36 Hours in Oakland, California

Today I want to bring you my California travel itinerary for 36 hours in Oakland. This port city in the East Bay often takes a back seat to San Francisco, but it's worth a visit in its own right. From delicious markets to waterfront restaurants, fun shops, and cultural institutions, the Bright Side of the Bay has a lot going for it. I'm here now and I can't wait to share my Oakland itinerary with you. There's a map, too.

36 Hours in Oakland

There's enough to do in Oakland to keep you busy for weeks, but if you only have 36 hours you can get a good overview. From Old Oakland to Jack London Square and Temescal Alley, the city has something around every corner. I've been coming here my whole life and I always find something new to love about it.

Where to Stay in Oakland

My home-away-from-home for my 36 hours in Oakland is the Claremont Club & Spa in neighboring Berkeley. I used to always see this historic luxury hotel from a distance when visiting relatives in Alameda County, but I've never been inside.

Now I finally have a chance, and I'm impressed by what I discover. The hotel has everything from a spacious lobby with bars and restaurants to a spa, fitness center, and guest rooms with views of the bay.

After checking into my room, I'm treated to a spectacular orange sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge and the skyscrapers across the water. It's a great welcome to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dinner

After taking in the colors, I head downstairs to have dinner at Limewood Bar & Restaurant. This place has a seasonally-inspired menu featuring fresh ingredients and cool cocktails. I tuck into a 3-course meal and look out over the nighttime lights on the bay as I savor the chef's cuisine.

Lake Merritt

The next morning my 36 hours in Oakland continue as I leave the Claremont Club & Spa for the day and drive off to explore the city. I start my day on the shores of Lake Merritt. This large tidal lagoon just east of downtown Oakland is the nation's oldest protected wildlife refuge.

3.4 miles around, it's a popular place to walk, run, and take in nature. You can even go boating and kayaking here.

I spend some time strolling around the lake, admiring the 1913 pergola with its eye-catching colonnade, and soaking up the California sunshine. It's a peaceful place to start the morning.

Grand Lake

From Lake Merritt I walk around the adjacent Grand Lake area. It's a fun local neighborhood with Art Deco architecture and 1950s buildings. There are streets full of independent cafes, shops, and restaurants here.

One of them is Grand Avenue. This road by Lake Merritt is packed with fun boutiques and great places to eat and drink. It's also home to the famous Grand Lake Theater, a 1920s number that's now a local landmark.

I pick up a latte from the famous Red Bay Coffee and walk along the street to take in the scenery. I could stay here all day, but there's more to see.

Oakland Museum of California

My 36 hours in Oakland continue with a trip to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). This cultural landmark is interdisciplinary, and it has exhibits dedicated to the art, history, and natural science of California. They provide a great overview of the Golden State.

I went to the Oakland Museum on a school field trip in fourth grade, but I'm a lot more interested in what it has to offer now that I'm an adult. I spend a couple hours reacquainting myself with California history, wildlife, and art. At the end I feel like I have a greater appreciation for many facets of my home state.

Old Oakland

After the museum, I walk over to the Old Oakland Farmers' Market on 9th Street at Broadway. Right across the road from the historic downtown district's vibrant Chinatown, it takes place from 8am to 2pm on Fridays. I take my time browsing the produce as I enjoy the sound of live music playing in the background.

Leaving the market, I walk around Old Oakland. This area has fun independent shops selling products made in the city, colorful Victorian houses and buildings, and cafes and delis with food from around the world.

I stop for lunch at Swan's Market, a historic food hall in Old Oakland. Built in 1917, it's been updated for the 21st century. There's a mouth-watering array of stands here offering everything from savory meals to sweet treats.

Jack London Square

After lunch I walk down to the waterfront for a wine tasting at Rosenblum Cellars. Established in 1978, this urban winery is right by the Oakland Ferry Terminal. It's known for its California-sourced Zinfandels, and it offers great views of the San Francisco Bay from its tasting room.

I settle in at an indoor table, and my flight hits the spot. It's a fun way to sample a range of the state's famous wines without leaving the city.

From Rosenblum Cellars I walk around and explore Jack London Square. In addition to a statue of the famous writer it was named after, the area is packed with exciting waterfront restaurants and bars.

I stroll past people playing cornhole and other lawn games under the bright blue sky, and I spot Jack London's Alaska cabin next to an atmospheric 19th-century bar called Heinold's: First and Last Chance Saloon. Given London was a regular at the bar and it features in his novel John Barleycorn, it's fitting that his cabin is right next door.

Temescal Alley

After exploring Jack London Square, I drive over to Temescal Alley. This historic area off Telegraph Avenue at 49th Street features narrow lanes that were once home to horse stables and carriage houses. Today it's a hip haven full of creative shops and restaurants.

I spend some time browsing the wares and popping into all kinds of cool boutiques. There's a lot to love about this part of the city, and I want to buy everything I see.

Around the corner, I do a beer tasting at Roses' Taproom in Oakland. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, this intimate "human-scale brewery" features unique, unusual, and seasonal beers.

I've never considered myself much of a beer drinker, but theirs are to my liking. The light-filled space and buzzing atmosphere make for a great all-around experience, too.

After the tasting, I drive over to dinner at Dona restaurant on Piedmont Avenue. This place focuses on contemporary Mexican food, and its menu features favorites like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The ceviche is divine.

36 Hours in Oakland

After dinner I drive back to the Claremont Club & Spa for a good night's sleep. The next morning my 36 hours in Oakland come to an end. I leave the city with a heavy heart, but I'm not saying good-bye to the East Bay just yet. I'm taking a day trip to Berkeley, and I can't wait to see what I discover.

Oakland Itinerary Map

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