Activities in Oakland, California
- Enjoy boating activities near Oakland, California.treasure island harbor image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
Oakland is on the eastern edge of northern California's Bay Area and is one of the largest cities in the Bay Area metropolitan area. Much like its Bay Area counterparts, San Francisco and San Jose, this city offers open-air marketplaces, sporting venues and vibrant nightlife districts. Oakland also has facilities for outdoor recreation at locations such as Lake Merritt Park. Boating opportunities and ferry stations are available on Oakland's Inner Harbor. - Avid fans can enjoy sports in Oakland County throughout the year. The winter and spring months offer Golden State Warriors' basketball games at the Oracle Arena; this basketball team serves as the primary NBA team in the Bay Area. During the spring and summer, major league baseball fans can check out the Oakland Athletics, also referred to as the "A's," at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. This same arena is home to the Oakland Raiders NFL football team, who play their games in the autumn and early winter. Tickets for these sporting events are available through the teams' box offices.
- Lake Merritt Park is known as the "Jewel of Oakland" by Oakland County locals, and the marquis attraction is its 155-acre saltwater lake. Located in the middle of downtown Oakland, the park features walking paths, picnicking areas and a number of themed garden areas, including the Japanese Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. During the summer, a classical concert series is hosted at Lake Merritt Park. Kayak, sailboat and canoe rentals are available at the Lake Merritt Boating Center, which is on the shores of the lake. The park is also one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in North America and is home to various waterfowl species, such as ducks, egrets, geese and herons.
- Oakland offers boutique and reasonably priced shopping centers for its locals. Boutique shopping is available at Jack London Square in the city's downtown area. This open-air mall on the shores of Oakland's Inner Harbor is home to the Oakland Artisan Marketplace, which features local artwork on the weekends, and the Farmer's Market, a Sunday morning experience with vegetable and fruit vendors. Other malls in Oakland include the Eastmont Town Center in eastern Oakland and the Pacific Renaissance Plaza in the Chinatown district, which offers Asian-themed stores and eateries.
- Oakland's Uptown District, located just north of downtown Oakland, dates back to the late 19th century, when it was considered the entertainment mecca for Oakland residents. This reputation continued through the mid-20th century until it experienced a lapse in the last quarter of the century. However, urban renewal projects have renewed the district, and it now serves as a popular spot for art galleries, theaters and cafes. Historic buildings, such as the Paramount Theater and the J.J. Newbury's building, have been renovated in recent years and are fully operational. The J.J. Newbury's building, once a department store, houses a nightclub and the Flora Restaurant. Some of the locals refer to this district as "Oaksterdam," due to the increase of medical marijuana facilities in the neighborhood.
