- Summary
- Gallery
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
No wonder it’s been called “San Francisco’s Brooklyn.” Located just across San Francisco Bay, Oakland has the same assets as that famous New York borough—a fascinating maritime history, bay and cityscape views, a stunning bridge, and an exploding food and wine scene. Diverse, dynamic, artsy, edgy—a trip to Oakland adds a colorful twist to your Bay Area adventures.
An influx of young locals, drawn not only by the vibe but also by the city’s lower rents, have moved into downtown lofts and condos, and arriving with them are the single-pour coffee bars, cutting-edge art galleries, and cocktail lounges. Lower costs on the East Bay have also lured chefs—both established big names and new-gen whiz kids—to open restaurants in settings ranging from Southern French–inspired, Occitania to sleek hipster-chic (Mua).
Every flavor of international cuisine has found a home in Oakland, giving diners a choice of meals that spans the continents. Slurp silky Japanese noodles at Zen-like Soba Ichi, taste flavorful and deeply rooted Native cuisine at Wahpepah's Kitchen, indulge in flavorful Cajun cuisine from the Michelin-recommended seafood destination alaMar Kitchen, and graze on trendy tapas—or sip rare mescals—at Tamarindo Antojeria.
Oakland puts its spin on American food, too. Fans line up at Horn Barbecue where award-winning chef and pitmaster Matt Horn smokes mouthwatering meats to pair with delicious savory sides. Mockingbird delivers a modern riff on hangar steak and Brussels sprouts. Locals line up for fried chicken sandwiches at always-packed Bakesale Betty. To get schooled on Oakland’s culinary renaissance, take a guided walking tour with the food-and-culture experts at Savor Oakland, or, see how delicious and varied plant-based options can be on the Oakland Vegan Trail. More than 20 eateries representing the breadth of Oakland’s diverse population offer up everything from “carnitas” to Singaporean noodles to matcha doughnuts. See what’s in store for your taste buds ahead of time with this map.
In the last decade, Oakland’s beverage scene has also gotten a jolt. The city’s warehouse-filled back streets have attracted urban wine warriors who blend and bottle amid the city buzz. Drop in to 20-plus wineries and wine bars on the Oakland Urban Wine Trail. And of course, beer lovers aren’t left out—you’ll find a dozen breweries on the Oakland Ale Trail.
Find More Things To Do
California Questionnaire: Tu David Phu
The Orange County-based chef marries tradition with innovation in his Vietnamese-American cookingSee Major League Baseball in California
With five big-league teams, California is the ideal place to experience America’s pastime58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate Playground
Cultivating a sense of play is serious business in the Golden State. Here’s an opinionated guide to help you find all the fun you can handle.March 2024 Events in California
Kick off your spring with whale watching, theme park festivals, and special beer and wine releasesHow You Can Support California’s Black-Owned Businesses
Check out this curated collection of restaurants, boutiques, and other worthy outletsCelebrate National Women’s Month in California
Explore history and support today’s woman-owned businesses during March and beyondTraveling by Plane
Flying is easy in the Golden State, with international and domestic airports statewide11 Dishes and Drinks Invented in California
Culinary innovation is definitely a Golden State thing, as these tasty treats confirmMichelin Adds 27 Newly Starred Restaurants in California
Inspectors also recognized 45 new Bib Gourmand honorees, underscoring the Golden State’s culinary bountyTaste Pizza, Ice Cream, and Burgers Along Oakland’s Vegan Food Trail
The collection of more than 20 plant-based restaurants includes a wide mix of cuisines—all within walking distance
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Breakfasts in California
California Dream Eater
3 Scrumptious Bowls of Soul in California
California Dreamers
Bandaloop Troupe Redefines Dance Through Daring Performances
California 101
Berkeley & Oakland: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
Oakland's Daringly Delectable Deep Dish Pizza
California Dream Eater
Oakland's Farm-Fueled, Slurp-Worthy Ramen
California Dream Eater
Oakland's Obsession-Worthy Chicken and Waffles
Ways to Play in California
52min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay
37min
Blake Anderson’s California Hangouts
38min
LEGOLAND California, Pacific Crest Trail, Bay Area Boutiques
46min
Samin Nosrat’s California Love
47min
Big Sur, Waterfalls, Oakland
23min
Northern California's Greatest Hits
41min
California's Delicious Diversity
44min
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get weekly travel inspiration, offers, contests, and more!
Thank you for signing up
Get ready to explore The Ultimate Playground!