Oakland

Things to do in Oakland

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Top 10 attractions in Oakland

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Alcatraz Island
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

7.6
4.6/5
571 reviews
Alcatraz Island stands isolated in San Francisco Bay, facing Fisherman's Wharf across the water. To reach the island, visitors must take a ferry from nearby Pier 33. In 1775, Spanish explorers mapping the bay named it "Isla de los Alcatraces" (Island of the Pelicans) due to the abundance of seabirds. However, this small island later became world-famous for its "devilish" reputation: from 1850, it first served as a military fortress guarding the bay entrance, then became a military prison. From 1934 to 1963, it operated as a high-security federal penitentiary housing over a thousand inmates including Al Capone. No escape attempts were ever confirmed successful. The island served as a filming location for "The Rock," and its English name inspired "Azkaban" in Harry Potter. From 1969 to 1971, a 19-month Native American occupation made it an important landmark in the American civil rights movement. Now the entire island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where abandoned prison cells, old lighthouses, and weathered barracks still retain their original layout. The prison cells along the main corridor, "Broadway," are open to visitors, with permanent exhibitions recounting the island's past. Put on headphones, and the audio guide plays firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates. Between the cliffs and shrubs, seabirds like western gulls, cormorants, and black-crowned night herons nest and thrive. The blend of profound history and bay wildlife makes it one of San Francisco's most distinctive destinations.San Francisco · 13.6 km from Oakland
California Academy of Sciences
No. 17 of Family-friendly Attractions in United States

California Academy of Sciences

7.3
4.7/5
943 reviews
Explore the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, where you can experience a unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one place. Through interactive exhibits, captivating performances, and educational programs, you'll embark on an exciting scientific adventure. Steinhart Aquarium The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 60,000 living animals representing over 800 unique species, visitors can explore both underwater and terrestrial habitats here. From species not displayed anywhere else in the world to cutting-edge research on little-known marine ecosystems, a visit to the Steinhart Aquarium is filled with discovery. Morrison Planetarium The exhibitions at Morrison Planetarium are driven by scientific data, leading to observations, discoveries, and theories about our universe. Every star, planet, spacecraft, or galaxy encountered in the planetarium reflects its real-world counterpart. When this virtual cosmos is projected onto Morrison's 75-foot-diameter screen, the dome itself seems to vanish, creating a uniquely immersive experience. Osher Rainforest Inside the dome, a magnificent neo-tropical rainforest stretches 90 feet high. Experience an adventure with 1,600+ living plant and animal species, including sun beetles that resemble taxis, hardworking leafcutter ants, and a winding Amazon tree boa. Descend four floors by elevator from the canopy level, overlooking the flooded forests of the Amazon. At every stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with the breathtaking animals that inhabit these forests. Kimball Natural History Museum Drawing on over 160 years of research from the Academy, the Kimball Natural History Museum highlights our planet's uniqueness in surprising ways. Discover the fascinating role of color in nature, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and marvel at one-of-a-kind specimens from the Academy's record-breaking scientific collections—all while strolling beneath the skeletons of some of Earth's most massive creatures.San Francisco · 17.6 km from Oakland

Experiences you can't miss in Oakland

Featured Day tours in Oakland

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San Francisco Day Tour | Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Wharf & Rainbow Houses
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FromVND 2,615,385
Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Coast Day Tour
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Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromVND 5,867,726
San Francisco Sonoma Plaza + Napa Valley Winery Tasting Day Tour Including Wine Tasting
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 24 booked
Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromVND 3,993,590
San Francisco 1-day tour [Golden Gate Bridge/Lombard Street/Fisherman's Wharf]
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromVND 3,366,028
San Francisco's Full city 1 Day Hop on Hop off Bus tour
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3.4/5
· 133 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromVND 1,155,289
Golden Gate Bridge Guided E-Bike Tour with Lunch at Local Hotspot
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5.0/5
· 11 reviews
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromVND 3,080,770
BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour
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Duration: 8.3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromVND 3,029,424

Featured Culture & history in Oakland

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Oakland

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From San Francisco: Classic Highway 1 Tour | Stanford, Carmel & Big Sur
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 11.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromVND 3,846,154
From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup
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4.9/5
· 602 reviews
Duration: 14 hrs
Free cancellation
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromVND 6,156,941
Napa Valley Wine Train: Gourmet Express Lunch or Dinner
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4.4/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromVND 6,794,422
Napa Valley Wine Train: Vista Dome Lunch or Dinner
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromVND 10,555,044
San Francisco: Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Small Group Tour
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 14 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromVND 5,896,703
Oakland Today's weatherMostly clear 9-20℃
Oakland weather for the next 2 days11/5: 10-21℃, 11/6: 11-21℃

Free things to do in Oakland

What travelers say about Oakland

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OApril 1, 2026
5.0
Fisherman's Wharf was bustling and a bit chaotic. Sea lions lay sprawled on wooden planks, howling, their fishy smell wafting from afar. Bowls of clam chowder were piping hot, served while street performers sipped. Crab stalls lined the streets, piles of red shells high; you'd crack open a claw and pop a crab into your mouth, your fingers smeared with butter. A rickshaw clanged past, tourists craning their necks to watch—nothing particularly special, just a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Fisherman's Wharf

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130***95April 27, 2026
5.0
It's definitely worth a visit; many of the artworks are quite impressive. There are so many museums in the US! This museum isn't far from Union Square; the service is also good, and the staff are very welcoming.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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Z-DengSeptember 20, 2026
5.0
Really enjoyed visiting Alcatraz Island! The ferry ride over had great views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The self-guided cellhouse tour was very interesting, especially hearing the stories about the prison and its former inmates. The whole experience was well organized and definitely worth visiting if you’re in San Francisco. Highly recommended!

