It's always nice to walk around the park and enjoy the outdoor space. I enjoy all of the culture. The lake is near so many restaurants. Lake Merritt is a good place to get some activity or take a date. 😍💯

The five stars is because the lake is photogenic. The surrounding buildings and condos make the pictures fantastic. The park felt safe. We went on a weekday morning. There were several people jogging and walking for exercise. Parking was 3 dollars. Make sure to keep any valuables out of sight and lock your car doors.

Beautiful especially if you can catch the sunset

Lovely place, great for picnics or workout! Parking is easy and sufficient. Enjoy the sun, shop, kayak in the lake or run, skate or bike around the lake. There is something for everyone. You can bring your blanket and lie on the grass or sit in the benches. On weekends you might get to enjoy the local drummers and watch people dance away to glory. Oh and I forget it’s great for dogs and your canine friend will thank you for the walk .

Whether you walk during the morning or evening time, the lake is always a great place to exercise or just sit on a bench and reflect. The lake is really my favorite part of Oakland. The sunsets here are truly magical. Best sunset i've experienced so far has been in the month of June...beautiful pink skies. On weekends when it's sunny outside, there are lots of people and families around the lake playing games or having a barbecue or simply running around. It's a beautiful vibe to live nearby.

The lake was already pretty good to enjoy before the soon to be competed major renovations (see pics). As of Dec 2018, the walking and jogging double paths are mostly complete, much of the landscaping has gone in & we're so excited to enjoy Lake Merritt in the spring!

I am drawn to the water no matter where I have lived. The lake and surrounding free use areas adjacent to the lake are wonderful, exciting, informative and down right essential to my "Ness". I meditate often at the Bandstand, walk leisurely thru the botanical gardens, ride my bike pleasantly along the sidewalk on the lakeshore and so much more. I love Oakland so much.

Jack London Square is a nice place to visit. Especially since they've added the FREE water taxi that bounces between Alameda (there's a playground and parking around behind Target) and JLS on the Oakland side. There are lots of shops, restaurants, an a Bayview walking paths on both sides of the Estuary.

Went here on short trip to Oakland! The place was ok nothing much to do over there but we went before 5pm and didn't know nothing was open before 5pm. Was trying to eat and enjoy the views but restaurants were closed so go after 5pm. Beautiful area tho.

It's nice To walk around Look for the Hot dog cart by the ferry ⛴️

Nearby parking is available, positive vibe and I had a pretty calm and relaxing afternoon!

When I found out about this park, I immediately wanted to visit it and was not disappointed. A great place to get a little taste of the life of the great writer, take a walk, have a good time, sit on the rocks with your feet in the water. There is a good selection of cafes around if you get hungry or want a coffee

A nice walk from downtown Oakland to the JackLondon Area...beautiful walking area with food options and views

Beautiful place to eat and stroll. Feels like mini Sausalito. The parking is just at the main square, if it gets full - there are few more nearby. It gives a different vibe than rest of the Oakland area. I would recommend going there, having a drink or dine in with the amazing choices of restaurants.

this museum is so dense and packed with displays, we could've spent an entire week exploring it! awesome, awesome museum, with an amazing courtyard for picnics!

awesome Friday nights until October. food trucks. live singing and dancing. so much fun. Parking is a little hard to find. The garage gets full quickly, but you might be able to find street parking a block or so away.

Loved the layout—weaving through the cultural history of California on the second floor, natural history on the first floor, and diverse art on the third floor. Enjoyed it more than MoMa. Definitely worth the trip to Oakland from SF! Note that they officially closed their doors at 4:45, not 5.

They had a fantastic display of their history of Black migration to Oakland. Clean and very nice exhibits all around that were informative. Definitely go back and check out when they have different stuff happening

I lived in Oakland in the 70s and went to Laney College and it was so wonderful to go back to Laney and then go to OCMA. The current exhibition is stellar. Blacks Spaces: Reclaim & Remain. The other exhibitions and the permanent collection is also amazing.

If you’ve ever craved a crash course in California’s land wrangling told with more drama than a wildfire in a windstorm..... step right into OMCA. Marvel at dioramas where pioneers politely “settle” land, while California’s original residents are busy surviving both history and the latest exhibit revamp. And don’t miss the immersive maps they prove that, despite freeway grids and Instagram, it’s still Mother Nature’s world. Ever wonder how a gold rush, lots of treaties (read: broken promises), and a high-speed train of settlers instantly turned lush Native landscapes into “real estate opportunities?" OMCA’s exhibits spill the beans and the gold dust.

The kids loved it! There were many interesting and interactive exhibits on design, homes, meals, trains, travel, animals, and so much more. These exhibits kept the 3yr and 1yr old very busy! And all the children seemed to play very well with one another. We had lunch outside on the picnic tables, as the kids ran around between bites, then meandered around the grounds and went through the museum. We enjoyed it very much. It was great for the kids to play, learn and interact with different cultures and characters! Thanks! I enjoyed the afternoon at the museum with the kids. We took two buses from Alameda, and on the way home, we rode one bus plus BART, so we didn’t have to hassle with a car & parking, etc! It was a breeze & very enjoyable!

