What Do People Do for Fun in Oakland? On the east side of the San Francisco Bay sits Oakland, a city great for sports lovers and people who adore good weather. There’s a diverse cultural scene and plenty of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. As you look at Oakland houses for sale, check out these fun things to do around the city.
What Do People Do for Fun in Oakland?
Lake Merritt
Spend the day outside in this unique urban space, a three-mile shoreline plopped down in the middle of a city. It’s also home to the country’s oldest wildlife refuge that dates from 1870. You can lie in the lush grass to catch a tan or spread your yoga mat out to get in a stretch or two. There are rowing clubs for the aquatically inclined and running, walking, and biking clubs for the folks who would rather stay on land. There’s even a lawn bowling club and croquet club.
Oakland Museum of California
OMCA opened in 1969, a hub for education and showcasing art, history, and natural sciences. Under this one roof is a collection of nearly 2 million objects that include seminal art works, historical artifacts, natural specimens, ethnographic pieces, and photographs. Many educational and outreach programs are offered to the community. They currently have self-guided and virtual tours.
Redwood Regional Park
Enormous redwoods are a hallmark of the west coast, giant trees that live over a thousand years. The mid-1800s saw extensive logging in the area in order to supply the San Francisco Bay area with building materials. The trees cut down have since been replaced, and the park is home to a lush forest of redwoods.
Jack London Square
This is a waterfront collection of dining, entertainment, recreation, and so much more. It’s been a landmark since the mid-1800s and a symbol of the seaport history of the city. The 90s experience celebrates all things of the decade, you can catch a flick at the Regal Jack London theater, and you can take a tour on the USS Potomac.
Children’s Fairyland
This storybook theme park is a great place to take the kids and tire them out. It was opened in 1950, a time when Disney and Nickelodeon theme parks weren’t even a thought in someone’s mind. In fact, Walt Disney himself took a trip there and incorporated some of what he saw into the Magic Kingdom he’d later open in Anaheim. There are nearly 60 storybook settings within the park and 10 acres of gardens. See everyone from The Old Lady in the Shoe and Jack and Jill to Peter Rabbit’s Garden and the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel.
Morcom Rose Garden
This city-owned garden has thousands of roses in many varieties which bloom from early May to October.
Chabot Space and Science Center
This is located within the Redwood Regional Park and has exhibits and interactive labs that will please curious minds of all ages. There’s a real-time representation of the sun that’s animated and a 70-foot domed planetarium. There’s also an observatory deck that sits 1,500 feet above sea level, bringing visitors closer to the night sky.
*Collaborative post