Alcatraz Island

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Mehdi AzamMay 23, 2026
5.0
Great and relaxing tour. Regular bus. Roof is cool. Recommend

Big Bus Tours San Francisco

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_TI***l0August 21, 2026
5.0
As I stepped into this mountain forest, it felt as if the whole world had fallen silent. There was no hustle and bustle, no clamor of voices, only the gentle rustling of the wind through the treetops and the soft murmur of a distant stream. The winding path, paved with bluestone and earth, was flanked by lush vegetation, layers upon layers of green, as if nature had meticulously painted it with the finest brushstrokes. The air was filled with a moist freshness; a deep breath felt as if my very lungs were being cleansed. Occasionally, a dewdrop would slide from the tip of a leaf, dripping onto a stone with a soft sound, like the heartbeat of the mountain. Squirrels leaped among the branches, birds flitted through the woods, neither avoiding nor disturbing people, as if they had long been accustomed to coexisting with travelers. I walked slowly along the path, the soft rustling of fallen leaves under my feet like the whispers of the mountains. Upon reaching the summit, the view opened up dramatically: mountains like dark ink paintings, a sea of ​​clouds surging, as if heaven and earth had opened their arms to me at that moment. Standing in the wind, I suddenly realized that life doesn't always have to be a chase. Sometimes, simply stopping, looking at the mountains, and listening to the wind is enough to rediscover oneself. It turns out that the deepest insights often lie hidden in the quietest moments. This mountain never displays its ruggedness, but embraces every visitor with its gentle warmth. In spring, new buds sprout, their tender greenness like the earth just awakening; in summer, dense shade and cool breezes create a natural retreat from the heat; in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, a vibrant tapestry of hues, like an overturned palette; in winter, it is draped in silver, serene and profound, revealing its inherent strength. Through the changing seasons, it steadfastly and calmly enacts the cycle of life. I once strolled after a rain shower, the air filled with the fragrance of earth and grass, the soft rustling of fallen leaves underfoot like the mountain's whisper. The stream meandered among the rocks, crystal clear, occasionally teeming with small, lively fish. The pavilions scattered among the mountains blend seamlessly with the scenery, appearing as if they were part of nature itself. Leaning against the railing, I gazed into the distance, watching the clouds drift and the sky unfold, and my heart opened up. In that moment, I suddenly understood that true beauty is never deliberately crafted, but rather flows naturally, like water finding its own path. It turns out that the distant place we seek has always been right beside us, waiting only for a heart willing to discover it.

Lombard Street

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bright viewsAugust 5, 2023
5.0
It's nice to walk around here. You can see all the beautiful buildings and see the iconic tram pass by.

Union Square

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ElbikJanuary 30, 2025
4.0
Exploratorium exceeded our expectations. Almost all parts were interactive! We loved seeing each exhibit and we had fun trying out all the activities. We could've easily spent the 6 hours or more inside. Visiting on a weekday afternoon was a good choice. It wasn't crowded and we didn't have to wait. We also enjoyed the cafe.We spent 4 hours visiting this museum. It was a really good experience.

Exploratorium

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112***09February 25, 2023
5.0
San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest gathering place for Chinese in the United States. It is also a historical witness of the early Chinese coolies going to the United States to seek gold. Now it has gradually developed into the largest Chinatown in the western United States. Flushing in New York is also the largest Chinese Chinatown.

Chinatown San Francisco

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生长在海边的果果April 23, 2025
5.0
虽然整体面积不算很大,但风景如画很有看头。整体是古罗马废墟风格,为万国博览会所建,后期改造使用延续至今,除了罗马式建筑,罗马柱可看,还可有一处喷泉池,很多很美的花花和绿植,世界各地的游客面孔。适合拍照打卡,随处都是景

Palace of Fine Arts

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Anonymous userOctober 23, 2026
5.0
A Magical Night at the California Academy of Sciences ✨🦋What a wonderful evening at the California Academy of Sciences! The place was buzzing with energy, thanks to a festive blend of Mexico’s traditional celebrations and Halloween..My absolute favorite was the tropical rainforest, where beautiful butterflies fluttered freely all around us. The space was warm, humid, and a little narrow, but its unique spiral layout made exploring it feel like a fun little adventure. Being surrounded by fluttering butterflies in such a lush, tropical environment was truly magical.The planetarium was another highlight. I loved how it presented the wonders of the universe through a scientific lens, making the experience both fascinating and thought-provoking.Between the enchanting rainforest, the captivating planetarium, and the festive mix of Mexican traditions and Halloween spirit, it was an evening filled with wonder, discovery and fun. A truly memorable experience!

California Academy of Sciences

Trip Moments in Oakland

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Oakland?

Don't miss these attractions in Oakland: Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Alcatraz Island. If you like Food & drink, try Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour. If you enjoy Day tours, try San Francisco Day Tour | Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Wharf & Rainbow Houses.

You can give Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour and 1-day tour to Sonoma and Napa Valley wine country from San Francisco a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include San Francisco Day Tour | Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Wharf & Rainbow Houses, Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Coast Day Tour, and San Francisco Sonoma Plaza + Napa Valley Winery Tasting Day Tour Including Wine Tasting. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 5, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Oakland is around VND 1,155,289 – VND 5,867,726. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.