The Oakland Zoo was awesome we been to a handful of zoos this has been my favorite so far. You have to buy your tickets online for a specific time pulling up around our designated time, parking and getting in was super easy. There is a lot of ground to cover we opted for going up the Gondola first up at the top we saw wolves, a jaguar, bears, and more they also have their cafe at the top up there which has an awesome view - it may be a little crazy trying to find a table as everyone is there with their family but this particular day weather was perfect so we sat outside and had an awesome view. Would definitely recommend. They have another little lift for $5 per person that takes you directly over the Lions - that was surreal they even let out a little roar while we were going over the top it was insane. There was so many animals it was awesome. They also had some cool reptiles and a little insect room. All in all would definitely recommend be ready to walk.

I feel we nailed it on our timing. We got there before they opened and were first in line. When we got inside we headed straight for the far end of the park and worked our way back. We were able to catch many animals being fed and almost all of them were out and about. We also didn't have to wait in line for the ride or wait to get close to the animals. The weather was perfect and the animals seemed to be putting on a show. The lions were roaring and playing, the monkeys and chimpanzees showing off, and more. It was a fantastic experience and a wonderfully kept up zoo. The animals seemed well taken care of. I value that.

I'm a teacher in San Francisco, and I'm always on the lookout for the best field trip experiences in the Bay Area. The Oakland Zoo has become one of our absolute favorites. Over the years, I've tried several of their educational options: the first year we booked a wildlife assembly (we were the only class there), the second year we participated in the ZooSchool program, and this year we explored the self-guided option. Each experience has been well-organized and engaging for students. In the past we never had time to ride the gondola or explore the zoo on our own so we never collected Zoo cards. My students this year loved collecting cards throughout the day, but what really stood out was an Oakland Zoo staff member who went above and beyond at the end of the day. He took the time to trade cards with my students and make the experience feel extra special. The Oakland Zoo is, in my opinion, far superior to the San Francisco Zoo in terms of both educational value and visitor experience. We'll definitely continue returning year after year. Highly recommend it for teachers, families, and anyone looking for a meaningful and memorable day at the zoo! I also attended glowfari for the first time last year and WOW! It is worth every penny. The decorations are up and it's looking EPIC this year.

It's a good Zoo, but the access for people walking is difficult. The lower entrance was closed and we have to walk the road with all the cars. There is a "sidewalk", but we had to walk around it using the road most of the time. The installations are great and big for the animals, bigger than other zoos, and there is enrichment. The workers were really nice and enthusiast, explaining facts about the animals and the conservation efforts. The views from the California Trail are excellent, you can see Oakland and San Francisco skylines.

Had an amazing experience! There are so many fun learning areas and awesome playgrounds for the kids. The animals were super active, the gondola rides were a bonus, and the bay views were the cherry on top. Definitely a place we’ll visit again!

It was my first time to Oakland zoo and it was such a fun time! We went around 1pm on a Saturday, it was pretty hot and luckily some animals were very active! Favorite exhibit was grizzly bears, wolves, giraffes, we went to 3 different bear exhibits and they were all so cute. Definitely take the sky ride! We took it and were able to see sleeping lions resting underneath the shade further back in their exhibit. If we didn’t take the sky ride, we definitely wouldn’t have been able to see them. It also has great views of the bay! We also did the train ride- this one took a bit long to get on as there were so many families and large parties. This is the only way to access wallabies and emus. It was fun to see emus up close- but maybe would skip if you’re short on time and the train line is too long. Definitely would come back again to enjoy the park- who doesn’t love animals?

I have loved the Oakland zoo forever, for their top-notch habitats, husbandry, and ethics. But today I had such a unique experience and felt like I needed to leave a review. I went with my family around opening this morning, and shortly after we took the gondola up to the upper zoo area, it had to be temporarily shut down for safety. The staff (specifically the EMT) checked in with us regularly to answer our questions (like if the cafe would still be opening with only a small handful of people up there- it did! And when the shuttles would be coming to take us down). It was kinda fun to have a more "private" experience at the zoo since nobody else was able to come up, and to get to see the veterinary hospital in a normally private section of the zoo as the shuttle took us back down. But the point of my review is just how wonderfully all the staff handled the weird situation (and my in-law's redundent questions, haha). Definitely eat at the cafe- it was yummy and the outdoor view over the bay was beautiful. Unfortunately, the gift shop is currently closed for construction.

It was my first time visiting the Oakland Coliseum, and overall, I had a good experience. I was here for the MLC 🏏 and got to watch two matches, MI New York 👕vs Texas Super Kings 💛, which drew a decent crowd and was managed quite well☺️. The stadium itself has great infrastructure and a large seating capacity.🏟️ However, during the second match, I came with my partner who had a broken foot. Since we’re not from SFO, we took the BART to get there. The walk from the BART station to the gates is quite long. At Gate A, we asked for a wheelchair but were told we had to first enter from Gate D. Though she was assisted with a wheelchair once we got in, the long walk had already been done. Also, our seats were very close to the ground, but there was no accessible ramp in that section, something that could really be improved for future events.🧑‍🦼 Aside from that, we enjoyed our time at the stadium and appreciated the energy and atmosphere of the games.

One of my top 5 music festivals to date. The crowd was a little tough to handle, but the musical lineup, the art, the vendors, etc etc made this an event me & my partna’s will never forget, we’ll most definitely attend again!!! Also was great to see juice wrld along with takeofff rip to them. Rolling loud Bay Area 2019!

