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.
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★ 4.6
PIER
The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →136,894 reviews
★ 4.7
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →44,540 reviews
★ 4.7
Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Explore →31,796 reviews
★ 4.4
Union Square
San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Explore →37,299 reviews
★ 4.7
Mission Dolores Park
Dolores St &, 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Explore →16,334 reviews
★ 4.4
The Painted Ladies
San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Explore →27,806 reviews
★ 4.6
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Explore →16,442 reviews
★ 4.6
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →15,761 reviews
★ 4.6
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA
Explore →14,064 reviews
★ 4.6
Fisherman's Wharf
505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →12,580 reviews
★ 4.7
Exploratorium
Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA ...
Explore →8,488 reviews
★ 4.6
Pier
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Explore →9,603 reviews
★ 4.7
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Explore →6,950 reviews
★ 4.8
Salesforce Park
425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
Explore →4,826 reviews
★ 4.3
Chinatown San Francisco
855 Stockton St # B, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Explore →10,837 reviews
★ 4.7
Alamo Square Park
Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Explore →4,385 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$$$
★ 4.5
Original Joe's$$
★ 4.5
Foreign Cinema$$$
★ 4.5
Wayfare Tavern$$$
★ 4.5
Shows & Events
Apocalyptica w/ State Line EmpireJun 3
KaraOKAY with Mama CelesteJun 3
USD 0-37
Juvenile's Boiling Point Album Release Tour with The 400 Degreez BandJun 5
LIFE OF THE PARTY - Oakland's Top First Friday Party! w/Shabazz + Jambalaya + Medvsa & LATIN UNDERGROUND PATIO by Hella ProperJun 5
USD 0-129
Ariana Grande - The Eternal Sunshine TourJun 6
CAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y BandaJun 6
USD 19-24
¡DESMADRE! w/ Chuy Gomez + Mr. E + Profesito & Patio Takeover by Velvet Cloud RadioJun 6
USD 0-129
Lil Blood + J. Stalin - Live in Oakland!Jun 6
USD 1
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.
Apocalyptica w/ State Line Empire
Jun 3, 2026
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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
Get Tickets →
ConcertCAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y Banda
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
Concert¡DESMADRE! w/ Chuy Gomez + Mr. E + Profesito & Patio Takeover by Velvet Cloud Radio
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertLil Blood + J. Stalin - Live in Oakland!
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertColores - The J Balvin Experience
Jun 6, 2026
Get Tickets →
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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EventBad Bunny Paint & Sip & Sing Along - Oakland Edition!
Jun 18, 2026
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ConcertFreedomful: Official Hella Juneteenth After Party Powered by Toasted Life
Jun 19, 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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EventMajor League Cricket: San Francisco Unicorns vs Texas Super Kings
Jun 24, 2026
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Skillibeng - Badman She Love Tour 2026 - Live in Oakland
Jun 24, 2026
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CANCELED - Juvenile and the 400 Degreez Band
Jun 24, 2026
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Concert
JUN
3
Apocalyptica w/ State Line Empire
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
Concert
JUN
6
Ariana Grande - The Eternal Sunshine Tour
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA
Concert
JUN
6
CAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y Banda
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 19-24
Concert
JUN
6
¡DESMADRE! w/ Chuy Gomez + Mr. E + Profesito & Patio Takeover by Velvet Cloud Radio
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 0-129
Concert
JUN
6
Lil Blood + J. Stalin - Live in Oakland!
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 1
Concert
JUN
6
Colores - The J Balvin Experience
1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
Get Tickets
USD 1
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.