Oakland Attractions

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619
510-336-7300
Hours: Open Friday, 5pm - 10pm, Saturday, 10am -10pm, Sunday, noon - 5pm, Wednesday - Friday 10am - 5pm
Admission Charged
The 86,000-square-foot center houses one of the largest public telescopes in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome Theater. There are also numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits.

Children's Fairyland
699 Bellevue Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
510-452-2259
Hours: Summer: Mon. - Fri., 10am - 4pm, Sat. and Sun. 10am - 5pm. Other seasons: hours vary, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park.

Chinatown
Broadway, Alice, 13th, and Seventh Sts.
Admission Free
Experience Asian culture and character by exploring the restaurants, specialty shops, markets, and bakeries in this vibrant neighborhood. Be sure to visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church (265 Eighth St.) and Pacific Renaissance Plaza (388 Ninth St.), which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.

City Center
Broadway and 14th St.
Admission Free
Glimpse a mix of 19th-century buildings standing proud alongside modern skyscrapers and elegant landscaping. Eye-catching buildings of note include Tribune Tower, the art deco financial center building, the federal building, the historic and recently restored City Hall, the Rotunda, and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. The City Center pedestrian plaza boasts outdoor seating, restaurants, shops, and summer concerts.

Gondola Servizio
568 Bellevue Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
510-663-6603
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Glide across Lake Merritt in a beautiful Venetian gondola accompanied by a serenading gondolier. Enjoy an evening cruise for two or an afternoon group (up to six) event.

Jack London Square
Broadway and Embarcadero
510- 814-6000
Admission Free
This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk café.

Lake Merritt/Lakeside Park
Grand and Bellevue Aves.
510-238-7275
Admission Free
This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country-and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.

Morcom Amphitheater of Roses
700 Jean St.
Oakland, CA 94610
510-238-3187
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Opened in the late 1920s, this eight-acre municipal rose garden features more than 6,000 rose bushes of all varieties. Bloom season is late April through October.

Oakland Mormon Temple and Visitors Center
4770 Lincoln Ave.
Oakland, CA 94602
510-531-1475
Hours: Visitors center open daily 9am - 9pm
Admission Free
This architectural standout offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and is adorned with breathtaking lights at Christmas.

Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd.
Oakland, CA 94605
510-632-9525
Hours: Open daily, 10am - 4pm
Admission Charged
Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 400 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the butterfly garden and the "rides area," with a roller coaster, an "endangered species carousel," and a train.

Jack London Water Taxi
Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square
510-839-7572
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Take a relaxing ride on the estuary on this pontoon boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the waterfront, harbor facilities, and estuary wildlife.

Rotary Nature Center
600 Bellevue Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
510-238-3739
Hours: Open daily, 10am - 5pm
Admission Charged
This wildlife refuge, the oldest in the United States, is located in downtown's Lakeside Park.

African American Museum and Library at Oakland
659 14th St.
Oakland, CA 946
510-637-0200
Hours: Tues.-Sat. noon - 5:30pm
Admission Free
This division of the Oakland Public Library is devoted to organizing, preserving, interpreting, and sharing the African American experience in California.