The staff were super friendly and the place was perfectly clean. It was a nice family atmosphere with zero disturbances. My only complaint is the concession food which is both incredibly unhealthy and expensive. (Water is $8 for a 20oz bottle) They don’t allow outside food. The photos I took show concession stand menus on June 17, 2025. I did not photograph some of the closed stands. The whole venue is cashless. Churros: Cinnamon Churros (2) ………….....……... $10 Stuffed Churros (2) …………………......….. $12 20oz Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Starry, Water $8 Javi’s Cooking: Empanadas (2) beef, chicken, mushroom or jamon $16 20oz Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Starry, Water .……..........….… $8 24oz Coors Light ………………………………….........…….…. $18 24oz Modelo …………………………………………..........………. $19 24oz Modelo Chelada ………………………..........………….. $18 Cayman Jack or White Claw Canned Cocktail ........ $18 Lilikoi: Boba Tea ……………………..........……………. $10 Mochi Donuts ………………….........………… $5 Macaroons (6) ………………………........…… $10 20oz Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Starry, Water $8 Tante’s: Beef Hot Link ……..…. $12 Chicken Apple …….... $12 Smoked Bratwurst .. $12 At another Tante’s stand: Chicken Strip Basket $16 (it’s an order of fries + 3 chicken strips) Garlic Fries …………..... $10 (fresh & hot but underdone, scant garlic) Fries ……………….....……. $8 Same beverages as other concessions Pizza Zone: Cheese Pizza .… $14 Pepperoni Pizza $14 Kettle Corn ....…. $11 Popcorn ….…...…. $8 Assorted Candy .$8 Same beverages as other concessions Cal Coast Concessions: Hot Dogs ….… $9 (didn’t try it but I saw that it was quite large) Nachos ….…... $9 Kettle Corn …. $9 Caramel Corn $11 (I found this to be very tasty) Licorice Rope $11 Cheese Cup .. $3.50 Same beverages as other concessions Full Belly Bakery: Assorted Cookies ….…. $6 Brownies and Blondies $6 Vegan/GF Truffles …….. $10 Cake Bites (6) ………..….. $12 Same beverages as other concessions Strategy for frugal people: You are allowed to bring an empty, “soft” water bottle. I brought an empty disposable water bottle. The tapwater is just fine. I suspect your best buy is a hotdog for $9. They are larger than ordinary hotdogs. Eat before you get here or smuggle food in your pockets (not in your 14in x 14in x 6in bag because they will search it). Look up the list of prohibited items on the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum website. I appeal to Commissioner Chris Iglesias. Your bio states you have “dedicated [your] career to executing a social equity agenda”. Commissioner David Haubert, you say you “began [your] professional career in the food industry”. Commissioner Jacqueline Thompson, your bio says “Having been born and raised in Oakland, she is deeply committed to the social and economic revitalization and development of the City [of Oakland]“ and that you work on behalf of the “community considered the least and most marginalized”. Commissioner Kevin Jenkins, you “served as the Director of Housing for an anti-poverty organization, working directly with community members to explore creative ways to address the rising rent and build affordable housing.” Commissioner John Beam, with your background in sports, I trust you remember the heyday of the Coliseum when it was known for affordable concession food. It is written that you have “brought numerous programs and opportunities to the city of Oakland.” Chair Rebecca Kaplan, it is written that you are “working to improve quality of life by enhancing economic opportunity, public safety and vibrancy in Oakland.” I appeal to the African American Sports & Entertainment Group who prominently states “Creating Economic Equity Through Sports/Entertainment & Community Development” on the homepage of their website. One of your objectives is “the benefit of Oakland's most under-served communities in East Oakland.” I hope it is in your plan to improve food affordability and healthy options at the Coliseum.

Watched a game of cricket. The game was fun, but the facility needs a lot of improvements. No where close to the ball park.

J.Hope was entertaining and a showman. A flexible and smooth dancer. Crowd pleaser and interacts with the fans. As he notes “ his energy”. That was cool. Its always great with the people you are with. The Mezzanine suites was a game changer. Loved the private powder room.” As always, post wherever u end up , u never know.

Went here for a couple games during their last season in Oakland and I also went during their last 2 games! The Coliseum definitely had it's own charm and personality. I could see a lot of history from this place as they were well displayed all around the stadium. However, it's also sad to see because this place was not well maintained and taken care of. Some seats, especially the upper level seats, were dirty and had dried bird poop on them. You can tell that they were just not cleaned up a lot. It sucks that the people of Oakland will lose their team because they are wonderful fans! It's a nice ballpark because of it's history but it's just not well taken care of. I did, however, enjoy my time watching the Oakland Athletics every time!

This stadium is interesting, to say the least. It sure shows its age, but that is really the only downside, as there are some good things about it. Parking is convenient and never packed. The food isn't half bad, with some good options around the ballpark. The staff is nice, and the seats are very good. I'm sad to see the A's go, but they will be in a better venue in Vegas.

9/19/2025 Came here with a friend to see an event. Very huge and Majestic! The event had great sound and lighting! The artist was phenomenal! An older Asian gentleman who sung versions of American hits, but in his native language. The artist did extremely well! Show went perfect. Stadium seating was clean and prepped for use. Facilities clean and well maintained. Definitely a 5-star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you Oakland Arena! Thank you Oakland Coliseum! Thank you The African American Sports and Entertainment Group! - Michael Montoya

My Family and I went to see Oakland Roots Soccer team play at my home town and I haven't been to the Coliseum in years. Can I say that we had a blast:)) So much love and pride for our team. The Stadium was beaming with great energy:)) Yeassss we won 💪🏽 and afterwards the BEST fireworks 🎆 EVER. This turned out to be a wonderful family event 💛

The arena is located on very accessible area, don’t spect too much from the interior, I give five stars because the staff and also including the security guards are very friendly. The arena is also very well maintained and they do really nice shows.

