Travel and Explore Oakland, CA!

Oakland, CA Originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, explored by the Spanish, colonized by Mexico, and the U.S., Oakland has maintained its rich cultural heritage. Oakland's charm exceeds its man-made wonders. The tumbling hills, vast forests, and other natural wonders provide for outdoor escapes amid the urban environment. According to a University of Wisconsin study, Oakland is the most ethnically diverse city in the U.S. Oakland events include: Cinco de Mayo, Festival of Greece, Chinatown Streetfest, Black Cowboys Parade and Heritage Festival, and Silver Star Pow Wow and Indian Market.  Children's Fairyland  corner of Grand Ave. and Bellevue  Oakland  California  (510)452-2259 or 238-6876  This children's attraction offers an amusement park about fairy tales, nursery rhymes and live animals.  Children's Zoo  9777 Golf Links Rd.  Oakland  California  (510) 632-9525    Greek Othodox Cathedral of the Ascension  4700 Lincoln Ave.  Oakland  California  (510) 531-3400  The byzantine style cathedral overlooks Oakland and the bay.  Jack London Square  bordered by Clay St., Alice St., the Embarcadero and the Oakland estuary  Oakland  California  (510)522-3300 or 893-7956  The square is a colorful waterfront area where concerts are played sometimes.  Kaiser Center Art Gallery  300 Lakeside Dr.  Oakland  California  (510) 271-6157  The art gallery offers a variety of changing exhibits.  Lakeside Park  North shore of Lake Merritt  Oakland  California  (510) 444-3807  The park offers families fun for the day.  Lakeside Park Garden Center  666 Bellevue Ave.  Oakland  California  (510) 238-3208  The garden center features a beautiful flowers and an herb and fragrance garden.  Mills College Art Gallery and Antonio Prieto Memorial Gallery  Mills College campus  Oakland  California  (510) 430-2164  The art galleries offer changing exhibits by contemporary artists and other students.  Morcom Amphitheater of Roses  700 Jean St.  Oakland  California  (510) 238-3187  The area offer 8 acres of gardens and reflecting pools.  Mormon Temple  4770 Lincoln Ave.  Oakland  California  (510) 531-1475  The center ha magnificient religious architecture and also offers a scenic vista of Oakland and San Francisco.  Oakland Convention & Visitors Authority  550 10th St.  Oakland  California  (510)839-9000 or (800)262-5526    Oakland Museum of California  10th and Oak Sts.  Oakland  California  (510) 238-2200  The complex offers three main galleries about the ecology, history and art of California.  Oakland Zoo at Knowland Park  9777 Golf Links Rd.  Oakland  California  (510) 632-9525  The park has amusement rides and over 300 exotic and native animals in naturalistic habitats.  Rotary Nature Center  Grand and Perkins  Oakland  California  (510) 238-3739  The center offers a seasonal display of animals.  Skyline Boulevard    Oakland  California    On clear days the entire East Bay area is clear.  Western Aerospace Museum  8260 Boeing St.  Oakland  California  (510) 638-7100  The museum is housed in a 1940 hangar and offers a collection of unusual aircraft.  Woodminster Amphitheater  3300 Joaquin Miller Rd., Joaquin Miller Park  Oakland  California  (510) 687-4225  The amphitheater offers broadway plays and musicals.