About Oakland
Cannabis in California is illegal under United States federal law, yet legally sanctioned for medical use since 1996 and for recreational use since late 2016 under California law. The state of California has been at the forefront of efforts to liberalize cannabis laws in the United States, beginning in 1972 with the nation's first ballot initiative attempting to legalize cannabis. Although it was unsuccessful, California would later become the first state to legalize medical cannabis through the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which passed with 56% voter approval. In November 2016, California voters approved the Adult Use of Marijuana Act with 57% of the vote, which legalized the recreational use of cannabis.
Places to visit in Oakland
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Lake Merritt
Park · 6 mi from centreA tidal lagoon in the heart of the city ringed by a popular walking path, with gondola rides, a bird sanctuary and the Lakeside Park gardens along its shore.
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Oakland Museum of California
Museum · 6 mi from centreGalleries on California art, history and natural sciences under one roof, with terraced rooftop gardens and engaging exhibits on the state's diverse people and landscapes.
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Jack London Square
Neighborhood · 6 mi from centreA waterfront district on the estuary with restaurants, a weekend farmers market and the ferry to San Francisco, named for the author who spent his youth here.
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Redwood Regional Park
Nature · 7 mi from centreGroves of tall second-growth coast redwoods in the hills above the city, crossed by shady trails that make an easy escape from urban streets. Weekday mornings are especially peaceful under the trees.
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Chabot Space and Science Center
Museum · 7 mi from centreA hilltop science center with a planetarium, hands-on space exhibits and historic telescopes that are opened for public stargazing on many evenings. Clear nights give memorable views of planets and stars.
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Oakland Zoo
Zoo · 4 mi from centreSet in the foothills, the zoo features African elephants, a California wildlife area reached by gondola and broad views across the bay. The gondola ride itself is a highlight for many visitors.
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Paramount Theatre
Entertainment · 7 mi from centreA lavish Art Deco movie palace that now hosts concerts, ballet and classic film screenings; guided tours reveal its gilded lobby and ornate auditorium. Check its calendar for shows during your stay.
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Children's Fairyland
Entertainment · 6 mi from centreA storybook-themed park beside Lake Merritt with small rides, puppet shows and whimsical sets, best suited to families with young children. It is said to have inspired early ideas for Disneyland.
Where to stay in Oakland
Popular hotels in Oakland, out of 113 properties you can book.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland
From $176 per night
Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center
From $296 per night
Claremont Resort & Club
From $269 per night
San Ramon Marriott
From $136 per night
Executive Inn and Suites Oakland
From $221 per night
Homewood Suites Oakland Waterfront
From $154 per night
Mira Vista
From $93 per night
Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel
From $178 per night
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley
From $325 per night
HYATT house Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area
From $235 per night
Sather Berkeley SureStay Collection by BW
From $114 per night
Best Western Danville Sycamore Inn
From $117 per night
Best time to visit Oakland
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Oakland is May to October, when average daytime highs are around 70–77°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Oakland weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 64° 54° 26%
- Thu 22 Oct 64° 54° 39%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 51° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 79° 52° 2%
- Sun 25 Oct 81° 54° 7%
- Mon 26 Oct 83° 58° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Oakland
These are the airports closest to central Oakland. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- OAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport0 mi (0 km) from the city centre
Oakland travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Oakland?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Oakland is May to October, when average daytime highs are around 70–77°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Oakland?
September is usually the warmest month in Oakland, with average highs of 77°F (25°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 44°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 175 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Oakland?
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) is the closest airport, about 0 miles (0 km) from the centre of Oakland.
What time zone is Oakland in?
Oakland uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Oakland?
Top sights in Oakland include Lake Merritt, Oakland Museum of California, Jack London Square and Redwood Regional Park. A tidal lagoon in the heart of the city ringed by a popular walking path, with gondola rides, a bird sanctuary and the Lakeside Park gardens along its shore.
Where should I stay in Oakland?
Popular areas for hotels in Oakland include Oakland International Airport, Oakland and Berkeley. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland and Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center.
How many hotels can I book in Oakland?
Destina Holidays currently lists 113 properties in and around Oakland, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