Saw a concert here. Acoustics weren't terrible for an arena, the seat layout was good at getting close to the action, and the crew clearly did a magnificent job. But holy the prices. $20 usd for a beer? $9 usd for a cup of water (literally, they don't give you bottles because heaven forbid you use a drinking fountain). Other than that, can't really complain.

Easy in to our suites. Only one controlled elevator up and down. The set up was nice. Food was prepared and waiting for us. The only negative was a cord hanging in front of the prompter closer to us. The view was good, but overall I had a good time. Getting out of the arena was the difficult part. 😫 it felt like only one way out.

I attended the Kirk Franklin - REUNION TOUR 2024 here back in Nov 24.. The biggest issue I had in this date was that I purchased tickets FOR the best section I wanted which was in the 100's. It was a surprise for my wife. However, during the concert, the chair that I was seating in broke underneath me. I could not believe this at all. I felt so unsafe and I hurt myself. We immediately went to find an employee. That employee made us stand there almost 10 to 15 mins while she talked to others. Then she went and looked at the seat. She ushered us to a different seating. That seating... was all the way at the top where they put individuals with wheelchairs. We had to watch everything from the big screen at that point. Our whole experience was ruined. They did not even refund my money either. I reached out via email to report the issue. To this day, no one ever even responded to what my issue. Update 11/7/25: I enjoyed attending "The Boy is Mine" tour here. I didn't purchase anything at the arena because I pregamed prior to coming. It can really be expensive purchasing food and drinks at any concert spot you go to. Waiting to get until the parking lot was horrendous. There was no one directing traffic for a more seamless parking experience despite the cost of parking. Checking in was easy... no issues. There were people at the check in entrance that directed you to your section. However, there was no one at each section entrance ensuring that individuals were at the correct section and seating. This caused issues because many ppl were seating in other people's seat when they arrived. The audio, was the concert began, was amazing and the big screens did their job. I really throughly enjoyed the concert. However, the bathrooms were a hot mess. They were dirty and no one went in after each intermission to clean. Once the concert was done, it became a massive safety issue. We were bunched up like a can of sardines, trying to get to the exit. There was no employees directing us or helping to move us. I was a little bit afraid because ppl would also be able to pick pockets in such a close proximity. Oakland Arena.. you need to do better with the parking, entrance and exciting of your concert goers. FULL DISCLOSURE: There are many videos of the concert.

I've been to Oakland arena a few times. I really don't have anything bad to say about it. Its a pretty good venue to watch a concert. The most recent time was for the Boy is Mine tour with Brandy and Monica. Let me start with parking. The parking was only $40 which is not bad. I will say that the traffic to get to the parking lot is quite frustrating. I wish they had people directing traffic from the street to help move things along so yes, that is one bad thing lol. Once you park, getting into the venue is pretty smooth. They have pretty good food and drink options. They also have a good amount of bathrooms. We sat toward the front of section 115 for this concert and I was quite impressed with how close we were to the artists! I actually prefer this over the floor seats to be honest. Exiting is pretty easy as well.

Kimmy and I hiked here for time. We both impressed. Long paved trails with bathroom and water stations along path. Trail gently sloping and easy to walk. If you are more adventures, review map at trail head. Highly recommend. Kimmy gives 2 paws 🐾 up.

Love this place. Taken my mom and friends and everyone enjoyed. There are some bugs so bring spray and you can't get lost all the paths ends up leading you back out just remember if you go up come back down. Beautiful trees and birds and sometimes you can hear the creek running and it's so nice. There's lots of parking and the park stays open late and it's free after 5pm so it's nice in the summer to have 3hrs or hike or outside time before dark. I've met some really interesting people some from New York even a cat that's famous on Instagram. There's dogs and they are supposed to be in leashes but not always just be careful and keep an eye out. There's a ton of bathrooms. The air is so great I always feel 1000x better each time I go.

Beautiful redwood park. Wide paths. Saw bike riders there. Lots of bathrooms. Nature wonder land. Free parking during the week. Great place to get a nice hike in and de stress. Passed by a playground. Dogs on leashes! Passed by a picnic area.

Beautiful hiking trail with lots of large Red wood trees which makes it shady and cool in hot summer days. You may see some lady birds and squirrels. Horse riders, runners and hikers share the same trail.

Beautiful park and great place to go for a walk and enjoy the nice weather! Took a quick trip to Oakland and went here to see the trees and took a nice walk. Very nice and clean park to visit!

For being to close and easy to get to it’s great to enjoy some nice trails with pretty views. I didn’t plan well so just went out and back about 3 miles and it was nice. Probably a good idea to look at all the different trails and plan a route but even just wandering was nice.

Nice and shady with lots of trail options to spread out the crowds. Depending on the loop you choose, there could be significant elevation changes, so be prepared for numerous inclines and declines. The redwoods are 2nd and 3rd generation, so it's not the largest I've seen but still impressive and beautiful. Was hoping to see old growth in the section marked "old growth" but I didn't notice anything larger than what we saw on the Stream/Mill/French loop. If I lived in the area, I'd be making this my go-to forest bathing destination!

