Lake Merritt in a beautiful Venetian gondola accompanied by a serenading gondolier. Enjoy an evening cruise for two or an afternoon group (up to six) event.

 
Grand Lake Theater
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Grand Avenue area map
3200 Grand Avenue
(510) 452-3556
A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer.

 
Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area map
48 Webster Street in Jack London Square
(510) 839-6761
http://www.heinoldsfirstandlastchance.com
Built in 1880 and once frequented by Oakland resident Jack London, this saloon is a popular hangout for Jack London Square denizens and visitors alike. It was designated a national literary landmark in 1998.

 
Jack London 9 Cinemas
Performing Arts / Theaters
Jack London area map
100 Washington Street
(510) 433-1320

 
Jack London Cabin
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area
Webster Street in Jack London Square
A remote cabin in Alaska was authenticated by a handwriting expert from Oakland PD's forgery detail as having notes in London's hand on the ceiling. The cabin was dismantled, and dragged out of the wilderness. A city in Canada got a cabin made with half of the logs the other half-cabin has been in Jack London Square since 1970, right by Heinold's.

 
Jack London History Walk
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area
Follow the etched wolf paws on the path that leads to London's waterfront haunts. (510) 645-5968

 
Jack London Square
Attractions
Jack London area
Broadway and Embarcadero
(866) 295-9853, (510) 814-6000
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com
This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk café.

 
Jack London Water Taxi
Attractions
Jack London area
Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square
(510) 839-7572
Take a relaxing ride on the estuary on this pontoon boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the waterfront, harbor facilities, and estuary wildlife. Tours available for groups up to 30.

 
Junior Center of Art and Science
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Lake Merritt area
558 Bellevue Ave.
(510) 839-5777
Enjoy the drop-in pottery studios, art activity rooms, animal-drawing areas, and exhibits at this museum in Lakeside Park. Summer: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Winter: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

 
Kids 'n Dance 'n Theater Arts
Performing Arts / Theaters
Laurel District area map
3841 MacArthur Boulevard
(510) 531-4400

 
Lakeside Park
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
Grand and Bellevue Aves.
510 238-7275
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/parks/lakeside.asp
This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country-and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.

 
Lost Canyon Winery
Attractions
Jack London area
2102 Dennison St.
(510) 534-9314
http://www.lostcanyonwinery.com
Lost Canyon Winery's focus is on producing small lots of vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Syrah from some of the finest vineyards in the Russian River, Sonoma Coast, and Los Carneros appellations. The tasting room is complemented by original artwork and is an ideal location for a special event or reception. Tasting hours are 1:00-6:00 Friday through Sunday and other times available by appointment.

 
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts
Performing Arts / Theaters
Lake Merritt area
1428 Alice St.
(510) 238-7526
http://www.carnaval.com/malonga/
This restored 1920s building is a popular multicultural, multidisciplinary performing-arts complex sponsored by the city. The 400-seat theater and five rehearsal and class spaces showcase drama, ballet, and African and contemporary dance. Several long-standing arts organizations-Axis Dance Company, Bay Area Blues Society, CitiCentre Dance Theater, Dimensions Dance Theater, and Oakland Youth Orchestra-call the center home.

 
Mercury 20
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area map
25 Grand Avenue
(510) 701-4620
http://www.mercurytwenty.com/

 
Mills College Art Museum
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Laurel District area
5000 MacArthur Blvd.
(510) 430-2164
www.mills.edu/MCAM
At the college's museum, guests can view local and international touring exhibits as well as the permanent collection. Sept.-May: Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.

 
Morcom Rose Garden
Attractions
Grand Avenue area
700 Jean St.
(510) 238-3187
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/rental_
Opened in the late 1920s, this eight-acre municipal rose garden features more than 6,000 rose bushes of all varieties. Bloom season is late April through October.

 
Museum of African American Technology Science Village, The
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area
630 20th St.
(510) 893-6426
http://www.ncalifblackengineers.org
This recently opened museum exhibits the technical achievements of African Americans. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat. noon-6 p.m., Sun. 2-6 p.m. Tours Sat. and Sun., and by appt.

 
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Old Oakland area map
538 Ninth St.
(510) 465-8770
rae@mocha.org
http://www.mocha.org/
Tucked away in a quaint courtyard in Old Oakland, this museum offers art classes for kids and drop-in working studios, as well as rotating exhibits of art created by children. Tues. Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

 
NoneSuch Space
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Uptown area
2865 Broadway, 2nd Fl
510 625-1600
http://www.paragon-media.org/nonesuchspace
NoneSuch Space was created to present high-quality arts programming, provide educational outreach, and to develop community audiences for the arts in Oakland.

 
North South Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Rockridge area map
5241 Broadway
(510) 658-1223

 
Oakland Art Association
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Jack London area map
(510) 533-3003
http://oaklandart.org

 
Oakland Art Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
City Center area map
199 Kahn's Alley (across from City Hall)
(510) 637-0395
http://oaklandartgallery.org
This recently opened gallery offers a diverse mix of contemporary local artwork in a wide range of media. Wed-Thrs. 11am-6pm, Fri 11am-5pm, Sat. noon-5pm.

 
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Chinatown area
388 Ninth St., Ste. 290
(510) 637-0455
http://www.oacc.cc/
Located in Chinatown's Pacific Renaissance Plaza, this organization is one of the largest pan-Asian cultural centers in the country, offering classes, art and photography exhibits, and culural events.

