Find Car Rentals in Oakland
What are the top attractions in Oakland?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Oakland, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book Oakland Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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★ 4.6
PIER
The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →136,722 reviews
★ 4.7
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →44,484 reviews
★ 4.7
Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Explore →31,722 reviews
★ 4.4
Union Square
San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Explore →37,275 reviews
★ 4.7
Mission Dolores Park
Dolores St &, 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Explore →16,317 reviews
★ 4.4
The Painted Ladies
San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Explore →27,773 reviews
★ 4.6
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Explore →16,419 reviews
★ 4.6
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →15,740 reviews
★ 4.6
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA
Explore →14,048 reviews
★ 4.6
Fisherman's Wharf
505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →12,529 reviews
★ 4.7
Exploratorium
Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA ...
Explore →8,486 reviews
★ 4.6
Pier
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →9,571 reviews
★ 4.7
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Explore →6,936 reviews
★ 4.8
Salesforce Park
425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
Explore →4,808 reviews
★ 4.3
Chinatown San Francisco
855 Stockton St # B, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Explore →10,807 reviews
★ 4.7
Alamo Square Park
Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Explore →4,377 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Oakland?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Oakland include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Oakland
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Oakland
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Oakland
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Day TripsDay Trips in Oakland
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Oakland
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Oakland
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Oakland
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Oakland
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Oakland
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Oakland
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Where to eat and go out in Oakland?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Oakland. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
House of Prime Rib$$$
★ 4.7
Fog Harbor Fish House$$$
★ 4.5
Tony's Pizza Napoletana$$
★ 4.5
The Buena Vista$$
★ 4.6
In-N-Out Burger$
★ 4.3
Jack London SquareRestaurant
★ 4.5
Fairmont San FranciscoRestaurant
★ 4.5
La Taqueria$
★ 4.5
Nightlife
Boudin Bakery$$
★ 4.4
Fox Theater$$$
★ 4.8
Drake's Dealership$$
★ 4.6
Hog Island Oyster Co.$$
★ 4.6
Waterbar Restaurant$$$
★ 4.4
Original Joe's$$
★ 4.5
Foreign Cinema$$$
★ 4.5
Wayfare Tavern$$$
★ 4.5
Shows & Events
The Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre TourMay 27
OAXACA OPENMay 29
USD 1
GEMS: The 2000's Party Edition w/ Lexapeel + Jr. the DJ + Travis Bobbito & Global Bass Patio by Shino SmokeMay 29
USD 0-129
DESMADRE: A LA VUELTA w/ DJ Agana + MorZuhn & PATIO TAKEOVER by Earth AngelMay 30
USD 0-129
Oakland Roots SC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FCMay 30
ApocalypticaJun 3
KaraOKAY with Mama CelesteJun 3
USD 0-37
Juvenile's Boiling Point Album Release Tour with The 400 Degreez BandJun 5
Where can I shop in Oakland?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Oakland from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.6
PIER
The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
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★ 4.6
Ferry Building
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
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★ 4.3
San Francisco Centre
865 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
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★ 4.7
Berkeley Bowl West
920 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.3
Macy's
$$
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★ 4.4
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.6
Berkeley Bowl Marketplace
$$
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★ 4.5
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 3.8
Walmart
$
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★ 4.2
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.2
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.1
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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What events are happening in Oakland?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 48 upcoming events in Oakland across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
ConcertThe Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre Tour
May 27, 2026
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EventOAXACA OPEN
May 29, 2026
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ConcertGEMS: The 2000's Party Edition w/ Lexapeel + Jr. the DJ + Travis Bobbito & Global Bass Patio by Shino Smoke
May 29, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertDESMADRE: A LA VUELTA w/ DJ Agana + MorZuhn & PATIO TAKEOVER by Earth Angel
May 30, 2026
Get Tickets →
Oakland Roots SC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
May 30, 2026
Get Tickets →
Apocalyptica
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertKaraOKAY with Mama Celeste
Jun 3, 2026
Get Tickets →
Juvenile's Boiling Point Album Release Tour with The 400 Degreez Band
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertLIFE OF THE PARTY - Oakland's Top First Friday Party! w/Shabazz + Jambalaya + Medvsa & LATIN UNDERGROUND PATIO by Hella Proper
Jun 5, 2026
Get Tickets →
Ariana Grande - The Eternal Sunshine Tour
Jun 6, 2026
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ConcertCAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y Banda
Jun 6, 2026
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Concert¡DESMADRE! w/ Profesito + Chuy Gomez + Mr. E & Patio Takeover by Velvet Cloud Radio
Jun 6, 2026
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ConcertLil Blood + J. Stalin - Live in Oakland!
Jun 6, 2026
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ConcertColores - The J Balvin Experience
Jun 6, 2026
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Ariana Grande - The Eternal Sunshine Tour
Jun 9, 2026
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Ariana Grande - The Eternal Sunshine Tour
Jun 10, 2026
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ConcertBABY SLAPS: It's a Function! w/ FAMILY NOT A GROUP
Jun 12, 2026
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Oakland Roots SC vs. Miami FC
Jun 13, 2026
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Oakland Roots SC vs. Birmingham Legion FC
Jun 17, 2026
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ConcertDaBoyDame & Friends
Jun 19, 2026
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Fruitvale Station
Jun 19, 2026
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Buju Banton & Stephen Marley: Roots and Rhymes Tour
Jun 20, 2026
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ConcertGuttermouth, Cryptilians, Grimedog, Hemmed Up, Guns for Sick Children
Jun 20, 2026
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Concert¡DESMADRE! Reggaeton | Dembow | Perreo | Corridos | Latin Dance | Y Mas
Jun 20, 2026
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Concert
MAY
27
The Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre Tour
1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Event
MAY
29
OAXACA OPEN
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 1
Concert
MAY
29
GEMS: The 2000's Party Edition w/ Lexapeel + Jr. the DJ + Travis Bobbito & Global Bass Patio by Shino Smoke
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 0-129
Concert
MAY
30
DESMADRE: A LA VUELTA w/ DJ Agana + MorZuhn & PATIO TAKEOVER by Earth Angel
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 0-129
Sports
MAY
30
Oakland Roots SC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA
Concert
JUN
3
Apocalyptica
10 Tenth Street, Oakland, CA
Concert
JUN
3
KaraOKAY with Mama Celeste
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 0-37
Concert
JUN
5
Juvenile's Boiling Point Album Release Tour with The 400 Degreez Band
1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Concert
JUN
5
LIFE OF THE PARTY - Oakland's Top First Friday Party! w/Shabazz + Jambalaya + Medvsa & LATIN UNDERGROUND PATIO by Hella Proper
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 0-129
Frequently asked questions about Oakland
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Oakland?
Oakland offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Oakland?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Oakland, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Oakland?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Briley Farm Seaplane Base (0FA5).
When is the best time to visit Oakland?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Oakland?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Oakland?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.