One of the best ways to get across the Bay! Went on a big public transit journey, taking the BART from Lafayette to 12th and Broadway, walking through the edge of Oakland Chinatown into Jack London Square to catch the ferry to SF. Like all public transit, the ferry services accept Clipper Cards which I would recommend as this terminal unlike those in SF or Marin doesn't really have a box office that I could see to buy tickets. The ferry ride itself will give you amazing views of Oakland/Alameda and of course San Francisco, going under the SF span of the Bay Bridge

Taking the ferry from Jack London Square in Oakland to San Francisco is the inexpensive, scenic and easy way for a tourist like us to get to The Embarcadero, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. You can purchase the tickets on board the ferry. Free parking, with validation on board the ferry is available for the garage at Washington and 2nd Streets, located only a short walk from the ferry terminal. The ferry is well maintained. The crew is friendly and helpful. The restrooms were clean and well-stocked.

We took a day trip from Oakland to San Francisco and then came back at night. Both were great trips. An inexpensive and fun way to get across and enjoy great views. My only complaints are that the parking validation situation was confusing (and the staff member we talked to didn't know enough to be helpful) and the bar is cash only.

I rode it for free despite having 8 cnotes in my pocket and 2 different credit cards. Because when exiting they didn't have anyone to take the payment from me so I got a free 1

The ferry is a literal breath of fresh air compared to BART. It has been life-changing to have a commute that rejuvenates instead of taking away.

We live in Sausalito across the street from the ferry station and it is so nice to just walk down the street and take the ferry to the city. The only bad thing is that they let all the cycles go first. They should let all the pedestrians first then the cycles. The ride is pretty smooth and fast

One of my favorite and peaceful escapes is hoping on the ferry to go sightseeing in San Francisco watching the waves and sipping on a nice cup of tea it’s so relaxing I enjoy this service one of the best ways to commute throughout the Bay Area.

Even after 75 years, Fairyland is still magical. Play Structures are all in bright beautiful colors, gardens are meticulous, key boxes still work. I’m so honored to be able to share my childhood pastime with my 2 year old.

Truly an enchanting spot to spend the day, especially with little ones. The park is wonderfully interactive, offering countless opportunities for kids to explore, climb, and imagine.

No one has mentioned the tiny toilet & sink in the all gender restrooms near the storybook puppet theater - so here I am. As a mother of a child who is still learning to potty, we greatly appreciate this!!

This place has gotten so much more magical! They've added new features and kept the old ones, as well. There's a bit of new art to see! I love the cultural diversity of their puppet shows, which features mythology from around the world. If you came here as a kid in the 80's, it has really improved since then. We went with a friend of ours who also grew up in the Bay Area, and we both remarked that they have really reinvigorated Fairyland a lot. It used to be kind of run down, but not anymore. It seems like everything has recently been redone and retouched. This is a huge achievement, and something Oakland can really be proud of. The restaurant is surprisingly affordable, too, and tailored to kids' tastes as well as adults. The staff are super kind and helpful. The gift shop is actually open! Anyway, you get the idea. My kid is older (8) than most kids who come to Fairyland, but I think we will probably still be back. Way to go, fairies! Keep sprinkling your magic.

The park is amazing for the little ones. And the food is delicious!!!

We had our sons birthday party here in January and it was awesome! Fairyland is what 4 year dreams are made of. The whole park is thoughtfully designed with little ones in mind. We reserved the Japanese Tea Garden Picnic area and paid extra for a balloon bouquet & keys for the kids. Worth every penny. So easy for us parents and the kids had a blast. Parking was easy for guests (we gave our guests a heads up about the $5 parking fee) and our party coordinator met our guests outside and escorted them to our zone. Our party was during Lunar New Year so we even got to see the dragon dancers - so cool!! Highly recommend!

Absolutely beautiful place for kids age 2-5. It is very colourful and will definitely take you down the memory lane. The only bad side is that it is not well maintained at all. Lots of spider webs and dust here n there… dirty water ponds…There was a huge line for train ride, not much shadow there, so kids get bored and impatient while waiting for their turn… and it broke down mid way of our second round… so disappointing. On the other hand, puppet show was really good and entertaining. Overall, an ok experience. Not sure if I would go back any time soon.

I visited Peony Seafood Restaurant with my family. The space is large and can accommodate big groups, but the service follows the traditional Chinese-style approach—minimal and not particularly attentive. While the desserts were cute and tasty, most of the dim sum dishes were disappointing. It seems like they make everything to order, which results in slower service. Prices are on the higher side, and overall, it didn’t meet expectations. I wouldn’t recommend it for dim sum enthusiasts.

Peony is our go-to spot when we want a real Cantonese food and dim sum. Their dim sum is consistently fresh and flavorful—especially the beef balls, steamed spare ribs, and rice rolls—and all are hand-made. The lobster & noodle combo is a must-order: generous portion, fresh lobster, perfectly cooked noodles, and great for sharing at a big table. We also love the congee and veggie dishes, which balance out the meal and taste just like home-style cooking. Service is efficient, the dining room is perfect for family gatherings and celebrations, and prices are very fair for the quality and portion size. Highly recommend Peony for anyone looking for authentic Cantonese dim sum and banquet-style dishes in the East Bay.

Large, spacious well-run restaurant. I sat toward the back and did tea service, staff were very attentive. We went on the earlier side Sunday AM (10:30am) so we did not have to wait. The beef baked bun in particular was my favorite - flaky, soft and nice balance of salty/sweet. Loved all the dishes we ordered, and will be adding this to my list of regular dim sum spots!