 
Oakland Ballet Company
Performing Arts / Theaters
Uptown area
2626 Harrison Street
(866) 711-6037
http://www.oaklandballet.org/index.html
Inspiring the East Bay community and beyond by keeping the tradition of ballet exciting, vibrant, and accessible, especially through presenting works of the Diaghilev repertoire and modern masterpieces.

 
Oakland Ballet School
Performing Arts / Theaters
Uptown area
2968 MacArthur Boulevard
(510) 530-7516
http://www.oaklandballetschool.com/
Under the direction of Joral and Denise Schmalle, the Oakland Ballet School is dedicated to the training of dancers in the academic manner.

 
Oakland East Bay Symphony
Performing Arts / Theaters
Uptown area
2025 Broadway
(510) 444-0801
www.oebs.org
The symphony presents classical and inventive new works for small orchestra and chamber ensembles in six annual performances at the Paramount Theatre and in numerous concerts at other venues throughout the year.

 
Oakland Metro An Opera House
Performing Arts / Theaters
Jack London area
201 Broadway
(510) 763-1146
http://www.oaklandmetro.org

 
Oakland Mormon Temple and Visitors Center
Attractions
Hills area map
4770 Lincoln Avenue
(510) 531-1475
http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,
This architectural standout offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and is adorned with breathtaking lights at Christmas. Visitors center open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

 
Oakland Museum of California Sculpture Court
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
City Center area
1111 Broadway
510 238-2200
A satellite of the Oakland Museum, this downtown gallery's rotating exhibits feature local sculptors. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

 
Oakland Zoo
Attractions
Hills area map
9777 Golf Links Road
(510) 632-9525
http://www.oaklandzoo.org
Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 400 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the new butterfly garden and the 'rides area,' with a roller coaster, an 'endangered species carousel,' and a train. Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

 
Paramount Theater
Performing Arts / Theaters
Uptown area map
2025 Broadway
(510) 893-2300, (510) 465-6400
http://www.paramounttheatre.com
This beautiful art deco landmark, built in 1931, screens classic films and hosts performances by both up-and-coming and well-known entertainers.

 
Pardee Home Museum
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area map
672 11th St.
510 444-2187
http://pardeehome.org
A national historic landmark, this museum gives visitors a chance to learn about the domestic life of the prominent Pardee family, which occupied the house from 1868 to 1981.

 
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Fruitvale area map
2465 34th Avenue
(510) 532-9142
http://peraltahacienda.org
This six-acre park is the focal point of the historic 44,000-acre Rancho San Antonio, established through a Spanish land grant to Luis Peralta and his family. The park's Peralta House, an 1870 Italianate Victorian farmhouse on the National Register of Historic Places, is in the midst of a major restoration. Tours Wed. 2-4 p.m. and first Sat. of the month at 1 p.m.

 
Piedmont Cinema
Attractions
Piedmont Ave area map
4186 Piedmont Avenue

 
Preservation Park
Historic Sights and Landmarks
City Center area map
Martin Luther King Jr. Way at 13th St.
(510) 874-7580
http://www.preservationpark.com
These 16 restored Victorian houses occupy two richly landscaped blocks and provide a sneak peek of historic Oakland. The park includes a 19th-century fountain and showcases five distinct domestic architectural styles.

 
Pro Arts Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Jack London area
150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
(510) 763-4361
http://www.proartsgallery.org
This downtown exhibit space features local and regional artists, and sponsors the annual East Bay Open Studios every June, when some 400 artists around the Bay Area open their workplaces to the public. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

 
Rotary Nature Center
Attractions
Lake Merritt area map
600 Bellevue Avenue
(510) 238-3739
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/rnc.asp
This wildlife refuge, the oldest in the United States, is located in downtown's Lakeside Park. Visitors here can observe resident and migratory waterfowl at close range and participate in education programs. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

 
Stoneridge Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Jack London area map
424 2nd St
(510) 444-7466
http://www.stoneridgeart.com

 
Swarm Gallery
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Jack London area
560 Second Street
(510) 839-2787
http://www.swarmstudios.net
Swarm is the latest addition to a growing number of arts venues in Oakland, and features rotating exhibitions, creative events, professional practice workshops for artists and a seasonal arts lecture series.

 
The OakBook
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Jack London area map
423 Water Street
editors@theoakbook.com
http://www.theoakbook.cowww.theoakbook.com/m/

 
USS Potomac Visitors Center
Historic Sights and Landmarks
Jack London area map
540 Water Street
(510) 627-1502
http://www.usspotomac.org

 
Western Aviation Museum
Galleries, Museums and Public Art
Airport area map
8260 Boeing St (OAK Airport North Field)
(510) 638-7100
http://www.westernaerospacemuseum.org
Located in a vintage hangar at Oakland International Airport, this museum houses aircraft displays, artifacts, a giant flying boat, and an Electra similar to the one flown by Amelia Earhart, who took off from this airfield and disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

 
Woodminster Amphitheater
Performing Arts / Theaters
Hills area map
3300 Joaquin Miller Road
(510) 531-9597
http://www.woodminster.com
Nestled among the redwoods of Joaquin Miller Park, this natural amphitheater hosts musicals throughout the summer.

 
Yoshi's Jazz Club & Japanese
Performing Arts / Theaters
Jack London area map
510 Embarcadero W
(510) 238-9200
http://www.yoshis.com

 
  
FEATURED LISTINGS
Bay Area Ridge Trail
Parks and Waterways
Entrances throughout the Bay Area
(415) 561-2595
More    Website

Chabot Space & Science Center
Attractions
10000 Skyline Blvd
(510) 336-7300
More    Website

 
 
 

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