Oakland Local History

Oakland was founded in 1852, but the region was inhabited way before this by Native American who had lived in the area for over 5 000 years. In the 1770's the Spanish visited the area, and eventually settled here about 50 years later. The Gold Rush brought with it many Northern European, Asians and African Americans who used Oakland to put down roots and make a life for them. Ever since then Oakland has prospered and grown.

Oakland Attractions

Oakland Shopping

Jack London Square Located at 1 Broadway, Oakland. There are a variety of shops, restaurants and attractions at the Jack London Square. Some of the sights include FDR's floating White House, the USS Potomac and the Lightship Relief floating lighthouse. Jack London Square is a great place to spend a day, you won't run out of things to see and experience. http://www.jacklondonsquare.com

Swans Marketplace Located between 9th Street and Clay Street, Oakland. Swans Marketplace is one of California's oldest markets. There is a world famous sausage factory, a meat market, a fish market and several international food markets. The Swans Marketplace is open from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm and on Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

Oakland Activities

The Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) Located at 538 9th Street, Oakland. The Museum of Children's Art displays exhibits created by children. There is an art class where your children can participate in and a drop in working studio where you can see what the children have created.

Children's Fairyland Located at 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland. The children's Fairyland is an enchanting three-dimensional fantasy world in the picturesque Lakeside Park. At the Children's Fairyland popular nursery rhymes come to life. The children see to love it here, and it is a must see if you have kids.

Oakland Zoo Located at 977 Golf Links Road, Oakland. The Oakland Zoo has more than 375 native and exotic animals of over 114 species. The 50 so exhibits are set up so that it looks as if the animals are in the natural habitats. The zoo also features educational activities, which are held in the auditorium, a library, a theatre and lobby.

Oakland Parks & Gardens

Preservation Park Located at 13th Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. The Preservation Park is a two-block park, which includes 16 restored Victorian houses with different yet very distinct architectural styles and a 19th century fountain. This park gives the visitor a glimpse into the history of Oakland.

Lake Merritt/Lakeside Park Located between Grand and Bellevue Avenues, Oakland. This Park is the largest saltwater lake in the United States and is home to a variety of wildlife. There are formal gardens and a children's amusement park. It is a great place to walk, jog and even ride a bike. There are a variety of water sports, which take place on the lake, such as sailing, rowing and windsurfing.

Morcom Amphitheatre of Roses Located at 700 Jean Street, Oakland. This amphitheatre opened in the 1930 and has an eight acre rose garden with more than 6 000 rose bushes. The best time to visit the Morcom Amphitheatre is between May and September when the roses are in bloom.

Oakland Restaurants and Bars

Oakland Restaurants

Bay Wolf Located at 3853 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. The Bay Wolf has been around for more than 20 years and is located in a converted brown Victorian house. Chef Michael Wilds who has a reputation for simple yet perceptive preparations using only the freshest ingredients owns the Bay Wolf. The food is reasonably priced and delicious. There are heat lamps on the front deck, which allows for open air evening dining. The dress code is casual so you can leave the tie at home.

Citron Located at 5484 College Avenue, Oakland. This French bistro is well known for the chefs creative cooking. He draws flavours from France, Italy and Spain together with the fresh produce from California to make an unforgettable experience that you are likely to taste no where else. The menu changes every few weeks, and the dishes are impeccably prepared.

Oliveto Café and Restaurant Located at 5655 College Avenue, Oakland. The Oliveto is one of the bay areas top Italian restaurants. During the mad lunchtime rush, the downstairs café is pack with local workers who pile in for the wood-fired pizzas and tapas, which are reasonably priced. Upstairs the suave neo Florentine deco is stunning, and the restaurant is partly open to the kitchen, this restaurant is packed nightly for the house made pastas, sausages and prosciutto.

Oakland Bars & Clubs

The 5th Amendment Located at 3255 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland. The 5th Amendment holds some of the best weekend parties in the East Bay. Saturday nights features Lloyd Gregory & Friends who entertain with R&B, jazz and blues and he always has fantastic guest vocalists. On Sundays Yancie Taylor performs jazz. Both men have been performing regularly at The 5th Amendment for more than ten years. To spend an evening at The 5th Amendment is fun and intimate. It is a great place to let your hair down.

The Ruby Room Located at 132 14th Street, Oakland. The Ruby Room is crowded and dark, and if you are claustrophobic, it is not the place for you. There is great music and very few fights about the pool table. And yes, cute bar tenders, The Ruby Room definitely has those.

The Serenader Located at 504 Lake Park Avenue, Oakland. The Serenader is not much bigger than a living room and it has a full bar, a great band, a pool table and maybe a hundred or so people in it. The band plays blues, and the atmosphere is friendly. The drinks are not watered down and they are reasonably priced.