This was our 1st visit but we will return. We enjoyed everything we tried and looking forward to trying new dishes from their extensive menu. The service was attentive and friendly. The decor was pretty. Will recommend to family and friends.

Ivecome to this restaurant everytime I'm back in Oakland since I was young, and I highly believe this is the best Chinese restaurant I've had in the Bay Area. The staff are always extremely kind and attentive, the atmosphere is welcoming, and food is absolutely amazing. Whether we go for lunch or dinner we always get the dim sum, which I promise you can't go wrong with!!

Well well well. Google Maps is stalking me. Okay- here we go, people. Went there on Thursday which was about 11:30 for mom’s 97th birthday. Yes, you heard me right. The big 9-7! We liked the dim sum which is fresh and tasty, not too salty nor oily. A bit expensive though so be prepared. Do book one of the semi private rooms if you can. Enjoy!

I visited Peony Seafood Restaurant for dim sum, and while the experience had its positives, there were a few aspects that tempered my overall impression. The wait time for a table was a bit longer than expected, but we were eventually seated in the quieter tea lounge section of the restaurant. This area was conducive to a more peaceful dining experience, and the server did inform us upfront about the tea charge, which was appreciated. If you're seeking a serene space to enjoy your dim sum, the tea lounge section is worth considering. As for the food, there were no major complaints. The dim sum offerings tasted good and satisfied my craving. However, while the flavors were enjoyable, there was nothing particularly remarkable that stood out.

This church is peaceful, beautiful and everyone is very friendly, theres a parking underground with many spots available, if full you also can park outside, I really recommend it! Thank you!

Remarkable architecture. Nice respite from the city noise. On the shore or Lake Merritt. Free to visit. There is an attendant at the door. Good spot for prayers or meditation.

What a beautiful cathedral! It's a must-visit when in Oakland. Both the interior and the exterior are beautiful. I was able to attend the 12:10pm mass. It was a solemn mass. I'm glad that i did 🙏. Parking was free.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Cathedral of Christ the Light is absolutely stunning — modern, peaceful, and truly unique. The architecture is breathtaking, with beautiful natural light that fills the space. It’s a perfect blend of spirituality and contemporary design. A must-see in Oakland!

Love this building and the feeling I get when u go there. Lifelong Catholic, so I'm familiar with the rules and church behaviour. Because of some of the unique design choices, there is a prominent security presence chasing people around correcting them which is distracting and off-putting. For example, I observed a teen trying to read the inscription encircling the altar getting chased off for being too close to the pipe organ.

I been there when I was in the Ala costa program on an outing the building is nice with the great architecture with the stained glass also with the Virgin Mary statue inside along with her son Jesus. It has a nice air conditioner, the atmosphere of the chapel is amazing I won’t mind coming for a mass service.

This is absolutely must visit in east Bay. The Cathedral was designed by Craig Hartman, it is the new "mother Church" of the Diocese of Oakland. Beautiful architecture beside lake Merritt. Visited in a quiet Sunday sit in quietly just feeling all the light shine through, amazing experience. This place open to public, you can just walk in. "The innovation in this Cathedral is the usage of light with it's walls. The wall are constructed of 1028 panes of patterned glass which defuse light into the interior. as the sun crosses over from sunrise to sunset, from the beginning of time to time's fulfilment in Christ, the play between the glass and the wood generates different qualities of light through the day. at night, the cathedral become a beacon of light"

I’ve been visiting Mountain View Cemetery for many years, as several of my family members are buried here, including my grandmother. What used to be a beautifully maintained and peaceful resting place has unfortunately declined in condition over the past few years. The lawns—especially on the hillside and back areas—have become dry, patchy, and neglected. Irrigation seems inconsistent, and in some sections, the grass has died off completely. It’s heartbreaking to see the area looking so unkempt when this should be a place of respect and care for loved ones who rest here. Families pay for perpetual care expecting that the grounds will be maintained with dignity, but that simply isn’t happening. When I’ve reached out with concerns, I’ve been met with vague assurances or temporary fixes, yet no lasting improvement. It’s extremely disappointing to see such a historic and once-beautiful cemetery fall into this state of disrepair. I truly hope the management and board of directors will take responsibility, restore proper maintenance, and bring back the level of care this sacred place deserves.

A beautiful cemetery in the middle of Oakland. It’s easily walkable and drivable, well maintained, and is a great place to spend time taking in the views of the bay and appreciating some beautiful trees. Just be sure to check their opening hours - recently they’ve only been open Wednesday afternoon and Saturday until 4:30pm.

Beautiful cemetery with easily walkable and drivable sections. Worth a visit just to see the older mausoleums and other unique architecture. During the week there wasn't a lot of people walking around. Weekends are likely more busy. A significant section of the place was under construction. A must see in the area.

We love to take a walk here because it’s beautiful - with big views of the city - and safe! I see lots of kids riding bikes here too!

Well i dont know what its like to go thru being placed here but wow what an awesome place. Upon arrival you go past the chapels and funeral home to this big gated area where you start to get an idea that this place is a lot bigger than you might have imagined! As you drive in past the offices there is this really big mausoleum, you have to stop here. Henry J Kaiser is in their and im sure many other well known names. This place is huge and you can easially get lost, reminded me of the movie Phantasm super creepy! As you find yourself outside (a care taker kicks everyone out at 430) we drove around and there what seems to be endless mausoleums and fancy head stones as far as you can see, also creepy. The views from atop of the property are defiently some of the best in the east bay. There are all kinds of structures and art to see. Cant wait to take my segway!! Great sunset spot!

