Oakland, California - San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information

Welcome to Destination Oakland

Places to go

Chabot Space and Science Center

A sci-fi playland in the Oakland hills, this recently opened, 86,000-squarefoot center boasts one of the largest public telescopes in the United States; an exciting space-flight simulator; a 250-seat planetarium; a large-screen, domed Megamax theater; and many hands-on science and technology exhibits.

Children's Fairyland

Younger children will enjoy this enchanting three-dimensional fantasy world in picturesque Lakeside Park, where popular nursery rhymes come to life. Summer: Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other seasons: hours vary.

Chinatown

Experience the culture and character of Asia with restaurants, specialty shops, markets, and bakeries. Be sure to visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church (310 8th St.) and the Pacific Renaissance Plaza (388 9th St.), which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Between Broadway, Alice, 13th, and 7th Sts.

City Center

See modern architecture and vintage buildings in the heart of the city. The area is home to the Federal Building, the historic and newly refurbished City Hall, and the Frank Ogawa Plaza. Broadway and 14th St.

Gondola Servizio

Cruise Lake Merritt in authentic gondolas built by hand in Venice. The private cruises come complete with a serenading gondolier. 568 Bellevue Ave., (510) 663-6603

Jack London Square

This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic Boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk caf�. Broadway and Embarcadero, (510) 814-6000

Joaquin Miller Park/Woodminster Amphitheater

One of the last urban redwood groves, this 500-acre forest is named for the poet and environmentalist who made his home and planted thousands of trees here. The park boasts some of the area's best vistas, trails, and equestrian areas, and hosts lively musicals in the summer at the Woodminster Amphitheater.

Lake Merritt/Lakeside Park

The largest saltwater lake in the United States, Lake Merritt and its 122-acre adjoining park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park. It is also a magnet for walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers.

Morcom Amphitheater of Roses

Opened in the 1930s, this eight-acre municipal rose garden features more than 6,000 rose bushes of all varieties. Bloom season is May through September. 700 Jean St., (510) 597-5039

Network Associates Coliseum and the Arena in Oakland

This complex has a 62,500-seat stadium (home to the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A's) and a recently renovated 19,200-seat arena (home of the Golden State Warriors). It is also a major concert venue. 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121

Oakland Zoo

Located in Knowland Park, the zoo houses more than 375 native and exotic animals of 114 species. Its 50-plus exhibits are organized into geographic regions configured to resemble the animals' native habitats. Educational activities are held in the auditorium, library, surround-sound theater, and lobby.

Port of Oakland

Established in 1927, the port is among the five busiest in the country and in the top 20 worldwide. Harbor tours are on the first Thursday of the month. 530 Water St., (510) 627-1188

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