One of my most favorite places to go. Astonishingly beautiful views, unique statues and structures, peace, quiet. This is the kind of place you can go to clear your head and enjoy beautiful scenery. People jog, walk their dogs, and pay their respects. I like to go here with my guitar and get creative, this place really inspires me and gets my juices flowing. Excellent for picnics too. Easy to explore. So many different subsections. I really, truly love it here.

This is a beautiful cemetery. It’s also huge. Many people come here to jog, hike in the hills and even picnic. A lot of historical people were laid to rest here.

If you’re looking for a magical, educational, and family-friendly way to spend an evening in the Bay Area, Chabot Space & Science Center’s First Friday Nights are an absolute must. Held on the first Friday of each month from 6–10 PM, these themed nights transform the Oakland hills into a vibrant celebration of science, creativity, and community.  Each month brings a fresh theme—from “A Galaxy (Not So) Far Away” to “Pride” and “Spooky Science”—offering a unique blend of hands-on activities, live music, and engaging presentations. The center comes alive with interactive exhibits, DJ dance parties, and opportunities to explore the cosmos through telescope viewings and planetarium shows.  Admission is accessible, priced at $10 for adults, $5 for kids and seniors, and free for members. Whether you’re crafting cosmic art, dancing under the stars, or delving into the wonders of the universe, First Friday Nights at Chabot offer an unforgettable experience for explorers of all ages.  Located at 10000 Skyline Blvd in Oakland, the center’s setting amidst the redwoods adds to the enchanting atmosphere. It’s a perfect evening outing for families, friends, or anyone with a curiosity about the cosmos. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this stellar event—mark your calendar for the next First Friday Night at Chabot Space & Science Center!  

I visited the Center twice while in transit in Oakland to a professional development course in Napa. First visit was during regular hours. I used my membership from the Maryland Science Center for admission and having it reciprocating was smooth. The staff was friendly and they made me aware of things going on at the center that were worth seeing. All planetarium shows were entertaining. All exhibits were clean and well kept. Food options in the cafe cover a wide range of quick preferences, I got a southwestern salad and coffee. As an avid coffee drinker (I am from PR), I gave compliments to the staff who brewed the coffee, it was really good. In my way back from the course, I got a ticket for the moderate sip and hike event at evening. Staging and check in was smooth, and the guides were very knowledgeable and attentive to the guests attending. The pace was comfortable and we got to see interesting wildlife. The wine and cheese served afterwards were also very good. I was concerned about getting back to my hotel in Oakland at the time that the event ended, however getting a Lyft was fast and easy. I highly recommend visiting and checking out these recurring Sip and Hike events.

I would like to commend the customer service representative for their excellent service. Today, I accompanied my daughter and grandson to the special "Bubble Day" event. My grandson thoroughly enjoys this occasion, as it marks his third visit, and he consistently finds immense joy in the activities offered. He particularly enjoys playing with the Legos, engaging with the interactive exhibits, and observing the spacecraft. We look forward to returning for future visits.

Exhibits are sponsored by the NASA Ames Research Center. The garage and parking spaces accomodate guests. The show schedules hourly in the doom screen is very astouning. The cafeteria is not busy like many other museums. The family can explore the planet on a fine weather day. The gift store has so many to choose for the science and planetary feature. It is amust go place for family day trip.

I’m reviewing Chabot as a wedding reception venue space. If you want an unforgettable, unique experience for you and your guests, this is the perfect place for you! The event planning team at Chabot is super professional and caring. You can utilize the planetarium for ceremonies for your guests and still have all the traditional aspects of a reception in the main museum or in the halls they offer. If you book on certain days, your guests can also partake in the free telescope viewing. It was an incredible venue and the best part is your venue rentals are used to support science education and the museum’s main mission of inspiring the next generation! Definitely recommend for couples looking for a different type of venue and an unforgettable experience. Thank you Chabot for helping create a lifelong memory!

Outrageously expensive ($24.00 adults). A large pseudo scientific playground for hundreds of kids. Dont go there if you are an adult and are interested by Astronomy and Science. You don’t feel welcome at a place where kids are kings, whatever their behavior.

A space nerd like me can have a great time here. Learning about astronomy, being close to the stars through the telescope viewing or just from the naked eye. The center has multiple telescopes with different angles and settings. On Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can show up for their free viewings. It runs from 5:30-10:30 PM PST on both days. Many schools also plan their students field trip for the viewings. The science center has a lot more to offer within their campus itself. They also have clean restroom facilities and ample of free parking space with accessible parking access and wheelchair ramps. It’s also a very nice secluded drive far from the huddle bustle of the city. You can enjoy both the green nature and the beautiful sky. It’s a nominal hike depending on where you park. I went there for the aurora viewings which happened on May 10, 2024. But unfortunately we didn’t see it from this place. While driving to Berkeley at around 12 AM on May 12, we could see the glance of auroras. Good visit if you are space nerd.

So frustrated with how the Iron Horse Trail closure was handled on 7/29/16. General signs that the trail will be closed for improvement June 2016 - present is not sufficient. Pls give a day or better yet weeks warning. I took the trail to work that AM. It was closed for repairs that PM. No warning. The person I spoke to in a EB Reg Prk truck told me the info was on the web site. Not helpful. He also said they couldn't always plan work dates ahead of time due to weather ...

So far I've had a very pleasant experience with East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), specifically their Administration Headquarters. After visiting a few parks near our home, I gave their website a visit, along with their social media accounts, and it seems so fun and exciting! I feel like I want to hit a park, hit a trail after work everyday! They also have a free Trails Challenge, for which they offer a free t-shirt! And when you submit a completed trail activity log, you can receive a free pin as well! This challenge starts in January I believe, free shirts were available at any visitor center. Well, being that it's now June, I was pretty bummed as I was sure the shirts would all be gone! But, I took a chance and hit them up via 'Contact Us' on their website, and a Public Affairs person replied with an email saying they had some tucked away at headquarters and I could pick one up! Well, I'm a happily married man and my wife needs one too! No problem they said. So today I shot out there, picked up 2 shirts being held under my name (yayyy!! thank you!), picked up 2 free calendars (one for the wifey, of course!), and hardcopy maps for all the parks around us, boy are there LOTS! Looking forward to getting well familiar with the local parks; I even signed up to volunteer with the district, like I said, very exciting! Maybe when our first born arrives, we'll even pay for membership! Time will tell ;)

Why were the trees on the Narsh Creek Trail between Delta Road and Laurel Road cut down? The trees were on the East side of the trail. The trees were near the Brentwood corporation yard.

Great people working hard for our Regional Parks in Alameda and Contra Costa County!

no one answers the phone or responds to messages regarding trail closures.

Meeting

Definitely one of the most beautiful cinemas in the entire country. Not only does it have good pricing and cheap snacks, but the theatres are absolutely breathtaking, and make you feel like you're traveling back in time. A must see for anyone in Oakland.

This theater is amazing.....but really shows it's age. The attention to detail is astonishing. Unfortunately the layout to get to the restrooms is not fun....because it's upstairs. .

Grand Lake Theater: A Historic Gem with Modern Value 🎬 ​The Grand Lake Theater, located right on the corner of Grand and Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland, is more than just a place to watch a movie—it’s an unforgettable experience. ​It is super historical, dating back to 1926, and walking into the lobby feels like stepping back into the Golden Age of Hollywood. The ornate, vintage decor, the grand staircase, and the richly themed auditoriums (including the stunning Egyptian and Moorish-inspired rooms) truly make every visit feel special. ​The fact that the screenings are great is a huge bonus, maintaining the quality of a first-run theater while preserving that classic movie palace charm. On weekends, they even feature performances on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ before the evening shows, which is a truly unique, old-school cinematic treat! ​But the absolute biggest win, which makes this theater a champion for the community, is the pricing. The fact that you can watch a movie for just $7.50 before 4:30 PM is incredible value, and on Tuesdays, all showtimes are an unbeatable $6.00! It makes seeing a film an affordable luxury, a win for everyone. ​The Grand Lake Theater is a beloved local treasure that combines beautiful, preserved history with the best ticket price around. It’s an essential Oakland experience.

The art deco design, velvet covered seats and Wulitzer Organ, are nice if you like those nostalgic touches. I also like that the theater offers 70mm viewing..

Beautiful, Excellent Ambiance, Awesome Customer Service, Huge Screen. Roomy Comfy Seats, Clean...and the Movie was Everything!!! 🥰 Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest! Amazing!!! And the Theatre is right across the street from Lake Merritt!! Which was Awesome & lots of people enjoying all the shops & vendors! We spent time at The Lake just exploring all the very cool finds 😎 and then walked across the street to the Grand Lake Theatre! Perfect 💖 It was literally "Mommy & Me Day!" I'm the Mommy, Lol! 🤗 and my daughter just moved to Lake Merritt & wanted to show me a good time and the Grand Lake Theatre was the "cherry 🍒 on top-- totally "In The Moment!" 💜 So Beautiful! My Daughter & I kept singing & laughing 😃 🎶 "It's A Perfect Day!" 💖

10/10 for us. Our family LOVE seeing movie every Tuesday to support our local theater. 3 of them in Berkeley were permanently closed so far so we drove to Oakland and found this place. Oh my goodness, if this place goes out of business, I am going to be really upset. What a great and wonderful theater!

Went here and had a great time. The snacks were not too pricy. There was open seating but the seats weren't to great. The ambiance of the while cinema is great! It's really old with a lot of detail.

Was nice to visit and read up on the history. A must see and great place to chill and enjoy the scenery.

If you're a big history buff like me, then you should definitely stop by Jack London's cabin! Jack London's cabin offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the renowned author. From the rustic charm of the cabin itself to the immersive experience of walking in the footsteps of literary history, visiting this site is a must for any history enthusiast. Whether you're exploring the artifacts or simply soaking in the ambiance of the surrounding landscape, Jack London's cabin is a treasure trove of inspiration and insight.

I think this place is super cool - basically, a local businessman was able to track down the ACTUAL cabin Jack London (who was a local Bay boy) stayed at when he lived in the Alaskan wilderness. He then brought it to Oakland: it's a super fascinating relic, and the juxtaposition of it against the boats of the Marina (and the palm trees behind it) all add to the complicated beauty.

Interesting little cabin! The story was cool!

Oldest buisness in Oakland. Thats a fact. Historic landmark. Best beer in town, for the taps available. Great local selection of spirits. An absolute necessity to visit if you love old bars (wagon wheels). Great date stop for sure, or if your looking to impress someone with Bay culture.

I had the lobster roll , it was good it just was a little too much butter for me next time I'll just tell them light butter.

The drinks were good and the service was better. Lots of good views and happy people with there pets music was a all black band good soul music 🎶 great day.